Children with diagnoses such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or autism might have a very difficult time sitting still. Some children take medications such as steroids that might affect their concentration and ability to sit still. Other children might not get enough sleep and become agitated and restless as a result. Furthermore, with recess and physical education classes being cut short and with the increase in children's passive computer and television time, some kids might simply have excess energy when they enter a classroom. The inability to sit still is frustrating to the students themselves and to their teachers who are trying to teach rather than discipline.
A seating disc is quite similar to an exercise ball, only flatter and more yielding. The disc sits on a regular chair, just like a cushion. The disc is filled with enough air so that sitting requires muscles to work at balancing. Some discs, such as the one shown by National Autism Resources, have two different textures (see Resources). A student can choose the level of sensory stimulation by choosing between a smooth side and a bumpy side.
A review of the benefits of seating discs on students' learning shows a number of behavioral and cognitive advantages, according to the Regional Educational Laboratory at the Educational Development Center. Students using the discs were able to stay on task more often and therefore be attentive to the teacher's efforts. Although advantages were found for all students, those with special needs enjoyed the most academic advantages due to the increase in attention span. Since the cushion provides a somewhat unstable surface to sit on, core muscles are used for sitting so that some students also noticed improvements in flexibility, posture, strength, balance or range of motion. The disc can easily be generalized to other learning behaviors that require sitting, such as homework or studying for a test.
Unfortunately, the seating disc will not help everyone. How the disc is introduced is very important because some students might object to being singled out for its use. Some kids might be so bothered by the sensation of being off-balance that the disc might make them worried or anxious. Similarly, anyone who has medical problems that may affect balance or anyone who had recent back surgery should consult a physician before using the disc. When the disc cannot be used, explore further options with teachers and therapists that have specific expertise in the sensory-modulation field. These professionals can be enormously helpful in finding techniques to assist children in focusing. Additionally, they can help teachers in restructuring the classroom environment in less traditional ways so that problems with attention do not come to the foreground as much.