Toilet issues

Written by

For neurodivergent children issues with toileting are very common. Their struggles may be because:

  • They don’t notice the signals
  • They notice too late
  • Toilets are an overwhelming place
  • Fear of the flushing noise or smells
  • They have lower body awareness or sequencing
  • Transitions are difficult for them anyway

So how do we support children and youngsters with toilet training and everyday use of the bathroom? Read on for our top tips on how to ease the experience…

Reduce the pressure

Firstly, it is crucial that you support them gently, compassionately, and at a pace they are comfortable with to avoid stress, shame, pressure, or even trauma around their bodily functions.

Build predictable routines

Stick to the same routines and the same sequence of events because that equals safety.

  • visit the bathroom at same times of day
  • follow the same steps before and after using the toilet
  • use visual aids
  • be consistent with wording and use of a calm voice
  • provide the same tools (footstool, step, their favourite scent of hand soap etc.)

Visual sequences are particularly useful with children and adults who have limited verbal communication. You can download our printable visuals here:

Interoception – why it’s important

Using the toilet is a sensory experience involving the interoceptive system which is how your body notices and understands internal signals like hunger/thirst, temperature, pain and much more including the urge to need the toilet etc.

A lot of neurodivergent people don’t recognise these signals until they are urgent. While others may feel them too intensely so the slightest feeling is overwhelming which the try to suppress.

So remember to be patient when accidents happen as often it isn’t a deliberate action to withhold or avoid the bathroom but they may find it difficult to interpret, understand or trust what their body is telling them.

How to help:

  • Talk about the feelings “tight tummy”, “pressure” etc.
  • Use visual scales for them to rate how they feel (1-5 or smiley/sad faces)
  • Footstools are great for young children who feel unstable when sitting on the toilet with their legs dangling. Not to mention that bringing their knees up is better for toileting.
  • Give choices – “flush before or after washing hands”, “dry hands with a material or a paper towel”.
  • Avoid shame – no embarrassment, punishment or pressure. If they feel safe and supported they are more likely to have a positive experience.
  • Celebrate the successes! Small wins are worth celebrating e.g. sitting on the toilet for only a few seconds, communicating discomfort, tolerating the bathroom environment etc.
Make the bathroom a good sensory place

The bathroom can be an overwhelming experience – lots of sounds (running water, flushing toilet, extractor fans etc.), cold surfaces, strong smells (good and bad!), bright lights etc. For a sensory sensitive nervous system, that can feel overwhelming, unsafe, or even painful. And when anxiety enters the body, the body often tightens making toileting even harder.

So shift from asking: ‘Why won’t this child use the toilet? to… what might be making toileting feel difficult, unsafe, overwhelming, or inaccessible?

  • Change the toilet seat (e.g. soft child seats rather than cold plastic ones)
  • Use bath mats or rugs on hard floors to soften the environment
  • Avoid using extractor fans or electric hand dryers
  • Change the light bulbs to reduce the brightness
  • Choose hand wash they like
  • Bring some toys or fidgets into the space
  • Reframe the room as somewhere fun
Reassurance

When supporting someone with sensory sensitivities remember… if we can understand them a little better, we can avoid accidentally making them feel ashamed about their responses to their bodily functions.

Use reassuring language and a calm tone of voice because a regulated adult will co-regulate the child’s nervous system. When adults become anxious, rushed, frustrated, or overly focused on success, children often feel that pressure in their body.

And most importantly, remember progress does not need to be huge to be meaningful. Small, consistent, compassionate changes will create the biggest shifts over time.

Check out more top tips on a variety of topics here.

Tackling food challenges

Written by
Child holding a fork with green vegetable on it, looking disgruntled

Very often, issues with food and eating are misunderstood as behavioural problems. But your child is not being defiant, lazy, or stubborn… it usually due to sensory processing issues. Eating is an enormous sensory activity and neurodivergent brains experience it very differently to neurotypical people so it can lead to heightened anxiety, and apprehension.

Read on to explore what’s going on with your nervous system regarding eating. Plus get some ideas and tips of how to tackle hurdles you experience. It’s important to remember we shouldn’t force anyone towards eating foods they are not ready for. We recommend supporting them gently, compassionately, and safely to avoid stress, shame, pressure, or even trauma.

Food

Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience food sensitivities with:

  • Texture
  • Smell
  • Mixing different foods
  • Strong temperature preferences
  • Struggling to sit at a table for mealtimes
  • Feeling of food in their mouth

This isn’t because they are being picky or stubborn but often because their nervous system is identifying the food as unsafe. For some people, certain foods can genuinely feel unbearable… e.g. a yoghurt is slimey and disgusting. Mixed food on a plate is uncontrollable. A smell could be overpowering. Crunching noises may feel painful.

Plus, the environment before and during mealtimes can also be overwhelming – the cooking noises, the smells and the sensory disruption can trigger dysregulation before food is even presented.

Why are ‘beige’ foods so appealing?

The majority of neurodivergent people will have a restricted diet of a few ‘safe’ foods and often they are processed foods rather than fresh fruit or vegetables – have you ever wondered why?

Simply because those foods are more predictable! Crisps, chips, chicken nuggets etc. are fairly consistent in their texture, appearance and flavour. Compare that to a bowl of strawberries – some are firm, some are soft, some are sweet, some a little sour – that uncertainty can be upsetting for people with sensory issues so they stick to the foods they are comfortable with.

Language matters

Many neurodivergent adults will tell you they spent years hearing things like: “Stop being picky.” “Just eat it.” “You’re fine.” “Don’t be fussy.” And unfortunately those comments can make the person feel shame which has a negative effect on them and is likely to increase their resistance.

When supporting someone with sensory sensitivities remember… they aren’t being dramatic or spoiled when they refuse food – it is their body telling them the food or eating experience is unsafe. If we can understand that, we can avoid accidentally making them feel ashamed about their responses to food.

Top tips for mealtimes

Before:

  • Prepare with some regulation work before meals – active movement, heavy work, deep pressure, breathing exercises etc.
  • Minimise sensory load – reduce noise, clutter, or pressure.
  • Get them involved in the food preparation – chopping, stirring or plating up the food.
  • Give them choices of plate/bowl/cutlery. Using divided plates can reduce sensory overwhelm of different foods.
  • Keep things relaxed – don’t insist on formal eating – eat where they are comfortable sitting (it doesn’t have to be at a table) to reduce pressure.

During:

  • Eat together so you can model eating the same food as them.
  • Try food exploration – let them smell, touch and play with the food. Don’t force them to take bites/spoonfuls to avoid distress. Allow them go at their own pace with trying new foods. Celebrate the small wins – success could be tolerating, exploring or staying calm during the meal even if they don’t eat the food.
  • Respect their sensory preferences: minimise what they don’t like e.g. crunchy, smooth, bland, warm/cold etc.
  • Food chaining can be really helpful to gradually link new foods to foods they already feel safe with.
  • Having safe foods available alongside new food helps them feel secure.

Throughout:

  • Choose language carefully – supportive comments and lots of praise.
  • Take breaks if needed – there is no rush, let them take a break to move or regulate.
  • Keep it fun – make it a social experience with family and friends or play a game, listen to music while eating – whatever suits them best.

But most importantly, remember progress does not need to be huge to be meaningful. Small, consistent, compassionate changes will create the biggest shifts over time.

Check out more top tips on a variety of topics here.

Fundraiser spotlight

Written by

As a registered charity, SensationALL relies on the efforts of fundraisers and donors to help fund our vital services, many of these fundraisers are also families who benefit from the sessions and support and one wonderful example is the Forrest family…

7-year old Jamie has Autism and Epilepsy as well as speech and language issues. His mum registered with SensationALL a few years ago looking for support to help the family navigate their neurodiversity journey. Since registered they have attended soft play sessions and sensory groups that have helped Jamie’s sensory development and given him a safe place to play. They’ve also enjoyed our relaxed events like the Santa’s Grotto at the Old Schoolhouse and even got tickets for Disney on Ice through SensationALL. Jamie’s mum, Natasha, has also attended parent/carer support groups where she was able to access a supportive community of other parents who face similar experiences.

This year, to show their gratitude, Natasha, John, and Jamie decided to take on the Aberdeen Kiltwalk and have already raised over £500 for SensationALL! Natasha explains why they wanted to do this for us:

SensationALL made a huge difference to our family right from the first session we attended (a messy play during the Easter holidays) when we had just received a diagnosis but were battling for support and a school placement. Jamie had fun playing freely in a safe environment and we had a chance to offload our thoughts and worries to staff and other parents in attendance. This gave us hope. 

Jamie has attended a few of the Christmas events. Getting to see Santa with no pressure, no queues and no judgement. He’s also had a fun play session at the Halloween party events. He loves the soft play, again it’s a safe and quiet place for him to have some fun. It warms my heart when staff pay attention to him and play with him. Its very hard taking him to public soft plays, due to safety concerns and sensory issues.

The park in westhill is where he eventually had the courage to use a swing properly, as it was low enough for him to do it. it’s also fenced in and safe.

Jamie faces many challenges. SensationALL bring a positive to Jamie’s life by making him feel involved and valued. We would like to support them by doing this [walk] together. Although, this is a ‘wee wander’ [4-miles], it will be challenging for Jamie, but we are going to do this as a family.

Everyone at SensationALL is incredibly proud of Jamie and his family for taking on the Kiltwalk a go! There are still spaces to sign up and join our team of “SensationALL Striders” which includes a few members of staff or you can sponsor them here!

Feeling inspired to get involved? There are so many ways you can support us through individual fundraising.

Whether it’s taking on a challenge event, organising a bake sale, or creating your own fundraiser, every penny helps us continue providing vital support to neurodivergent children, young people, and adults with additional support needs.

find out about fundraising here

Regulate with movement

Written by
a child's feet balancing on a dome shaped BOSU ball

Movement can be medicine when it’s offered with intention.

Does your child frequently bounce, wobble, climb, or constantly move? Or maybe you feel the need to keep moving, fidgeting or rocking. This is often the nervous system’s way of asking for organisation, grounding, or regulation.

One tool that beautifully meets this need is the BOSU ball.

This post explores how a BOSU ball supports regulation, focus, and sensory processing and offers gentle, affordable alternatives if buying one isn’t possible. Though – keep an eye out on second hand ones (Facebook marketplace are often where we find ours!).

What is a BOSU ball?

A BOSU ball is a simple but powerful tool that we use all the time at SensationALL.

Originally designed as fitness device for balance training, they have two sides – a soft dome shape and a flat, hard base (sometimes with ridges for grip). When the dome side faces up, the BOSU ball provides an bouncy surface and when you flip it over, you can stand on the flat side which is a little wobbly.

The gentle bouncing or wobbling from using either side gives the body important feedback through muscles, balance, and posture. This kind of movement helps the nervous system settle and organise itself, helping you to feel calmer, more grounded, and ready to focus.

How to use a BOSU ball:

To CALM…

When feeling high energy, anxious or overwhelmed do some gentle bouncing (Dome Side Up).

Slow, rhythmic bouncing can:

  • Soothe a dysregulated nervous system
  • Help release emotional or physical tension
  • Support transitions between activities
  • This kind of movement works best when it is predictable and unhurried.

Try:

  • Counting slow bounces
  • Bouncing while exhaling/practicing breathing exercises
  • Keeping feet grounded and movements small

To FOCUS

If you are struggling to focus on a task or get motivated do some balancing (Flat Side Up).

Activating deep postural muscles and body awareness can:

  • Increase alertness without overstimulation
  • Support listening and attention
  • Reduce the need for constant fidgeting

You can:

  • Stand or sit while listening to a story
  • Balance while holding an object
  • Use it for short bursts during learning time

Start small. Even 10–30 seconds can be enough.

Don’t want to buy a BOSU Ball? There are alternatives…

You don’t need specialist equipment to support regulation at home. The body responds to input, not brand names!

You can get the same movement and sensation from:

  • A stack of cushions or pillows – stand, kneel or sit on them to activate your core and improve body awareness
  • Yoga mat & towel – roll the towel and place it underneath the mat to create that wobble effect. Great if you want barefoot balance work.
  • Inflatable cushion or wobble disc – much cheaper than a BOSU but provides similar postural and balance input.
  • Space hopper or gym ball – again these are easier to buy for home and will be great for bouncing – use slow for calming regulation or fast to stimulate (but avoid chaotic rhythms if calming is the goal!).
  • Stepping stones – Either bought or make your own with cushions, blankets or paper taped to the floor. They will encourage controlled movement and focus.

Remember…

Movement strategies are not rewards or distractions – they are much-needed support. When someone is seeking motion it is often because they are trying to feel:

  • Safe in their body
  • Organised inside
  • Able to engage with the world

Whether you are using a BOSU ball, a cushion or something else, the magic effect will be the same:

LISTEN to your nervous system. Offer movement with purpose. Prioritise actions that bring calm not chaos.

Keep up to date with the latest SensationALL Self-Regulation Strategies on our socials!

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook

How The Traitors Helped Raise £13,000 for us

Written by

One month on and we are taking a moment to celebrate the success that was our Traitors Party – the first of its kind in Aberdeen!

On Friday 20th March we welcomed 150 guests to Norwood Hall Hotel for an unforgettable evening inspired by the hit BBC show The Traitors. From the moment guests arrived and were greeted with a welcome drink, the atmosphere was buzzing. Despite not knowing what games of betrayal and deception lay ahead…

At the outset each player was presented with a black envelope containing their secret role for the evening. An unknown number of Traitors were embedded at each table – now the game was officially on. Could the Faithful uncloak the Traitors amongst them?!

Thanks to outstanding hosting from Original 106’s Pete McIntosh, the players were guided through team missions to earn points for their table. Then it was time for the murders and banishments… friendships were tested; conspiracy theories were debated and accusations flew (which was every bit as entertaining as we hoped)!!

As the night unfolded and players were gradually eliminated, tension built right up until the final reveal and the room erupted when it turned out that the last remaining player was a… Traitor and walked away with the cash prize.

Check out the photo gallery:

A charity that’s given so much to my family

The brainwave idea for this unique fundraising event came from Avril Millington, who is a parent of a service user – she suggested using the popularity of The Traitors to create a different kind of event to raise money for the charity. As Avril explains:

“The reason I wanted to organise this event for SensationALL is deeply personal. I have been supported by the charity through their parent group for several years, and I’ve seen first-hand how life-changing this supportive community can be, as I’ve been able to meet other people facing similar challenges to me.

Even while waiting for a formal diagnosis for my son, I’ve been able to access help for both him and myself. SensationALL’s fun and inclusive activities mean I have a place to take him where his needs are accommodated without judgement. I have also had access to their training courses, which have given me a greater understanding of how to best meet his needs, as well as my own.

SensationALL has been there for our family during some of our most challenging moments, and I wanted to find a way to give something meaningful back. Combining a fun, engaging event with fundraising felt like the perfect way to do that. What was an ambitious idea became an outstanding reality, and I’m absolutely delighted with the amount raised.”

An incredible £13,000 raised

While the evening was packed with laughter, intrigue and plenty of dramatic reveals, its real impact goes far beyond entertainment. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, our wonderful sponsors and supporters, we raised an incredible £13,000 in one night.

This money will directly support neurodivergent children, young people and adults across the north east, helping SensationALL continue to deliver vital play sessions, social groups and ongoing support for individuals with additional needs. Knowing that one evening can help make such a tangible difference is incredibly moving.

We couldn’t have put on this event without the support of our sponsors – Jenna Mitchell Coaching, STATS Group and Scotgrip International – as well as everyone who donated raffle prizes and every single person who bought a ticket. And not forgetting our amazing volunteers who helped on the night, keeping everything running smoothly through the game.

Events like this truly showcase the power of community, and we are so grateful for everyone’s input in making this event a massive success.

What’s next for SensationALL?

Fundraising events are essential for SensationALL to continue growing and supporting even more families. We are now looking for sponsors for the Masked Ball this September, which is the highlight of our fundraising calendar.

This year’s masked theme shines a light on the experience of “masking” for neurodivergent individuals – and the impact it can have on mental health, identity and self‑expression. The event will take place at The Chester Hotel, with a drinks reception, three‑course meal and live entertainment included.

If you or your business are interested in sponsoring the event, you’ll be helping cover essential costs such as catering and entertainment, ensuring that every pound raised can go directly towards supporting SensationALL’s services in 2026 and beyond.

Please get in touch if you’d like to know more events@SensationALL.org.uk.

Thank you for helping SensationALL continue to make a difference.

Meet our fundraising team!

Written by

Find out about the team who organises SensationALL’s fundraising activities…

Behind every fundraising event, appeal and social post at SensationALL is a passionate team working hard to ensure our services can continue to make a real difference.

As a registered charity, we are wholly reliant on donations and grants to cover the cost of running our activities and support groups.

Read more about the trio responsible for fundraising, volunteering and marketing – they are a busy bunch!

Lisa Grainger, Fundraising & Marketing Manager

What does your role at SensationALL involve?
I lead our fundraising team and work closely with Louise and Danielle to generate much‑needed funds from grant giving organisations, individual and corporate donors and through our own events. As well as this, I oversee all our marketing activity, including branding, our website and social media platforms.

What do you like most about SensationALL?
I love how adaptive SensationALL is to the needs of the people who use our services. The team are always reviewing whether services are right for each individual and ensuring everyone has a positive experience. The support offered to each person truly is personalised which I think is incredible.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
8 years this June (not sure where the time has gone!!) and during that time my role has grown alongside the charity.

Favourite fundraising event?
I really enjoy the Kiltwalk. I’ve done both the Wee Wander and the Mighty Stride with my family over the years, and it’s always such a fantastic day. The route is beautiful and the whole event has a real party atmosphere.

A fun fact about you!
I’ve become a bit obsessed with gardening (although I don’t really know what I’m doing!) and even went to the Chelsea Flower Show a couple of years ago. I love being in the garden, even if things don’t always grow as I planned!

Louise Murray, Fundraising & Volunteering Coordinator

What does your role at SensationALL involve?
In my role no two days are ever the same! It includes organising fundraising events and supporting people with their own fundraising, as well as looking after our amazing volunteers who support us across a wide range of roles.

What do you like most about SensationALL?
I love that SensationALL prides itself on creating opportunities for everyone. Hearing about the difference we make to so many families reminds me daily that I’m part of something really special.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I’ve been with SensationALL for 3 years.

Favourite fundraising event?
I love our quiz nights. It’s always great seeing familiar faces from our regular teams, and I really enjoy the friendly competition between rounds. Our quizmaster is an incredible volunteer who puts so much effort into making the evenings special for everyone.

A fun fact about you!
I spent a year teaching English in primary schools in central France before moving into marketing roles. My French is definitely a bit rusty now, though! 

Danielle Dyce, Funding Officer

What’s does your role at SensationALL involve?
My role is a new addition to the fundraising team and my main focus is on generating income from grants. I spend a lot of time researching new funding opportunities as we receive no statutory funding for any of our services. I’m also involved in events and support our marketing and communications, making it a really varied role – which I absolutely love.

What do you like most about SensationALL?
What I love most is that everyone can be their authentic self at SensationALL – from our beneficiaries to our staff. It’s incredibly rewarding to work for a charity that makes such a meaningful impact on the lives of hundreds of people every year.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I joined SensationALL in August 2025.

Favourite fundraising event?
I’m really excited to get involved in preparing for this year’s Annual Ball. It’s our most glamorous event and a brilliant opportunity to highlight the stories of our beneficiaries and why our work matters so much. This year’s Masked Ball will highlight the impact of masking on neurodivergent people and the mental toll it can take – I can’t wait to see our guests embrace the masquerade theme.

A fun fact about yourself!
When I was 19, I studied abroad in Lithuania and became the first Scottish student the school had ever had. I was also recognised for attending the most parties while I was there – doing Scotland proud, if you ask me!

If you want to help the team raise money for SensationALL they’d love to hear from you – events@sensationall.org.uk

come to our events
fundraise
volunteer

Meet the admin team

Written by

Get to know the people behind the scenes at SensationALL…

Elaine and Ellie are our fabulous Service Coordinators who keep all the administrative functions of the charity running smoothly! They are the people who answer your email enquiries, book you onto sessions and take care of lots of other things including IT, health & safety and everything else to keep our buildings running smoothly!

Elaine Green, Service Coordinator

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
I am one of the Service Coordinators, concentrating on training (parents/professionals/employers), Learning Pathways Plus (LPP) sessions for individual neurodivergent schoolchildren, and organising the ‘Tea & Tips’ sessions (1-2-1 chats with a practitioner for parents). I also carry out some of the H&S tasks such as weekly fire alarm testing, fire extinguisher checks, the stocking of First Aid kits, plus building, garden, car park and play park inspections.

What do you like most about SensationALL / what does SensationALL mean to you?
I am in awe of our Service Team – their knowledge and compassion is amazing and when you see them working with our attendees, I just think they are awesome. I work in the Administration office and everyone in there is so kind and helpful, with a great sense of humour.  It’s a pleasure to go into work each day and I am immensely proud of the work that we all do.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I’ve been here for just over 3 years now.

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
I love the vibration plate!  If I have a couple of minutes whilst boiling the kettle, you’ll probably find me on the machine getting a good shake down!  I also love standing on a Bosu balance ball – it feels like I’m doing some exercise.

A fun fact about yourself!
I am also a Wedding Ceremony Officer, as well as a Match Day First Aider at Pittodrie.  In my spare time, I volunteer with the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance and as a Community Cardiac Responder in Westhill.

Ellie McKenna, Service Coordinator

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
My role consists of being the primary point of contact for our families and finding support and sessions that are beneficial for them. (and a whole bunch of background IT stuff!)

What do you like most about SensationALL / what does SensationALL mean to you?
My favourite thing about SensationALL is seeing how much it helps our service users and their families. It’s the only place I’ve ever worked where it feels like I really make a difference.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
Almost three years! I started back in May 2023 with way less grey hair!

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
Baking! Especially anything involving chocolate but it has to be vegan.

A fun fact about yourself
I recently got into running and my first ever competitive race was Edinburgh marathon last year! I then did Tough Mudder two weeks after and 4 other races before the end of 2025. 

Regulate with floor time

Written by

Do you ever feel that you do your best thinking or relaxing while sitting on the floor? Maybe your child plays best when they are lying on the floor. Well there’s a good reason for it and we explore using the floor as a regulation tool in this blog.

For many neurodivergent people, the floor is a powerful regulation tool. Floor time isn’t about getting in the way, making a mess or being lazy… it is about the nervous system feeling safe, grounded and supported.

Why regulation starts in the body

Before you can focus, listen, learn, or communicate your nervous system needs to feel settled.

Neurodivergent nervous systems often process sensory information differently.

Sitting upright on a chair, staying still, or holding a particular posture can take a huge amount of effort, leaving less energy for learning or emotional regulation.

The science behind floor time

There is a scientific basis to support the use of floor time:

1. Proprioception: Feeling grounded and secure

Proprioception is the sense that tells us where our body is in space. When you sit or lie on the floor, you receive:

  • Firm contact through the legs, hips, and spine
  • Gentle pressure through muscles and joints
  • Clear feedback about where your body is
  • Input that helps the brain feel safe and organised.

The floor gives the body more information, more sensory feedback, and more support, which helps the brain relax.

So ultimately, being on the floor can reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and make it easier to concentrate.

2. Vestibular input: Balance without overwhelm

The vestibular system helps with balance, movement, and alertness. Floor positions naturally allow:

  • Shifting weight
  • Rocking gently
  • Changing positions easily
  • Crossing the midline

The movement helps you stay regulated without becoming over-stimulated, supporting focus without tipping into restlessness.

3. Tactile input: Predictable, calming touch

Putting it simply, the floor is solid. It provides steady and predicable touch.

So unlike light or unexpected touch, which can feel overwhelming for some people, contact with the floor is consistently reliable which can be calming.

You can change your body position to respond to the needs of your nervous system by alternating between the floor and seats in line with your mood.

Using the floor as a grounding tool

For many, the floor acts like an anchor, helping you stay connected to your body and the moment.

Being close to the ground can:

  • Slow down breathing
  • Reduce emotional overwhelm
  • Improve body awareness
  • Support people who dissociate or shut down
  • Help people feel present and calm

Plus, anything can be done on the floor! For both adults and children the floor can be multi-functional – learning doesn’t have to stop because you are on the floor.

  • Read or write lying on your tummy
  • Build, sort, and play sitting on a rug
  • Talk through feelings leaning on cushions
  • Do homework while sprawled out comfortably
  • Do some stretches or yoga on a mat

The power of language

Avoid using negative language when someone is using the floor. Comments like “Sit properly” or “Get up off the floor” can be upsetting and lead to increased dysregulation.

Instead try supportive phrases like:

  • “Would the floor feel better?”
  • “Let’s take this down to the ground.”
  • “What does your body need right now?”

Keep up to date with the latest SensationALL Self-Regulation Strategies on our socials!

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook

Visual timetables

Written by

Visual aids and timetables are a simple yet transformative tool to support regulation, communication, and independence in sessions.

Many neurodivergent people need structure and routine to feel calm and comfortable. In our sessions, we use visual timetables and ‘now, next’ boards to help our attendees understand the plan for the day. This can also help prepare for transitions and changes in activities or tasks.

What are visual timetables?

A visual timetable can be in various different formats but it is always a clear, visual sequence using pictures, symbols, words, or even objects to show what is happening and in what order.

At home you can use a visual timetable for a daily plan, an activity schedule, or even a whole week. This is particularly useful at times when routine changes like during holidays or special events.

Why are timetables important?

Transitions and unpredictability can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent people. A visual timetable will:

  • reduce anxiety
  • increase predictability
  • aids communication
  • encourages independence
  • creates consistency

By making time visible, we help people feel safer, more in control, and better able to participate in meaningful activities.

What are the benefits:

  • Helps executive function by reducing cognitive load. By presenting clear sequencing you can improve focus.
  • Supports attention & memory because visual cues free-up brain space.
  • Helps people feel in control – as you can check what’s happening next instead of relying on other people to tell you.
  • Improves family communications – everyone can see what’s on the schedule if it is on display.
  • Eases transitions – fewer meltdowns and quicker adjustments between tasks.

How to use visual timetables…

You can incorporate visual timetables into every day life or just for specific situations like holidays and events.

Here are some downloadable visuals you can use to create your own timetables:

Keep up to date with the latest SensationALL Self-Regulation Strategies on our socials!

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook

Written by

Test your trivia knowledge! Our fun quizzes include a wide variety of topics and maybe even a few cryptic questions or a picture round to keep you on your toes!

The next date will be announced soon!

The Broadstraik Inn, Westhill.

Gather your team (max 4 people per team):

  • £10 entry per person
  • 7pm quiz starts
  • Prize for highest scoring team

Plus, raffles and fundraising games for SensationALL.

Reserve your team by emailing events@sensationall.org.uk