Sensory Processing Disorder
Many neurodivergent people experience sensory sensitivity, making social situations difficult. We might compare such sensitivity to having the volume of each sense (sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste) turned up too loud. Sounds that most people can tune out may produce high levels of stress. Think how the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard makes people flinch. Many sounds have this distressing quality for people with heightened sound sensitivity.
The same thing can happen with other senses: a person may be acutely sensitive to the pulsating of fluorescent lighting, pungent smells, a light touch, or the texture and flavor of foods. Heightened sensitivity has social implications; many people talking at once or too much going on may be overwhelming, and a person may withdraw for self-care.
Tips for Reducing Sensory Stimuli
Worship
- Ease dress-code standards: fancy clothes can be itchy, stiff, and uncomfortable.
- Encourage people to move around, sit, stand, and leave as needed.
- Applaud in sign language instead of clapping.
- Reduce the volume of loud instruments and recorded music.
- Provide sensory aids: fidgets, weighted lap blankets and shoulder wraps, and noise-reducing headphones.
Classrooms/Gathering Areas
- Switch off fluorescent overhead lights; use lamps or twinkle lights instead.
- Provide various seating choices: folding chairs, rocking chairs, yoga balls, and wiggle seats.
- Encourage children and adults to bring a comfort item to Sunday School: a tag blanket, stuffed animal, crochet project, coloring book, noise reducing headphones.
- At fellowship meals, always offer simple foods like bread, cheese, lunchmeat, and fruit.
- Offer a few tables in a nearby room for a quieter dining area close to the fellowship hall.
- Create a sensory room: a quiet haven for children and adults to go when feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated.