Use these sensory preference worksheets to help a child put words, drawings or examples to the sights, sounds, textures, smells, foods and movements that help them feel settled or feel overwhelmed. They can support one-to-one sessions, school support planning, occupational therapy conversations, family discussions and self-awareness work with children and young people.
The “Things I Enjoy” activity gives children space to identify sounds they enjoy, things they like looking at, textures they like touching and movements they enjoy. A second preferences page invites them to add favourite smells, foods and drinks, temperatures, and other things that help them feel comfortable.
Two “Things That Feel Too Much” worksheets explore sensory dislikes and overload. Prompts cover sounds that bother me, things I do not like looking at, textures I do not like touching, smells that bother me, foods or drinks I avoid, uncomfortable temperatures, movements I do not enjoy and other things that overwhelm me.
Each page uses large, clearly labelled boxes that can be completed through writing, drawing, adult scribing or sticking in pictures. The repeated reminder that there is no right or wrong can make the sheets a suitable starting point for children who find it difficult to explain sensory needs directly.
My sensory preferences is particularly suited to primary-age children, autistic children, children with sensory processing differences, and young people who need help communicating what feels calming or difficult. Parents, carers, teachers, SEN staff, social workers and occupational therapists could use completed pages to notice patterns and plan practical sensory supports at home, in class or during appointments.
