Sensory Processing Disorder & Riding the School Bus

Sensory Processing Disorder & Riding the School Bus

Jeanette Loftus 

Many children, ride the school bus everyday as part of their routine but for children who struggle with sensory processing disorder (SPD), this daily task can be overwhelming sensory overload, full of sensory triggers and a lot of anxieties. Loud noises and sounds, cramped seats and sitting too close to others can all contribute to a a child's sensory overload and can make a bus ride extremely stressful.

There can be a lot of sensory auditory overload when a child who has sensory processing disorder has to ride the bus each morning. They hear the loud humming from the buses engine,  children talking loudly to their peers and the squeaking of the buses brakes can be very overwhelming for children with auditory sensitivities.

When a child takes the school bus to school, there can be a lot of visual stimulation. They will see bright lights, and seeing the other students moving around on the bus can cause a child to have sensory overload which can cause them to feel anxiety and overstimulation.

Children can experience quite a bit of tactile discomfort when going to school because their new school clothes are too tight or too loose, some clothing may have tags or itchy seams, the bus seat is uncomfortable or being  touched as the other children pass by their seat can be stressful for children with tactile sensitivities.

A child's body moving from the motion of the bus can be challenging for a child who struggles with proprioceptive input. The bus moving and suddenly stops and starts, can cause a child to feel nauseous or dizzy if vestibular sensitivities are challenging for them. 

There are a lot of things to consider before a child who has sensory processing disorder takes the bus to their school. You will want to prepare your child for the school bus and and talk to them about what they can expect when they are on the school bus. Use visuals and social stories to show them what happens so they will know ahead of time. 

Provide your child with sensory tools that help keep them calm and regulated for their school bus ride and give them something familiar that they find comforting. Some common sensory tools many use for school bus rides could be noise canceling headphones, sensory fidgets or your child's favorite chewelry. 

Ask your child to choose their clothing for school. They should wear clothing they are comfortable to avoid additional discomfort while riding the school bus. Clothing that are not restricting, loose, free of seams and tags. 

If it is possible to choose the seat where your child will sit on the school bus, try to secure a seat near the front of the school bus and your child may prefer to sit in a window seat for better visibility and reduced movement. Communicate with your child's bus driver and let the driver know about your child's sensory needs and any possible sensory triggers so they know and understand. 

There are several strategies to consider during the school bus ride for children who have sensory processing disorder. Encourage your child to use their sensory tools and help them find ways to self-regulate during the school bus ride.

Practice different relaxation techniques with your child. Teach your child breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises to help them manage their anxiety and sensory overload while they are on the school bus. 

Using visual aids can be so helpful for a child. They can see how long the bus ride will be. Some parents use a visual timer and other parents use a countdown app to help their child understand the duration of the school bus ride so they will know what to expect. 

Give your child a lot of praise and positive reinforcement when they go to the bus stop, get on the bus and ride the bus to school. Acknowledge your child's efforts and reward them for successfully taking the school bus to school. 

Communicate with your child's school and their bus driver. Include your child's needs in their individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 plan.  To be sure that your child's need are being met. 

Discuss different strategies with your child's school and potential modifications for their school bus routine. Some children require school bus accommodations in their IEP such as a seat up front by the bus driver or getting to sit alone on the bus. 

Establishing a predictable routine for your child in the morning will be very beneficial. They will know each day when to get ready for the school bus ride. Include sensory diet breaks before they get on the bus. Creating a morning routine and consistency in their daily schedule will help bus rides go smoother for them. 

Every child who struggles with sensory processing disorder will have their own unique sensory needs. Talk to your child, their school and bus drivers. Include sensory strategies for your child's sensory differences. You can make riding the bus to school a positive experience so it can be a less stressful part of their day.