While participation is our goal, here are some reasons you may find yourself in one-on-one, or individualized, time with your participant.

Overstimulation (Noise, Lights, Smells, Stimuli)

• • Overstimulation can occur when the senses (Sight, Hearing, Smell, Touch, Taste) are being stimulated too much, and an individual is unable to process the amount of information, or stimuli, their body is taking in. This can lead to an overwhelming feeling.

  • This can also occur with balance/equilibrium, physical pressure, or 'body feelings' (ex: the pressure of muscles flexing, squeezing, the pressure of a hug).

Understimulation

• • Similarly, participants with Autism or sensory processing disorders can also feel 'understimulated.' This is when there is a lack of sensory stimuli

  • Participants feeling understimulated will seek out sensory stimuli (ex: spinning in circles, staring at light up balls, using fidget toys, tasting inedible objects)

Significant Frustration with Communication or Social Play

• • It is common that participants sometimes get frustrated during activities. This occurs among all campers. Significant frustration that may require individualized time often exceeds normal frustration and can include loud speaking, physical responses, and a breakdown in communication

  • There is an important difference between normal and significant frustration. Participants should always give activities a try. Potential failure is a normal part of trying new things. It becomes significant when it begins to affect emotional regulation and communication

Dysregulation

• • Dysregulation is the inability to control or regulate one's emotions and emotional responses.

  • This typically occurs as a result of over- or under- stimulation, significant frustration, negative social interaction, or abrupt changes in schedule

Cool Down Time

• • Individualized cool down time away from a group will often come as a result of one of the above situations occurring