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ABOUT DR. OLGA BOGDASHINA'S PRESENTATION

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AUTISM: MAKING SENSE OF SENSORY NEEDS 

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The real world and the perceived world (i.e., our mental image of the world) differ. Though we live in the same physical world and deal with the same ‘raw material’, differences in sensory functioning create invisible walls between autistic and non-autistic people. They live in a different (sensory perceptual) world! The same stimuli look, sound, feel, smell differently for them, and that’s why their responses to sensory stimuli are ‘normal’ (from autistic point of view), though different and unconventional for us, living in a parallel world.  

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In this presentation, Dr Bogdashina will discuss the most commonly reported perceptual phenomena. You'll understand how the qualitative differences of sensory perception associated with autism affect each particular autistic individual.

You will understand the importance of making necessary accommodations to the environment and to best teach/communicate with autistic people we should know each person’s sensory needs. However, before considering ‘what to do?’ and ‘how to do it?’ we have to understand ‘why?’ (they behave the way they do) and ‘how?’ (they perceive the environment, other people and themselves).

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Though the manifestations of sensory perceptual differences vary in different people (no two autistic individuals have the exactly same patterns of sensory perceptual experiences) or even the same person at different ages), it is possible to establish the common features, and identify compensatory strategies and adaptations autistic individuals develop to cope with their problems. 

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Differences in perception may radically change the course of cognitive, language, emotional and social development, and lead to the development of different abilities, thinking styles (and here we can talk about ‘autistic intelligence’ that cannot be measured by the IQ tests designed for non-autistic people), and communication.

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To help autistic individuals we should work with autism, not against it.

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Dr. Bogdashina will discuss the possible sensory-perceptual experiences of autistic individuals. She will share the causes of certain behaviours so that you can develop appropriate strategies to support individuals. If you know what to look for, it will be easier for you to understand autistic individual's problems and abilities and find appropriate methods to reduce their difficulties while building on their strengths.

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In this presentation you will learn about:  

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• The range of the sensory-perceptual problems faced by individuals with ASDs;

• The sensory-perceptual difficulties of individuals with ASD you support with;

• The impact of these difficulties on their learning; 

• The behaviours caused by sensory-perceptual differences;

• Their perceptual styles;

• The relevant strategies, treatments and environmental changes that can help individuals overcome these difficulties;

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Who is this presentation for? 

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This presentation will be of interest not only to parents of individuals with autism, but also teachers, professionals and other specialists working with autistic individuals. 

You will benefit from learning about the parents’ experiences, problems and inspirations, as well as the tips and suggestions to try in the classroom, respite care, home etc.

You may want to know more about autism because you are interested in this condition. You may have friends who have a child with autism and want to understand and support them. You will find many insights that shed the light on what your friend experiences in their everyday life.