In this course, we will review invisible disabilities (such as autism, Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and C-PTSD, etc.) for early childhood professionals who need to integrate students who may be struggling with these conditions, all of which can cause challenges to learning in classrooms. By combining background information about how SPD presents in classroom behaviors, practical tools for both students, teachers and therapists, and classroom strategies for building inclusive classroom communities, Joanie presents possibilities for more compassionate classrooms and schools. When we can recognize the sensory triggers, we can (ideally) circumvent the meltdowns. We can also teach our sensory students to be proactive about their own sensory systems and teach our other students to be supportive allies.
