Supporting a Child with SPD: 50 Tried and Tested Strategies

Understanding Sensory Overload in Children with SPD

When a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) becomes overwhelmed and overstimulated, having a toolkit of proven strategies can make all the difference. These sensory processing disorder classroom strategies and home interventions have been shared by parents and carers who support children with SPD daily. Whether you’re implementing sensory processing disorder strategies in the classroom or creating a sensory-friendly environment at home, these practical approaches offer real-world solutions that have worked for families navigating sensory challenges.

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s helpful to recognize the signs of sensory overload: meltdowns, withdrawal, covering ears, aggression, or shutting down. These behaviors aren’t defiance, they’re neurological responses to sensory input that feels overwhelming to the child’s nervous system.

50 calming Strategies to Support a Child with SPD in the Classroom

Here is a list of 50 Simple strategies used by parents and carers to provide effective support for a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) when they are feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated. Each one has been suggested by someone supporting children with a diagnosis in their family so no references or evidence base just simple ideas that have worked for others:

50 Strategies to Support a Child with SPD in the Classroom TLDR Version

1. Provide a quiet space with minimal stimuli
2. Offer weighted blanket or lap pad
3. Play calming music
4. Offer chewing gum or crunchy snacks
5. Go for a walk or jumping jacks
6. Use a sound machine or noise-blocking headphones
7. Offer fidget toys for hands or a Sensory First Aid Kit
8. Dim the lights
9. Speak slowly and softly
10. Provide a break and allow them space
11. Offer resistance bands
12. Use essential oils or calming scents
13. Offer an ice pack or something cold to eat
14. Provide swinging or rocking opportunities
15. Facilitate calming Lego activities
16. Offer therapeutic putty to squeeze
17. Provide a cozy tent or hiding space
18. Provide access to outdoor spaces
19. Offer joint compressions or compression tunnel.
20. Provide visualisation activities
21. Offer sensory bins with tactile resources
22. Provide a vibrating toy
23. Facilitate calm art activities
24. Offer gentle touch or massage
25. Validate feelings and be patient
26. Remind them they are safe
27. Provide deep pressure hugs
28. Gently rub or scratch their back
29. Provide jumping opportunities
30. Offer sensory play with slime or beads
31. Sit nearby quietly as they work through it
32. Offer a drink of water with a straw
33. Provide a bean bag or crash pad
34. Offer a backpack or heavy bag
35. Provide a weighted shoulder wrap
36. Play or sing lullabies or nature sounds
37. Encourage deep breaths
38. Squeeze a tennis ball or hand strengthener
39. Guide meditation or sound baths
40. Use picture schedules to reduce cognitive load
41. Provide white or yellow noise
42. Encourage bouncing or jumping
43. Provide co-regulation
44. Avoid eye contact
45. Provide a warm shower or bath
46. Offer alternative focuses like jenga
47. Hug tightly then release when ready
48. Offer warming sensory input like a wheaty bag
49. Sit nearby with arms open
50. Keep verbal cues minimal

A More in Depth Look at SPD Calming Strategies.

Creating Calm Spaces (Sensory Processing Disorder Classroom Strategies & Home)

1. Quiet corner with cushions – Designate a cozy retreat space with soft pillows where your child can decompress away from sensory stimulation.
2. Pop-up tent or small fort – A portable, enclosed space provides instant refuge when environments become overwhelming.
3. Weighted blanket availability – Keep a weighted blanket accessible for deep pressure input that calms the nervous system.
4. Dimmed lighting area – Create zones with softer lighting or allow the use of sunglasses indoors to reduce visual overstimulation.
5. Noise-cancelling headphones – Essential sensory processing disorder classroom strategies include having headphones available to block overwhelming auditory input.

Movement and Proprioceptive Input Strategies

6. Jumping on a trampoline – Proprioceptive input through bouncing helps regulate the sensory system.
7. Push-ups against the wall – Quick heavy work activities provide calming deep pressure.
8. Carrying heavy books or items – Purposeful heavy lifting engages proprioceptive receptors for calming input.
9. Yoga poses or stretches – Gentle movement with body awareness helps ground overwhelmed children.
10. Animal walks (bear crawls, crab walks) – Fun movement patterns that provide organizing sensory input.
11. Squeezing therapy putty or stress ball – Hand-based resistance work channels anxiety and provides sensory feedback.
12. Chair push-ups – Pushing up from a seated position offers discreet proprioceptive input in classroom settings.

Pressure and Touch Strategies for SPD

13. Tight hugs or “sandwich squeezes” – Firm, sustained pressure from both sides provides calming deep touch input.
14. Compression clothing – Specially designed vests or shirts provide constant gentle pressure throughout the day.
15. Lycra body sock – A stretchy fabric enclosure offers resistance and proprioceptive feedback.
16. Gentle back rubs – Firm, predictable touch can be soothing (always ask permission first).
17. Bear hugs with stuffed animals – Self-administered deep pressure using a favorite soft toy.

Breathing and Regulation Techniques

18. Deep breathing exercises – Teaching simple breath patterns helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
19. Blowing bubbles – Makes breathing exercises playful while promoting slow, controlled exhales.
20. Blowing on a pinwheel – Visual feedback makes breath control engaging and calming.
21. Smelling calming scents – Lavender, vanilla, or personally preferred scents can ground and soothe.
22. “Smell the flower, blow out the candle” – A simple visualization for paced breathing.

Sensory Processing Disorder Classroom Strategies: Tools and Accommodations

23. Fidget toys at desk – Discreet manipulatives allow sensory-seeking without disrupting learning.
24. Wobble cushion for seating – Allows movement while seated, addressing vestibular and proprioceptive needs.
25. Therapy bands on chair legs – Children can push or pull with feet for calming input during seated work.
26. Standing desk option – Alternative positioning reduces restlessness and provides movement opportunities.
27. Scheduled movement breaks – Planned sensory breaks prevent escalation before overwhelm occurs.
28. Visual schedule for predictability – Reduces anxiety by showing what comes next throughout the day.
29. Reduced visual clutter – Minimalist environments decrease visual processing demands.
30. Flexible seating choices – Bean bags, floor cushions, or exercise balls accommodate different sensory needs.

Oral Sensory Strategies

31. Chewy necklaces or tubes – Safe oral input for children who seek mouthing sensations.
32. Crunchy snacks – Carrots, apples, or crackers provide alerting oral sensory input.
33. Drinking through a straw – The resistance provides organizing oral motor input.
34. Sugar-free gum – Rhythmic chewing can be calming and focusing (age-appropriate).
35. Cold or frozen treats – Temperature provides strong sensory input that can be organizing.

Environmental Modifications for SPD Support

36. Reduced noise levels – Soft voices, minimal background noise, carpeting to dampen sound.
37. Consistent routines – Predictability reduces the cognitive load of uncertainty.
38. Warnings before transitions – Five-minute alerts help children prepare for changes.
39. Natural light when possible – Gentler than fluorescent lighting for visually sensitive children.
40. Temperature control – Keeping environments comfortable prevents additional sensory stress.

Tactile and Touch Strategies

41. Sensory bin exploration – Rice, beans, sand, or water play offers controlled tactile input.
42. Play-dough or clay manipulation – Resistive hand work is both calming and engaging.
43. Brushing protocol – Specific therapeutic brushing techniques (when trained by an OT).
44. Textured surfaces to touch – Varied tactile experiences help desensitization.
45. Removing tags from clothing – Eliminates irritating tactile stimuli.

Communication and Emotional Support Strategies

46. “I need a break” card – Non-verbal communication tool for children to signal overwhelm.
47. Feelings chart or scale – Visual tools to identify and communicate sensory distress levels.
48. Quiet acknowledgment – Sometimes just sitting nearby without demands is enough.
49. Offering choices – Restores sense of control: “Do you need movement or quiet space?”
50. Validating their experience – “I see this is really hard for you right now” acknowledges their struggle.

Implementing Sensory Processing Disorder Strategies in the Classroom

For educators incorporating sensory processing disorder classroom strategies, collaboration with parents is essential. What works at home often translates to school with minor adaptations. Key classroom considerations include:

• Proactive vs. reactive approaches – Scheduled sensory breaks prevent meltdowns better than waiting for signs of overwhelm
• Discrete accommodations – Tools that don’t draw attention from peers
• Staff training – Understanding SPD helps teachers recognize sensory behaviors vs. behavioral issues
• Communication systems – Establish signals for when a child needs sensory support

Summary

Supporting a child with sensory processing disorder requires compassion, patience, and consistency. Having a plan in place and utilising specialised sensory strategies, parents and caregivers can help children manage overwhelm and foster self-regulation skills. The key is tailoring the approach to the individual child’s needs.