School is a sensory nightmare
Parents can help by remembering all the itching, loud, smelling, brightness of their own childhood
When it comes to sensory input, change the environment rather than the person. That’s why I made a castle for myself to sleep in. Once I understood my sensory integration dysfunction, I noticed I adjust my environment for sensory needs all the time, unconsciously — the castle is one of many places where I make sure the light is yellow.
The majority of kids with autism have sensory issues, and a classroom is a difficult place to get sensory needs met. Kids are much more likely to get their sensory needs met at home, where they can control the environment. (Pre-emptive strike: an office is a place that has very clear sensory limits and guidelines. A classroom is much more wild because of the kid factor.)
My memories of school are largely focused on avoiding difficult sensory situations. I skipped lunch because of chaos of a hundred kids getting lunch simultaneously. I walked two miles home instead of taking the bus because I couldn’t stand still to wait for it. I ditched gym class because of the lockers slamming.
In hindsight I spent way more energy managing my sensory environment than I did learning school lessons. Not that anything has changed: I think about my balancing my sensory needs vs. my kids’ needs all the time, but it helps a lot that I have way more control over my environment as an adult.
This is an example of why a lot of autism researchers say we should change the environment instead of the person.
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