Sensory Needs In Autism Course

This practical course helps staff understand sensory processing differences in autistic people and how everyday environments can affect wellbeing, behaviour, and learning. It provides realistic strategies to reduce sensory overwhelm and support inclusive practice.

Course Summary

This Sensory Needs in Autism course offers a clear and practical introduction to sensory processing differences in autistic people. It focuses on how sensory input can affect behaviour, communication, learning, and emotional wellbeing in everyday life.

Participants will explore how the senses work, including the often overlooked vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses. The course explains hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, and mixed sensory experiences, helping staff to understand why certain environments or situations can feel overwhelming. Sensory overload, common triggers, and the way sensory needs can change due to stress, health, or context are also covered.

Throughout the course, the emphasis is on understanding individual sensory experiences and responding in a supportive, respectful way. Practical strategies are shared to reduce distress, promote inclusion, and improve wellbeing across a range of settings.

Sensory Needs in Autism Course Aims and Objectives

• Develop a clear understanding of sensory needs in autism and how the brain processes sensory input
• Understand common sensory processing differences experienced by autistic people
• Recognise signs of hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, and sensory overload
• Increase awareness of how environments can impact sensory wellbeing
• Explore how sensory needs affect learning, behaviour, and everyday life
• Identify common sensory triggers relating to sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and internal senses
• Recognise early signs of sensory distress or overload
• Learn practical strategies to reduce sensory overwhelm
• Encourage respectful responses to sensory needs and self-regulation strategies
• Support inclusive practice that promotes safety, dignity, and wellbeing
• Build confidence in making reasonable sensory adjustments in everyday settings

This course works well alongside Autism Awareness training and/or AuDHD training.

Assessment & Certification
Assessment will be by continuous assessment by the trainer – there is no ‘test’ paper.  A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of course.