Be an Oyster for Autism!

Temple Grandin waqs at the Mesa Conference Friday.  She is a wonderful speaker, aspergers, a PHD, an author, and her designs for cattle feed lots in the US make 50% of the beef you eat is processed in plants with her desings.  She's a remarkable woman, and is 60 years old.  When Temple was little, she displayed all the classic symptoms of autism... spinning objects, delayed speech, staring off into space, rocking, etc.  But her mom got her a really good nanny, and she worked really well with Temple.  She had 3 "Miss Manners" meals a day, she was taught turn taking and play skills and language skills.  Temple can't say enough for early intervention, and she says that 1 hour a day of TV or video games, or free time to "stim" is important too.. but only one hour.

Temple has a very unique perspective, and that's why she is so popular.  She has autism. 

The following are some of her observations and recommendations that she spoke about on Friday~

Many autists have attention sifting problems.  It is best to get their attention before you address the question or comment, for instance, "Quinn, I need to tell you something."  and then wait until you are sure you have their attention before you procede. Many autists, even high-fundtioning have this problem. Being aware of this can enhance communication greatly.

Many autists have fragmented vision.  This can make letters jump around on a page, or make lookng at high contrast letters (black letters on a white paper) more difficult.  Pastel, or tan paper can significantly help this as can tinted reading glasses.  There are very expensive tinted glasses, but Temple has foud that going to Walmart and putting on all the sunglasses until finding one that helps, can be less expensive and very effective.

Computer screens and some TV's can be hard on the autists sensory system as well. It is best to work with a Laptop if this is the case for you. They do the least amount of flickering.

Many Autists don't tolerate flourescent lights well. This is an enormous problem because schools, shops, grocery stores all usually have flourescent lighting. It is importnant to notice if your child is having sensory overload if they often have "melt-downs" in these places. Use regular light bulbs at home if he/she is sensitive.

Also many autists are very sensitive to touch.  Temple says she has to cut all the tags out of her clothes, wears her underwear inside out,  and while some 100% cotton shirts are fine, others she cannot tolerate.

It is easier for some autistics to get information by touch and smell, when their other sensory perception is too sensitive.  You will often see autists smell and taste their environment. This is why.

Sometimes it is benenficial for an autist to sit on a ball instead of a chair when at a desk.  The balance sometimes helps with other sensory issues.

Fixations are very common amoung autists.  Temple stresses not trying to get rid of these fixations (unless dangerous) but instead to use it as a motivator to hook it back to a lesson.  If the kid is fixated on cars, use cars in your math lesson, reading lesson, etc.

Social skills are difficult to grasp for autists.  Temple and Sean Barron wrote a book called "Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships."