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Publicly funded primary and secondary educators have limited access to interactive, digital resources to assist them in supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This results in educators struggling to understand and respond when learners experience sensory overload, which often leads to students feeling stressed, anxious, and having meltdowns.
To provide educators with the knowledge to identify sensory triggers, emotional responses, and behavioural reactions to different patterns of sensory overload, helping them develop practical strategies that meet student needs and foster inclusive classrooms.
Teddy, Penny, Chip & Bean is an interactive digital storytelling experience that places educators in virtual classrooms. Through branching narratives, educators make real time decisions in response to moments of sensory overload. Each choice shapes the outcome, either supporting regulation or heightening distress, followed by feedback that clarifies the impact of their actions. The experience is accompanied by downloadable classroom tools including awareness posters, calming charts, a language guide, communication cards, and a teacher's reference guide.
Primary and secondary level educators in South African public schools who have limited knowledge of sensory differences, work with large classes and minimal support, and need practical strategies to create calm, inclusive classrooms for students with ASD.
Thesis Research & Visual Analysis explored Dunn's Model of Sensory Processing, the Social Model of Disability, and empathic design. Analysis of Life (Re)Sounding and (UN)TRAFFICKED informed how narrative and feedback systems support understanding of complex lived experiences
Interview with Madelé Gervaise, Principal at Evolve Development Centre, revealed educators often learn how to handle sensory overload on the job with little prior training
Questionnaire with 36 teachers across Cape Town and Johannesburg identified loud noises, crowded classrooms, and changes in routine as the most common triggers
The project evolved from simulating overstimulation from a neurodivergent perspective to creating an educator focused tool. Instead of separating types of overstimulation, each character represents one of the four patterns from Dunn's Model: Sensory Avoiding, Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensory Seeking. Characters begin as black and white when regulated, then transition to vibrant signature colours (red, blue, yellow, green) as sensory overload escalates, providing visual feedback of their emotional state.
Meet Teddy, Penny, Chip, and Bean. Each student represents a different sensory processing pattern from Dunn's Model. Click on a student to learn more about their pattern.
Interactive mockups showcasing the user experience and interface design.
Beyond the interactive scenarios, the website includes educational pages that extend learning and provide ongoing support for educators.
Five downloadable resources extend the experience into everyday practice.
Completed as part of a BA Honours in Visual Communication, this thesis explores how interactive digital storytelling can support educators in recognising and responding to sensory overload in learners with ASD. The research draws on the Social Model of Disability, Systems Thinking, and Dunn's Model of Sensory Processing to examine how design can create more inclusive educational tools.
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Individuals with sensory avoiding tend to withdraw from or try to reduce sensory input that feels overwhelming or unpleasant. Teddy often pulls away from overwhelming sensory input like loud noise, busy spaces, or sudden touch, becoming quiet or seeking calm. Named after a teddy bear, representing comfort and control.
Individuals with low registration have a high sensory threshold, meaning they miss or are slow to notice things that others easily perceive. They require a high level of sensory input to register or notice information from their environment. Penny needs strong input to stay engaged. Named from "penny for your thoughts."
Individuals with sensory sensitivity often perceive sights, sounds, touches, and other sensations more intensely than others. This heightened response can lead to discomfort or strong reactions. Chip senses things more strongly than others, and loud noises, bright lights, or sudden touch can feel overwhelming. Named from "chip on your shoulder."
Individuals with sensation seeking do not fully process all incoming sensory input. However, unlike those with low registration, they actively seek out stimulating experiences. Bean is drawn to movement, lights, colours, sounds, smells, and tastes that excite and energize them. Named from "full of beans."
