The title of this article is misleading because I
have only read 2 out of 5 of Rebecca Moyes’ books. However, if all the
books are as insightful, wise and packed with practical strategies as Building Sensory Friendly Classrooms and
Visual Techniques for Developing Social Skills
then I recommend reading them all.
Moyes’s ability to zero in on what the child on the
autism spectrum needs-seems to stem from her extensive classroom experience as
well as being a parent of two children, one of whom has Asperger’s syndrome.
Her approach is eclectic as she examines the sensory accommodations children
need in order to tolerate daily sensory challenges,
use of a positive reinforcement behavioral programs and specific group training
to learn about social expectations and build social skills (i.e. not touch
other’s belongings).
Building
Sensory Friendly Classrooms starts out with an explanation of
the sensory systems and what happens when they are not working very well. Moyes
next explains that the sheer number of students with sensory processing
disorders (SPD) makes it impossible for an occupational therapist to treat each
child. Therefore, it is critical that the classroom be “sensory friendly”. This
may entail:
·
Preferential seating
·
A sensory diet packed with movement and
heavy pressure input
·
Compensatory strategies such as head
phones or transitioning to the next class 5 minutes early to avoid a noisy crowded hallway.
I like how Moyes emphasizes the importance of data
collection to share with the IEP team in order to design the best
accommodations/ modifications integrated into a positive behavioral support plan.
Data may indicate whether or not supports such as movement breaks, fidget tools
or wearing a pressure vest decrease interfering behaviors such as outbursts or
increase positive behaviors such as attention. Data may validate strategy carryover
into other classrooms or indicate the need for modification. Other beneficial strategies include:
·
Use of visual schedules
·
Deep breathing relaxation techniques
·
Guided imagery
·
Replacing socially unacceptable self-stimulatory
behaviors (i.e. rocking or spinning) with a stress reduction object such as Velcro
to rub under the desk.
·
Being a detective-for example, finding out
that an offensive air freshener as the cause of aggressive behavior.
·
Creating a sensory diet, including respite
spaces
Moyes describes how students can relax by breathing in and out while watching the objects in the bottle slowly glide from end to end. It is filled 1/4 way with Karo syrup and whatever bright small objects I could find.Some teachers need to be in-serviced and provided ongoing consultation in order to understand, create and successfully implement sensory strategies that level the playing field for students who would otherwise likely fail. Moyes’ continues with this theme in her newest book Visual Techniques for Developing Social Skills. This book is packed with specific group lessons designed to develop awareness of social expectations such as:
·
Maintaining personal space
·
Using or approximating eye contact (i.e.
by looking between the eyes)
·
Turn taking
·
Controlling voice volume
·
Understanding privacy
·
Learning the difference between “helping
words” and “hurting words”
Lessons are
designed to include reinforcement (such as praise or earning tokens) and
further illustrated by using social stories. Teachers use visual/physical props
such as a speedometer that illustrates voice volume and hoola hoops that
demonstrate personal space.
Visual techniques used to develop social skills builds
on the visual strengths students with autism often have-helping to develop self
esteem and a foundation for friendships. The important lesson readers walk away
with is that meeting the sensory and social needs of these students should be
part of the educational plan so that students can grow up to lead both
satisfying and productive lives. I recommend Rebecca Moyes’ books to educators,
therapists, psychologists and parents.
Receive 15% off books purchased at Future Horizons by using code "Pedia".
No comments:
Post a Comment