Sensory Integration and Processing

How does sensory modulation affect a child’s response to sensory input?

• It determines whether they can recognise different colours and shapes

• It affects how the brain regulates and responds to sensory stimuli, leading to over- or under-responsiveness

• It only impacts fine motor skills like handwriting

• It allows children to completely control their sensory reactions with enough practice

A child in your classroom constantly seeks movement by rocking in their chair and tapping their foot. Based on sensory integration principles, what might this behaviour indicate?

• The child is purposefully being disruptive

• The child should be removed from the class for better discipline

• The child needs more sensory input to stay regulated and focused

• The child has an over-responsive sensory system and needs to sit still

Why is observation before interpretation important when assessing a child’s sensory needs?

• It ensures the child’s behavior is understood in context rather than misinterpreted as misbehaviour.

• It allows teachers to discipline children more effectively.

• It helps in diagnosing children with learning disabilities.

• It prevents teachers from using sensory strategies in the classroom.

A student frequently slams doors, grips pencils too tightly, and presses too hard when writing. What sensory processing difficulty might they have?

• Under-responsiveness to proprioceptive input

• Over-responsiveness to proprioceptive input

• Vestibular dysfunction

• Auditory discrimination difficulty

How does the brain prioritise sensory information in a classroom setting?

• The brain always focuses on auditory input over visual input.

• The brain always focuses on visual input over auditory input.

• The brain ignores sensory input that is not directly related to learning.

• The brain automatically balances all sensory inputs equally.

What is a possible reason why a child might struggle to copy from the whiteboard and then refocus on their paper?

• Poor postural-ocular control affects their ability to shift visual focus

• Weak auditory processing skills

• Low motivation to complete work

• Strong preference for reading books instead of writing

Why might a child who is over-responsive to tactile input avoid messy play activities like finger painting or clay modeling?

• They are unable to use fine motor skills to engage in these activities

• They have a general dislike for school activities

• They do not like being creative

• Their brain perceives certain textures as overwhelming or even painful

A student appears highly anxious, struggles to concentrate, and frequently covers their ears when noise levels increase. What sensory processing challenge might they be experiencing?

• Vestibular dysfunction

• Under-responsiveness to auditory input

• Over-responsiveness to auditory input

• Poor motor coordination

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the vestibular system and emotional regulation?

• Emotional regulation is only affected by auditory and visual processing, not vestibular input

• Children with vestibular processing difficulties are always hyperactive

• The vestibular system has no impact on emotions; it only controls balance

• The vestibular system is closely linked to the fight, flight, or freeze response, affecting a child’s ability to self-regulate

What is the best approach to supporting a child with sensory processing challenges in the classroom?

• Using strict discipline to encourage them to "push through" their discomfort

• Allowing them to leave class whenever they feel overwhelmed, without offering in-class strategies

• Reducing all sensory input to eliminate any possible challenges

• Providing structured sensory strategies within the classroom environment to help with regulation