Ms. Serra's autistic support room consists of eight Third and Fourth Grade students with autism, ranging from those who are learning to express their needs to those who are able to join a mainstream classroom. Autism spectrum disorders affect the way the brain processes incoming and outgoing information. One area often overlooked for students with autism is the area of sensory processing.

Ever felt anxious, overwhelmed or unable to focus? This can be described as "sensory overload" and this experience illustrates what children on the autism spectrum may experience on a regular basis. Too much sensory information can cause stress, anxiety, and physical pain. This can result in meltdowns, challenging behaviors, or simple withdrawals. 

To accommodate some of these sensory needs Ms. Serra set up a "sensory room" in one of the school's conference rooms. Friends, family members and school colleagues donated items and a little nook was built out of a cardboard box.

The sensory room facilitates self-regulation, relaxation and sensory awareness. Ms. Serra's students have scheduled use of the sensory room in their daily routine. Knowing and learning how to regulate behaviors and responses to the immediate environment is essential to being able to navigate the world around us.