Supporting Sensory Needs in Schools

In this episode of Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris explore how sensory experiences impact student learning. They discuss how classroom environments can either support or hinder students' ability to focus, regulate emotions, and access learning—and what educators can do to create spaces that work for all learners.

Amanda and Emily are joined by Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. Keri specializes in supporting children and families through sensory integration strategies and is the author of Wired Differently: A Teacher's Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Issues.

Key topics include:

• Why unmet sensory needs can be invisible barriers to learning

• How educators can shift from behavior-focused to sensory-informed responses

• Practical classroom adjustments to reduce visual and auditory overstimulation

• The importance of student autonomy and flexible sensory supports

• How sensory-friendly environments benefit all students—not just those with diagnoses

Resources mentioned:

• Wired Differently: A Teacher's Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Issues by Keri Wilmot

• The Genius of Play – thegeniusofplay.org

• Understood.org – understood.org

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom Audit & Student Sensory Inventories

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin – Order here