How Sensory Processing Differences Disrupt Learning and Focus
Sensory processing differences can make everyday school experiences overwhelming. Bright lights, loud bells, scratchy clothes: what’s background for most can feel unbearable for some.
In this episode of Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Joie Laykoff, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning at Fusion Academy, about how sensory issues show up in the classroom, how to spot them, and what adjustments can make school feel safe and supportive for all learners.
Rethinking Sensory Processing: Beyond “Being Sensitive”
Sensory challenges are often misunderstood as overreacting or being “too sensitive.” But Joie Laykoff explains that sensory processing differences are rooted in how the brain interprets and responds to input from the environment.
For many students, everyday experiences—like the hum of fluorescent lights, the texture of clothing, or the feel of a backpack strap—can be overwhelming. When their sensory system becomes overstimulated, it can affect focus, behavior, and even emotional regulation. The problem isn’t the student. It’s the way their sensory world interacts with environments that weren’t designed for differences in processing.
What Students Wish Adults Understood
“I’m not trying to be difficult,” many students with sensory processing challenges might wish adults knew. Certain sounds, lights, textures, or movements can be distracting or even painful. What may look like defiance, fidgeting, or avoidance is often the body’s natural way of coping with overstimulation.
Students often wish adults would notice the signs early, ask what helps, and give them options to regulate, rather than expecting them to simply “tough it out.” Small accommodations can prevent frustration and help students engage fully.
How Educators and Parents Can Support Students With Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory-friendly supports don’t have to be complicated, but they can be life-changing:
- Flexible seating: Standing desks, wobble cushions, or quiet corners allow students to find the position that helps them focus.
- Sensory tools: Fidget toys, stress balls, or noise-canceling headphones can help students regulate input without disrupting learning.
- Predictable routines: Consistency and clear expectations reduce anxiety and sensory overload.
Listening to students, co-creating strategies, and checking in regularly fosters autonomy and confidence. It’s not about eliminating all challenges—it’s about giving students the tools to thrive despite them.
Myth-Busting Sensory Processing Disorder
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
Myth 1: Kids with sensory issues are just overreacting or being overly dramatic.
Fact: Sensory challenges are neurological, not behavioral. Students aren’t seeking attention—they’re responding to genuine sensory needs.
Myth 2: Kids with sensory issues will just grow out of it.
Fact: Sensory processing issues aren’t something they’ll simply grow out of. Over time, many kids develop their own tools and strategies to manage distractions, but the underlying sensory differences remain. The goal isn’t to eliminate them—it’s to learn how to navigate them successfully
Myth 3: Only students with autism have sensory issues.
Fact: It’s not just students with autism, ADHD, or anxiety who experience sensory processing challenges. Many other diagnoses can involve sensory processing differences as well, affecting a child’s daily life and learning.
Every student navigating sensory differences brings unique strengths. Creativity, resilience, and problem-solving often flourish when their sensory needs are understood and supported. Understanding their sensory profile can reveal hidden potential, from innovative thinking to social empathy.
What Thriving Looks Like
Thriving students manage sensory input while fully engaging in learning and social experiences. They build self-awareness, independence, and confidence. At Fusion, families often see dramatic growth when sensory strategies are integrated into academics, routines, and daily life. A student who once struggled to stay seated or focus on lessons can now participate fully, contribute ideas, and pursue interests without constant fatigue or frustration.
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Understanding sensory processing isn’t just about making life easier. It’s about unlocking potential. When adults recognize and respond to students’ sensory needs, they create space for focus, creativity, and confidence to grow.
