Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
I have recently been diagnosed with autism. I have always found my job as a teacher extremely hard, but always thought that everyone was finding it as hard as me.
Now, after extensive reading, I know that how much I struggle in a class of children is because of my sensory processing - especially with noise.
I have put together a little bag of calming things to try and help - fidget spinner, stress ball, ear plugs, etc. But I was wondering what other people use?
I find the noise at times just too much, and I can't leave the classroom, so it has to be things I can sit and do at my desk and will not distract the children.
Any help would be greatly received!
Thanks,
L
One thing I now understand I find difficulty with as a teacher is the transitions throughout the day. So consider it it might not just be sensory or social challenges but changing from one state to another. Eg from class to break time, from getting things ready to chatting with colleagues, from one group of students to the next, from one room to another etc there is a lot of changing of focus and attention as things come up throughout the day.
Thats a very good point. I find switching from classroom to staffroom very difficult. After 2 hours with noisy kids I just want to be by myself and I dont have the battery life left to socialise with adults
Exactly and I feel really panicy because I havnt recharged enough to be ready for it
Sometimes the momentum takes a while to slow down and by which time class has started again.