YACKITY-YAK 
or 
SILENCE IS GOLDEN

       Do you remember when a parent or teacher nagged at you or your toddler kept repeating, “Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!”  (Oh, how we love them and how they tire us out.)  Over the years I have noticed how annoying it is to repeat a request over and over and over.  It tires me out.  If I feel that way, how on earth can kids with processing difficulties or sensory sensitivity cope with it?  Most people are able to block out the “noise” but people with sensory issues cannot.

Larry’s Story

     Larry was a grade 8 student who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  He worked in a support room that provided a more comfortable space and support.  He was interested in what was going on and seemed quite contented as long as he could move at his own speed.  Larry liked to approach people but did not like to be approached.

      The more anyone talked to Larry, the more he would move away.  One afternoon when the room was very busy and the students were having difficulty coping with the confusion, Larry was wandering around.  This unsettled meandering was one way he showed difficulty coping.  Talking to him would only cause anxiety.  I quickly drew pictures that stated, “Sit down.  Pencil.  Draw.”  and said, “Larry,” while pointing to the paper on the table.  He came over, looked at the pictures, sat down and started drawing.

       Another time, he was supposed to go to the bathroom.  The more people told him to go or went near him, Larry would move away.  While I stood a short distance away looking at him, I said firmly, “Bathroom.” and pointed in the direction of the bathroom.    He went directly to the bathroom. 

     Larry was able to cope better when instructions were simple or visual.  When the staff kept their own energy level low they were able to help him cope with the busy environment.

* Focus, keep calm, keep it simple, and respect personal space.