NORTHSIDE
TRAINING
Managing the Sensory Overwhelm
For neurodivergent clients, heightened or diminished sensitivity can lead to sensory overwhelm or under-stimulation, impacting daily functioning, communication and emotional regulation. Learn to identify sensory triggers and their effects, such as overstimulation from loud environments or discomfort due to certain textures. Explore how sensory differences influence behaviours, reactions, and overall well-being.
18 March 2025 6.00pm - 8.00pm Online
Course Information
Course content
We often hear about sensory overwhelm or sensory needs, but what do they mean? How can we work with them?
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Managing sensory overwhelm is vital for neurodivergent individuals, as heightened sensitivities to noise, light, textures, or other stimuli can impact daily life. Understanding one's sensory system is the first step, identifying triggers and responses unique to each person. Strategies include creating sensory-friendly environments, using tools like noise-cancelling headphones or weighted items, and practising self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing or grounding exercises.
Regular sensory breaks and routines can help maintain balance while advocating for accommodations promotes inclusion. Empowering neurodivergent individuals with coping mechanisms fosters well-being, reducing stress and enhancing their ability to navigate sensory-rich environments effectively.
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This workshop focuses on understanding and managing the sensory system to support neurodivergent individuals in navigating a world designed for neurotypical sensory experiences. The session will introduce the eight senses: the five traditional senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell), along with vestibular (balance and movement), proprioceptive (body awareness), and interoceptive (internal body sensations) senses.
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Learning Outcomes
The key outcomes from the workshop are:
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Be more confident in working with tools and strategies to help clients manage sensory underwhelm or overwhelm.
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A comprehensive understanding of the sensory system and actionable strategies to support sensory well-being.
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Better equipped to foster inclusion, resilience, and self-advocacy, promoting healthier and more fulfilling experiences for neurodivergent individuals across diverse settings.
The workshop provides practical tools and strategies to manage sensory needs effectively. These include creating sensory-friendly environments, using adaptive aids like fidget tools or noise-canceling headphones, and developing personalized sensory diets—structured activities designed to meet sensory needs and foster balance. Techniques such as grounding exercises, sensory breaks, and advocating for accommodations in work or school settings will also be covered.
We will learn how to use the Sensory Economy Chart to demonstrate and track sensory needs and sensory balance.
By combining evidence-based research, real-life examples, and interactive activities, this session aims to empower neurodivergent individuals, caregivers, educators, and allies. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the sensory system and actionable strategies to support sensory well-being. Ultimately, this workshop seeks to foster inclusion, resilience, and self-advocacy, promoting healthier and more fulfilling experiences for neurodivergent individuals across diverse settings.
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Who is this workshop for?
The course is aimed at practitioners, trainees or students who would like to know more about working clients with ADHD.
About the trainer
Nea Clark is a PTSTA (Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst) in the field of psychotherapy. She has an MSc in TA psychotherapy.
She is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is a psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice. Nea leads supervision and therapy groups and presents on a range of topics.