Communication And Sensory Needs Presentation

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.

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