Understanding Children’s Sensory Preferences

10 October 2024

What are sensory preferences?

Children learn about their bodies and the world around them through the sensory systems. Children need sensory input from their sensory systems to lay the foundation for all other learning. The Central Nervous System processes, organizes and interprets all the sensory information before planning a response. Children that display sensory over-responsivity, under-responsivity or sensory-seeking responses have difficulty functioning effectively. Everybody has unique sensory needs and preferences. For example, imagine two children wearing the same socks. One may find comfort in the fabric’s texture and snug fit, while the other might feel irritated or distracted by the threads poking their toes or the scratchiness across their feet.

Why does sensory awareness matter?

Recognising and addressing children’s sensory needs is crucial in creating environments that allow everyone to feel safe, supported, and comfortable. This becomes especially important for children with heightened sensitivities, as it helps them regulate their emotions and engage more fully in everyday experiences. Educators can tailor their program to meet the needs of all children through planning sensory play experiences throughout the day to support children to maintain the appropriate state of arousal. It is important to consult with families and therapists as the experience could be calming for one child and alerting for another. By supporting children’s sensory differences, we foster inclusive spaces where all children can thrive, regardless of their individual sensitivities.

Melissa Taylor-Hansford is the Diversity and Inclusion Leader at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure on the Gold Coast. She shared how their team was incorporating sensory preferences into every aspect of their practice.

Taking a holistic approach to inclusion at Sanctuary Health and Knowledge Precinct

From the moment you walk into the center, the calm, natural environment welcomes, reflects, and celebrates the uniqueness of every child, family, and staff member within. The environment is laden with real life items and natural treasures, such as shells, rocks, crockery, tea pots, milk jugs and glasses. These authentic resources all have numerous purposes and become opportunities for children to explore a range of textures, sizes shapes and weights, promoting intrigue, play and curiosity.

Sanctuary Health and Knowledge Precinct adopts a multidisciplinary approach to supporting children and families, with thoughtful planning and reflection applied for each child’s needs. The Centre's Family Model of Support is considered essential for the success of this approach. The focus for educators during the enrolment and orientation period is ensuring they form warm, responsive, and trusting relationships with children and families. These relationships, in turn, help educators gain a deeper understanding of individual sensory preferences and create personalized strategies to support each child.

One size does not fit all, you need to individualize sensory support

Educators at Sanctuary Health and Knowledge Precinct understand that no two children are the same when it comes to sensory preferences. What works for one child might create discomfort or agitation in another. For example, while a wobble cushion might help one child stay focused, another child may find it too stimulating and continue to fidget. Educators work collaboratively to recognize these differences, remaining alert to signs that a child may be in distress.

Creating safe spaces for regulation and comfort

Every room at Sanctuary features a dedicated retreat space—a cozy "sanctuary', where children can take a break and regulate their emotions, or just have some alone time in a safe and supervised way. Where needed educators guide children to calm down, rest, reset or regain their focus so that children can re-enter play. These 'sanctuaries' are an essential part of the environment, offering a quiet place where children can feel secure and at ease. Resources such as fidget toys and sensory aids, stored in baskets for easy addition or removal, are added to the nooks, depending on the children’s needs, interests and sensory preferences.

We have a variety of bespoke lighting options available in each room such as lamps, recessed LEDs, down lights and dimmers. These are adjusted with the needs of the children. Educators maintain a flexible approach, implementing rituals over hard and fast transition times. The rituals are mindful, meaningful and carried out with purpose and intent providing consistency to the children’s day.

At Sanctuary Health and Knowledge Precinct, sensory inclusion is not just a concept but a daily practice. By recognizing the individual sensory needs of each child, educators ensure that the environment is a welcoming, supportive space where all children can feel understood, comfortable, and empowered to engage in their learning journey.