How to ask for a sensory break?!?

This is a social story to help children that need a sensory diet learn how to ask for a sensory break. The first step is for the child to identify that they have a crazy body and need a sensory break. This is done by simply using verbiage such as, "your body looks a little wiggly or crazy, looks like you need a sensory break." Explain to them that after you get sensory you will feel that much better. They can ask for these 6 sensory tools. The goal is for them to eventually start asking without an adults help.  

Whole Body Listening

Whole Body Listening at School is a wonderful book to get your child that may not have the best attention span to remember how we listen with our whole body and not just our ears. I made a huge poster board to not only show a visual but to also get the children involved for this social skills lesson. To use the visual you read the book and as it tells you what body part and how you listen with it, you velcro it to Larry. Not only does it teach listening skills it also helps teach children body parts. 

I feel...

Children that have Autism struggle to express what they feel. With this visual a child can show you even if they don't have the language to tell you. You want to make sure you are verbally labeling the emotions as they are expressing them. By using verbal prompts like, "looks like you are feeling angry." 

Angry Birds Teaching Colors

Children with Autism become infatuated with different things such as angry birds. This is a great tool to teach a child colors with something that they are interested in. 

Responsibility: taking care of your pet

Have you ever heard of nano pets? Well these little devices have a virtual pet in them that you can attach to your backpack, pant loop or braclet. If you don't take care of your virtual pet the pet will disappear and you will need to start over. This is a great device to teach children with Autism how to be responsible and take care of their pets. 

Sensory Toys

I found this on the internet and just wanted to share. These sensory toys help children with Autism cope with anxiety and stress. Depending on what the child needs at the time you can use any of these, they are awesome sensory toys. 

Eating Lunch

I have found that this is a great way for children with Autism to know what order they need to eat their food in.