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SENSORY OVERLOAD


Sensory overwhelm is a common challenge for people with intellectual disability, autism, trauma, mental health concerns and acquired brain injury. Because auditory processing difficulties are a common feature with these clients, many of the tips below give examples of visual and tactile resources to assist.


Uncertainty drives anxiety and sensory issues. The more clear and predictable a situation is, the less likely that sensory overwhelm and anxiety will occur, and the better the client can focus on the meeting and tasks at hand. Planning is everything.


Here are some tips:


• Ask the client/support person what will make this situation easier or harder for them — they will usually have their own strategies to self-regulate and stay focused.


• Outline what to expect, step by step, including where the interview or meeting will be conducted. See http://www.courts. sa.gov.au/GoingtoCourt/Pages/default. aspx for detailed information about preparing to attend court, including plans of the building and rooms.


• Before the meeting starts, develop a visual plan, timeline or agenda of what to expect – use a whiteboard or Post-it notes to write a key word or draw an image for each section or topic.


• Introduce each section “Now we will talk about …”


• Explain any exceptions or deviations from the plan that arise.


• Be literal and stick to facts.


• Short grabs of information – clear and to the point.


• Allow time to process what questions and to formulate a response – anywhere from three to ten seconds.


• Find out what the client’s fatigue signals are and schedule breaks when needed.


• Find out what sensory items or movements would ground and anchor the client; perhaps something to hold, doodling or colouring. Some clients may rock, sit on their hands or engage in other repetitive movement to stay calm and focused.


• Provide a quiet, movement-free, and appropriately lit environment (not too bright, not too dark).


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