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Bullying
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Sensory Issues and Bullying

Sometimes students with Asperger Syndrome experience problems in the classroom due to sensory issues. Sensory sensitivities are one way that students with autism spectrum disorders stand out as different in the eyes of their peers, making them more vulnerable to teasing and bullying. Identifying and understanding these issues can help teachers provide supports and strategies that will enable these students to be more successful.

The following short article by Dr. Debra Moore highlights examples of sensory issues that cause difficulties and possible interventions that may provide support.

Sensory Motor Issues - Accident Prone Kids and How to Help

If your child is accident prone, these tips may help. The trouble area is listed first, and then underneath is an explanation of why he/she may be having trouble. Finally, to the right are some suggestions for helping the child.

Trouble pouring/carrying without spilling

Trouble motor planning; needs more proprioceptive input to judge body in space

  • Increase weight of container.
  • Decrease amount of liquid in it.
  • Use heavier dishes.
  • Use non-spillable containers.


Clumsy/bumps into things/breaks things

Trouble judging body positioning in relation to objects in space

  • Use weighted vest, ankle/wrist weights.
  • Teach child to visually monitor movements in environment


Hurries through things, unaware of safety issues.

Trouble planning steps in appropriate order; may be avoiding contact with objects or activities perceived as unpleasant.

  • Break activity into steps
  • Model the activity first
  • Use a visual for each step
  • Reinforce completion of each step
  • Consider tactile sensitivity/avoidance and provide alternative materials
  • Consider cooperative assignments in classroom so each student has one step

Dr. Debra Moore is a psychologist and Director of Fall Creek Counseling Associates in Sacramento and Roseville, California. For more than 200 other informational articles, book reviews and resources; please visit her web site, http://www.psychpages.com. She can also be reached at drdmoore@pacbell.net.

 

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Copyright 2003 - 2008 Rebekah Heinrichs, MSN, MS Ed, all rights reserved.
Email: heinrichs@aspergerinformation.org