Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are both complex disorders of brain development, and they are much more common than one may think. On average, one out of every 42 boys and one out of every 189 girls is diagnosed with Autism in America.
The effects of both Autism and ASD vary from individual to individual. While some have difficulty with social interactions, others struggle with verbal/nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Some may have difficulties in motor coordination and attention while others may have physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disorders.
We understand that each case is unique and that an individual with this disorder may require a different kind of Autism care than another.
How We Can Help
Here at New Generations, our Gary’s Gang staff members have each completed in-depth training courses that specialize in disorders like Autism. These courses allow them to gain a better understanding of both Autistic individuals and how to care for them.
Communication
We have a very successful way of addressing the communication issues associated with Autism. We utilize techniques such as pictures, flash cards, and sign language to help bridge the communication gap and we often get to know an individual so well that we can actually anticipate their needs.
We also keep an open line of communication with each individual’s parents or guardians so that we can better understand their behaviors and offer the appropriate Autism care.
Structure
We have found that Autistic individuals do well when they stay on a structured schedule, so we complete daily activities on a regular basis to provide a calm environment. Each day, our activities include things like snack time, socialization time, an educational activity, dance party time, and quiet time. This structure helps to prevent destructive behaviors or outbursts.
Love
At New Generations, we’re all about love, and the place it shows most is in Gary’s Gang. From our staff members to our Autistic individuals, we’ve created a community that is caring, accepting, loving, and warm. We pay close attention to our members and offer one-on-one care when it’s needed, but mostly, we love to have fun and enjoy life.
Benefits of a Sensory Room
Individuals with autism or with autistic tendencies can benefit from spending time in a multi-sensory environment. A sensory room is a special room with low lighting, oil diffusers, tactile stimuli and calm music. Sensory rooms encourage individuals to explore and engage with their senses which can heighten their interaction with others.
Rooms such as these allow for individuals who easily become over stimulated the opportunity to self soothe and comfort themselves in a quiet calming environment. We call this our “detox” room because we have seen individuals that have become over stimulated go into the sensory room and “detox” to come out much calmer. The calming environment also helps to reduced the amount and frequency of stemming behaviors that often exist for individuals who are autistic or have autistic tendencies.
Time spent in a Multi-Sensory Environment has been shown to increase concentration, focus attention, improve alertness, awaken memories, and to improve mobilization, creativity, social relations and communications, and general awareness of the surrounding world. Sensory environments not only provide users with strong sensory stimulation but they have also been shown to provide new ways of encouraging language, motor, cognitive, and social skills!
