About Monique Thoonsen and SensoMatters
Monique Thoonsen is an expert in sensory processing, an author and an educator. Her work is based on a longstanding fascination with the role of the senses in daily life and learning. Monique studied in the United States at Sensory Integration International, founded by Dr Jean Ayres, the founder of Sensory Integration Theory. Monique has written several books in Dutch and English, including the well-known ‘Wiebelen & Friemelen’ book series.
Through SensoMatters, she continues to share her knowledge by translating scientific insights into practical support for everyday life.
SensoMatters supports parents, teachers and professionals in recognising sensory needs and dealing with under- or overstimulation. Complex theory is translated into clear, practical and people-centred information, making learning and living together simpler and more enjoyable.
The approach combines clear explanations with strategies for everyday practice. The shared insights can be applied immediately and help children and adults feel calmer, more focused and better understood.
Background
Monique Thoonsen hears from practitioners that, as a result of problems with sensory processing, pupils are increasingly less able to communicate and self-regulate, and consequently display behaviour that is younger than would be appropriate for their biological age. This behavioural issue causes problems for both fellow pupils and teachers.
According to Monique, knowledge of the right activating or calming strategy for under- or overstimulation can be part of the solution. “Using a PrikkelWaaier, we explain how to get a pupil into the green zone, enabling them to feel as well as possible. This creates the conditions needed to experience life and learn. If you are in the blue zone, you are understimulated and do not receive enough stimuli. If, on the other hand, you are in the orange or red zone, you are overstimulated and focused on survival.”
Definition
SensoMatters recognises eight senses (see image).
“Through these senses, we receive stimuli from inside and outside our bodies. ‘Sensory filters’ play a role in processing sensory stimuli. They determine how strongly a stimulus comes in. When this happens neutrally, you respond appropriately to sensory stimuli. If the sensory filter lets through too much, you become overstimulated; if the sensory filter lets through too little, you become understimulated.”
Now that Monique has explained what sensory processing is and why it is important for teachers to recognise it, the next challenge arises immediately: how can you, as a teacher, recognise under- and overstimulation in the classroom? This will be addressed in part 2.