Practical tips for leaders
Practical tips for leaders
- Avoid intensive language input when a young person or adult is struggling to manage their sensory environment. When in sensory overload it will be difficult for a young person to focus on and understand what you are saying.
- Give simple choices to direct a young person. If they struggle with choice, gently direct them non verbally to a safe space and provide them with items/activities that can help them re-regulate – this could be from a sensory box (see below), taking them for a short walk, or maybe giving them a favourite toy/activity.
- Consider having a sensory box with different sensory input games/toys – this will be different depending on the needs of the young person.
- If a person is over-friendly or hugging more than is typical consider giving them a group ‘mascot’ to cuddle and be responsible for.
- Devices to help support individuals including aids such as ear defenders to minimise noise.
- Allow the young person to work in different positions not just sat at the table.
- Build movement breaks into your programme of activities.
- Young people can be helped to regulate proprioception by carrying something heavy for a short distance and they could help with ‘heavy’ activities such a putting away chairs or lifting objects (ensure you risk assess this)
- Use visual support but keep the visuals to a minimum e.g. have uncluttered display boards, make sure there are not pictures around the instructions you write on a board, keep your meeting place in just a few colours.
- Consider building self regulation activities into your programme so that all young people learn ways to support themselves when they feel a sensory overload.
- What is your child doing when they are happiest/most calm?
- Are there any activities at home or school that help your child to calm down or to focus their concentration?
- Has your child a sensory diet to support regulation?
- What might trigger de-regulation for your child?
- Are there any places you visit that they find difficult?
Don’t forget to ask the young person what they think helps them too – it’s important not to make decisions for a young person but include them in your planning. Add ideas to the young person’s Support Plan so all adults are aware of how to support the young person.
- Allow fidgets or chew items to help sensory seekers maintain a balanced level
- Encourage young people to bring an object from home (with parent/carer consent) which will support their regulation
- Allow quiet spaces with minimal sensory input
- Give advances warning about changes in routines or loud noises
- Allow extra time for transitions between activities
- Allow movement when giving instructions or for listening tasks
- Provide adult support where needed
Some general calming strategies include:
- Slow rocking
- Giving themselves a hug
- A small fidget toy
- Squeezing and relaxing face and hand muscles
- Sucking yogurt or thick milk through a straw
Some general alerting strategies include:
- Running
- Jogging
- Jumping
- Clapping activities
- Eating crunchy food
- Drinking cold drinks
- Sucking a sour sweet
Don't forget...
The parent/carer framework is a great tool to use when exploring how to best support a young person with additional support needs.