This subject will be explored in the fifth book of My Friend Sam series.
This program provides a sensory friendly environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or anyone for whom the environment is suitable and their families to view new release films in theatres across the country.
These screenings are presented in a lights up, sound down environment. These screenings will take place approximately every 4-6 weeks on Saturday mornings at 10:30AM.
To learn more about the sensory friendly viewings please visit the Cineplex website here.
Little Acres Ranch has accepted to help us out with Book # 4. Here is a little more information on horse therapy.
What is EFL?
EFL is a therapy where the children learn about themselves, other people and interacting with the world. It’s not about teaching riding or horse care skills and the children don’t need any previous experience of horses.
EFL has proven to be particularly useful for children with autism, attention deficit disorder and bipolar disorders – all of whom may find it difficult to communicate, interact with other people and carry out instructions.
The results are startling. Even those showing severe anti-social and aggressive behavior become calmer and more communicative.
Therapeutic benefits of EFL
In general, benefits from participation in EFL have been observed in the following areas:
- Communication
- Self esteem
- Coordination and motor skills
- Focus and observation
- Respect
- Self control and self awareness
- Relationships
The following specific activities have been seen to produce improvements in the skills listed.
Grooming
Cognitive skills, fine motor skills, focus
Groundwork
Fine and gross motor skills, intent (emotional control), focus, balance, multi-tasking
Lunging
Fine and gross motor skills, cognitive skills, multi-tasking
Children often do not experience EFL as learning in the traditional sense. It is because EFL is experiential that suddenly learning becomes fun!
To get more details on horse therapy please click on both images to enlarge a better view of the brochure.
Autism Canada has graciously provided us with story ideas that we could illustrate in this book series.
Here are some of the suggestions:
- Getting dressed – issues d/t feeling, texture, colour
- Need for routine – schedules, furniture, books/toys, and these routine needs can change
- Eating – texture, smell
- Scripting – using lines from tv/dvd to express themselves
- Sounds – loud, certain pitches,
- Sounds – they may make weird sounds when they stim
- Bullying – prevention
- Eye contact
- Physical contact – either too much or too little
- Laughter – may be uncontrolled and not designed to be malicious – not laughing at another kid
- Safety gear – some need to wear helmets. Maybe design your own or treat it like a cast
- Service dogs – not being rude, but they are working and can’t be shared with others
- EA/TA – extra help in classroom and may need to leave the class to do special programming
- Friends – joining techniques
- Communication tools – pecs or ipad (special technology not allowed by other kids)
- Eating – special restrictions
- Violent behaviour
- Derogative terms – “retarded”, “autistic”
- Peer support – social game initiatives
- IQ – like a puzzle – may excel in some areas but be very behind in others
- Feeling sick – have digestive issues that can alter the way they feel
If you have more ideas for us, please contact us and let us know. We would love to hear from you.
