ADVICE NEEDED! Environmental Sensory Issues And How You Can Help Better Them

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Question:I have an undiagnosed 5yr old son (being evaluated for high functioning autism) who is a goal-oriented bolter. He understands common dangers cognitively, but is not aware of his environment. He also has environmental sensory issues – over stimulates in public environments, such as the grocery, etc. He will walk / run into traffic, walk into deep water, runs into objects, etc. He receives a myriad of services, but his plan with Early Intervention has a specific goal to address his lack of practical danger awareness. The problem is he fully understands what danger is, what he should do in traffic, etc. The EI and I (a former EI) are at a loss for an improved process of addressing this lack of surroundings awareness. Discussing traditional danger awareness bores my son and the issue is less definition and more environmental observation skills. My son has an iPad and I looked last night for some sort of app which would work to hone his observations of his surroundings. Any engaging format would likely work – matching, scavenger hunt… But it needs to be less small detail oriented, as my son is very into details. If anyone has any ideas for iPad or real life games and activities we can play – any ideas are appreciated. We do practice crossing the road, looking both ways and have done so for a couple of years and we consciously look around parking lots, etc every time we go, but we can look and within seconds he is walking or pushing the cart into something, or in front of something or dashing off to chase a bird… Any help is appreciated.

Answer:

Janice L. While he can state the rules and dangers, it sounds like he lacks the impulse control to be safe. That is a hard thing to teach as it is partly developmental. At this point you need to give simple rules that NEVER vary. I had trouble with one son ( typically developing) with this type of thing. Things I put in place included giving boundries even in parking lots. Ex. Put your back against the car and keep it there …. He had to hold on to the side of a cart or his sister’s stroller walking through a parking lot (he was not allowed to push) He was only allowed to play in the front yard. There were consequences for not following the rules. No wiggle room. With my students that have these kinds of issues I teach them to sit on command (sitting allows adults to catch up), stop all movement when we call STOP!, and to come when called.
Mindee B. In not sure if they have it on iPad but look up the game frogger (at least i think thats the name ) its a frog and you have to safely navigate dangers not getting ran over by a car etc
Lisa H. you may think he initially understands the danger, but he is five…they have no “filters” and think they can overcome all..you sound extremely intelligent, and most articulate..but he still is a child..thinks like a cold..and acts like a child..see spelling errors, but I’m not going back to correct them..thank you..
Darcie H. Has he been additionally evaluated for ADHD to address the impulse to bolt towards things of interest he sees? Also, could consider sensory diet to assist with self-regulation in challenging environment. Some fast kids also have blanket rules about always walking, remaining beside caregiver, or hands in pockets etc if they are unable to successfully identify safe places to run (gym only) or are so impulsive the instinct is not yet under their control. Some older kids also burn off excess energy in the early morning with swimming/running/trampoline/recumbent bike/elliptical so that school can be more focused.
Caryn O. This is typical for someone on the spectrum. Try to get him involved in therapies. Talk to his doctor and get the necessary referrals for therapies, occupational, physical and speech. This takes team work.
Angela S. I had to focus more on prevention and use a harness for his safety. Just a few weeks ago a 4 year old girl was killed in a Walmart parking lot near me after bolting into the lane.
Andrea W. Para educator 1:1 in school & consider therapy dog. & monitoring bracelet
Mindee B. I have the app on my phone, its name is frogger. Its an old arcade game, may be too advanced but u could help him
Beth-Ann B. This isn’t what you are looking for but it does have some resources http://nationalautismassociation.org/…/BigRedSafetyTool… Good luck!
Brian R. I’d be addressing the executive function skill of inhibition with games…statue of liberty, impulse control bubbles, slap jack, etc. As well as assessing what makes the goals of his impulse so attractive to see it it could be utilized in exposure to decrease the attractiveness/drive.
Mindee B. My daughter un dx is like this also so I know the struggles, and my Aspergers son is like this also but I think his is more his ADHD than his ASD
Kelly W. Blindfold him and make him scavenge for items in the environment he needs more awareness in.
Diana D. We are getting a service dog for this very reason.
Linda G. My grandson is 30 and is still unaware of dangers.
Rachel M. I will check my daughters special school site., as they list a lot of apps.. Or u even cud.. Is Wairoa special school- Bondi boulevard Bondi Sydney Australia. My 14 yr old ASD daughter is still do a lesser ( now) degree what we call a ‘runner’ they used to call her ‘little Houdini) in primary school. I really sympathize as can be awfully all consuming and a major barrier and worry. Best of luck mana. Hugs from Sydney OZ.
Carmen A. Sounds like my son he’s on the spectrum the only help I have is whatever he get in school
Jamie B. In addition to what others have mentioned, there are some videos on youtube that you can watch together. My son’s aba tutor pulls up videos to watch and then when we go for a walk, we remind him about safety rules. For example, when we get to a crosswalk, we hold his hand and say “Stop. Listen. Look.”
Jennifer O. Sounds like me. I know what danger is, but anyone with a sensory issue is not able to understand. It can mean different things depending on the situation. Understanding it is like trying to define it to your boyfriend’s mother who speaks only Spanish.
Catherine B. I am not sure if you’ve considered ADHD + autism as a diagnosis. My son sounds a lot like yours a we have started treatment with vyvanse and notice a big difference in spacial awareness and impulse control. He’s still got some issues with it but much improved
Elizabeth C. In your child’s IFSP I would have them see an OT. They are really good at helping with these concerns.

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ADVICE NEEDED! Environmental Sensory Issues And How You Can Help Better Them

Real Moms Sharing Their Experiences and Advice

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