Coping with Sensory Overload

 Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month is almost over. Our good friend, Jeff Jennings, sent us a link to a really great article and a group of YouTube videos that do a good job of simulating the sensory overload that autistic individuals experience every day. When Levi is experiencing sensory overload, he may do one of several different things, but most commonly, he will plug his ears and put his pinky fingers in the cornes of his eyes ( which actually creates a pressure sensation and distorts vision, both of which help block out the overwhelming environment, but doesn't hurt...try it :) ) This is a form of stimming, and it's a healthy way of coping with sensory overload. It helps them *not* have a meltdown.

 Meltdowns are when an Autistic person can no longer cope with the overload they are experiencing and they panic. Many times, a meltdown looks like a temper tantrum to strangers, and to people who don't understand what is going on. 1 out of 54 boys have been diagnosed with Autism, so it's an overwhelming percentage in our communities. It can be helpful to remember this statistic when you see a mom with a child that appears to be pitching a fit...she very well may be an Autism mom.

 Here is the link that Jeff sent to us. I hope that you will watch the super short videos and pass them along. They are a great way to increase Autism Awareness and Acceptance.

http://mashable.com/2014/04/23/autism-simulations/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link

 If you would like to donate to Levi's Mountain and help us get the specialized training we will be going to in mid-June at the Autism Treatment Center of America, click on the *Donate* button at the top of this page.

<3 Levi's Mommy, Angela