Social Story: My Sensory Needs (How to Self-Regulate)

This is a social story meant to help early and middle years children to better understand their SENSORY NEEDS, and how to Self-Regulate. Many of our students (in particular, those on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, etc.) are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and have various sensory sensitivities.

This social story talks about what our 5 Senses do, and why they are important for better understanding our world. The story talks about how students can become overwhelmed due to one or more of their senses being ‘Too Excited’!, particularly in certain settings/places. The story talks about how the student may react (e.g., yelling, crying, hiding, running away, etc.) and offers alternative, safer ways to cope with excited senses (e.g., deep breathing, calm space, headphones, etc.). It ends by validating the student’s emotions and reinforces the student’s safer choices, and reminds them that they can do this successfully with help from their friends, family and teachers.

It is in PDF Format (8.5 x 11 inch), and so can easily be printed and/or laminated. It is presented in a simple, fun and visual way, and while it is geared towards early and middle years, can be used across all ages and developmental levels.

I have personally used it in individual and group format, in elementary and special needs junior high/high school classrooms. I hope it helps you, help your students!