Special needs · Sensory processing differences

A lesson the student can tune to their senses

Pencil Spaces helps students with sensory processing differences learn in a calmer setting, with noise filtering, softer colors, a simpler screen and control over camera.

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Area

Sensory needs

Who it helps

Students with sensory processing differences, including many autistic students and students with ADHD, occupational therapists, tutors and families

What lessons need

Less noise and clutter, control over sound and light, movement, predictability

In Pencil Spaces

6 features available today, 2 coming soon

Part of

Special needs, need by need

What do students with sensory processing differences need from an online lesson?

Sensory processing differences mean a student may be over- or under-sensitive to sound, light, touch or movement. A classroom can be overwhelming. Learning at home helps, as long as the screen itself doesn’t become the next source of overload.

Less background noiseNoise Cancellation · AvailableAI noise cancellation and echo reduction filter out background sound, so voices come through and the room doesn’t.
Softer colorsBoard Backgrounds · AvailableSwap bright white for a softer paper color, and make it the default.
A cleaner screenChild Mode · AvailableChild Mode cuts the toolbar to five tools, hides chat, boards and apps, and keeps the teacher’s face in view.
No face staring backPinned & Pop-out Video · AvailableSelf-view can be hidden or resized, which many students find less intense than watching themselves.
Regulation activities in viewDocument Camera · AvailableA second camera on the desk shows putty, fidgets or a heavy-work task, so the occupational therapist can coach it live.
Calm or focus musicMusic Player · Coming soonThe Music Player will play calm or focus music in the Space, and each student will be able to turn it down or off.
Sounds under controlSound Effects · Coming soonSound Effects will let the teacher play a chime, applause or a timer bell, with the volume in their control.
Pointing without clutterLaser Pointer · AvailablePoint at one spot on the board without leaving a mark, so the board stays uncluttered.

The features behind it

Why can online lessons be hard for students with sensory processing differences?

Video calls can be a lot: a wall of faces, your own face staring back, echo and background noise, bright white screens and pop-ups.

When the senses are overloaded, there’s nothing left for learning. Students may shut down, get up and leave or seem not to be listening.

What does a lesson look like in Pencil Spaces?

Self-view is hidden, and the board is set to a soft gray paper. Background noise from the house is filtered out.

The tutor keeps only one task on the board at a time. When the student needs to move, they stand at the tablet and keep writing.

How do therapists use Pencil Spaces with students with sensory processing differences?

Occupational therapists coach sensory regulation online with movement breaks, heavy work and calming strategies. A second camera shows the activity, and one big video view helps when the student moves away from the desk.

Consultation with teachers and families matters as much as direct work. Families and aides can join the Space to learn a regulation routine, and Lesson Summaries record the plan in writing.

Tips for teaching students with sensory processing differences online

Ask the student and family what helps and what overloads.
Keep the screen simple, with one thing at a time.
Keep volume low, and avoid sudden sounds.
Allow movement, fidget tools and breaks.
Watch for signs of overload, and slow down early.

Good to know

The Music Player and Sound Effects are coming soon.

Questions people ask

How can online lessons help students with sensory processing differences?

Learning at home lets a student control their surroundings. Pencil Spaces adds AI noise cancellation, softer board colors, hideable self-view and a simpler screen. The lesson itself doesn’t overload the senses.

Can self-view be hidden?

Yes. Self-view can be hidden or resized, so a student doesn’t have to watch their own face. Many students find that calmer, and the teacher still sees them if their camera is on.

Can the board be less bright?

Yes. Board Backgrounds change the paper color, so you can swap bright white for something softer and make it the default for new boards. Many students also turn down their screen brightness.