CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

4 Ways the Montessori Method Can Benefit Children With Special Needs

The Montessori method is sensory-friendly and creates an orderly environment. Here are four ways it could help children with special needs with their developmental journeys.
save article
profile picture of Monti Kids Learning Team
Updated April 22, 2021
Child with special needs and her mom playing with montessori toys.
Image: Monti Kids
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

The Montessori philosophy is rooted in observing and meeting a child where they are on their unique developmental journey, and it can be a wonderful learning experience for a child with special needs.

To learn more about how the age-old method of education could help, the Monti Kids Learning Team connected with Amorette French who is an Autistic parent of two 22-month-old girls, and Jennifer Theriault, LCSW and certified child psychotherapist, to share perspectives on why parents of children with special needs may want to explore incorporating Montessori at home.

An Orderly Environment

A Montessori environment is prepared in an organized and thoughtful way, which allows children to focus on the task at hand, while setting them up for success. For example, instead of packing a play space with bins of toys and loose parts, Montessori families prefer to present their child with a curated selection of 6-8 toys, placed on a low shelf. The calm and soothing environment can be appealing to a child with special needs. “If something is overwhelming, they can stop and move on,” says French. In addition the materials can be easily manipulated, allowing for a multi-sensory approach to learning. “(We know this is) extremely important when working with children who might need more than one way to learn and understand concepts,” adds Theriault.

Sensory Friendly

While light up toys may be too stimulating for both children with special needs and neurotypical children, Montessori materials are intentionally designed, and avoid overwhelming a child who is sensory sensitive. “Montessori sensorial materials and activities are designed to isolate the senses, to experience them individually. This helps prevent the child, especially one who has sensory processing sensitivity, from being negatively affected,” explains French. Monti Kids provides level-based subscription boxes and materials that are natural, non-toxic and safe and allow for oral and tactile exploration as a child learns. French adds, as a caregiver observes a child through the Montessori lens they will better understand what stimuli a child may be sensitive to. “If a child repeatedly expresses upset over something in particular, say rough fabrics or particular noises, this provides awareness and allows the parent to make changes to their environment if necessary.”

Related Video

Focuses on the Child Rather Than Milestones

Instead of focusing on milestones, the Montessori Method encourages parents to follow the child by observing their developmental needs and interests and preparing an environment to meet them. For the special needs community this may mean ignoring age guidelines when it comes to specific toys. Instead, parents are encouraged to observe their child, and present them with developmentally appropriate materials to set them up for success. French stresses, “Don’t follow what their peers are doing but what they are able to do. And respect them. If something is upsetting or a trigger, respect that and don’t try to force it.”

Montessori Adapts with Your Child

As children get to the school-aged level, parents of children with special needs may recognize their child learns better in a flexible environment that is less focused on formalized tests and grades. Theriault notes, “We are learning more and more all the time about the importance of respecting people’s differences and offering an inclusive environment in which children are encouraged to express themselves and develop their innate abilities.” A Montessori education celebrates differences and accepts children as their unique selves on their own paths of development.

To learn more about how to incorporate Montessori at home in a way that best serves your child, team up with your caregivers and start planning for their Montessori journey. To learn more about the Montessori method, visit MontiKids.com.

About the Experts:

Jennifer Theriault, LCSW: Theriault is a psychotherapist that works with adults, adolescents and children, teaching how to use cognitive behavioral strategies to address specific issues. When appropriate for young children, she also uses play therapy to work through issues a young patient may not be able to explore verbally. Prior to opening her private practice, Theriault worked as a licensed clinical social worker for over 20 years, working in outpatient clinics, hospitals, group homes and school settings. As a mom to a child with cerebral palsy, she also works as an advocate for the Collaborative Advocacy Associates, which supports families in getting appropriate special educational services for their children. Theriault earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from New York University’s School of Social Work in 1995.

Amorette French: French, who self-identifies as austistic, is the author of Hello, I Have Autism: (An Autistic Children’s Guide—and for those who care—from an Autistic). She’s also a mom to two 22-month-old girls. She’s raising her daughters by the Montessori philosophy and, together with her husband, founded French Family Workshop, which creates Montessori and Waldorf style toys. You can follow her on her parenting journey on Instagram @french.family.montessori.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mother and toddler daughter sitting on the couch reading a book together at home
How to Tell if Your Toddler Is Smart
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
7 Weird Toddler Behaviors That Are Actually Normal
7 Weird Toddler Behaviors That Are Actually Normal
By Jenna McCarthy
toddlers playing side by side
The Different Stages of Play and How They Help Kids Learn
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
baby playing alone with toys on the floor
Why Is Solitary Play Important for Babies and Toddlers?
By Lisa Milbrand
mom posing with her daughter in spring-time outdoor setting
How I Came to Grips With My Daughter’s Autism and Redefined Motherhood
By Terah Boyd
love every launches a curated baby toy subscription service
The Fan-Favorite Montessori Toy Subscription Service Has a Big Discount All Month Long
By Stephanie Grassullo
parents changing newborn baby's diaper at home
What Baby's First Day Home Is Really Like
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Hero Best Gifts for One-Year-Olds
The Best Toys and Gifts for One-Year-Olds
By Martina Garvey
two toddlers in the bath together sharing toys
How to Teach Toddlers to Share
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
Why Baby Hates Tummy Time (and What You Can Do to Help)
Why Baby Hates Tummy Time (and What You Can Do to Help)
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Easter Basket Ideas
31 Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers and Babies That Don’t Involve Candy
By Christin Perry
Tummy Time Toys-hero
The Best Tummy Time Toys for Babies
By Christin Perry
dad helping baby walk
6 Signs Baby Will Walk Soon
Medically Reviewed by Loretta Cody, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Toy Storage Ideas-hero
12 Best Toy Organizers to Keep the Clutter in Check
By Korin Miller
tb-best-toddler-movies-HERO
The Best Toddler Movies (and Where to Watch Them)
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
Will Ferrell in the kids Christmas movie Elf
The 20 Best Kids' Christmas Movies for Family Movie Nights
By Celia Shatzman
Toddler Sleds Hero
7 Best Toddler Sleds for Snowbound Fun
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
Newborn Toys Hero
The 18 Best Newborn Toys to Engage Your Little One
By Danielle Halibey
The 29 Best Toys for 18-Month-Old Tots, According to Developmental Experts-hero
The 29 Best Toys for 18-Month-Old Tots, According to Developmental Experts
By Danielle Halibey
top view of baby wearing a christmas santa onesie
16 Ways to Make Baby’s First Christmas Extra-Festive
By Ashlee Neuman
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List