The “optimal” zone of regulation is crucial during learning activities. The optimal learning zone is characterized by the just right amount of  attention, focus and processing speed to allow learning to take place. Outside of this optimal zone are two zones that are characterized by decreased or heightened levels of arousal.  

The low arousal zone is characterized by low energy levels and decreased alertness. This zone may be optimal when we are winding down from a long day but it is not a great zone to be in when learning needs to take place! In the learning environment this state of decreased alertness can make concentration and processing difficult.

The high arousal zone is characterized by increased levels of alertness. Heightened states of alertness are optimal during times of real or perceived danger but is not optimal for learning. In a learning environment this heightened state of arousal will lead to distractions and difficulty with focus.  

The appropriate use of sensory tools and strategies may help students maintain an optimal state of alertness during learning activities.  

1. Lighting:  Harsh glare and the flicker from fluorescent lights can be distracting for some students. When possible, turning off overhead lights and relying on natural lighting is a great solution.  However, natural lighting is not always available or optimal, in those cases light filters offer a great way to reduce the harsh glare emitted from some types of overhead lighting! 
2. Posted Schedules.  Posting the daily schedule can have a tremendous impact for the student with an over responsive sensory system.  Posting the schedule allows the student to anticipate what is coming up next and prepare their systems for the sensory experiences that the next event will bring. This helps the student to attend and focus rather than be distracted by the anticipation of what will be happening next. The simplest solution is to write the daily schedule on the board!  For early or non readers, a visual schedule (like Schkidules) may be easier to understand.  
3. Noise Reduction. Classrooms can get noisy! The typically responding sensory system may be able to handle the fluctuations in noise levels with expected reactions like covering the ears.  For the student with the over responsive system the rise in noise level (or the anticipation of a rise in noise level) may be distracting or be a source of anxiety.  Rugs and curtains can help to absorb some noise. Chair Socks are a great option for chair legs; they help to minimize the sounds created by chairs moving across the floor.  Access to noise cancelling headphones may be another option for students with significant sound sensitivity.  
4. Alternative Seating.  Levels of regulation fluctuate throughout the day.  For students who are in a state of low arousal, movement is a great way to bring the system back into a more  optimal state.  Alternative seating allows for movement input while still engaging in the learning activity. Alternative seating options can range from the subtle input that comes from a textured seat cushion or air filled wedge to the more intense input received from sitting on a stool or ball chair.  Another option is to not sit at all and use a standing desk instead! 
5. Fidgets.  There are many fidget options available. Fidgets can bring arousal levels up or provide input that is calming all depending on the specific characteristics of the fidget.  Fidgets that provide light touch input (like the Tactile Tiger) tend to help bring arousal levels up while fidgets that provide deep pressure or are resistive in nature ( like the Eggsercizer) can help calm an over responsive sensory system.  For more information on fidget check out Therapro’s Find Your Fidget Handy Guide! 

Access to the right sensory tools in the learning environment can make a significant difference in a student’s ability to learn and attend.

Over responsive sensory systems need opportunities to take breaks from sensory stimuli through the day.  The analogy of a Thanksgiving feast can be used to illustrate an over responsive sensory system.  After a large Thanksgiving meal we may get to the point where we simply can not add another bite of food to our very full bellies, doing so would just make us sick.  The over responsive sensory systems are filled to capacity with sensory stimuli and can not handle another bit of sensory information.  When the sensory system hits capacity you may see things like big reactions to small problems or ‘shut down’ types of behavior.  Just like a nap after a Thanksgiving meal does wonders to help digest and reset our full bellies, a break from sensory stimuli does wonders for the over responsive sensory systems.  Total elimination of sensory stimuli is nearly impossible but offering a space with dampened sensory stimuli, to retreat to when needed, can help with overall regulation through the day, leading to greater ability to successfully participate and attend. These spaces can often be created with minimal equipment and little space.  Check out these ideas: 

Cozy Corners: Corners are a great spot to set up a calming space; corners naturally provide barriers on two sides and are a great spot to tack a small blanket overhead to create a roof. These types of spaces are especially great for sensory systems that are easily overwhelmed by tactile input.  The walls provide a barrier from unwanted tactile sensations like the accidental bump from another child or the breeze from a fan.  

Forts.  Forts can be created by simply throwing a blanket over a table or two opposing chairs. Forts are great for sensory systems that are easily overstimulated by visual input because forts are dark and act to eliminate extraneous visual input.  

Retreat Space.  Occasionally we are lucky to find an unused space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  This may be an outdoor area, an accessible attic or basement space, or a nook in the corner of a porch.  These types of spaces are ideal for sensory systems who have difficulty filtering out extraneous auditory or olfactory stimuli (so important to consider as we get into the holidays and all the cooking that comes along with it).  

The availability of these spaces is often enough to help the overstimulated sensory system regroup and decompress.  However, additions to these spaces may be helpful! Some ideas include: 

• Beanbags.  Beanbags are a great way to increase deep pressure input to help organize and regulate an over stimulated sensory system.  The High Back Bean Bag Chair is a great option when more support is needed. The HowdaHUGS chair is a great option for smaller spaces or when portability is needed (take it on that trip to grandmas along with a small blanket for an instant retreat space during the holiday hustle and bustle)! 
• Noise Cancelling Headphones.  Headphones help filter out extraneous auditory input allowing the other sensory systems a chance to regroup! 
• Weighted Items.   Weighted items, when used appropriately, can be a great source for deep pressure input that helps to organize an over stimulated sensory system.  There are so many to choose from; weighted lap pads, weighted animals, and shoulder wraps.  
• Oral Input.  Resistive sucking using a water bottle or through a straw,  blowing bubbles,  or using a chew all are great ways to provide organizing proprioceptive input.  

The availability of a space that limits extraneous sensory stimuli can be a welcome relief for those struggling with over responsive sensory systems.  Having access to a place that allows the sensory systems to regroup, decompress  and re-organizes can lead to greater participation in day to day activities.  These spaces can easily be created with everyday items found around the home!