New Sensory Circuits Enhance Long-Standing Student Support at The Gifford School

WESTON, Mass. — September 9, 2026 — The Gifford School announced the launch of new, specialized therapeutic sensory environments designed to deepen its support for students who struggle in traditional learning environments. Built in response to strategic research with parents, local school districts, and staff, the initiative gives students structured input to support self-regulation and maximize classroom learning time.

These new resources build on a longstanding part of Gifford's approach, addressing sensory processing differences common among students with autism, ADHD, and emotional regulation challenges. That work now includes newly expanded equipment designed to meet those needs directly. "When we help students regulate their nervous systems through structured physical input, we give them the tools to move past sensory overload and get back to what matters most: learning and connecting with their peers," said Wil Fredian, Executive Director at The Gifford School.

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Children with sensory processing differences often develop behaviors that appear challenging, but can be intuitive attempts to regulate their nervous system. By looking past surface behavior to what a student actually needs, Gifford's educators find useful clues that lead to effective, individualized sensory strategies. While the equipment may resemble a play structure, it is intentionally designed to provide structured input, including rhythmic movement, balance, and deep pressure, that helps regulate the body's stress response.

The installation features two age-appropriate zones designed to target these specific regulation needs:

● Lower School Zone: Focuses on younger students, using specialized equipment to deliver rhythmic movement and deep pressure that helps calm the nervous system.

● Middle & High School Zone: Designed as a fitness circuit tailored for older students, providing the same therapeutic sensory benefits through a layout suited for a mature age group.

By equipping students with these targeted tools, Gifford helps learners recover from moments of distress, build self-awareness around what their bodies and minds need, and develop the independence required for more consistent time in the classroom, supporting stronger academic and social outcomes over time.

About The Gifford School The Gifford School provides individualized education and therapeutic support for neurodiverse students in grades 4–12 referred by their public school districts. Gifford helps students develop emotional regulation strategies, social competencies, and the academic and executive functioning skills necessary to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit www.gifford.org.

Media Contact: Jeannine Spallone, Director, Marketing & Communications, jspallone@gifford.org, 781-899-9500