What is SPD?
What does SPD stand for?
Sensory Processing Disorder
A student who covers their ears during assemblies is likely sensitive to what?
Loud noises!
A student who constantly moves or fidgets may be seeking what?
Extra sensory input!
What is one flexible seating option that can help students regulate while they are trying to do school work?
Wobble stool, standing desk, or floor cushion!
When a student runs out of class during loud periods, what might they be communicating?
Overwhelm or sensory overload!
SPD affects how the brain processes what kind of information?
Sensory information from the environment!
Avoiding messy art projects is an example of sensitivity to what sense?
Touch or tactile sensitivity!
Crashing into pillows or bumping into things can mean the student needs what?
Proprioceptive input (deep pressure)!
Visual schedules help students feel what?
Predictable, organized, and calm!
A student melting down during transitions is likely reacting to what?
Sudden changes/unpredictability!
True or false:SPD is officially listed as its own diagnosis in the DSM-5.
False!
A strong reaction to bright lights is what type of sensitivity?
Visual sensitivity!
A student who doesn’t notice their name being called may be under-responsive in which system?
Auditory!
What classroom tool helps students overwhelmed by noise?
Noise cancelling headphones!
Refusing group work can sometimes be a sign of what sensory issue?
Social overwhelm!
Name one sensory system that SPD can affect.
Touch, hearing, smell, vision, taste, proprioception, or vestibular.
A student who refuses to eat certain textures is showing sensitivity in what area?
Oral or tactile sensitivity!
Spinning or rocking frequently can indicate seeking input from which sensory system?
The vestibular system (balance and movement)!
What kind of break can help students reset during the day?
Movement/sensory/body break!
If a student shuts down and goes quiet, what might they need?
A quiet space!
What is the main issue in SPD-difficulty with receiving sensory input, or responding to it appropriately?
Responding to it appropriately (processing/regulation)!
Over-responsive students may react to normal classroom sounds as though they are what?
Overwhelming or painful!
A student who touches everything they walk past is seeking what type of input?
Tactile input!
Covering harsh fluorescent lights can help reduce what kind of sensory overload?
Visual overload!
Name one way adults can respond compassionately when a student’s behavior is communication.
Stay calm, reduce stimulation, give space, offer choices, and use soft tone!