How to be sensory smart in sending your child back to school - Meet author Lindsey Biel

AutismHangout

Sensory Processing Issues are present in 80% of children with autism. Diets, noises, smells, clothing material and lighting are only a few of the experiences that can cause issues. But many other children without autism can also be challenged by life's daily exposures.

In this interview, author Lindsey Biel ("Raising a Sensory Smart Child" - Penguin Books) returns to discuss new learnings about Sensory Processing Disorder. And she presents a helpful, sensory-smart plan to prepare your child for a low-stress return to school. Thanks, Lindsey!

More information at: www.sensorysmarts.com

Courtesy of Autism Hangout

Read more: http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/how-be-sensory-smart-sending-your-child-back-school-autism-meet-author-lindsey-biel-22827322#ixzz22z9oPgqy

What do I need to know about a student with autism?

Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net It would be a challenge to find a school anywhere that does not have a student in it with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most teachers will have a student with ASD in their classroom at some point in their career. Because the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe, a teacher may not recognize new students in their classroom with an ASD from year to year. Autism is a nonprogressive neurologically based developmental disorder that typically appears before the age of 3. There are five disorders under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) also known as the autism spectrum: Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett Disorder which affects only females, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability with an estimated statistic of 1 in 88 people having an ASD according to the new figures released in 2012 from the Center for Disease Control in the USA. ASD often presents with other conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Hyperactivity Disorder, dysgraphia (difficulty putting thoughts into writing), dyslexia (difficulty decoding single words), nonverbal learning disorder (disorders that don’t affect speech), Tourette Syndrome (characterized by vocal, motor, unusual noises tics or involuntary sayings) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Although students with an ASD will vary widely in ability and behavior, there are four main points they share: impaired social interaction, communication difficulties, lack of imagination, and sensory issues. So what do these students look like in the classroom? Socially, you will see these students do not fit in. They don't understand that other people have thoughts, ideas, and ways of thinking that are different from theirs. Interaction with others is often one-sided and inappropriate. The ASD child will often be absorbed in certain subjects and will only want to talk about those subjects. Reciprocal play is absent such as turn taking or adding on ideas to play scenarios. You may see the child engaging in parallel play rather than direct interaction with other children; they don't know how to join in. These children often lack empathy because they do not interpret the emotions of other accurately. Children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are known for their honesty and will tell you exactly what they think and can be perceived as rude. They are rule-based and are quick to point out who isn’t following the rules. Breaking the rules can cause them anxiety. These traits make them susceptible to bullying and teasing from other students. The ASD student often doesn’t get the joke or becomes highly anxious when routines are changed. They often prefer to be alone. They do not follow the social customs of society that most of us learn simply through observation. Some great resources to learn more about AS in the classroom are Asperger Syndrome - Practical Strategies for the Classroom: A Teacher's Guide, and Asperger Syndrome - What Teachers Need to Know.

Boom in autistic students prompts new Montgomery school centers

Winston Churchill High School in Potomac is one of the Montgomery County schools that will house an autism resource center. (Examiner file photo)

Montgomery County Public Schools is planning to open autism centers at three high schools in the new school year, as the district grapples with a fivefold increase in the number of students diagnosed with autism over the last decade.

In the 2000-2001 school year, 266 students on the autism spectrum enrolled in MCPS. By 2010-2011, that number had jumped to 1,642, as autism became better diagnosed thanks to its federal classification as a disability and more awareness of the disorder's symptoms. In the past year, MCPS added 179 students with autism, including at least 62 who moved into Montgomery County with the diagnosis, said Chrisandra Richardson, associate superintendent for the Office of Special Education and Student Services.

The picture is further complicated by the number of autistic students from diverse backgrounds who may not speak English, in addition to their cognitive disability, school officials... READ MORE >>

lgartner@washingtonexaminer.com

Lisa Gartner
Examiner Staff Writer - education  |  The Washington Examiner

Your generous donations help us continue our work*

SECURE DONATION via PayPal