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More Than Autism:Neurodiversity & Sensory
Processing
Presenter: Lorilei DreibelbisChallenge Course Facilitator, Swim
Instructor, Autism Parent
Behavior =
CommunicationObserve carefully, lend vocabulary, make room for error, be careful of
assumptions.
The Premise:
Neurodiversity:• This term is used in the Autism community to
indicate that every brain, every nervous system, every body is built differently
• Autism is a spectrum of neurological disorders and developmental delays
• Most with ASD have “co-morbid diagnoses” – a constellation of symptoms
• Can be diagnosed with any related condition and not ASD
Gra
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BRAIN WIRING
•It’s NOT a processing error, it’s a whole different operating system.
• Sensory Processing• SPD –Sensory Processing Differences• Information must move through the senses to get
to the cortex (thinking)• Information has to move back through the senses
for expression
Defining Features:
• Perseveration• Obsession topics/ actions• “Stimming”• Routine
• Behavior• Awkwardness• Overwhelmed• Just plain odd
•Extremity• We see what we see in ourselves,
but to the nth degree
SEEKING or AVOIDING
Behaviors:
Over- Responsive Under-Responsive Sensory-Seeking
Hates getting dirty, very sensitive to the texture
of clothing or food.
Often does not notice if sat in something wet, if they have been touched, or are dirty. May drop
things because unable to hold properly.
Chews things like shirt cuffs, rubs against furniture,
loves rolling in grass or mud.
Insecure about falling or losing balance, may be prone to car sickness.
Prone to falling and getting hurt, can swing for a long time without dizziness.
Constantly on the move, fidgety, loves beingupside down, a real daredevil.
Battles with coordination, avoids too much playing with others.
Only responds to active play if it involves pushing or pulling.
Enjoys vigorous play and loves being squeezed (like a really tight hug).
Easily over-stimulated – covers eyes, can’t handle bright lights or loud noises.
Doesn’t seem to notice obstacles in path, responds slowly to moving objects.
Loves shiny, spinning, bright objects. Enjoys TV very loud. Likes being in a noisy crowd.
May moan about textures, temperature and taste of food. Often gags.
Often eats spicy or hot foods without noticing any difference.
Often seen licking inedible objects like toys.
The Players:
•Hearing
•Sight
•Touch
•Smell
•Taste
•Vestibular• Balance/ inner ear
•Propioception• Pressure/ nerves in joints
EXTREME SENSING! – TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE
THE SENSES – All info has to “get in” though the senses!
Multiple Modalities:Memories are Multi-Sensory
• Offer information orally• Sing it, say it, tell it…
• Offer information visually• Maps, written schedules, pictures of activities, icons for
locations…
• Offer information in patterns (big picture)• Tell them WHY – explain how it all fits together, draw
similarities between activities...
CAKE
Front Loading• Explain the schedule/ sequence of events –
Create familiarity with the space
• Identify mechanics and story
• Invite prediction of skills (show patterns)
• Emphasize that “challenge by choice” steps up to challenges and monitors sensory needs.
• Help participants “psych up”: give time to process, use indicators
• The team supports all members
• Look for cumulative overload!
FRONTLOADSpecific suggestions
Step-by-step “guide”• Multiple modalities
• Photos!!, maybe art• Low/ Easy reading level
• Sequential• The order events occur!
• If… Then statements
• Specific• To YOUR facility
• ALL steps (NO assumptions!)
l SUGGESTIONS:• A pre-event book• Arrival routines• Meal routines• Class routines
Questions?
Contact me to:
• share stories, insights, or tears
• supplement your facility’s training
• consult for site specific insights
• provide feedback so more kids are reached!
Lorilei [email protected] Virginia 4-H Educational CenterFront Royal, VA540 635 7171
