Supporting the External Senses

Supporting the External Senses — Educational Infographic (Printable, A2)

You will receive the printable unwatermarked version of this infographic

This infographic explains how each of the five external senses processes information and offers practical, respectful adjustments to support sensory comfort.

This infographic covers:

• Vision — how the visual system processes light, colour, contrast, and detail, with helpful adjustments like soft lighting and reduced clutter
• Hearing — how the auditory system processes sound, with helpful adjustments like ear defenders, warnings before loud noise, and access to quiet spaces
• Touch — how the tactile system processes pressure, texture, and temperature, with helpful adjustments like removing tags and offering personal space
• Smell — how the olfactory system connects to memory and emotion, with helpful adjustments like unscented products and never forcing exposure
• Taste — how taste works with smell and texture to shape eating, with helpful adjustments like keeping safe foods available and never demanding tasting
• Accommodations Support Access — how reducing sensory load frees capacity for communication, learning, and connection
• Offer • Observe • Adapt — recognising that responses to the same input can shift moment to moment
• Research/Source themes and references

What you get:

• High-resolution PDF, print-ready and scalable up to A2 (420 × 594mm)
• Instant digital download

Perfect for: SEND and clinical training, therapy rooms, staff CPD, parent carer forums, schools, and personal understanding.

For personal, classroom, and professional educational use. Not for resale or redistribution.

© Nonspeaking Autism

Disclaimer:

This resource is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is designed to support understanding of autism, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and behaviour from a neurodevelopmental perspective.

The information provided is not medical, psychological, therapeutic, or legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for assessment, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

Every autistic person is unique. Strategies and supports should always be tailored to the individual's needs, strengths, and circumstances.

If a child displays a sudden change in behaviour, severe distress, signs of illness, injury, or behaviours that place themselves or others at risk, seek appropriate medical advice or emergency assistance where necessary.

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and reflects current understanding, knowledge in autism and neuroscience continues to evolve.

This resource is for the purchaser's personal, educational, or professional use only. It may not be copied, redistributed, resold, edited, shared publicly, or reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

© Nonspeaking Autism 💙