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

   

Slide 1: Welcome and Introduction

  • Introduce yourself as the school district's autism specialist.
  • Briefly explain the presentation's goals:
    • Understand the seven sensory systems and their role in ASD.
    • Identify signs of sensory under- and over-responsiveness.
    • Implement practical strategies to support sensory needs in the classroom

Full Answer Section

     

Slide 2: The Seven Sensory Systems

  • Briefly explain the concept of sensory processing and its impact on individuals with ASD.
  • Introduce the seven sensory systems:
    • Vision: Sights, colors, light levels, movement.
    • Auditory: Sounds, volume, pitch, music, background noise.
    • Touch: Textures, pressure, pain, temperature, personal space.
    • Taste: Flavors, textures, temperatures, smells.
    • Smell: Scents, perfumes, cleaning products, food aromas.
    • Proprioception: Body awareness, movement, position, balance.
    • Vestibular: Movement, balance, spinning, changes in position.

Slide 3-7: Sensory Under- and Over-responsiveness Examples

  • For each sensory system, dedicate a slide with two sections:
    • Under-responsiveness:
      • Provide examples of how students might behave if under-responsive (e.g., not reacting to loud noises, seeking strong textures, difficulty feeling pain).
      • Explain the potential challenges this presents for learning and classroom participation.
    • Over-responsiveness:
      • Provide examples of how students might behave if over-responsive (e.g., covering ears at low noises, avoiding certain textures, strong aversions to specific smells).
      • Explain the potential challenges this presents for learning and classroom participation.

Slide 8: Sensory Accommodations and Strategies

  • Provide a general overview of sensory accommodations and their importance in supporting students with ASD.
  • Offer practical suggestions for each sensory system:
    • Vision: Adjust lighting, offer fidgets, provide sunglasses, allow flexible seating.
    • Auditory: Use noise-canceling headphones, offer earplugs, create quiet areas, use visual cues.
    • Touch: Offer weighted blankets, allow tactile input (play dough, fidgets), adjust clothing textures.
    • Taste and Smell: Allow preferred snacks, offer alternative lunch areas, minimize strong scents.
    • Proprioception: Movement breaks, heavy work activities, sensory exercises, flexible seating.
    • Vestibular: Rocking chair, swing, movement breaks, balance activities.

Slide 9: Sensory Integration Activities

  • Share specific activities that promote sensory integration and regulation:
    • Yoga poses, mindful breathing exercises, guided visualization.
    • Sensory walks, scavenger hunts, nature walks.
    • Music and movement sessions, dance therapy.
    • Building and construction activities, messy play.

Slide 10: Collaborative Communication with Families

  • Emphasize the importance of collaboration with families to ensure consistency in sensory support.
  • Encourage communication channels: daily feedback loops, sensory profiles, regular parent-teacher conferences.

Slide 11: Resources and Further Support

  • Provide a list of helpful resources:
    • Books, websites, organizations focused on sensory processing and ASD.
    • Sensory equipment vendors, professional development opportunities.

Slide 12: Q&A and Discussion

  • Open the floor for questions and discussion from teachers and staff.
  • Encourage shared experiences and brainstorming for specific student needs.

Part 2: Bridging the Communication Gap (coming soon)

This presentation provides a strong foundation for understanding sensory processing in students with ASD, offering practical strategies for classroom implementation. Part 2 will delve deeper into their communication needs, exploring evidence-based strategies to bridge the gap and promote effective communication skills.

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