The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

This presentation is divided into two related segments. First, participants will have the opportunity to more closely examine the key components of sensory integration issues. The sensory opportunities in our environment will be discussed and demonstrated so that participants can develop a better understanding of the nature of sensory stimuli and the impact this stimuli can have on their bodies. Once the components of sensory integration and the concept of triggers have been defined, participants will have the opportunity to increase their repertoire of intervention strategies that support individuals struggling with sensory issues. 

Second, emotional regulation and challenges will be discussed within the context of sensory challenges.  Through examples, vignettes and activities, participants will examine the link between sensory challenges and emotional difficulties. A multitude of strategies will be discussed and demonstrated. 

Finally, throughout both segments, the presenter will highlight the critical relationship between building self-awareness in the individual with an autism spectrum disorder and the efficacy of interventions. As parents and professionals, it is vital that we increase self-awareness so that individuals can ultimately identify their own strengths and needs, and design appropriate intervention strategies. If individuals with an autism spectrum disorder are aware of the rationale behind the strategies in place, and the instances in which a strategy might be helpful, they can advocate for themselves and be in charge of their own successes.

The goal of this presentation is to increase provider/parent knowledge in the area of sensory issues and emotions. Most importantly, this presentation will offer concrete strategies that can be incorporated seamlessly into everyday routines. The specific strategies are ones that can elicit success in any environment. In a world in which the diagnosis of autism is far more frequent than it once was, and the majority of individuals diagnosed on the spectrum struggle with sensory integration issues, it seems critical to embrace the heterogeneity of this diagnosis while simultaneously deepening our understanding of the challenges associated with the diagnosis. Sensory issues are often one of the intense challenges associated with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. As such, concrete intervention tools that support both sensory challenges and emotional challenges are critical for home, school and the community.