Sensory Regulation Strategies for Home and School: A Practical Guide for Parents and Educators

⚠️ Important: General Information Only

This article is intended as general information to help families and educators understand sensory regulation. It is not clinical advice and should not be used as a substitute for individual professional assessment. Every child’s sensory profile is unique. If you have concerns about a child’s sensory processing, please seek an individualised assessment from a qualified occupational therapist.

For many children, navigating a typical day – the buzz of fluorescent lights, the scrape of chair legs on a classroom floor, the unexpected touch of a classmate – can feel genuinely overwhelming. For others, the same environment may not feel stimulating enough to stay focused and engaged. These differences are not a matter of behaviour or wilfulness. They are rooted in how the nervous system processes sensory information, and they affect more children than many people realise.

Research from Raising Children Australia indicates that 1 in 6 children experience sensory processing difficulties. For families and educators, understanding effective sensory regulation strategies for home and school can make a meaningful difference to a child’s daily participation, learning, and wellbeing. This article draws on current evidence to provide an overview of what sensory regulation involves, which approaches are supported by research, and the types of strategies that are commonly used across different environments.

What Are Sensory Processing Difficulties and How Common Are They?

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to information from the environment and the body. Most people are familiar with the five traditional senses, but there are actually eight sensory systems relevant to regulation:

1. Auditory – processing sound
2. Visual – processing sight and light
3. Tactile – processing touch and texture
4. Olfactory – processing smell
5. Gustatory – processing taste
6. Vestibular – processing movement, balance, and spatial orientation
7. Proprioceptive – processing body position and muscle/joint feedback
8. Interoceptive – processing internal bodily signals such as hunger, temperature, and pain

When a child’s nervous system does not process these inputs efficiently, it can present as either hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness). A hypersensitive child may find noise, light, or clothing textures intolerable. A hyposensitive child may actively seek intense sensory experiences to feel regulated and aware of their body.

Australian population data reflects the significance of this issue:

• 6.4% of children showed probable Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in a population-based Australian study
• A meta-analysis reported a pooled prevalence of sensory processing difficulties at 12.4% in school-aged children
• 95% of children on the autism spectrum report sensory processing differences
• 60–70% of children with SPD exhibit tactile hypersensitivity and avoid certain clothing textures

Sensory processing differences are also commonly seen alongside conditions including ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and developmental delays. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024), ASD affects 2.1% of children aged 0–14 years in Australia, and ADHD affects 1.2% – populations for whom sensory regulation support can be especially meaningful.

What Sensory Regulation Strategies Work Best at Home?

The home environment offers a natural and flexible setting to embed sensory regulation strategies into daily routines. Research supports the concept of a sensory diet – a personalised plan of sensory activities scheduled across the day to help keep the nervous system in a calm, ready state.

A well-designed sensory diet at home typically incorporates activities across multiple sensory systems, with evidence indicating that targeting a variety of sensory systems is more effective than a single-system focus.

Proprioceptive (Heavy Work) Activities

Proprioceptive input – activities that place pressure through joints and muscles – has an organising, calming effect on the nervous system. This category generally includes everyday tasks and play activities that provide resistance through the muscles and joints, such as carrying objects, physical play, and the use of supportive tools like weighted items during rest periods. The appropriateness, type, and intensity of these activities should be guided by an occupational therapist based on each child’s individual profile.

Illustrative Examples (non-exhaustive, for general interest only):

• Carrying household items as part of routine tasks
• Kneading playdough or clay
• Bear hugs and body squeezes
• Wall and floor push-ups
• Digging in the garden
• Weighted blankets during rest periods

Vestibular (Movement) Activities

Vestibular strategies involve movement experiences that support the body’s sense of balance and spatial orientation. Research generally distinguishes between linear, rhythmic movement (which tends to have a calming effect) and faster or rotational movement (which tends to be more alerting). The suitability of specific vestibular activities for an individual child depends on their sensory profile and should be explored with a qualified occupational therapist.

Illustrative Examples (non-exhaustive, for general interest only):

• Slow swinging on a backyard swing
• Gentle rocking in a rocking chair
• Jumping on a trampoline
• Obstacle courses involving crawling and climbing

Tactile Activities

Tactile strategies can be incorporated into everyday play and self-care. These generally involve exposure to a variety of textures and materials in a way that is comfortable and preferred by the child. For children with tactile sensitivity, adaptations to clothing and daily routines can also reduce unnecessary sensory load.

Illustrative Examples (non-exhaustive, for general interest only):

• Warm baths with unscented products
• Sensory bins filled with various materials
• Finger painting and messy play
• Soft fabrics and preferred clothing textures
• Removing clothing tags or adapting seams for texture-sensitive children

Breathing and Mindfulness Techniques

Deep breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing physiological arousal. Research demonstrates measurable effects in children as young as five years old. A range of structured breathing approaches exist – including techniques that use counting, visualisation, or movement – and these can be incorporated into home and school routines. An occupational therapist or other qualified professional can advise on approaches suitable for a particular child.

Illustrative Examples (non-exhaustive, for general interest only):

• Triangle breathing: a structured inhale-hold-exhale sequence
• Extended exhale technique: an approach where the exhale is longer than the inhale
• “Take 5” breathing: a brief breathing exercise suitable for use at various points in the day

Mindfulness-based interventions have also demonstrated significantly greater positive effects for children with identified self-regulation difficulties, with improvements in impulse control, reduced hyperactivity, and academic performance.

How Can Sensory Regulation Strategies Be Applied in the School Setting?

Schools present unique sensory challenges – busy corridors, unpredictable noise, varying lighting conditions, and extended periods of sitting. A consistent, coordinated approach between educators and families is key to applying these strategies effectively.

Scheduled Movement and Sensory Breaks

Research supports the value of regular, proactive movement breaks throughout the school day. These breaks are most effective when offered before a child reaches the point of dysregulation, rather than as a response to difficult behaviour.

Illustrative Examples (non-exhaustive, for general interest only):

• Animal walks (e.g. bear walk, crab walk, frog jumps)
• Wall push-ups and chair push-ups between tasks
• Dancing or jumping jacks to music
• Carrying books or materials between classrooms
• Outdoor play and playground access

Classroom Seating and Positioning

Alternative seating options support children who need movement input to stay focused. Research indicates that seating alternatives, such as wobble cushions, stability balls, and standing desks, can provide gentle movement while seated. Notably, weighted vests are not recommended in classroom settings as evidence does not support their effectiveness in improving behaviour and attention.

Illustrative Examples (non-exhaustive, for general interest only):

• Wobble cushions and balance seat cushions
• Stability balls for gentle bouncing
• Wobble stools
• Standing desks or workstations
• Exercise bands attached to chair legs

Visual Schedules and Transition Supports

Predictability reduces anxiety and supports regulation. Strategies include posting daily visual schedules, providing verbal and visual warnings before transitions, using visual timers, and breaking tasks into clearly sequenced steps.

What Environmental Modifications Support Sensory Regulation at Home and School?

The physical environment plays a significant role in a child’s ability to self-regulate. Modifications can reduce sensory load and create conditions where strategies are more effective. Examples include altering lighting, reducing noise, minimizing visual clutter, providing adaptable seating, and controlling temperature.

A dedicated calm-down corner at home – a quiet space with soft lighting, comfortable seating, preferred textures, and minimal sensory input – offers a reliable retreat for children experiencing sensory overload.

How Does Occupational Therapy Support Sensory Regulation for Children?

Occupational therapists (OTs) assess sensory processing differences and develop individualised sensory regulation plans tailored to each child’s needs at home and in school. Evidence shows meaningful improvements in social skills, adaptive behaviour, and sensory processing with OT interventions. For NDIS participants, tailored OT support directly addresses barriers to participation in daily activities and education.

Building Consistency: The Key to Lasting Sensory Regulation

Strategies are most effective when implemented with consistency between home and school. Key principles include proactive rather than reactive approaches, regular short breaks, age-appropriate activities, and ongoing review to adjust to the child’s evolving needs.

Have questions? Need help? Contact Astrad Occupational Therapy today.