Peer relationships on the development of feeding and eating disorders in adolescence.

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• Smell: Detecting odors and fragrances.
• Touch: Feeling textures, pressure, and temperature.
• Proprioception: Sensing body position and movement.
• Vestibular: Perceiving balance and motion.

Slide 3: Sensory Under-responsiveness

Some students with ASD struggle to register sensory input adequately. This can manifest as:

• Vision: Dimming the lights, preferring black and white visuals, not noticing visual cues.
• Auditory: Appearing oblivious to sounds, needing loud music, seeking constant noise.
• Taste: Showing limited food preferences, craving strong flavors, struggling with textures.
• Smell: Not noticing strong odors, seeking intense smells, being easily overwhelmed by scents.
• Touch: Disliking certain textures, preferring loose clothing, not feeling pain or discomfort.
• Proprioception: Appearing clumsy or uncoordinated, needing frequent physical movement.
• Vestibular: Enjoying spinning or rocking, seeking intense movement, feeling dizzy easily.

Slide 4: Sensory Over-responsiveness

Conversely, other students experience sensory input as overwhelming and distressing. This can manifest as:

• Vision: Being bothered by bright lights, flickering screens, strong contrasts.
• Auditory: Covering ears, reacting negatively to specific sounds, preferring quiet spaces.
• Taste: Having strong food aversions, being highly sensitive to textures, gagging easily.
• Smell: Finding certain scents unbearable, experiencing frequent sneezing or coughing.
• Touch: Avoiding physical contact, preferring smooth textures, hating getting dirty.
• Proprioception: Bumping into things, appearing awkward, disliking tight spaces.
• Vestibular: Disliking movement, feeling nauseous on rides, getting motion sickness easily.

Slide 5: Recognizing Sensory Needs:

Observing these behaviors can help pinpoint a student's sensory needs. Look for:

• Repeated actions related to specific senses (e.g., flapping hands, seeking loud noises).
• Difficulty focusing or participating in activities due to sensory discomfort.
• Outbursts or meltdowns triggered by sensory overload.

Slide 6: Sensory Accommodations in the Classroom:

Here are some practical ways to cater to sensory needs in the classroom:

• Visual: Offer sunglasses, provide fidget toys, dim the lights, use calming visuals.
• Auditory: Allow noise-canceling headphones, offer earplugs, provide designated quiet spaces.
• Taste: Allow flexible mealtimes, offer preferred textures, cater to food sensitivities.
• Smell: Use diffusers with calming scents, allow students to take breaks in scent-free areas.
• Touch: Provide weighted blankets or vests, offer sensory mats, allow movement breaks.
• Proprioception: Offer heavy work activities, allow climbing or jumping breaks, use compression clothing.
• Vestibular: Provide rocking chairs, offer vestibular swings, allow movement throughout the day.

Slide 7: Conclusion:

By understanding and accommodating students' sensory needs, we can create a learning environment that promotes their success and well-being. Remember, communication with families is crucial to ensure consistency and continuity in addressing their unique sensory experiences.

Part 2: Communication Strategies for Students with ASD

Slide 8: Receptive and Expressive Language Needs:

Students with ASD can have diverse needs regarding both understanding (receptive) and expressing (expressive) language.

• Receptive: Difficulty following instructions, misunderstanding sarcasm or figurative language, struggles with literal interpretations.
• Expressive: Limited vocabulary, using repetitive phrases, difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations, expressing frustration through actions.

Slide 9: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Supports:

AAC tools can bridge communication gaps and empower students to express themselves:

• Picture boards: Symbols or pictures representing words or phrases.
• Communication devices: Electronic tablets with specialized software for speaking or typing.
• Gestures and signs: Sign language or natural gestures can supplement verbal communication.

Sample Answer

Slide 1: Introduction

Welcome! Today, we'll explore the fascinating world of sensory processing in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Understanding their sensory needs is crucial for creating a supportive and enriching learning environment.

Slide 2: The 7 Sensory Systems

Our bodies possess seven sensory systems that relay information from the environment:

• Vision: Perceiving light and color.
• Auditory: Hearing sounds and pitches.
• Taste: Identifying flavors and textures.