1. Do You Know?
Do You Know?

2. Do you know..
The signs of sensory overload in a person with Autism?

3. Do you know..
That bright, flashing lights
can trigger a seizure?

4. Do you know..
That loud noises are
magnifiedand may
prevent a person from
hearing instructions?

5. Do you know..
The fight or flight
response may be
stronger during a
time of crisis?

6. Do you know..
Autistic people are more likely to
hide or run back into a burning
building to find a place they feel
safe?

7. Do you know..
How to help an Autistic person in a crisis?

8. Do you know?
If your first responders are
trained to assist an
Autistic person in your
neighborhood?

9. Why is this important?

10. Background Research
Research was found on the following topics related to sensory
issues:
★ Performance on sensory profile
★ Sensory processing in kids with autism
★ Sensory processing issues in kids with aspergers
★ Neurological sensory processing in autism

11. Application of Research to PSA
➢ Application to PSA: This sensory profile can be used as a tool to identify sensory areas to be targeted
and help come up with interventions to deal with sensory issues during emergencies
➢ Applications to PSA: Identifying types of sensory processing issues and being aware of their existence
can help us help kids with ASD to deal with emergency situations and take the steps necessary to help
them to be prepared
➢ There is a relationship between the sensory processing and functions in daily life-sensitivity can impact
their day to day behavior
➢ Application to PSA: Shows that sensory processing issues can affect typical reactions in emergency
situations.
➢ Observations can lead to diagnosis and treatment techniques for kids with autism
➢ Application to PSA: We can identify specific parts of the brain that will be overwhelmed in a crisis, and
develop treatment plans based on these findings.

12. Research shows the importance of studying sensory development issues
and understanding how we can help these individuals cope with a crisis

13. ● Ashburner, J., Ziviani, J., & Rodger, S. (2008). Sensory processing and classroom emotional, behavioral,
and educational outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 62, 564–573.
● Dunn, W., Myles, B. S., & Orr, S. (2002). Sensory processing issues associated with Asperger syndrome:
A preliminary investigation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 97–102.
● Kientz, Mary Alhage, and Winnie Dunn. “A Comparison of the Performance of Children with and
without Autism on the Sensory Profile.” The American Journal of Occupational Therapy 51.7 (1997):
530-37. AOTA. Web. 10 Oct. 2016
● Marco, Elysa J., Leighton B.N. Hinkley, Susanna S. Hill, and Srikantan S. Nagarajan. “Sensory Processing
in Autism: A Review of Neurological Findings.” Pediatric Research 69.5 (2011): 48-54. International
Pediatric Research Foundation. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.
Research Articles Reviewed