Is your child awaiting an Autism assessment? Or are they showing signs of Autistic traits and you would like to learn more to help you understand how better to support your child?
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Parent Carer forums have teamed together to deliver a variety of workshops to provide information, support and practical guidance to help you on your journey. This workshop is a face-to-face session focusing on Communication.
To book a funded place on this workshop you MUST live in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire. The workshop is not designed for parents of children who already have an ASD diagnosis - if your child already has a diagnosis and you need support, please contact your local Parent Carer Forum, on the links below, to find out what support is available.
Please note that this session is designed to be completed face to face. The training usually allows for plenty of discussion time and is longer to accommodate this. Due to it being completed virtually, it is shorter and restricted on the way in which discussion takes place. Catrina is more than happy to accept questions throughout, and a parent carer will also be available to use the chat setting whilst training is taking place.
North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together
• What are Sensory Needs?
Children can be over/under responsive at different times or in different situations. Sensory processing (sometimes called 'sensory integration' or 'SI') is a term that refers to the way the brain receives messages from the sensory receptors and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioural responses. Sensory responses are very individual and can vary minute by minute.
• How does it present?
Sensory processing needs present in two ways (some children/adults will fluctuate between to two)
Avoider – When you are an avoider you will stay away from sensory experiences and sensory input can be distressing and painful
Seeker – May seek out sensory experiences, fidgeting and may seek out sensory experiences from their environment.
• What is the connection with executive functioning?
Sensory processing difficulties can have a direct impact on executive functioning. When a child has difficulty regulating their sensory processing it is very difficult for them to access other skills such as organizing, planning and attention.
• How can we best support our children with sensory processing difficulties ?
The workshop will give you strategies that you can use with your child. Alongside this by gaining an understanding of the basics of sensory processing, it’s possible to gain understanding about behaviors and therefore build your own strategies to help your child.
This workshop will be delivered by an SEND professional and an experienced SEND parent carer.