Autism, Behaviour and Sensory Processing

This session will examine how the core features of autism can influence the behaviour of children. Responding effectively to inappropriate or misunderstood behaviour remains a concern for parents and professionals living and working with children with autism. Early intervention and planning are important to ensure that children have an array of proactive strategies to defuse rather than escalate a demanding situation. 

Sensory Processing
Sensory Processing generally refers to the ability of a child to register sensory information, make sense of that information, and to respond to it. This is a complex and fluid process involving all the sensory systems, auditory, gustatory, visual, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular. When sensory processing is working well, a child’s responses to sensory information are positive and support interaction. However, sensory processing difficulties are quite prevalent in the profiles of children with autism and can affect every aspect of life and development. This session examines the sensory processing differences frequently associated with autism and will demonstrate how such difficulties impact on learning, leisure activities and choices, social interactions and behaviour at home and in school.