My students are six of the most wonderful children on the planet! The degree of my students’ disorders makes it impossible for them to be included in a general education classroom setting. The students in my class have sensory differences. This means that they have difficulty processing everyday sensory information. Any of their senses may be over-or under-sensitive, or both, at different times. These sensory differences can affect behavior and can have a profound effect on a youngster’s life. Oftentimes, a child who is experiencing sensory or information overload, will become stressed, anxious and possibly feel physical pain. Many individuals with autism have difficulty processing and integrating sensory information and these sensitivities can create huge barriers to participating in daily activities.
My Project
Most children find it challenging to sit in a metal chair for six hours each day, and this is definitely the case with the students in my class. Their sensory issues require them to have mobile ergonomic seating options and the safe seating option of a ball along with the stability of a chair is just the ticket.
Sitting on these chairs will allow the children to move safely when they become restless and distracted.
Also, providing them with a super-strong Pea Pod for them to actually get into will give them the deep, even pressure to many sensitive areas of the body. My kids like to rock gently back and forth in a self-soothing manner, and the Pea Pod will allow them to do just that for a “cocooning-calm” in a safe vessel.
Some children need more movement than others, so rather than “squash” my student’s innate need for movement, I’d like to help them channel their physical energy in a positive way, allowing them to focus on their work more completely and reach their full potential as learners.
My goal is to make changes to the environment so that my students can function as independently and happily as possible while using more purposeful engagement and greater language interactions. Giving these children the ability to participate daily and meaningfully in school is a wish I sincerely hope you can help me attain. PLEASE help support my students to make strides with their sensory needs.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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