Sensory Processing & Social Skills

1. Sensory Processing & Social Skills Karen Hauer OTR/L MEd

2. What is Sensory Processing ? Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives information from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. 3 sub types: • Sensory Modulation Disorder (over or under or seeking) • Sensory Discrimination Disorder, (incorrect processing) • Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (disorganized) 94% of children with autism have difficulties with sensory processing!

3. How does this impact Social Skills? • Children with Sensory Processing Disorder often have problems with motor skills and other abilities needed for school success and childhood accomplishments. As a result, they often become socially isolated and suffer from low self-esteem and other social/emotional issues. • These difficulties put children with SPD at high risk for many emotional, social, and educational problems

4. How does this impact Social Skills? • Inability to make friends • Difficulty being part of a group, • Poor self-concept, • Academic failure, • Inability or misinterpretation of social cues • Anxiety, • Depression, • Aggression, • Other behavior problems • Being labeled clumsy, uncooperative, belligerent, disruptive, or "out of control."

5. How does this look in school? • They may dislike standing in lines because of the jostling and bumping • Overreact to the normal rough and tumble of playground play – the accidental knock feels like being tortured, • Sensory modulation problems may also look like an attention deficit disorder, as the child is continually distracted by what he sees, feels, hears and smells. • You may see social behaviors like anxiety and withdrawal. • Social behavior may look "odd," "geeky," "immature," or "goofy.“ • Trouble with transitions • Angry, defiant, or defensive about their sensory integration • ‘Sensory seeker' can be too physical with other children. • A child who craves tactile input may constantly touch other children to the point of irritation. • A child who has difficulty with body awareness, have problems with personal space: may lean against other children at circle time, or frequently bump into other children.

6. The Methods Sensory Experiences -as a reinforcement Communication - increases with activity As Elicitors- can be the antecedents/consequence for behavior mod To reduce self stimulation For self regulation To teach cognitive concepts For social connections

7. How can this be addressed with social skills? • Get sensory smart • Make it a preventative measure • Set up the environment • Individual accommodations/modifications • Provide opportunities for sensory play/activity “sensory diets” • Teach recognition strategies • Help them find age appropriate ways to meet their sensory needs • Desensitization/addressing fears • Teach tolerance/understanding to peers • Open conversations • SELF REGULATION

8. How can this be addressed with social skills?IDEAS: • The Alert Program for Self Regulation “How does your engine run?” http://www.alertprogram.com/index.php • Tool chest for teachers, parents, & students: A handbook to facilitate self-regulation by Diana A Henry