Life with little ones who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is a constant learning curve, isn’t it? We’ve already looked at the puzzle of financial support like DLA and the maze of waiting lists for assessments and therapies. Today we’re diving into another area that affects many families: how our children experience the world through their senses, and how we can help make that world feel more manageable 🌍.
At Fun and Play, we’re passionate about making sure every child feels they belong. Understanding sensory needs is a big part of this, both at home and when we’re out and about exploring.
Experiencing the world differently
Many children with SEND, especially those who are neurodivergent, process sensory information differently. Sounds, textures, lights, movements and smells can all be felt more intensely, or not at all. For some children, this leads to overload: where the world simply becomes too much. While others seek more input, like movement or deep pressure.
This is not about being difficult or misbehaving. It’s about how their brain interprets what’s happening around them. And when we understand this, we can start to create environments where they feel calmer, more in control, and more able to enjoy what’s around them 🌈.
What sensory differences can look like
You might notice:
- Sensitivity to sound: loud hand dryers, noisy shops or busy playgrounds can be overwhelming. Some children wear ear defenders or prefer quiet environments.
- Tactile and oral sensitivities: discomfort with labels in clothes, struggles with brushing teeth, or chewing everything in sight to feel calm.
- Movement seeking or avoiding: some children need to spin, bounce or climb to regulate their bodies, while others might avoid movement altogether.
- Sensitivity to light: bright lighting or flickering screens might be distressing.
- Interoception difficulties: not recognising when they’re hungry, thirsty or need the toilet.
This can be exhausting for families. But with some adjustments, it is possible to make daily life a little easier.
How to support sensory needs at home
🏡 Your home doesn’t need to be filled with specialist equipment to support sensory needs. Small changes can go a long way:
- Create a calming space: a quiet corner with a pop-up tent, cushions, fairy lights or a weighted soft toy can offer a place to regulate.
- Use sensory tools: things like fidget toys, chewy jewellery, body socks or bubble lamps can help depending on your child’s needs.
- Support movement: for those who need physical input, consider an indoor swing, mini trampoline, gorilla gym, or spinner board.
- Adjust the environment: reduce background noise, dim bright lights, and try different textures underfoot or on furniture.
- Plan for sensory needs: if brushing teeth is a challenge, try different textured toothbrushes or flavoured toothpaste, and involve your OT or SLT for strategies.
Some families use DLA to help buy sensory equipment. Certain shops offer VAT-free purchases for disabled children: check retailers like Inclusive Technology.
Aupporting your child when out and about
Getting out can be a challenge when your child has sensory sensitivities. But more venues are now offering inclusive options, and with a little planning, trips can be more enjoyable for everyone 🚗:
- Find inclusive sessions: many soft plays and attractions offer specific SEND sessions with reduced capacity, no flashing lights and quieter music. Some great local examples include:
- Woking Leisure Centre SEND Soft Play
- Meadowbank SEN sessions
- Fabulously Festive SEN days
- Relaxed visits to Kew at Christmas, ZSL London and Harry Potter Studios
- Look for sensory rooms and gardens: Little Bears Play Cafe in Hampton Hill has a lovely sensory room. Elmbridge Mencap Family Fun Afternoons offer a sensory room and garden. Dorking and Leatherhead Gymnastics have free bookable sensory rooms. Even theme parks like Legoland and now Chessington World of Adventures have dedicated sensory rooms for use of our children.
- Join access schemes: the Access Card and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard can make outings easier, with options like queue hopping or carer discounts. Often you just need proof of diagnosis.
- Check the Local Offer: your local council’s SEND Local Offer lists inclusive activities and short breaks available in your area. There may be sensory-friendly clubs, play sessions or holiday activities listed.
- Keep documentation up to date: if your child’s sensory needs affect daily life, this is useful evidence for DLA and EHCP applications. Make notes of “worse days” to show how needs change.
A journey of trial and error
Supporting sensory sensitivities is an ongoing process. Needs change as children grow, and what works one day might not work the next. But by making thoughtful adjustments and seeking out inclusive opportunities, we can help our children feel safer and more comfortable in their surroundings 💛.
You’re doing your best. And that is more than enough.
What tips have helped you support your child’s sensory needs? Feel free to share in the comments – your ideas might help someone else too ✨.