Autism Ontario Oct Behaviour and Function: through Sensory Processing, Behaviour Supports and Technology Paula Aquilla, OT & Howard Dalal, Behaviour and Technology Therapist, ISAND

Welcome! We hope that you enjoy your day of learning!

Changing our view…. “There are no bizarre behaviours – more accurately, there are human responses that are not fully understood or appreciated.” Carol Gray, 1997

We need to look at the whole person ….in order to see the function of the behaviour For example, a person who flaps their hands…how many meanings can one behaviour have?

When we work together We are more accurate at determining the underlying reasons of behaviour We can be more creative in finding more functional ways to express behaviour

Sensory Processing is the ability to take in, sort, and organize sensory information for functional use. Analogy of a cake

Behavior & Technology Lowering anxiety by giving tools Creating independence Teaching new skills in fun and innovative ways Data Collections Creating Communication

Behaviour in Adults Catatonia (abnormality of movement and behaviour arising from a disturbed mental state) OCD High Anxiety Behavioural outburst

Carly’s Café

A different point of view… “An alternative is for the clinician to begin therapy by looking for how the patient experiences the world, asking not, “How do you feel?” but “How do you know the world?” Dr. John Ratey

Our nervous system

Sensory Processing - a foundation for function

Challenges with processing sensation: Hyper sensitive to sensation Hypo sensitive to sensation Difficulty discriminating between sensation Difficulty with body awareness/posture/balance Difficulty with motor planning

Efficient sensory processing can have a positive impact on behaviour and function Recognizing potential challenges Building in supports (expectations, options for communication - understanding and expressing) Supporting the nervous system for comfort and function

Setting up environments Space Smell Visual and auditory environment Touch and temperature Opportunities for deep pressure input Favorite activities organization

Modifying our approach We are all walking sensory generators!

Modifying activities Preparation using sensory activities Modification of the task Post task - calm down with sensation Sensory lifestyle - regular opportunities to engage in organizing sensation

Every activity is a sensory activity! Activities of daily living Leisure activities School related activities Vocational activities Social activities

So….are we: Are we wrestling or dancing with the person we are supporting? Education and parenting are not thing we do to children - they are the outcomes of the joint effort between us and the child…they are the ‘performance’. John Clements, 2009

Think about this…. Creativity is imagination having fun! Have fun!

Thank you! Thanks for the opportunity to share information. We hope you enjoy the day! Howard and Paula