During this session, we will review:

• The sensory systems• How sensory processing differences impact

the individual’s behavior• The application of sensory processing

principles to classrooms and work environments for modifications and accommodations

A Person Centered Approach

For me and other people on the autism spectrum, sensory experiences that have little or no effect on neurotypical people can be severe life stressors.... There are many highly intelligent adults with Asperger's... who have such severe sensory issues that they cannot tolerate a normal job environment.

Temple Grandin

The Sensory Systems

Visual

Auditory

Taste

Smell

Touch

Vestibular

Proprioception

The Power Senses

• Touch

• Vestibular - gives brain information about how, where (direction), when & how fast you are moving

• Proprioception - provides subconscious awareness of body position & is the source of motor planning input

The Power SensesInfluence how effectively we detect and make

sense of information to enable us to:• feel safe and secure• to direct and sustain our attention• to move without fear and• to use our bodies automatically to perform

the myriad of motor tasks we take for granted throughout a normal daily routine

L. Barker, 2009

In Their Own Words

My senses seem to work on a quota system. I only have a set amount of energy or capacity to deal with incoming sensory information. I refer to this as my finite number of Sensory Processing Units... if I am in a dark room, I can tolerate more auditory chaos because my eyes are not busy. If I am in a quiet library, I can tolerate the quiet lights slightly longer because my ears aren't dealing with a lot of noise.

Zosia Zaks

Activity

Go to the Profile and complete question 1 under Sensory

1. What sensations appear to be difficult for this individual to process? Visual TouchAuditory ProprioceptionOlfactory VestibularTaste

Sensory Processing Differences

Impact on Behavior

Self-Regulation Behavior Response Continuum (W. Dunn)

Individuals with a high threshold tend to be under-responsive• Need more stimuli to

react• Will seek many

sensory experiences

Individuals with a low threshold tend to be overly responsive

• Might not be able to block out stimuli and get overwhelmed

• Might avoid or be unwilling to try new things

Sensory Defensiveness (P. Wilbarger)

The over activation of our protective sense (flight, fright, or fight reaction)

Self-Regulation (Williams & Shellenberger)

The ability to attain, maintain, and change arousal appropriate for each task that the individual is required to perform

Activity

Go to the Profile and complete questions 2 and 3

2. What sensations appear to trigger a fight/flight/fright response for this individual?

3. What behaviors does the person exhibit that may meet sensory needs?

Sensory Motor Preference Checklist

(Williams & Shellenberger)

What calms your engine down?

What “revs” your engine up?

How can you help individuals attain and maintain the appropriate arousal level?

Let’s see how this feels and generate some ideas!

Now, What Would You Do?

Steven’s Sensory Profile

What sensory systems appear to be over-responsive for Steven?

What sensory systems appear to be under-responsive for Steven?

What state of arousal is Steven in for most of the day?

Accommodations and Modifications to the Environment

Accommodations and Modifications to the Environment

Physical Adaptations• Room arrangement• Use of dividers• Quiet areas• Break areas• Traffic flow• Type of chair

Accommodations and Modifications to the Environment

Visual Accommodations• Use visual cues through color, pictures,

schedules, timers• Address lighting needs• Indicate desired perimeters through use of

tape, carpet, placemats or other cues• Use sunglasses, hat, etc.

Accommodations and Modifications to the Environment

Auditory Modifications• Limit verbal exchanges

• Noise cancellation headphones or ear plugs

• Ipod

• White noise

Accommodations and Modifications to the Environment

Reducing Distractions• Organize supplies

• Reduce clutter

• Keep area clean

• Place posters away from transition areas or focus areas of room

Individual Describing Sensory Challenges and

Strengths

What Else Can We Do to Support Steven?

Implementation of a Sensory Diet

• Uses naturally occurring events in person’s routine

• Contains selection of activities, easily implemented throughout the day in a variety of settings

• Helps individual maintain functional level of arousal throughout the day

• Individualizes activities based upon the person’s responses to sensory input

Naturalistic Sensory Activities

• Nature walking• Rolling, crawling,

climbing• Running, jumping,

dancing• Climbing stairs• Vacuuming

• Stretching, strength training

• Biking• Listening to music• Singing• Cooking• Gardening

Sensory Emergency Kit Items: Sample List (Zaks, 2006)

• Sunglasses

• Ipod, earplugs, or noise cancellation earphones

• Hat to block light

• Snacks/drinks/gum/candy

• Tactile items

• Extra clothing

Steven’s Naturalistic Sensory Activities

1. What is the goal for Steven’s naturalistic sensory activities?

2. How do we need to change Steven’s level of arousal?

3. What activities and environmental modifications can we utilize for Steven?

4. How can these activities be implemented?

5. What kind of data do you want to keep regarding the sensory activities?

Activity

Go to the Profile and complete questions 4 and 5

4. What sensory activities and accommodations/modifications appear to help the individual:

A. Stay calm? B. Stay alert? C. Address fight/flight/fright?

5. How might you incorporate calming or alerting activities into this individual’s day, and what activities would those be?

Assessment of Supports

Is the individual:

• more alert?• more tuned in?• better able to focus? • better able to

attend?• less explosive?

• more interactive?• less stressed?• calmer?• less unpredictable?

Closing Points

• Seek to understand the unique sensory needs of the person and their impact on behavior.

• Provide modifications and accommodations, including sensory activities, to support their unique sensory needs.