What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain struggles to receive and process information from the world and people around them. 

This includes all sensory experiences involving touch, sound, taste, smell and sight. Learners can struggle with temperature changes, big crowds or loud noises.

They can also struggle with physical boundaries when it comes to touching people and things.

These sensory processing challenges are recognised in learners with autism, ADHD or other neurological conditions but they can also happen on their own.

At The Learning Compass, we recognise that learners with sensory processing needs experience the world uniquely. 

A personalised tutoring approach creates a supportive and structured environment tailored to each learner’s sensory preferences. If a learner is comfortable and relaxed, they are much more likely to engage and learn in a lesson. 

  • Refusing to eat or skipping meals due to the variety of smells at mealtimes.

How Does it Affect Learning?

If a learner is very sensitive to loud noises, big crowds and extreme smells or temperatures, they can struggle in areas of learning and work. Their emotions can be easily triggered when surrounded by people, textures and smells.

For example:

  • Noisy classrooms and busy office spaces can cause distress and difficulty concentrating.
  • Fidgeting or the need for movement may be misunderstood as inattentiveness or being rude.
  • Difficulty processing verbal instructions may require visual learning supports which are not always available.
  • Learners can struggle with physical boundaries such as touching objects and people that are not considered socially acceptable. This can lead to other people staying distant from them, particularly in schools where there is less patience and understanding among younger children.
  • Uncomfortable clothing such as school uniform or office attire can make it hard to focus and cause emotional distress.

Why Choose The Learning Compass?

Tutors can offer flexible, individualised tutoring for learners of all ages who experience sensory challenges.

Our strategies promote focus, comfort, and learning retention in a way that aligns with a learner’s sensory preferences.

With multilingual support, we ensure that learners from diverse backgrounds receive instructions in a familiar language, which creates an inclusive and calming learning environment to help learners and parents with their educational journey.

 
Personalised Learning Plans:
  • Learning plans are tailored to each learner’s strengths, and challenges.
  • Sensory-friendly teaching techniques are implemented, such as using noise-cancelling headphones, dimmed lighting, or movement breaks.
  • Predictable, structured routines reduce anxiety and prevent sensory overload.
  • Flexible tutoring options incorporate movement-friendly learning methods.
  • Regular feedback and communication to ensure strategies remain effective and personalised. 
  • Building confidence and life skills alongside academic success. 
  • Alternative communication methods, including visual schedules, written instructions, and verbal cues adapted to individual processing styles.

Expert Sensory-Specialist Tutors

  • Experienced tutors trained in supporting sensory-sensitive learners.
  • Multilingual expertise for comfortable and effective communication.
  • Adaptive, engaging, and structured learning methods suited to sensory needs.
  • A patient, empathetic approach to create a reassuring learning experience.

Multilingual Support Options:

  • Offering instruction in multiple languages for an inclusive and comfortable learning experience. 
  • Respecting cultural and sensory differences to help learners feel secure and understood. 
  • Encouraging clear communication in a learner’s preferred language to reduce frustration and enhance focus. 
  • Tutors fluent in a learner’s native language ensure progress is not hindered by communication barriers. 
  • Promoting strong tutor-learner relationships through understanding and flexibility.    

FAQs

If you have a question, you might find your answer below. This section covers a wide range of topics, including account setup and premium membership benefits.

 

FAQs

1. How can I find a tutor who understands sensory processing challenges?

At The Learning Compass, you can search for tutors using filters for subject, language, and specialist support, including sensory processing expertise.

2. What age groups do you support for sensory-friendly tutoring?

We cater to learners of all ages, from young children to adults, adapting strategies accordingly.

3. How do I know if I/my child has sensory processing challenges if they don’t have a diagnosis?

We recommend consulting an occupational therapist or healthcare professional. Our tutors can implement sensory-friendly strategies, but professional evaluation is necessary for a formal diagnosis.

4. Can sensory processing challenges be managed without therapy?

Yes, many strategies, including structured routines, sensory-friendly learning tools, and adaptive environments, can support learners effectively.

5. Do you offer online sensory-friendly tutoring?

Yes, we offer both online and in-person tutoring, allowing flexibility and customisation to suit sensory needs.

6. Can The Learning Compass help even if I/my child hasn’t been diagnosed yet?

Absolutely! Our tutors specialise in working with learners who experience sensory challenges, whether formally diagnosed or not.

7. How do tutors personalise learning plans for learners with sensory processing needs?

Tutors may offer a free initial consultation to assess sensory preferences and needs. Learning plans are then tailored accordingly.

8. How often should I/my child have tutoring sessions?

The frequency of sessions depends on individual needs and schedules. Tutors work with families to create a flexible, sustainable plan.

9. How do I get started with sensory-friendly tutoring?

Simply click on [insert link here] to search for a tutor using filters for language, subject, and sensory support needs.

10. Can tutoring help improve focus and learning for those with sensory processing needs?

Yes! Our tutors use sensory-friendly strategies to enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and create positive learning experiences.

11. Do all tutors have experience with sensory processing challenges?

Tutors who list sensory support as a specialist area have experience working with learners with sensory differences.

12. How will tutors provide feedback on progress?

Feedback methods vary by tutor—discuss preferences in the initial consultation to ensure a method that works best for you.

13. Will my/my child’s sensory processing needs impact their learning as a non-English speaker?

Language barriers can add extra challenges, but our multilingual tutors provide strategies to ensure effective communication and learning support.

Search Process for Sensory-Specialist Tutors:

Get Started with Sensory-Friendly Support Today:

 

  1. Search for a tutor using filters for language, subject, location, and sensory-friendly tutoring style. 
  2. Choose a tutor from the list of available specialists. 
  3. Reach out using our in-built messaging platform. 
  4. Discuss goals, challenges, pricing, and whether a free consultation is offered. 
  5. Confirm a personalised plan with the tutor. 
  6. If no suitable tutor is found, post a request on the learner bulletin to notify all premium tutors. 
  7. A tutor will reach out if they are a good fit.