Course Description

"Sensory difficulty” has become a common phrase used to describe a myriad of interfering behaviors that children may present with. Often times, behaviors presented by children with certain diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are assumed to be sensory in nature. While it is true that many children with such disorders may present with sensory-based challenges, it should not be assumed that because a behavior appears sensory-based that it is truly serving a sensory (automatic) function.

This course describes several sensory-based difficulties a child may present with, and a distinction is made in how to identify automatic behavioral functions. Implications for intervention and treatment are also reviewed; specifically how to incorporate contingent and noncontingent reinforcement procedures to address sensory-based behaviors.