Autism/english assignment

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Expert: - 3/24/2010


Question
hi i am a student at mount maunganui college in new zealand and i need some answers to some questions for an english assignment

What is sensory overload?
How do people become affected by sensory overload?
When does sensory overload most occur?

Answer
Sensory overload refers to a situation in which the individual is unable to successfully handle the environment due to the sensory input being too much for that individual's personal sensory threshold. It can be sounds, lights, too many people in the room, etc

Usually when sensory overload occurs, the individual will become upset-possibly tantrum if they are young. Or get frustrated. Some children with autism may actually do the opposite and turn inwards

It occurs differently in every individual. There are some people who have a dysfunctional sensory system,and it will happen frequently with much less stimuli than others

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Volunteer

Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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