sensory play & art @ your library
TRANSCRIPT
SENSORY PLAY & ART @ YOUR LIBRARY
Marie Plug & Deborah TakahashiPasadena Public Library2016 CLA Conference
WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a
brain-based disorder where a person has difficulty communicating and socializing. Along with these impairments, these individuals might exhibit challenging behaviors as well:Repetitive motor behaviors (hand flapping,
body rocking) Insistence on sameness (resistance to change) Aggression or self-injury (lashing out or
unintentionally hurting themselves)
Source:Autism Science Foundation
WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)?
“The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability in functioning that can occur in people with ASD.
Some children and adults with ASD are fully able to perform all activities of daily living (ADLs) while others require substantial support to perform basic activities. ”
WHAT IS SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER (SPD)?
“Sensory processing (originally called "sensory integration dysfunction" or SID) Disorder, refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses.
Studies by the STAR Institute suggest that at least 75% of children with ASD have significant symptoms of SPD, and possibly more depending on how significant symptoms are defined.
However, the reverse is not true. Most children with SPD do not have an autism spectrum disorder!
Source:STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder
WHAT IS SENSORY PLAY & SENSORY ART? Sensory Play and Art are activities ( similar to play activities used by
occupational therapists) that integrate a child’s five senses, which is aimed at changing how the brain reacts to taste, touch, sound, movement.
During a Sensory Play and Sensory Art Day, children can practice integrating their senses by exploring a variety of textures, smells, colors, and sounds in a safe, supportive environment, which are often challenges for the child with ASD and/or SPD, resulting in dis-regulation and uncontrollable meltdowns. Examples:
eating foods of a certain color or texture wearing clothing, and coping with sudden loud noises in open spaces
By incorporating therapeutic play activities in a Sensory Play program, children with ASD and/or SPD have a chance to work through some of their sensory impairments in a community setting with their families – away from a clinical environment.
Source:Autism Speaks
WHAT IS SENSORY PLAY DAY @ PPL?
.
SENSORY PLAY DAY (WITH JORDAN AND SUE)
In 2015, Linda Vista Library started hosting a Sensory Play Day to provide a culminating activity at the end of each Sensory Storytime cycle.
Sensory Play (with Jordan and Sue) is an INCLUSIVE family event where children, ages 0-10 years old, are welcome to take over the library while playing with a variety of toys.
WHO ARE JORDAN AND SUE? Through PPL’s partnership with
Pasadena Humane Society, Jordan and her dog Sue visit the Linda Vista Library through the “Barks & Books” program.
The “Barks and Books” program gives children with learning disabilities and cognitive impairments the opportunity to interact and read to a therapy dog.
Since Jordan’s specialty is working with children on the spectrum, it made sense to incorporate the “Barks and Books” visits into the Sensory Play Day events.
TOYS! TOYS! AND MORE TOYS!
FUN AT SENSORY PLAY DAY!
WHAT IS SENSORY ART @ PPL?
.
WHAT IS SENSORY ART“Autism is a pervasive rewiring the
brain and creativity is a complex multi-low process. If the aim is to rehabilitate something as complicated as a child’s
creativity and imagination, what activity first springs to mind? Probably, the
arts.” –Nichole Martin Art as an Intervention Tool with Autism
(2009, Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
SENSORY ART During the Summer, the
Lamanda Park Branch Library held it’s first INCLUSIVE Sensory Art program where children with ASD and/or Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) and their families/friends engaged in tactile exploration.
Children used and played with a variety of mediums for art expression and exploration.
PAINT, SAND, PLAYDOUGH, & MORE!
FUN AT SENSORY ART!
WHY THE PUBLIC LIBRARY? Because we serve the public and that means EVERYBODY! Sensory play allows children to connect in spite of
communication barriers (non-English speaking, cognitive impairments and developmental delays) and to enjoy reciprocal play in a non-clinical setting and it’s FREE!
No specialized training needed (just a little research and an open heart and mind).
Current programming can be adapted to include children with ASD & SPD.
Inclusive programming is incredibly important not only for children with special needs but for their family members (moms, dads, siblings & extended family).
The qualitative impact on individuals and families is huge and doesn’t require a huge outlay of money or staff time.
FEEDBACK ABOUT SENSORY PROGRAMS A Letter from Monica S:
“I wanted to share a big moment with you and Cherie. Jonah, who is now in TK, was dragging his feet yesterday (after school) which [was] odd. I figured he wanted me to stop walking and, upon doing so, he opened his backpack. I thought he was reaching for a snack but he grabbed his library book instead. This was the first time he was excited and eager to show me something. Guess what book? Panda Bear , Panda Bear What Do You See!I truly believe he made that connection from story time and he wanted to share his enjoyment with me...I could not believe it....So rewarding and I have you guys to thank for that. As you know with Autism it's hard to know for sure if these connections are being made but they are. It just takes more time and effort then most. Thanks for the motivation I received from this experience. I am truly grateful for this program and for both of for your time and efforts. You both are making a huge difference in our kids’ lives and we are truly grateful.......”
AUTISM & SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER RESOURCES Targeting Autism
https://targetingautismlibs.com/ Libraries and Autism
http://librariesandautism.org/strategies.htm Barbara Klipper, Author and Library Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-klipper-63624221
Leslie Farmer https://www.ced.csulb.edu/people/lesley-farmer
STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder https://www.spdstar.org/
WHERE TO PURCHASE TOYS & ART SUPPLIES! Lakeshore Learning $$ Discount School Supply $ Target $ Walmart $ Toys R’Us-Sensory Toys for Differently-Abled Kids $$ Amazon-Special Needs Toys $ FunandFunction.com $$$ Autism-Products.com $$$
$=Inexpensive $$=Moderate $$$=Expensive
QUESTIONS?
CONTACT USMARIE [email protected]
DEBORAH [email protected]
A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. ~Wade Boggs, Red Sox Third Baseman