What Are Sensory Needs?
Sensory needs are differences in how a student's nervous system processes input — sound, light, touch, movement, and texture. Some students are hypersensitive (easily overwhelmed), others hyposensitive (seeking more input), and many are a mix across senses.
In plain language
A fire drill that annoys one student can dysregulate another for the rest of the day; a student who tips their chair constantly may be seeking movement input, not misbehaving. Supporting sensory needs means adjusting the environment and offering regulation strategies — before behavior becomes a problem.
Classroom example
A student's Spark profile notes noise sensitivity and a preference for movement breaks. The seating chart places them away from the door, the teacher offers headphones during work time, and the calm-down kiosk lets them choose a regulating activity when overwhelmed — each option grounded in what the profile says works.
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