Low Stimulation Environment

For children who are more sensitive and easily overwhelmed by sensory input, creating a calm, predictable, and low arousal environment is essential to support their emotional regulation and comfort.

Tactile (Touch)

Some children may find certain textures or physical touch overwhelming, but they can also develop a keen sensitivity to comfort.
For children who are sensitive to touch, maintaining personal space can help:

  • Provide clear physical boundaries, like coloured mats or tape, to define personal areas.
  • When seated on the floor, place them at the end of a row or close to a supportive adult.
  • Use visual markers for physical distancing when lining up.
  • Offer soft, smooth, and familiar textures.
  • If clothing is uncomfortable, try tight fitting base layer sportwear under clothing which offers enough pressure to support comfort levels.
  • Light touch, water and rain drops might feel too unpredictable for children sensitive to touch. Predictable tactile and proprioceptive experiences such as using a weighted blanket or lap pad will help the child feel secure and grounded without overstimulation.

Auditory (Hearing)


If space allows, consider setting up a calm, low-stimulation area in the classroom. This space can serve as a retreat for children who need quiet time, equipped with calming objects or resources, but kept minimal to avoid overwhelming the senses.

Children sensitive to sound may be easily startled by loud or unexpected noises but can excel in environments with softer, controlled sounds. They may have an exceptional ability to notice subtle auditory details.

  • Use visual cues, like turning lights on and off, to gain attention rather than raising your voice.
  • Offer a quiet, small group work area.
  • Consider using a sound thermometer to identify the noise volume expected from all children in the environment.
  • Reduce sudden loud noises and minimize background sound. Use soundproofing techniques, such as rugs or curtains, to create a quieter environment. Offer noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for noisy situations.
  • Introduce soothing sounds like gentle soft music, or nature sounds (e.g., rain, ocean waves). This can help children focus and relax without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Allow for quiet time or a designated “quiet zone” where the child can retreat when they need a break from auditory stimuli.

Visual (Sight)

Children who are visually sensitive may be easily overwhelmed by bright lights, busy environments, or fast-moving visual stimuli. Their keen visual awareness allows them to appreciate calm, soothing visuals.

  • Minimizing wall decorations and displays.
  • Keeping the environment clutter-free and resources stored out of sight.
  • Using plain fabric to cover open shelves.
  • Turning off unneeded lights and unused electronic screens.
  • Closing blinds to reduce outdoor distractions.
  • Strip or florescent lighting replaced by LED or natural lighting.
  • Offer activities with soft, consistent visuals, such as coloring with pastel crayons or painting with watercolors.
  • Engage in activities like reading with soft lighting or creating a calm-down corner with gentle lighting and simple visual elements.

Vestibular (Movement and Balance)

Children who are sensitive to vestibular input may feel uncomfortable or distressed with fast or unpredictable movements, such as spinning, swinging, or jumping. They may prefer slow, gentle, and predictable movements that help them feel secure.

  • Avoid sudden or fast motions that can feel overwhelming. Children who are sensitive to movement may get very distressed when they attempt activities where their feet are off the ground, or when they are upside down or spinning – seek advice from an Occupational Therapist before attempting these activities.
  • Encourage activities that provide gentle, predictable movement, like slow-paced walking or rocking in a chair. Simple balance activities, like gently tipping side to side on a balance board, can help improve coordination without overstimulation.
  • Introduce slow, calming yoga poses, helping the child stretch and move in a controlled, peaceful way. This supports body awareness and balance in a calming, sensory-friendly manner.

Olfactory (Smell)

Children sensitive to smells may find strong scents overwhelming, but they often have a refined sense of smell that allows them to enjoy subtle, pleasant fragrances.

  • Create a Smell-Free environment.
  • Avoid strong, artificial smells like cleaning products or perfumes.
  • Ensure that household or classroom items are free of strong fragrances to create a calm, neutral space.
  • Keep rooms well ventilated; bin emptied regularly etc.

Gustatory (Taste)

Children who are sensitive to taste may be picky eaters or have strong reactions to certain textures and flavours. However, this sensitivity allows them to develop a deep appreciation for familiar foods.

  • Offer familiar, ‘safe’ foods with textures and flavours they enjoy. Avoid introducing new foods abruptly, and respect their need for consistency in their diet.
  • Introduce new foods slowly and in a sensory-friendly way, allowing the child to smell or touch the food before tasting it. Try not to pressure the child into trying new food.
  • Offer food in familiar forms, allowing them to explore texture through finger foods or soft textures.
  • Encourage calm, relaxed eating environments with minimal distractions and soft lighting, allowing the child to focus on enjoying their food without sensory overwhelm.

Integrating Multiple Senses

Children who are sensitive to multiple senses often benefit from environments that reduce overall sensory input, helping them feel secure, calm, and in control.

  • Create a Low-Stimulation Environment: Use soft lighting, neutral colors, and reduce auditory or visual clutter. Designate calm-down corners where children can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Provide tools like noise-canceling headphones, soft textures, and gentle sensory objects to help them regulate.
  • Activities:
    • Quiet Multi-Sensory Play: Encourage gentle activities that engage only one or two senses at a time, such as drawing in a quiet room, playing with soft toys, or using sensory bottles with slow-moving visuals. These allow the child to engage in sensory play at their own pace, without overstimulation.
    • Mindful Breaks: Build regular sensory breaks into their day. Allow the child to retreat to a calm space where they can engage in self-soothing activities, such as rocking, listening to calming sounds, or using soft touch items.

Strengths-based approach: Highlight their heightened sensory awareness as an incredible ability to notice subtle details that others may overlook. Encourage their ability to manage and advocate for their own sensory needs as a strength in self-regulation and emotional intelligence.

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