Meeting the Sensory Needs of Young Children

Patterns of sensory processing The two dimensions of neurological threshold and behavioral response combine to form the four patterns of sensory processing seen in Dunn's (1997) model: low registration (high threshold with a passive response), sensory sensitivity (low threshold with a passive response), sensation seeking (high threshold with an active response), and sensation avoiding (low threshold with an active response). To help meet the sensationseeking child's need for additional sensory input, create a varying schedule of activities, such as "heavy work [large movements such as jumping, pushing/pulling, swinging], aerobic exercises, use of hand fidgets, keeping a water bottle with a straw on desk" (Saunders 2006,5). Since some children need input that might not be available during various times of the day, these provide ways for them to get extra stimulation. Create additional sensory experiences by assigning him classroom tasks such as collecting art supplies, helping clean the tables, and being in charge of the pencils or the lunch count, so he can receive the needed stimulation.