Postcards From My Mind - Interventions

Postcards From My Mind: Perspectives of Asperger's Syndrome

Please make a sensory budget for yourself. What would this look like? What gives you energy and fills you up? What depletes energy?
What current coping techniques do you use? Which of them are portable?

When speaking, talk slowly with an even pitch
When giving directions, make sure they are presented in more then one modality (i.e., auditory, picture, written tactile, etc. If you are taking a child to the bathroom tell the child and have a photo of the bathroom)
Increase or decrease as much extra stimuli as possible. Make a homework area that is free of noise (or if your child enjoys noise, make sure there is a walkman/radio available)
Have the child focus his/her attention for no more then ½ hour at a time, then take a break
When giving the child a break, make sure it is something that s/he finds relaxing (not something that you necessarily do)
Create contingency plans if your child melts down. If you create these plans ahead of time and share them with your child s/he will be more prepared (as will you)
Buy clothes with pockets so your child can keep materials in them to fidget with
Get regular exercise on a daily basis
If you have fluorescent lights in your bath or kitchen, have them converted, use task lighting, or shut them off.
Use foam ear plugs (sold at the drug store). Keep these with the child at all times. When the world becomes to loud, have the child plug his/her ears
Bring your child with you when trying on clothes, or purchase clothes with the intent to make returns. Remember that many materials feel better when washed several times. For this reason, you might want to consider purchasing used clothing

Have wedges or blackjacks available to the child when sitting
When sitting on the floor, make sure the child has the option to lean against the wall
Have the child work for no more then ½ hour at a time, then take a break
If you have indoor recess, make sure the child gets exercise (send him/her on an errand (walk).
Decrease sensory stimuli in your classroom by putting tennis balls on the legs of the chairs, close the classroom door / windows, etc.
Permit the child to use a walkman when completing assignments
Do not hang art projects from the ceiling ? Make sure there is a clear plan if the child feels overwhelmed what s/he should do. Talk with the child about this plan. Make sure s/he can recite the plan. Practice the plan.
If your classroom has florescent lights consider having them changed, use task lighting, or just shut off the lights if you have a bright space

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