Discover the root causes of sensory-related behaviors and get targeted solutions to meet sensory needs and reduce those negative behaviors. Learn practical, evidence-based tools and strategies you can start using right away! Watch this series now with your entire ministry team to get actionable tips for supporting difficult behaviors at church and ministry events. Get equipped to create a more calm, worshipful, and learning conducive environment for everyone in your church.
Introduction: Part 1 of 7
Struggling with challenging behaviors at church? Discover sensory solutions that transform chaos into calm with real-life tools and expert insight. In this video, from our most requested course, we break down how sensory issues impact behavior and what you can do about it. An experienced occupational therapist gives real life examples and strategies specifically for the church environment.
• Learn how to identify the root causes behind difficult behaviors using relatable examples.
• Discover the difference between sensory shutdowns and meltdowns, and how to respond effectively.
• Understand 7 different senses involved in sensory regulation—including body awareness (proprioception) and balance (vestibular).
• Find out which sensory tools work best in church and ministry settings to help reduce disruptive behaviors.
Sensory Overload: Part 2 of 7
Discover what really happens during sensory overload and how it can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns, even at church. Learn practical strategies to recognize, respond to, and prevent sensory overwhelm for kids and adults.
- What “fight, flight, or freeze” looks like and why it happens during sensory overload
- How even small sensory triggers can add up to big reactions
- What happens in the brain and body during a meltdown
- Why reasoning and talking might make things worse
- Simple ways to create a more sensory-friendly environment at church
Meltdowns and Shutdowns: Part 3 of 7
Learn to spot the difference between tantrums, meltdowns, and shutdowns—so you can respond with confidence, compassion, and the right tools! Sensory meltdowns and shutdowns can be hard to tell apart from tantrums, but understanding the difference is crucial. This video breaks down the key signs, so you know exactly what to look for and what to do.
- The differences between tantrums and sensory meltdowns
- Why meltdowns are neurological stress responses, not a behavioral choice
- How to recognize the typical signs and causes of a meltdown to prevent them
- What sensory shutdowns look like and how they’re different from non-compliance
- Practical tips to help someone through a meltdown or shutdown or prevent it all together
Calming & Control Strategies: Part 4 of 7
Struggling with sensory overload at church? Learn fast-acting, proven calming and self-regulation tools that help kids and adults find peace and self-control. Discover effective calming and self-control strategies that are perfect for church and ministry events.
- Recognizing the first signs of sensory distress and acting quickly
- Calming techniques like reducing sensory stimulation and using cold
- Breathing and blowing activities to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation
- The benefits and application of weighted items and heavy pressure for calming
- Teaching self-regulation, tracking triggers, and using evidence-based strategies like breathing exercises and sensory tools
Tactile Seekers & Avoiders: Part 5 of 7
Tactile seekers or avoiders at church? Discover the ‘why’ behind behaviors—and get real tools to reduce disruptions and create a welcoming environment at church! In this video, we break down how sensory issues like tactile seeking and tactile avoiding can impact behavior and what you can do about it.
- Understanding the importance of sensory systems in behavior and learning
- Key symptoms, behaviors, and distinctions between tactile seekers (under-responsive) and tactile avoiders (over-responsive)
- Practical tools and strategies for supporting tactile seekers & avoiders
- Strategies for creating a welcoming church environment for tactile seekers & avoiders, including sensory-friendly routines and accommodations
- Reducing the behaviors that are often associated with tactile seeking and avoiding
Proprioceptive and Vestibular Seekers & Avoiders: Part 6 of 7
Learn why some people can’t sit still at church—and how sensory-smart strategies can boost focus, reduce disruptions, and support every learner. This video shares many practical tips and tools to get to the root cause of issues like the inability to stay seated, constant fidgeting, and refusing to participate.
- Why a proprioceptive seeker often gets into trouble and what to do about it
- Create the optimal environment for learning, so people can stay seated and focused
- Understand vestibular avoiders and how to create a safe and welcoming environment for them
- Simple sensory-friendly ideas for routines, seating, and movement breaks specifically for the church environment
Oral, Auditory, and Visual Seekers & Avoiders: Part 7 of 7
Discover key reasons behind blurting out, chewing on clothing, noise sensitivity, and inattention—and get church-ready strategies to support these sensory needs with confidence. Gain a new perspective on sensory challenges and behaviors as you discover the ‘why’ behind these behaviors—and get real tools to reduce disruptions and create a welcoming environment at church!
- The characteristics and behaviors of oral sensory seekers and avoiders
- Practical solutions to support oral sensory seekers in your church
- Strategies for communion and social events to help the oral avoiders.
- Understanding auditory seekers and avoiders and their unique challenges
- Tips for creating a sensory-friendly environment for visual seekers and avoiders