Sensory Room Proposal

Specific data in regards to the individual’s social development and behaviour is collected. Inquiries about core ASD symptoms including, unusual, or repetitive behaviours and social relatedness are done, the family’s input is important.

Children with ASD usually have lower levels of social interaction compared to other students. They have lower levels of play behaviors and the behaviors may be idiosyncratic or unusual. Children that exhibit these behaviors usually have a harder time having successful social interactions with their peers. However, if teachers and parents are aware of and understand the progression of play skills then they can teach children with ASD at an early age appropriate play skills and behaviors. Once a child exhibits appropriate play skills and behaviors with toys, they have a better success rate of having appropriate interactions with their peers. Teachers can teach appropriate play skills by implementing visual structuring in their instruction.

Autism is described by many struggles in behavior, social situations, verbal and nonverbal abilities and sensory difficulties (Rotatori et al. 2003). Children with this disorder often display abnormal enactments because of the troubles one have with returning to her environment. Behavior difficulties may perhaps arise as the effect of her amplified sensitivity to a noise, visual or what she felt.

We may not like loud noises, so we avoid crowds and clubs, or have textures issues, so we avoid slimy or squishy food, all without therapy. Our flight, fight, or freeze responses are our defense system again the unknown, but sensory processing treatment work on changing that response. With all of materials I compiled, I am in agreement that sensory processing disorder is the next “it” diagnosis for children. I do believe that children with Autism, ADHD, ADD, and Down Syndrome struggle with processing sensory information. However, there is no proof that sensory processing difficulties are not a byproduct or syndrome of the disability. More research is necessary in order to determine how and why sensory processing occurs and affects daily life. The goal for all educators is to provide students with the best education

Mastering social skills and interaction is a challenge for children living with autism. Autistic children often do not play with other children. Part of this is noticed during the early developmental stages of childhood. Autistic children are often referred as off in a world of their own, unaware of people or events around them. Children with autism have difficulties in verbal and with non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure activities. Autistic children have sensory disorders that affect how they interact with objects and people around them. They possibly will experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. “Many children with autism have unusual sensitivities to sounds, sights, touch, taste and smells. High-pitched intermittent sounds, such as fire alarm or school bells, may be painful to these children. Scratchy fabrics and clothing tags may also be intolerable, and some children have visual sensitivities to the flickering of fluorescent lights (autism-society).” The lack of social skills can create behaviors in autistic children.

Occupational therapists help children make of sensory experiences involving sights, smells, touch, sounds, tastes and movement. Children with learning disabilities or autism may experience serious difficulties processing, understanding and reacting to sensory stimulation. The ability of these children to process sensory information may impacted by either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimulation. Many children who engage in problematic behaviors or anti-social tendencies may actually be experiencing difficulties processing and understanding sensory information and their environment. Occupational therapists use observation and data collection to create a plan that addresses and rectify specific behaviors.

Because members of Autism in Motion are low on the autism spectrum, they don’t qualify for state funding; therefore, they are supported through donations and fundraisers. Programs are offered for those who are out of school but not yet employed. It helps them stay active in our community and it allows for them to learn, make friends, and get out of their comfort zone. Services they provide involve a variety of classes which includes cooking, creative expression, and theater. They also host social events and provide them with assisted job hunting. The goal of this program is to help adults with autism learn, make friends, and develop social skills that will help them succeed independently. As of right now, classes are at an affordable price but without the proper funding, they would have to increase the cost of each class, reducing the amount of people who are able to benefit from

Animal-assisted interventions can also be integrated into existing models of treatment for ASD by using animals for components that traditionally target sensory and affective arousal (Berry et al., 2013). The Denver Model is a therapy technique used by occupational therapists that integrates applied behavioral analysis with treatments to target developmental and relationship deficits, which also includes interventions to treat sensory issues. They suggest that therapy dogs are suitable for integration in this model because they provide a multisensory stimulus that incorporates an emotional bond and a sensory experience. The authors also recognize that because of the variances in symptoms of children diagnosed with ASD, highly individualized treatment programs must be created to accommodate multiple levels of sensory sensitivity. More research is needed to determine how children with different levels of sensory sensitivity respond to different animal therapies, potentially though using a comparative study. Perhaps children who are hypersensitive would respond better to an intervention with a dog, rather than a horse. Overall, available research indicates that therapy dogs are also a potential method for providing sensory experiences for children with

Self-injurious behavior is one of the most devastating behaviors exhibited by people with developmental disabilities and ASD. The most common forms of these behaviors include: head-banging, hand-biting, and excessive self-rubbing and scratching. There are many other self-injurious behavior such as, impulsive SIB appeared to be associated with suicide attempts, a history of sexual abuse, and depression (Favaro, A., & Santonastaso, P.1999)

Chapter 1 focuses on autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Described in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, autism (also known as autistic disorder, childhood autism, or infantile disorder) is one of the PDDs along with Rett's disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) referred to as Heller's syndrome, Asperger disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Rett's is a rare genetic abnormality affecting brain development in girls. There are treatments available, but there is no known cure. Asperger disorder affects an individual's ability to socialize and communicate effectively. Individuals with Asperger disorder may be socially awkward and have a compulsive

A. Jean Ayres. Ayres’ was an occupational therapist that was responsible for the foundation and practice of sensory integration theory (W&S). Sensory integration theory is used to explain behavior, plan intervention, and predict how behavior will change through intervention (Roley et al., 2007). Ayres’ focus was on the organization of the central nervous system and how it was involved in the process of children using sensory information. Ayres’ theory of sensory integration describes how the neurological process relates to the recognition and organization of sensation from the body and environment (Devlin et al., 2010). This disorganization can lead to problems with learning, development, and behavior and also has a negative impact on occupational performance. In relation to the topic of Wilbargers’ DPPT, the focus of the articles collected was related to theoretical research on one particular sensory modulation problem defined by Ayres: tactile defensiveness. Tactile defensiveness is exhibited through the negative influence of touch avoidance symptoms (Moore & Henry, 2002). The aim of the Wilbargers’ DPPT is to utilize the connection between the client’s tactile sensation through the skin and nervous system to improve and normalize the sensation of

ASD is a pervasive developmental disorder that consists of abnormal development and functioning of the brain. ASD may involve deficits in social behaviors, abnormalities in communication, cognitive delays, and repetitive behaviors (UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence, 2016). ASD is a broad spectrum neurological disorder with a variety of symptoms affecting each individual differently (Debbaudt & Rothman, 2001). ASD involves severe impairments of reciprocal social interactions, impaired

Autism - Children with ASD can suffer from a difficulty focusing, communicating well with others, and responding to sensory stimuli. Results from studies done on children with ASD have shown that after exposure to AAT there were positive effects on social interaction. According to the study, when a dog was introduced to children with ASD they displayed a reduction of stress, anxiety, and irritability around others, because the animals promoted a more relaxed environment for the children (Siewertsen).

His repertoire has increased by 2-3 word phrases, and he has started to show interest in others. He is now capable of recognizing familiar faces and maintaining eye contact during social interactions. By following the structure of Leo’s program and with the guidance of the Behavior Analyst, I have helped Leo accomplish his targeted goals. Therefore, similar to the Behavior Analyst on Leo’s case, I aim to provide children with ASD with the necessary skills to prosper and grow as individuals. I want to help these children close the gap of limitations by understanding the importance of using functional communication, engaging in appropriate behavior, and comprehending social norms. Hence, my experience working with the Behavior Analyst has helped solidify my passion for pursuing this profession.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which causes deficits in social, behavioral and learning skills. Over the past few years there has been a rise in the number of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which has led to urgently seek measures for alleviating the difficulties faced by the affected children and their families. There is extensive research being carried out to come up with a cure for ASD, however, researchers have yet not been successful at targeting this disorder. This grant proposal mainly extends the idea of developing evidence-based interactions for children with autism and evaluation of their cost-effectiveness, which could help improve the quality of life of children with ASD.