Communication And Sensory Needs Presentation
Imagine you are an autism specialist for a large school district supporting the teachers and school staff who work with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, you are responsible for collaborating with the families of the children to promote consistency with potential behavior challenges, improve continuity in learning, and provide clear school-to-home communication. As part of Autism Awareness Day, the principal has asked you to provide the teachers and staff with information regarding sensory processing disorder and communication needs of students with ASD.
Create a presentation of 12–15 slides with Parts 1 and 2.
Part 1
Define the 7 sensory systems.
Provide examples of sensory under-responsiveness aligned to each sensory system.
Provide examples of sensory over-responsiveness aligned to each sensory system.
Provide practical accommodations and strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to help with sensory needs.
Part 2
Describe the receptive and expressive language needs of students with ASD.
Provide examples of augmentative and alternative communication supports.
Provide evidence-based strategies that promote effective communication skills.
Sample Solution
Part 1: Understanding Sensory Processing in Students with ASD
Slide 1: Introduction
- Welcome and thank you for attending!
- Autism Awareness Day: Celebrating individual strengths and supporting diverse needs.
- Today's focus: Sensory processing and communication in students with ASD.
Full Answer Section
Slide 2: What is Sensory Processing?
- Our brain receives information from our senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, proprioception, and vestibular).
- Normally, the brain integrates and regulates this information seamlessly.
- In some individuals, including those with ASD, sensory processing can be atypical.
Slide 3: The 7 Sensory Systems
- Vision: Light, color, movement, patterns.
- Hearing: Sounds, volume, pitch, rhythm.
- Touch: Textures, pressure, pain, temperature.
- Taste: Flavors, textures, temperatures.
- Smell: Odors, intensity, pleasantness.
- Proprioception: Body awareness, movement, position.
- Vestibular: Balance, movement, spatial awareness.
Slide 4: Sensory Under-responsiveness
- Students may appear insensitive to certain sensory stimuli.
- Examples: Not noticing loud noises, seeking out strong tactile sensations, preferring bright lights, not feeling pain as acutely.
- Potential impact: Difficulty focusing, seeking excessive stimulation, appearing restless or bored.
Slide 5: Sensory Over-responsiveness
- Students may experience intense or overwhelming reactions to certain sensory stimuli.
- Examples: Distraction by background noise, aversion to certain textures, strong dislike of specific smells, difficulty with crowds or bright lights.
- Potential impact: Anxiety, meltdowns, difficulty participating in activities, withdrawal.
Slide 6: Sensory Accommodations in the Classroom
- Visual: Fidget toys, visual schedules, dimmed lighting, alternative seating positions.
- Auditory: Earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, designated quiet spaces, white noise machines.
- Tactile: Chewing gum, weighted vests, fidget tools, sensory balls, textured seating.
- Taste and Smell: Offering scent-free environments, providing preferred options at snack time.
- Proprioception: Movement breaks, fidget tools, proprioceptive activities like jumping or stretching.
- Vestibular: Swings, rocking chairs, balance activities, movement breaks.
Slide 7: Communication with Sensory Needs in Mind
- Be aware of potential sensory triggers in the classroom.
- Offer breaks and alternative activities as needed.
- Provide clear and concise instructions using multiple modalities (visual, auditory).
- Celebrate individual sensory preferences and provide supportive tools.
Slide 8: Conclusion
- Supporting students with sensory processing challenges is key to their success in the classroom.
- By understanding their individual needs and implementing appropriate accommodations, we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Thank you for your dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of our students with ASD!