Autism and Sensory Processing

Autism, the Special School and Sensory Processing

Many autistic children and young people have differences in how they process the sensory stimuli in the world around them. A child or young person who presents with additional learning needs may experience more challenges with how the or she perceives and responds to sensory input. This course is designed to look specifically at the sensory processing needs of autistic children and young people with other complex learning needs, such as communication difficulties, physical or sensory difficulties, attention difficulties and medical needs.

Participants will: 
•    Gain an understanding of the concept of sensory processing and how this relates to participation in daily activities.
•    Understand how sensory processing differences can affect the child or young person at home, in school and in other settings.
•    Understand the importance of identifying the potential sensory function of a behaviour.
•    Gain knowledge about intervention strategies, which can address the sensory processing needs of the children and young people with additional and complex learning needs at home, in school and in other settings.

Overview: 
•    Introduction to sensory processing.
•    The sensory processing differences, which may be experienced by a child or young with additional and complex learning needs.
•    The impact of these sensory processing differences on participation in daily activities
•    Identifying the sensory functions of some behaviours.
•    Strategies to support sensory processing needs of the child or young person with additional and complex learning needs.