Children’s Services and Adult
Learning Disability Services
Children’s Services and Adult
Sensory processing differences can present differently at home and school, and every child with sensory processing differences presents with a different set of difficulties.
Educators often refer to reading, writing and arithmetic as the ‘basics’ but actually these are extremely complex processes that can only develop on a strong foundation of sensory integration.
While sensory processing differences are not a learning disorder or official diagnosis, they can make it hard for children to succeed at school.
Difficulties sitting still in lessons and disrupting the class
Easily distracted of distressed
Difficulty focusing
Avoidance of messy activities
Reluctance to engage in group activities
Seeking out sensory input with movement / physical play
Sensitivity to noise and lights
Need to touch other people or things
Seeks fast spinning movements
Refusing to wear certain clothing
Difficulties sitting on a chair for any length of time and tending to slump or slide off the chair
Frequently bumping into things and/or tripping over
Difficulties when engaging in sports or PE lessons
Difficulties with handwriting
Overwhelm during assemblies or sports lessons
Difficulties with noise, especially in a busy classroom.
Difficulties following instructions and copying off the board
Building sensory ‘brain breaks’ into the school day- this can be short movement activities such as push/ pull. Low level vibration is regulating; talking, singing and humming are a good ways to introduce this input
Adapting the environment to get the most out of a child
Keep environments and routines as familiar and predictable as possible.
Establishing clear expectations with start and end times for tasks
Using visual schedules, directions, class rules and clear expectations
Have a daily routine that changes as little as possible and giving advance warning of any changes to this routine
There can be lots of sensory information at school and sometimes it can be overwhelming. You may want to watch this video which has been created with children and young people who explain how their sensory differences have impacted them at school. They also take a look at the support and strategies which have helped them. You can watch the video at the link or on our video resources page.
This service provides post-diagnostic support and on-going management for children and young people with ADHD and their families.
Our Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service supports children and young people aged up to 18 years, who are experiencing significant emotional or mental health difficulties.
The team completes Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people who are below the age of 18 and have a GP in Hull or the East Riding of Yorkshire.
The Front Door Team is where referrals for Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD) are sent and reviewed.
“Our Senses are the gateway to our world”
