As educators, we’ve all had students who seem constantly “off”—the ones who can’t sit still, overreact to sounds or textures, seem spacey, or bounce between extremes in behavior and attention. What if these weren’t discipline issues or defiance, but signs of sensory processing challenges or retained reflexes that impact learning?

Understanding sensory needs and how a child’s body and brain are working behind the scenes can transform how we support students—and help them succeed in your classroom.

🌟 What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is the brain’s ability to take in, sort, and respond to information from the world (sound, light, movement, etc.) and from the body (muscles, joints, and internal cues). When this process breaks down, students may be either over-responsive or under-responsive to their environment—or fluctuate between the two.

🔹 A student with a low threshold might notice every little sound, get overwhelmed by bright lights, or gag at food textures.
🔹 A student with a high threshold might seem inattentive, chew on clothing, constantly move, or ignore verbal instructions.

🤸 Why Movement Matters: Primitive Reflexes and Learning

You may not realize that unintegrated primitive reflexes—automatic survival responses from infancy—can interfere with attention, coordination, emotional regulation, and even academic skills.

Here are a few key reflexes that can impact the classroom:

• Moro Reflex (Startle): Triggers fight-or-flight. Students may appear anxious, avoid movement, or struggle with transitions and attention.

• ATNR (Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex): Interferes with crossing midline, reading, handwriting, and following verbal directions.

• STNR (Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex): Can cause poor posture at desks, vision challenges, or trouble copying from the board.

• Spinal Galant: Linked to fidgeting, poor attention, difficulty sitting still, and even incontinence.

When these reflexes don’t integrate during early development, students are often operating from a “survival brain,” not their “learning brain.”

🧠 What Can Teachers Do?

Here are classroom-friendly strategies that support sensory regulation and readiness to learn:

✅ General Organization

• Post and review the daily schedule to increase predictability

• Use consistent, multi-sensory cues for transitions

• Provide flexible seating and allow alternative positions (standing, belly-lying)

🎧 Auditory Supports

• Use calming music (50–70 BPM) or nature sounds during transitions

• Provide noise-canceling headphones for overwhelmed students

• Position students with auditory processing needs so their right ear faces instruction

🏋️‍♂️ Movement & Proprioceptive Input

• Integrate structured “heavy work” breaks: wall push-ups, chair push-ups, yoga, animal walks

• Use weighted lap pads or therabands on chairs

• Offer brain breaks that cross the midline (marching, clapping patterns, etc.)

👀 Visual Supports

• Reduce glare and bright lighting (limit fluorescent bulbs when possible)

• Declutter workspaces and limit visuals on worksheets

• Use visual organizers like color-coding, folding paper, or cue marks

👄 Oral Motor Supports

• Allow chewing gum, crunchy snacks, or straws for self-regulation

• Practice “puffer cheeks” or deep breathing paired with visuals

💡 Final Thoughts

Sensory dysregulation isn’t a behavior problem—it’s a brain-body disconnect. When we build in supportive strategies and offer students ways to regulate, we see growth not just in focus and academics, but also in confidence, connection, and classroom community.

If you have a student who seems overwhelmed, fidgety, inattentive, or emotionally reactive, they may benefit from occupational therapy support. Our team at Kinetic Edge specializes in sensory integration, reflex assessment, and tools for success at school and beyond.

👩‍🏫 Need Support for a Student?
Reach out to our team for consults, screenings, or collaboration!

📧 rachaelb@kineticedgept.com
🌐 www.kineticedgept.com

📍 Serving Newton, Des Moines, Ames, Oskaloosa, and Pella