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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.