Supporting children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) means understanding their unique sensory needs and creating an environment where they can feel comfortable, safe, and empowered. While there are many things we should do to help them thrive, it’s just as important to know what to avoid.
Common Things To Avoid When Working With Children With SPD
Here’s a helpful guide to common things to avoid when working with children with SPD:
1. Overstimulation
Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or busy environments can overwhelm children with SPD.
Avoid: Crowded spaces, flashing lights, or loud music
Try: Soft lighting, quiet spaces, and calm visual environments
2. Ignoring Sensory Triggers
Every child has unique triggers. Knowing and respecting those triggers helps avoid distress.
Avoid: Reintroducing known triggers or brushing them off
Try: Observing patterns, documenting triggers, and planning ahead to minimize exposure
3. Forcing Sensory Experiences
Pressuring a child into touching textures, trying foods, or engaging in uncomfortable activities can lead to anxiety or shutdowns.
Avoid: “Just try it once” or forcing contact
Try: Offering choices, letting the child lead, and celebrating small steps
4. Unpredictable Environments
Sudden changes or lack of routine can be very challenging.
Avoid: Last-minute transitions or chaotic schedules
Try: Visual schedules, countdowns, and giving advance notice
5. Rough or Invasive Touch
Children with tactile sensitivities may react negatively to unexpected or forceful touch.
Avoid: Hugging, grabbing, or touching without permission
Try: Asking before touching and respecting personal space
Read More: Recognizing and Responding to ASD Sensory Issues
6. Uncomfortable Clothing
Tags, seams, or tight clothing may be unbearable for some children.
Avoid: Forcing clothing that causes discomfort
Try: Sensory-friendly clothing with soft fabrics and no tags
7. Unstructured or Chaotic Environments
Unstructured time can lead to uncertainty and anxiety.
Avoid: Loud, disorganized, or unpredictable activities
Try: Clearly structured activities with visual or verbal guidance
8. Skipping Sensory Breaks
Long periods of focus can cause sensory overload.
Avoid: Pushing through without breaks
Try: Scheduled sensory breaks with movement, quiet time, or calming tools
9. Disregarding Communication Attempts
Children with SPD may use non-verbal cues to show discomfort.
Avoid: Ignoring signals like covering ears or withdrawing
Try: Learning alternative communication methods (PECS, gestures, AAC) and validating their feelings
10. Assuming All Kids with SPD Are the Same
Sensory needs vary from child to child—what calms one may upset another.
Avoid: One-size-fits-all solutions
Try: Individualized plans and continuous observation of the child’s preferences
11. Overcrowded or Noisy Environments
Busy spaces can be overwhelming.
Avoid: Large gatherings or noisy classrooms
Try: Quiet corners, noise-canceling headphones, or limiting sensory input when needed
Final Thoughts
Creating a supportive space for children with SPD means more than offering help—it means knowing what to avoid. By being intentional, patient, and observant, caregivers, educators, and therapists can make a real difference in a child’s ability to navigate their world.
Working closely with occupational therapists or professionals trained in sensory integration can provide valuable insight and strategies. Most importantly, always listen to the child and respect their individual needs.
