Lauren’s Story: Understanding Sensory Needs Through Personalised Support

Mentor Perspective: Supporting Lauren’s EHCP Goals

This term, I worked closely with Lauren to help her progress towards one of her key EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) targets: Recognising and managing her sensory needs.

Lauren has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and sensory regulation has always been a significant challenge for her. Understanding what triggers discomfort and what brings calm is a vital step toward independence and emotional wellbeing.

A Tailored Approach That Worked for Lauren

To support this journey, I created a custom project booklet tailored to Lauren’s interests and learning style. We worked through structured activities together, including:

Sensory Scenarios: Exploring how Lauren might respond to different hypothetical sensory situations (e.g., busy environments, strong smells, texture aversion)
Sensory Aids Exploration: Trying out different tools and strategies to help Lauren feel more regulated (fidget items, weighted objects, soft textures)
Positive Sensory Experiences: We visited a local farm, where Lauren was able to enjoy safe, hands-on interaction with animals which was a soothing and joyful sensory experience

“The farm visit was a turning point. It gave Lauren a chance to explore new sensations in a positive, low-pressure environment.”

Why This Matters

Managing sensory needs is not just about comfort, it’s about helping neurodivergent learners thrive in the world around them.

Thanks to a combination of structured learning, gentle exposure, and 1:1 mentoring, Lauren is now:

✅Better able to recognise sensory triggers

✅ More willing to try calming strategies

✅ Beginning to communicate her needs more openly

✅ Feeling more in control of how she responds to the world

Looking Ahead

Lauren still has more progress to make, but her confidence is growing. She’s discovering new ways to regulate her emotions and express herself, a critical step towards independence, education engagement, and improved wellbeing.

Need Sensory Support for Your Child?

If your child has ASD or sensory needs and is struggling in traditional settings, we can help.

Because education should meet the learner where they are, every step of the way.