Listen "Supporting Sensory Needs in Schools"
Episode Synopsis
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
More episodes of the podcast Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools
Neurodiversity-Affirming IEPs and 504s
03/05/2025
Neurology Justifies Strengths-Based Supports
18/04/2025
Building Emotionally Competent Classrooms
20/03/2025
Rethinking Behavior in the Classroom
13/03/2025
Understanding and Confronting Ableism
14/02/2025
The Double Empathy Problem… and the Solution
06/02/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.