As I became more experienced teaching autistic students, I realised how sensory processing dysfunction impacted on them and the importance of understanding the student's particular difficulties and catering to the students' needs BEFORE any learning can take place. The Occupational Therapist became my first 'port of call' in understanding students and designing a sensory diet for the students.
I realised that even students who appear high functioning in both communication and academic areas needed to be catered to. For example, a high-functioning child who does not display any disturbing behaviours at school may go home and show anxiety or non-compliant behaviour. I found that if you gave some time to relax at school after tasks were completed, the child would be calmer. Relaxing for a child could be Rice Play which may seem inappropriate for a high-functioning child. However, it works!
What Does Sensory Processing Disorder look like?
Sound sensitivity-cupping ears.
Light sensitivity-may hide under something or squint.
Self-care problems-difficulties washing hands, face or teeth, or having showers or baths.
Smell sensitivity-may sniff people and objects. I did not wear any perfume or scent sometimes because of the sensitivities of students.
Sensitive to tags on clothing-will undress or rip clothing.
Fussy eater-may only eat white food, not chew, no spices,vegetables or fruit. Diet may be very repetitive.
Clumsiness.
Poor fine motor skills.
Meltdowns-different from temper tantrums as does not watch adult for reaction.
Touch- either dislikes being touched or seeks hugs. Hugs may not be social as the student is seeking pressure.
Anxious.
Over reaction to touch or scrapes.
Clings to familiar adults. The child may become so attached to a particular adult, that the adult is unable to move out of sight so schooling may start off as a very traumatic experience.
Toe walking.
Enjoys fast spinning or enjoys climbing, particularly challenging or steep climbs which require great strength and pulling motion on behalf of the child.
Poor body awareness-may stand too close to others. May walk with an adult but, while holding hands, may walk with the body at an angle rather than upright.
Banging or crashing objects, jumping from a great height, enjoys sharp flavors-these children are undersensitive to sensations so need 'more' to register anything.
Obsessive or oppositional behaviour.
Difficulties with transitions.
Speech delays, poor language, motor and academic skills. which in turn may develop a poor self-concept.
OT help is vital as the difficulties can escalate and become unmanageable if no intervention is given.
I have a range of OT products suitable for a sensory diet for you or your school to purchase. My Autism Shop can be found on the main page in the menu.
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Enjoy this short video by Dr. Covington (OT)
