Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Chapter Three
COMMON DIFFICULTIES WITH SENSORY SYSTEMS:
OBSERVABLE BEHAVIOURS
HYPER-REACTIVE BEHAVIOUR
INDICATORS
G easily distracted by background sounds
G over-reacts to sounds
G unpredictable reactions to sounds
G holds hands over ears to block noise
G screams or cries at sounds in the environment
G responds physically as if sound is a threat
G disturbed by bright lighting
G avoids sunlight
G follows any movement in the room with eyes
G blocks field of vision with eyes
G covers part of visual field–puts hands over part of the page
in a book
G responds physically to appearance of certain objects or colours
G touch defensive–does not like to be touched
G avoids tasks with strong tactile element (clay, water play, paint,
food preparation)
G complains about discomfort of clothing
G refuses to wear certain items–tugs at clothes
G responds negatively to textures in foods, toys, furniture
G over-reacts to movement activities
G has difficulties navigating on different surfaces (carpets, grass,
etc.)
G walks close to wall, clings to supports such as bannisters
G seems to be fearful when movement is expected, muscles seem
tense
G rigid about positioning of body, keeps head in same rigid angle
G seems to become physically disoriented easily
G eats a limited variety of foods
G gags, refuses foods
G difficulties with oral hygiene
G spits out foods, medications
G over-reacts to smells in environment
G smell-defensive–will avoid places or people with strong odours
AUDITORY SYSTEM
VISUAL SYSTEM
TACTILE SYSTEM
VESTIBULAR SYSTEM
GUSTATORY AND OLFACTORY SYSTEMS
HYPO-REACTIVE BEHAVIOUR
INDICATORS
G does not respond to name being spoken
G seems oblivious to sounds of surrounding activities
G creates constant sounds as if to stimulate self
G unsafe because does not react to sounds indicating potential
danger
G does not respond to any kind of sound
G unaware of the presence of other people
G unable to locate desired objects, people
G loses sight of people or objects when they move
G cannot distinguish figure-ground relationships
G does not seem to grasp concept of personal space
G does not seem to notice touch of others
G frequently puts things into mouth
G does not adjust clothing, which would seem to be an irritant
G high pain threshold, unaware of danger because of low
response to pain
G seems to need constant movement
G rocks, travels in circles
G seems to tire easily when engaged in movement activities
G generally slow to move, lethargic in movement
G takes long time to respond to directions to move
G seems to be constantly wanting food
G licks objects in the environment
G chews on objects inappropriately
G high threshold for bad tastes–dangerous substances are not
avoided
G sniffs objects and people in unusual ways
G does not seem to notice smells others notice
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders 35