Sensory issues and autism

Staff at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have published a new article on the sensory issues that children with autism often face. It discusses relatively a new theory that suggests that autism actually originates as a defense mechanism to over- or under-stimulation to environmental factors such as light and sound.

To read the entire article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/look-into-my-eyes

Mobile App Monday - ABC Food

Got a picky eater? Want to explore new foods with them?

"Honored to have been selected as a Parents' Choice Award winner.
Children's Technology Review Editor's Choice Award for Excellence in Design.

Expose your child to the exciting world of Food! Our award-winning ABC Series teaches children new words through sight, sound & touch. Let them chop celery, cook pasta, slice strawberries & more through beautiful pictures, lively videos, and interactive scenes." -iTunes

For more information, please visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id460479661

Mobile App Monday - Sensory Room

A simple cause and effect story about a multi-sensory room. Look at the pictures and talk about the story in your own words. Use touch or switches to make the room change.

Want to learn more about it? Please visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sensory-room/id814529452?mt=8

Sensory issues and high-functioning autism spectrum and related disorders: Practical solutions for making sense of the world

Using the same easy-to-read format as the first edition, the newly updated and expanded Sensory Issues and High-Functioning Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders explains how many children with high-functioning ASD relate to the world through their senses. The book reviews sensory processing terminology and how the sensory systems impact behavior. An expanded discussion of assessment tools is followed by a comprehensive chapter on evidence-based interventions. Finally, a new chapter looks at meeting a student s sensory needs throughout the day and across environments with simple and easy-to-use forms and checklists. -book description

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Autism and Sensory Differences: Strategies for Improved Quality of Life

Register now for:

Autism and Sensory Differences:  Strategies for Improved Quality of Life

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Ben Davis University High School

1155 S. High School Road

Indianapolis, IN 46241

Presented by Cheryl Boucher, MS, OTR and Kristi Jordan, OTR

Sensory integration and processing impact every facet of an individual's life, including language, social skills, academics/work, self-care, and play. This presentation will provide an overview of sensory systems and the impact of sensory differences on the quality of life. Sensory strategies and related evidenced-based practices will be discussed in order to best support individuals at both school and home. Guidelines regarding the importance of having an occupational therapist involved in the consultation or treatment of sensory differences will also be shared.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=3757

Self-regulation interventions and strategies: Keeping the body, mind and emotions on task in children with autism, ADHD or sensory disorders

Self-regulation interventions and strategies will help you keep children bodies, minds and emotions on task. Featuring more than 200 practical and proven interventions, strategies and adaptation for helping children gain more control over their lives. Each chapter provides rich background and theoretical material to help the reader better understand the issues our children face. -from the book description

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Mobile App Monday - storysmart1: Trudy Goes to the Beach - Social Language Skills

Just in time for summer comes an app to help children with sensory issues adjust to the different sights, sounds, and smells at the beach.

"Trudy is taking a beach trip with her family. Can she make expected choices when her sensory system is overloaded and she’s on a different schedule? What if things don’t go her way? She needs your help to make smart and safe choices!"

To learn more about this app, please visit: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storysmart1-trudy-goes-to/id621385025?mt=8

Sensory Overload

Ever wondered what it's like to experience sensory overload? Many people on the autism spectrum experience it every day. The online magazine, Mashable, has put together a series of 5 videos that simulate what it means to be overloaded. Read the article and watch the videos at: http://mashable.com/2014/04/23/autism-simulations/

Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders

Got a child with different sensory needs? Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders shows parents how to adapt and make changes to their kid's everyday routines, such as removing tags from their clothing or using different lighting at specific times. The book provides strategies parents can use to help their children refocus on performing tasks like homework, field trips, transitions between activities, bedtime, rather than their sensory needs.

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check it out or use worldcat.org to find this book in a library near you.

Sensory Fiction?

According to a story on NPR, MIT engineers have developed a way for readers to experience the physiological emotions of a book they are reading. A book was "augmented" to help set the mood through lighting and vibration and a "wearable" was developed to help with the physiological sensations.

The book and wearable support the following outputs:

• Light (the book cover has 150 programmable LEDs to create ambient light based on changing setting and mood)
• Sound
• Personal heating device to change skin temperature (through a Peltier junction secured at the collarbone)
• Vibration to influence heart rate
• Compression system (to convey tightness or loosening through pressurized airbags)

To read the NPR story, please visit:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2014/02/06/272044748/sensory-fiction-books-that-let-you-feel-what-the-characters-do?

For more pictures of the book and wearable, visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38088189@N07/sets/72157638927649876/

Self-regulation in children: Keeping the body, mind & emotions on task in children with autism, ADHD or sensory disorders

Self-Regulation in Children is a 6-hour seminar on helping children with autism, ADHD, or sensory disorders regulate their bodies and emotions. It looks at the underlying factors of poor self-regulation and how they affect the child. Practical interventions and details are provided on how to create simple but effective programs in clinical, school and home settings.

Want to check out this DVD? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu.

Mobile App Monday - Aurifi

"Aurifi is an ever-changing sonic landscape that is breathtaking. At the same time it invites you to react, control, fine-tune, identify and dial yourself into your surroundings. The bespoke musical elements are designed to help you feel moods, emotions and progression." -iTunes

Want to learn more? Please visit: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aurifi/id370383663?mt=8#

Back to School Sensory Strategies

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has recently published a series of articles on being proactive with kids in school. "When considering ways to be proactive, it helps to know how specific sensory systems work and some strategies to try. This series will explore some of the systems involved in sensory processing, types of sensory dysfunction, and practical strategies for educators to consider using."

To read the entire article, please visit: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=3639

Back to School Links

As we settle back into our school and fall routines, I would like to remind you of the resources available through IRCA. Below is a list of various types of information to assist in your transition to the new school year.

It is our hope that this information will be helpful in supporting students with ASD. Contact us if we can be of further assistance. – Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, Director

Articles
Applied Behavior Analysis: The Role of Task Analysis and Chaining
For Parents: Preparing for the School Year
Supporting Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders through Postsecondary Transition
Academic Supports for College Students
For General Education Teachers: Helpful Questions to Ask About Students with ASD
Home-School Communication Forms
Moving from Preschool to Kindergarten: Planning for a Successful Transition and New Relationships
Planning for Successful Transitions Across Grade Levels
How to Open a Combination Lock/Locker
Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Sensory
Sensory Integration: Tips to Consider
Back to School Sensory Strategies

Visual Supports
Behavior and Emotions
Health and Personal Care
Home
School
Schedules
Work Systems
Structured Tasks

Workshops
Structured Teaching Strategies (As Developed by the TEACCH Program)
Workshops Conducted by Indiana Resource Center for Autism Staff

Mobile App Monday - MeMoves

Perform finger puzzles correctly to the beat of the music and watch as the screen comes alive. Based on the award-winning MeMoves DVD, the MeMoves app can provide instant calm and focus anywhere. For ages 3 through 103. Works well for centering children on the spectrum, especially in conjunction with the DVD.

Want to learn more? Please visit: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/memoves/id368151435?mt=8#

Skate in Indy!

The jolly old elf in Bloomington

Mister C

Got someone with special needs who would like to visit with Santa without the bright lights and noise? Fountain Square Mall is announcing an exclusive date when children and adults with special needs can see Mr. C in a less-frenzied environment. There will be low-level lighting and sounds, plus extra staff will be on hand for assistance.

Please plan your visit from noon until 4 p.m. on Friday, December 14th, at the Fountain Square Mall.

For additional information, contact Chris Cockerham at 812-332-0053.

Songames for Sensory Processing

From the book description:

Songames for Sensory Processing is a fun and engaging activities book to be used with kids ages 3-8. Songames are musical activities for improving fine-and gross-motor skills, muscle strength, and rhythmicity. These 25 therapist-created Songames offer a world of developmental play activities. Includes a 2 disc CD set.

Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title, or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Totally Chill: My Complete Guide to Staying Cool

From the book description:

"When parenting, teaching and working with children who have social, emotional, and/or sensory sensitivities, we often put the emphasis on learning new skills. Countless hours are spent working on social skills, fine- and gross-motor skills, language skills, and academic skills, but stress management skills are often left unaddressed. This is unfortunate, as stress can create a multitude of challenges for learning and daily living. In other words, it can create barriers to the very things we are trying to teach. Besides, it can cause distress, which can lead to meltdowns and behavioral outbursts. In short, it is crucial that children learn and develop skills to help them to manage their stress as independently as possible.

Totally Chill: The Complete Guide to Staying Cool is a stress management workbook that is meant to be read, completed, and used as much as possible by children themselves. Its fun graphics and interactive style make it ideal for children grades 3 through middle school. Everyone feels stress adults and children alike. It s part of life. But life can be a lot easier when we learn new skills and ideas to help us handle the stress in our lives."

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Mobile App Monday -- Splatter HD

Looking for a fun app for someone with sensory issues? Check out Splatter HD for iPad. This free app lets you splatter paint on your iPad! You can choose your own colors to work with and, if you don't like the colors offered, you can turn the iPad and a different palette of colors is presented.

See the preview by visiting: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/splatter-hd/id364895254?mt=8