The Hidden Senses Impacting Learning and Engagement in Children with SEN

When we think about how children learn, especially those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), most of us focus on the five familiar senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. These senses are indeed important, but there are three other senses that often go unnoticed. These hidden senses play a crucial role in how children learn, regulate their emotions, and engage in the classroom. Understanding these can transform the way we support children with SEN.

The Vestibular Sense and Its Role in Learning

The vestibular sense helps us understand balance, movement, and spatial orientation. It tells the brain where the body is in relation to gravity and helps coordinate movements. When this system is not working properly, children may find it hard to sit still, stay focused, or feel safe in their environment.

For example, a child with an under-responsive vestibular system might constantly rock back and forth or seek out movement to feel grounded. On the other hand, a child with an over-responsive vestibular system might avoid activities like climbing or swinging because they feel overwhelming or scary.

In the classroom, these challenges can look like restlessness, difficulty following instructions, or trouble with physical activities. Teachers might mistake these behaviours for inattention or defiance, but they often stem from the child’s need to regulate their vestibular system.

Proprioception: Understanding Body Awareness

Proprioception is the sense that tells us where our body parts are in space and how much force to use when moving. It helps with posture, handwriting, and motor skills. Children with proprioceptive difficulties may struggle with tasks that require fine motor control, such as writing or using scissors. They might also have poor posture or appear clumsy.

For instance, a child who presses too hard with a pencil or struggles to stay seated upright may be experiencing proprioceptive challenges. These difficulties can also affect emotional regulation. When the body feels “off,” it can be harder for a child to stay calm or focused.

Supporting proprioception can involve activities that provide deep pressure or heavy work, such as carrying books, pushing a chair, or squeezing a stress ball. These activities help the child’s brain get the information it needs to feel organized and ready to learn.

Interoception: The Sense of Internal Body Signals

Interoception is less well-known but equally important. It is the sense that helps us understand internal body signals like hunger, thirst, tiredness, or the need to use the bathroom. Children with interoceptive difficulties may not recognize these signals clearly, which can lead to challenges in self-regulation and emotional awareness.

For example, a child might not realize they are hungry or need a break until they become upset or distracted. This can cause frustration and make it harder for them to participate fully in learning activities.

Helping children develop interoceptive awareness can involve teaching them to notice and name their feelings and bodily sensations. Simple routines, visual schedules, and regular check-ins can support this process.

How These Senses Affect Focus, Behaviour, and Learning

For many children with SEN, differences in vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive systems influence how they behave and learn. What looks like “inattention” or “disruption” may actually be a child trying to manage their sensory needs.

Understanding these hidden senses allows educators and caregivers to respond with empathy and practical strategies. For example:

• Allowing movement breaks for children who need vestibular input

• Providing sensory tools like weighted lap pads or fidget toys to support proprioception

• Using clear signals and prompts to help children recognize internal needs related to interoception

  
  

These approaches create a more supportive learning environment where children can focus better and feel more secure.

Creating Inclusive Learning Environments

Recognizing the importance of these three hidden senses moves us closer to truly inclusive education. It means looking beyond academic skills and considering the whole child: their neurological, sensory, and emotional needs.

At You2Me Tuition, this understanding shapes how we work with learners. We create environments that support sensory regulation and emotional well-being alongside academic progress. This holistic approach helps every child succeed in their own way.

Learning is not just about what children see or hear. It is about how they experience and interact with the world through all their senses. By paying attention to vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses, we can better support children with SEN to engage, learn, and thrive.

If you work with children with SEN, consider how these hidden senses might be affecting their behaviour and learning. Small changes in the classroom or at home can make a big difference in helping children feel understood and supported.