OCCUPATIONAL SUPPORT
Understanding Sensory Preferences
We all take in information from the world through our senses: what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, as well as how our body feels and moves (our vestibular and proprioceptive senses). Everyone’s sensory system works a little differently, meaning we all have unique sensory preferences.
Some people are sensory seekers, who enjoy or need lots of movement, noise, or touch to feel calm and alert. Others may be sensory avoidant, finding certain sounds, lights, or textures overwhelming. It’s also common to be both: for example, a young person might love loud music but dislike busy visual environments, or enjoy deep pressure hugs but find light touch uncomfortable.
Understanding these preferences can help young people recognise what makes them feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. Supporting your child to notice and talk about their sensory needs can:
- Promote self-awareness and self-regulation
- Help them manage stress, attention and emotions
Reduce anxiety when facing new or unpredictable environments
Encouraging your teenager to explore what helps them feel settled and focused: whether it’s listening to music, colouring in, spending time outdoors, exercising, or using a quiet space to reset, can make a big difference to their wellbeing both at school and at home.
- Watch how your teen responds to different environments: Do they seek movement, fidget, or seem overwhelmed by noise or bright lights?
- Notice patterns in behaviour: Do certain activities make them more focused or calm, while others increase frustration or anxiety?
Ask your teen how they feel during specific activities: e.g., “Do you feel more focused after listening to music?”
What this might look like in the home
- Movement: Stretching, bouncing on a yoga ball, walking, or riding a bike.
- Auditory: Listening to music, white noise, or quiet environments.
- Visual: Dim lighting, organised workspaces, or calming visuals.
- Tactile: Fidget toys, weighted blankets, or textured objects.
- Proprioceptive / Vestibular: Pushing, pulling, or carrying objects, swings, jumping on a trampoline
- Calm-down space: A quiet corner with soft lighting, pillows, or sensory tools
Parenting can be busy and full of demands. Trying one small change at a time, like adding music during homework or a short movement break, can help your teen without adding extra pressure to your day.
Watch: Alive Inside – Official Trailer (2014)
This short video shows the incredible power of music in awakening memories and emotions, highlighting the profound impact sensory experiences have on our wellbeing and how strongly our senses shape who we are.
School Access
Students have access to a range of sensory tools at school to help them stay calm, focused and engaged in learning. Each staff member has a pencil case filled with small fidget tools that students can use when they need sensory input. The Inclusion team also provides boxes of sensory tool in their office. Students also have access to sensory chairs and wobble chairs, offering students additional options to support their individual sensory needs throughout the day.