Creating Sensory-Friendly Classrooms

Do you ever consider how the classroom environment impacts your autistic students? For many autistic people, sensory input can be overwhelming, affecting their ability to concentrate, learn, and feel comfortable in school. By making some practical adjustments to the classroom environment, teachers and educational support staff can significantly improve the learning experience for autistic students, often benefiting all students in the process.

Here, we will explore concrete strategies for creating a sensory-friendly classroom, focusing on various sensory stimuli and providing practical solutions and examples.

Managing Visual Stimuli

Have you ever walked into a classroom that felt chaotic and busy just by looking at it? Visual stimuli can be a significant source of overwhelm for autistic students.

• Minimising Clutter

  Is your classroom filled with too many distracting objects? A cluttered classroom can be visually overstimulating. Keep surfaces clear and materials organised. For example, instead of having numerous posters and charts on every wall, rotate them regularly or designate specific, less distracting areas for essential visual aids. A teacher might use opaque storage boxes for classroom supplies rather than clear ones, reducing visual "noise".

• Using Calming Colours

  Do the colours in your classroom promote a calm learning environment? Where you have the choice, opt for calming, neutral colours on walls and for large furniture items. Bright, highly contrasting colours can be jarring for some autistic students. A classroom could incorporate soft blues, greens, or muted earthy tones, rather than vibrant reds or yellows, especially in quiet corners or breakout spaces.

• Organised Displays

  Are your displays easy to process, or do they demand too much visual attention? Ensure any displays are well-organised, clearly labelled, and not overly busy. Use a consistent layout for information. For instance, a teacher might use a single, uncluttered visual timetable with clear pictures and minimal text, rather than a dense, word-heavy schedule. When displaying student work, consider a less-is-more approach, showcasing a few pieces at a time.

Managing Auditory Stimuli

Is your classroom a hub of activity, or does it feel like a constant barrage of noise? Auditory sensitivities are common among autistic people, where everyday sounds can feel amplified or painful.

• Reducing Unnecessary Noise

  Can you identify sources of avoidable noise in your classroom? Minimise background chatter, the squeak of chairs, noisy fans, or loud transitions. Consider using rubber stoppers on chair and table legs, or placing rugs in high-traffic areas to absorb sound. During group work, encourage quieter voices or designate "quiet work" zones. For example, a teaching assistant might gently remind students to use "inside voices" when moving between activities.

• Providing Quiet Zones or Noise-Cancelling Headphones

  Where can an autistic student retreat when sounds become too much? Create a designated quiet corner or a small "calm-down" area within the classroom where students can go when they feel overwhelmed. This space could have comfortable seating and a visual cue indicating it's a quiet zone. Offer noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs as a tool for students to manage auditory input, especially during noisy activities like assemblies or group projects. For instance, a teacher might have a basket of various ear defenders readily available, explaining their purpose to the whole class as a tool for concentration, not just for autistic students.

• Minimising Sudden Loud Noises

  Are there any sudden, unpredictable sounds in your classroom that could be distressing? Be mindful of sudden loud noises like slamming doors, fire alarms, or loud announcements. Provide advance warning for planned loud events. A visual signal before a fire drill, or a quiet hand signal to indicate an upcoming loud activity, can help.

Addressing Tactile Sensitivities

Do you consider how different textures in the classroom might feel to your students? Tactile sensitivities can make certain everyday items or activities uncomfortable or even painful for autistic people.

• Options for Seating

  Does your classroom offer diverse seating options beyond standard chairs? Provide various seating choices to accommodate different tactile preferences. This could include soft cushions, wobble cushions, beanbags, or even standing desks. For example, an autistic student who finds hard chairs uncomfortable might benefit from a large floor cushion. Some autistic people like the feeling of deep pressure, so weighted lap pads or weighted vests can be calming and help improve focus during seated tasks.

• Awareness of Textures

  Are the textures of classroom materials and clothing considered? Be mindful of the feel of materials used in crafts, clothing requirements (e.g. uniforms), and even classroom supplies. Offer alternatives where possible. For instance, if a craft activity involves a sticky texture, offer gloves or an alternative material. For clothing, ensure school uniform policies allow for comfortable, tag-free, and seam-free options where necessary.

• Access to Fidget Tools

  Do your students have acceptable ways to self-regulate through touch? Provide discreet fidget toys that can help students manage sensory input and focus. These could be textured balls, fidget spinners, or chewy tubes, allowing students to explore tactile input in a non-disruptive way. A teacher might have a selection of quiet fidget toys available in a classroom drawer.

Addressing Olfactory Sensitivities

Are you aware of the smells in your classroom and their potential impact? Strong smells can be highly distracting or even nauseating for autistic people.

• Avoid Strong Air Fresheners and Cleaning Products

  What kind of scents are you introducing into the classroom? Refrain from using strong air fresheners, scented markers, or harsh cleaning products that can be overpowering. Opt for fragrance-free alternatives. For example, use unscented hand soap and gentle, low-odour cleaning supplies.

• Managing Food Odours

  How are food smells handled in the classroom, especially during snack or lunch times? If eating in the classroom, ensure good ventilation or consider a separate, well-ventilated area for eating. Be mindful of strongly scented foods that might be brought in.

Movement Breaks and Different Learning Positions

Do your students have opportunities to move their bodies throughout the day? Movement is crucial for regulation and focus for many autistic people.

• Movement Breaks

  Does the students' daily schedule incorporate regular opportunities for movement? Try to schedule regular movement breaks throughout the day. These can be short, structured activities like stretching, walking around the classroom, or a quick outdoor break. For example, a teacher might incorporate "brain breaks" where all students stand up and do a quick series of stretches or simple exercises.

• Provide Options for Different Learning Positions

  Are students allowed to learn in positions that best suit their needs? Offer flexible seating arrangements that allow students to sit, stand, or even lie down while learning, as long as it doesn't disrupt others. This could include floor cushions, exercise balls, high stools, low chairs, or even standing desks. An autistic student might be allowed to complete their written work while kneeling at their desk or standing at a high counter, depending on their preference.

Reducing Anxiety and 'Overwhelm' for Improved Learning

These sensory-friendly adjustments are not just about comfort; they are fundamentally linked to a student's ability to learn and thrive.

When autistic students are in an environment where their sensory needs are met, their anxiety and overwhelm are significantly reduced. This allows their brains to focus on learning, rather than constantly trying to filter out distressing sensory input.

The result is improved concentration, better academic performance, and a higher overall sense of well-being in the school environment.

By creating sensory-friendly classrooms, educators are not only supporting autistic students but are cultivating an inclusive and optimal learning space for everyone.