• Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • News & Media
    • Internships
  • The Autism Education Fund
  • Resources
  • Blog

Dan River Autism Awareness 5k

April 29, 2017 at Anglers Park in Danville, Va

  • Home
  • About
    • Calendar
  • 5k Run/Walk
  • Autism Ride
  • Teams
    • Team List
    • Team Captain Guide
    • Fundraising Tips and Ideas
  • Sponsors
  • Volunteers
  • Contact

Averett, DCC students and community members participate in Autism Sensory Experience

April 10, 2015 by Emily Holder Leave a Comment

Everyday with Autism: A Sensory Experience

Sensitivity to light, difficulty communicating, and trouble with physically demanding tasks. These are just a few of the sensory experiences you may encounter when trying to experience your environment as someone with autism might experience it. On Thursday, April 9th, at Averett University, groups comprised of students from Averett and DCC, along with parents, teachers, and community members experienced what it is like to live with sensory challenges as someone with autism might encounter on a daily basis.

“Through this hands-on experience, people can gain insight as to how a person with autism perceives touch, sound, and movement, and how their perceptions influence their ability to interact with people and objects in their surroundings. We often misunderstand why an individual with autism is reacting to a particular situation and we may judge them as a result,” said Kristen Barker, Occupational Therapist and Executive Director of Center for Pediatric Therapies.

Orientation
Groups began with an orientation to learn more about autism and to “check their preconceptions at the door” with Jill Hamlin.

Groups began with an orientation about sensory issues associated with autism led by Jill Hamlin, OTR/L, Director of the Carrington Autism Resource Center at Averett University. Next, groups visited 10 stations to complete activities related to the five senses, the vestibular system, and proprioception.

Participants are blindfolded and asked to pin a puzzle piece to the wall, testing their vestibular abilities.
Participants are blindfolded and asked to pin a puzzle piece to the wall, testing their vestibular abilities.

Though the sensory experiences in this event only simulate those of what individuals with autism might face on a daily basis, we hope participants gained a better understanding of what it is like to cope with some of these sensory challenges.

Averett students test their fine motor skills by trying to  find a paperclip in bowls of rice.
Averett students test their fine motor skills by trying to find a paperclip in bowls of rice.

Alex Walker, a student at DCC who participated in the event said, “It was a great experience to see what daily life is like for someone with autism.”

Students play Twister with their opposite limbs to better understand the function of proprioception.
Students play Twister with their opposite limbs to better understand the function of proprioception.

Taylor Lester, also a student at DCC shared, “It opened my eyes to see the tasks people with autism struggle with that I take for granted.”

Though the sensory experiences in this event only simulate those of what individuals with autism might face on a daily basis, we hope participants gained a better understanding of what it is like to cope with some of these sensory challenges.

We’d like to thank all of the professional and student volunteers, Averett University, and Danville Community College for their help and participation in this informative community event. We’d also like to say congrats to our intern, Jada Little, who designed and implemented this event. Jada is a sophomore at Averett University majoring in Public Relations.

If you are interested in hosting an Autism Sensory Experience at your organization, please contact Rachael Capri at rachael@danriverautismawareness5k.org.

Filed Under: 2015 Dan River Autism Awareness 5k, About Autism, Autism Awareness Month, News & Announcements Tagged With: a day in the life, autism awareness, autism education, Averett University, Carrington Autism Resource Center, Center for Pediatric Therapies, Danville Community college, life with autism, Piedmont Community College, sensory experience

Menu

  • Calendar
  • Register to Run or Walk
  • 2nd Annual Autism Ride
  • Volunteer with Us
  • Make a Donation
  • Sponsors
  • T-Shirt Design Contest

Connect with Us

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on RSSFollow Us on E-mail

Latest Posts

  • Come out and support this great cause! https://t.co/QFBqfH5vdM April 23, 2019 8:24 pm
  • We are excited about another opportunity in Danville to raise money and awareness for autism! Come on out and suppo… https://t.co/8EZp27MbLj April 22, 2019 2:17 pm
  • 7th annual Touch a Truck https://t.co/5Rfqy23EpO April 14, 2019 8:18 pm
  • Follow Us @drautism5k

Copyright © 2019 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in