Online Learning for the Autistic Movers, ADHD Fidgeters and Sensory Shakers During COVID-19
There’s an old Rolling Stones song called “You Gotta Move” and for some of us this isn’t an option but an attentional priority. If you expect me to concentrate then understand I gotta move to help maintain my focus!
Most children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing or learning issues have a challenged sense of gravity. Flapping is an example of movement that helps assist in calming an overstimulated autistic vestibular system. For those with a persistent Moro reflex watching something exciting becomes an interactive experience in the cycle of flight, fight or freeze. They jump up to yell at the screen, run away with fear or excitement then come back again to be frozen in front the screen.
There are those with sensory sensitivities whose chair is too hard, too soft, the clothing too tight or too scratchy. For some the pressure on the skin of sitting in one position for any length of time can feel like ants running around inside their clothing or being squeezed too tightly for comfort so they constantly squirm in their seats. Then we have the ADHD fidgeters who need the activity of a rubber band or paper clip to focus on a lesson.
Expecting these flappers, fidgeters and dancers to sit still for an extended period of online learning is like watching a salmon swimming upstream! They are trying so hard but the progress can seem painfully slow. Once you know that movement is hardwired into how the body works with the brain to process information for these children the next steps are setting realistic expectations and designing an area that will accommodate their needs and learning strategies to support success.
Spend a morning watching and timing your child during an online lesson. When do they need to get up, how often do they move away from the screen, adjust their position, when can they no longer maintain focus? Doing this should help you set realistic time expectations for your child to work in front of the screen and to plan their sessions accordingly.
Tips to support online learning:
Choose a space that will accommodate your child’s movement needs especially if they need to get up and walk or run. Keep them separate from other learners who may be a distraction.
Choose comfortable seating: a therapy ball, a rolling office chair to accommodate fidgeting or spinning, piles of pillows or beanbag chair. For those with low muscle tone try a straight- backed chair with arms for support or draping over. If there are tactile sensitivities try cushions or memory foam to soften the surface.
Give them options like a desk and a beanbag chair so they can move back and forth.
Some kids, especially those with spatial or proprioception issues, tend to do better with boundaries so set up a room just for them with a door to close out distractions, tape an area for moving on the floor, hang sheets or place boxes around their learning space, convert a closet or tent. Tents and closets can be great for those who like nests or hidey type spaces that are cozy but also help limit movement.
Record lessons so you can go back to review information as wanted or needed. This will also help those with visual tracking, near/far vision, light sensitivities and audio processing issues.
Break down recorded lessons into more manageable chunks of time. Use a timer
Make visual cues like a chart or bullet pointed list to go along with the lessons. This gives the learner a map to orient where they are and how much longer they need to focus. This will be especially helpful for those with spatial or time management challenges.
Use headphones with a long cord or Bluetooth headset to allow wandering while listening.
Use baskets, backpacks, bins or boxes to hold needed supplies like books, pencils, papers, and fidgets so there is no need to wander away looking for things. Have them help set these up and review where everything is before starting a lesson. Remember this organization needs to make more sense for them than you.
Fidget tools can be simple rubber bands, paper clips, string, straws, beads, twist ties, tape, dried beans
Use a timer to build in short periods of time to stand, stretch, rest the eyes, ramble around the room and return. Do some deep breathing to help calm and reset before starting again. Stop, close your eyes and take 3 or 4 deep calming breaths and really think about expanding the chest. Try counting to 7 on the inhale and exhale.
Some of us are athletes or dancers but not all of us can sit and meditate for hours! Human beings are built to move it starts in the womb and continues until our last breath. For many of us the need to move is more of an imperative than for others, we simply don’t process information as well without it. Helping children to understand this aspect of themselves and giving them strategies for working within these parameters will be gifts that last them a lifetime. Well beyond the COVID-19 quarantine we’re currently struggling through.
As always if you have questions please reach out. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay well!
