I follow an Autism Page on FB that i really like and find helpful.
Its called
Autism Discussion Page.
It helps me to understand where my Liam is coming from, and therefore i am able to help,understand, handle and connect with him better.
Anyways. I am going to begin sharing the posts which i like on this page so that all those in his life can benefit from the knowledge and maybe be able to help you get a little closer to understanding his world too :)
Here is one of the posts that was shared recently that i really enjoyed reading.
Challenges at School
We start the series from the view point of the child
“Stop the world I WANT OFF!!”
Afternoon at school for a child with processing difficulties
“The world is spinning and bombarding too fast! I try, and try, until I cannot process any more. Help! My brain is drained, and my energy depleted. It is only noon and I have to somehow make it through the afternoon. Recess ischaotic; let me hide to the side. I have to somehow regroup and conserve, since I have little reserve. Like every afternoon I will have to”shutdown” to “shut out” the world. As I overload, my senses become heightened, hyper-sensitive, and impossible to tolerate. The sounds, the smells, the chaotic activity around me meshes into confusion. I have to hold it together, and stay calm, as to explode would to bring disaster. I will sit quietly, but stare off. To be aware will overwhelm.”
“Like most every afternoon I will not remember what happened. It will be a blur. I will withdraw to survive, and gasp for air to not suffocate! I hurt all over, but cannot cry! I feel panic as the bright lights blind my eyes, the voices overwhelm me, and the smells make me nauseous. I can barely feel my arms and legs, let alone use them effectively. I am falling apart as I hold it in. I will withdraw and hide, sit quietly in my chair and hope that everyone forgets I am there. I want to hide in a corner, wrap up in a blanket, and withdraw to survive. I pray there will be no snags, or added demands, and hope that the teacher does not call on me. .I cannot distinguish between what is said, what I did, or what is happening around me. Please somebody! Stop the world and let me get off!”
Always be aware that a full day at school can be very draining and overwhelming. The sensory bombardment, social strain, and academic demands can tax an already vulnerable nervous system. Our world presents too much, too fast, and too intense for many on the spectrum. Many have delayed processing issues that make processing slow and taxing. They have to consciously “think through” much of what we process subconsciously and smoothly, with minimal energy. Slow it down, break it down, and give them a lot of breaks to rebound. Their energy supply drains fast, and they must have time to withdraw to regroup. Many have sleep disturbances, dietary concerns, and anxiety issues that leave them with a low reserve starting out the day. If they had an exhausting time the previous day, chances are they still have not replenished to full reserve. Do not pressure, do not demand, and let them pace themselves. Develop a sensory diet with plenty of breaks, and most importantly allow them to escape when needed. Give them a voice, and make sure they know how, and feel safe, to say “no” and “I need help.” As a teacher or aid, help them feel safe in your presence, and trust that you understand. As the day wears on, be aware that stress chemicals accumulate and the child will be drained. Do not pressure or ridicule, but support and reassure. In the mist of chaos, they need to feel “safe and accepted”, and know that they can count on you to support them.
This series on school issues can be found in the green book, "Autism Discussion Page on Anxiety, Behavior, School and parenting strategies"
