Communication And Sensory Needs Presentation
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.
- Under-responsiveness:
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.