How to Avoid the Meltdowns: Recognizing Sensory Triggers

This session will provide in-depth information about invisible disabilities for teachers who need to consider a multitude of factors that cause barriers to learning, such as autism, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), and C-PTSD in their classrooms. By combining background information about how SPD presents in classroom behaviors, practical tools for both students and teachers, and classroom strategies for building inclusive classroom communities, this session presents possibilities for more compassionate classrooms and schools. When we can recognize sensory triggers, we can (sometimes) circumvent the meltdowns. We can also teach our sensory students to be proactive about their own sensory system and teach our other students to be supportive allies.