Children with Autism have sensory needs that need to be addressed in order to help them regulate their bodies, emotions & to help them stay out of the flight or fight nervous system reactions. This is the most important area of need I believe, that we need to focus on in class and at home. Understanding and focussing on their unique sensory needs helps these children access the class lessons , activities, social emotional well being , and maintain a positive self image, motivation, effort and more. We process information and regulate ourselves through our senses. This helps us understand, organize and process information coming at us from our environment and bodies. Children with Autism tend to process and are sensitive to EVERYTHING. This can be exhausting and over stimulating resulting in many behaviors including the fight or flight response. Basically, high stress and anxiety. These children struggle with sensory over stimulation ( I try to explain this as carbonation and then being shaken ). They need strategies & techniques to help self regulate & calm themselves to feel safe, alert and engaged with their environment & those around them. | Because this is such an important issue for these children to learn, I dedicate time and resources to help the children feel safe, calm and alert.
Helping children at home is also a key place to address sensory needs especially now with our busy hectic lives these days. Set aside some quiet time, reduce the sensory input, make sure the children are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, prepare them for upcoming transitions, meet them in their world and interests, do things they want to do even if you would rather not. Expand on their interests and talents. This will create an opening for them to try more experiences you want them to enjoy as well. |
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Debbie RiceTraining and Credentials Archives
January 2017
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