Amy Laurent

Supporting children, parents & educators

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Heightened Perception- Challenge? Strength? Both!

It’s widely recognized that autistic individuals often experience heightened perception of sensory information. These processing differences are often discussed in terms of hypersensitivities and sensory defensiveness. And, while heightened sensory perception can pose very real challenges it can also create remarkable strengths. This support is designed to draw attention to both of these aspects of sensory processing differences. It can be used as a basis of conversation between individuals and/or their teams to understand environments that might be a match or mismatch for them depending on their sensory profiles and the impact sensory experiences have on their energy. This information can then be used to help fill out the Power Plan.

Autistic Perspective:

Our tools focus a lot on understanding the profile of the person (PIC) and we want to ensure that aspects of the profile are considered both in terms of the very really challenges they can pose, and also in terms of the strengths they can offer. I think it is unfair to label autistic people as “too sensitive” or “overly reactive” to stimuli – We could flip the script and ask what is wrong with all the neurotypical people who are numb to the world and don’t perceive certain sounds, frequencies, odors, and textures at all or as intensely? Though the words “hyper-sensitive” or “sensitive” should be neutral, I think they have taken on a negative connotation and so this support is a call to reframe thinking – I’m not hyper or overly sensitive to smells…I’m a Super Sniffer who experiences smells intensely and for long durations after most people think they have gone and this will either be a challenge or a strength depending on the context and it will be a challenge and a strength always – the challenges of it do not disappear just because I can leverage it as a strength!

Partner Stage:
Appropriate for supporting Social, Language, and Conversational Partners

Free Visual Support: Strength and Challenges (PDF)

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NeurodiVERSE ~ Jacquelyn Fede, PhD

Originally presented at the 12th Annual Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton Conference in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for a Neurodiversity in Research Panel (January 23, 2020)

Autistic Perspective:

Listen up to Autism Level UP! as Jacquelyn Fede, PhD discusses how she organizes how she thinks about things with some follow up thoughts by Amy Laurent, PhD- to illustrate the power of the partnership.

NeurodiVERSE (PDF)

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The Power Plan

The Power Plan is the fifth tool in the Autism Level UP! Energy Regulation Suite. The Power Plan is where it ALL COMES TOGETHER. Using information derived from My Energy, The Regulator, and The PIC, autistic individuals and their teams can create a comprehensive plan to Power UP or Power Down Energy Levels when there is a mismatch identified on The Energy Meter. Teams should use this support only after the others in the suite have been completed. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the other supports in the series – which provide all the information for personalization of the The Power Plan. The plan is designed to be used as a quick reference for both proactive strategies (i.e., everyday routine strategies and strategic prevention strategies ) and reactive strategies (e.g., power up levels and power down levels strategies). In addition, strategies are organized by type of input (i.e., sensory motor or language based). Determination of the appropriate strategy in a specific context will depend on the source of the energy mismatch and also on the developmental level of the person. This support includes a “generic power plan” for shifting energy up and down to provide a model of how to complete the plan in addition to blank forms to be filled out based on the individual.

Autistic Perspective:

The Power Plan is a stand-alone regulatory tool in my mind. I love that this plan pulls together the critical pieces of information from all of the previous supports that have been completed and tailored to my profile, the environments in which I exist and the activities that I actually do on a daily basis. It is one thing to be able to express and communicate my current energy state and compare it to the energy needed for the activity, but it is so critical that I know, no matter what the mismatch is and in which direction, there is a plan in place with explicit tools and strategies to be used in every scenario. Further, these strategies are based on what is soothing and alerting and takes into account which domains are most effective for me personally. I also love knowing that I can share this with partners and they will have the same explicit, formulaic information about what to do for a variety of energy mismatches. Essentially, I know that if I can access the energy meter, I can access A LOT of high quality, effective support whether it is a visual reminder for myself or an explicit plan for a partner… which brings me back to The Power Plan as a stand-alone regulatory tool.

Partner Stage:
Conversational Partner

Child Objectives:
SR4.5 Identifies and reflects on strategies to support regulation
MR4.5(d) Shares intentions for joint attention- expresses feelings and opinions

Partner Objectives:
IS 1.6 Provides information or assistance to regulate state
IS 5.3 Provides guidance and and feedback as needed for success in activities
LS 2.4 Uses augmentative communication support to enhance child’s emotional regulation

Free Visual Support: The Power Plan (PDF)

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El Medidor de Energía (Energy Meter)

El Medidor de Energía (Energy Meter) se creado para asistir los socios conversacionales a pensar en sus propios estados de excitación relativo al medio ambiente. El Medidor usa dos palabras para asistir las personas a identificar su energía interna y la energía necesaria en la actividad. La primera palabra describe lo que se siente, mientras le segunda palabra muestra cómo lo que se parece (según a las otras). Esto tipo de apoyo, es decir uno que no hay etiquetas de emoción, puede ser especialmente útil para las personas que tienen dificultades para identificar y expresar emociones, pero está trabajando a aprender como se puede cambiar la energía interna para poder a participar en diversas actividades. Por supuesto, las personas autísticas pueden usar esta herramienta, pero la familia, la escuela, los amigos, los vecinos y mas pueden usarlo también para obtener información sobre la energía de la persona y actividad y usarla para informar sobre las herramientas y estrategias mejores para cambiar la energía de la persona, o las reglas o la estructura de una actividad. Esto apoyo se puede adaptar y personalizar de acuerdo a las intereses de la persona autística. Se proporcionan algunos ejemplos en ingles (por ejemplo usando Pokémon o frases típicas de los niños o adolescentes).

¡Por favor, dinos sus piensas sobre esta herramienta y sus experiencias usándola!

Perspectiva Autistica:

Soy autista y me encanta esto apoyo porque elimina la obligación a nombrar una emocione. Con frecuencia, una barrera para pedir ayuda es saber que no puedo expresar lo que siento con palabras. En lugar de obligarme a elegir una emoción, esto me permite describir o indicar mi experiencia de manera más precisa y fiel a mí mismo. Y no puedo pensar in nunca más importante ni convalidando.

Recurso visual gratis – ¡descarga aquí! El Medidor de Energía (PDF)

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The PIC (Person In Context)

The PIC (Person in Context) is the fourth tool in the Autism Level UP! Energy Regulation Suite. The PIC is all about being a detective and problem solving. This support is designed to help autistic individuals, their families and/or their educational teams identify risk and protective factors influencing the individuals’ (My) Energy and the match/mismatch of that energy within the activities and environments that they are engaged (Energy Meter). To do this, individuals and their partners discuss and achieve consensus about the Person’s Profile (PIC, Part 1)- How the person experiences different aspects of themselves regardless of context. Strengths and challenges are highlighted. Next, they reflect on the nature of a single Activity (PIC, Part 2), as well as the properties of the Environment (PIC, Part 3) where the activity is occurring using those same categories. Once Person, Activity, and Environment Profiles have been created, it’s time to Put the PIC Together (PIC, Part 4). Here’s where the magic happens and patterns emerge in understanding regulation challenges and energy mismatches for the autistic individual in a comprehensive way. This visual display of the degree of “goodness” of fit in a wide variety of areas amongst the three profiles forms the basis for problem solving appropriate supports IN CONTEXT for an individual . Depending on the source of the energy mismatch, individuals and partners determine whether activity and environmental modifications are needed or if personal supports may be more effective in a given situation. The Regulator 2.0 can be referenced to select individual strategies previously identified as alerting or soothing with respect to energy levels. This support includes four worksheets that when used together create one powerful path for planning Energy support especially if parts 2 and 3 are generated for multiple activities and environments.

Autistic Perspective:

Presume Competence…in Context! The PIC is invaluable in that it provides a respectful and realistic cognitive framework for how to think about supporting autistic people.

The determinants of an autistic person engaging, learning, participating, playing, contributing or collaborating are not how difficult, rebellious, non-compliant or unmotivated we are feeling at any given time. Rather, it is how predictable, appropriate, realistic, supportive, accommodating and trustworthy the combination of the environment, partners and activity are and how well regulated we are entering into this context. It is the goodness of fit between an autistic person (e.g., current developmental level, knowledge, skills, abilities and regulation), the activity at hand (e.g., social and cognitive demands), and the environment in which it is to occur (e.g., sensory and physical layout).

We do not need “functioning” labels for human beings. We need to understand our own risk and protective factors; and we need partners, peers, family, coworkers and society to honor these factors and recognize that our competence, performance, functioning, etc., are all influenced by this complex interaction of individual, activity-related and environmental factors. Functioning is a two-way street, and too often the responsibility and the burden of “functioning” falls solely on the autistic person with far too little consideration of the “functioning” of the activity or environment (both of which have likely been designed by and for neurotypical people).

I think this support, in particular, can really help illuminate some of the simple and most effective changes that can be made to facilitate autistics’ engagement and participation. It should assist neurotypical people in shifting their thinking to be able to provide real assistance and to build trust. In very simple terms, The PIC asks you to consider the following:

If I could do it yesterday, or 1,000 times before, but I cannot do it today, ask:
– What challenges are present in the environment now that were not before?
– What supports are missing that are usually in place?
– How can this activity and environment be modified or replaced in order to increase the likelihood of engagement?

Before you ask or say things like:
– I know you understand; I know you can do this…Why are you being difficult?
– You’re trying to get out of doing this.
– You’re not allowed to [insert stim, use regulatory tool] until you can complete this task.

Partner Stage:
Conversational Partner

Child Objectives:
SR4.5 Identifies and reflects on strategies to support regulation
MR4.5(d) Shares intentions for joint attention- expresses feelings and opinions

Partner Objectives:
IS 1.6 Provides information or assistance to regulate state
IS 5.3 Provides guidance and and feedback as needed for success in activities
LS 2.4 Uses augmentative communication support to enhance child’s emotional regulation

Free Visual Support: The PIC (PDF) The PIC – Example (PDF)

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My Energy

Free Visual Support: My Energy (PDF)

“My Energy” is the third support in the Autism Level UP! Regulation Suite of Tools. This support is designed to help autistic individuals, their families and/or their educational teams identify how an autistic individual experiences the continuum of energy (arousal) states. To do this, individuals and teams are encouraged to discuss and achieve consensus about what observable behaviors the individual engages in at each state/energy level, as well as what each state feels like to the individual. The accurate identification of the unique and specific ways a person experiences each Energy Level is critical to recognizing and supporting their regulatory needs and abilities (because sometimes things look different than you expect)! This support includes a second worksheet version as well as a “completed” (i.e., generic) version to assist teams in considering possibilities and working through the process.

Autistic Perspective:

For me, and for many autistic people, it isn’t only about not having the words to communicate a state or emotion. It is also our other forms of expression, which can look different and be misinterpreted by those around us, that can contribute to not being able to access support and help when needed. For example, whenever I experience a very intense emotion, no matter what it is, I tend to smile… unless I am deeply fascinated by or enjoying something…then I may look serious or even what some would describe as “angry.” In order for someone to support me, it is very important they know that, for me, a smile may not mean I am content and happy and that it may mean I am overwhelmed by the energy or emotion I am feeling at the time. It is so critical to identify these differences, and to acknowledge them as valid forms of communication and expression. Many strategies aim to teach autistic people how they should react or what they should call what they are feeling in order to access help. I love that this support is all about identifying and validating our different forms of expression and making it known that they are the norm for that individual for various emotional states and energy levels. This method goes much further in building understanding, respecting and validating the autistic experience and truly providing authentic support. ~J. Fede

Partner Stage:
Conversational Partner

Child Objectives:
SR 4.5 Identifies and reflects on strategies to support regulation
MR 4.5(d) Shares intentions for joint attention- expresses feelings and opinions

Partner Objectives:
IS 1.6 Provides information or assistance to regulate state
IS 5.3 Provides guidance and and feedback as needed for success in activities
LS 2.4 Uses augmentative communication support to enhance child’s emotional regulation

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The Regulator 2.0

Free Visual Support: The Regulator 2.0 (PDF)

The Regulator is designed to help conversational individuals explore sensory motor strategies that may be useful for self and mutual regulation. As the listed sensory motor strategies are trialed, partners can use the support to facilitate discussions related to whether each strategy is soothing, neutral or alerting (i.e., “How it changes my energy”). Answers recorded on The Regulator can then be utilized to discuss when and where preferred sensory motor strategies may be most useful to the individual when there is a mismatch between “My Energy” and the “Energy Needed” to engage in activities. This tool was created for use in combination with The Energy Meter as it serves to create a known list of strategies that can sooth or alert to move “My Energy” closer to “Energy Needed.” The blank version of The Regulator can be filled in with additional sensory motor regulatory strategies and tools that may be available to an individual in any given environment. Once The Regulator is complete it may be helpful to create a shorter list of preferred soothing strategies and preferred alerting strategies for easy reference. The video provides a brief overview of the support.

Autistic Viewpoint-

Words can complicate and dysregulate. When using The Energy Meter, partners attempt to take emotion words out of the equation so that conveying information may become easier and more accurate for an autistic individual. I love The Energy Meter for this reason, as trying to describe what I am feeling often results in even more “amping up.” This tool allows me to indicate what’s going on using language that is accessible to me and in that way it removes the “language barrier” that often discourages me from seeking out help at all.

But when we do seek out help by way of The Energy Meter or other means, the strategies that will be helpful are very likely not language-based…which is often the first tool trialed by neurotypical partners. The Regulator provides a menu of ways a partner can truly support an autistic individual with strategies tailored to their needs and preferences. In addition, The Regulator is a wonderful visual for self-regulation. In this moment, while I am well-regulated, I know that if I feel myself getting close to a “Maxed out / frenzied” state, I should implement some kind of protective, soothing strategy. I can easily tell you which strategies are available to me in which environments and which tools will be most effective when I am experiencing certain energy mismatches. BUT…it is always hardest to access this knowledge when it is most needed. That is, the more drowsy or the more maxed out I am, the less likely I will be able to think through those processes. Having a visual like The Regulator may serve as the cue or prompt that I need in those moments, or it may serve to show my partner what I should be cued or prompted to do.
~J. Fede

Partner Stage:
Conversational Partner

Child Objectives:
SR4.5 Identifies and reflects on strategies to support regulation
MR4.5(d) Shares intentions for joint attention- expresses feelings and opinions

Partner Objectives:
IS 1.6 Provides information or assistance to regulate state
IS 5.3 Provides guidance and feedback as needed for success in activities
LS 2.4 Uses augmentative communication support to enhance child’s emotional regulation

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The Energy Meter

Free Visual Support: Energy Meter (PDF) Combined Energy (PDF)

The Energy Meter is designed to help conversational partners reflect on their own arousal states in relation to the environment. The basic Energy Meter uses two descriptors to help individuals identify their own internal energy and the energy expectation for the activity. The first descriptor is meant to be what it “feels like” while the second is more reflective of “what it looks like.” This type of support, free of emotional labels, is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with emotional identification and expression but are working to understand the concepts of regulation and how to adjust their energy level to successfully engage in activities. This support can be used by an individual, but can also be used interactively and dynamically by partners to provide clear visual feedback related to “Energy Needed” to match an activity and “My Energy” where the individual is operating. Remember if there is a mismatch in Energy, a regulatory strategy will be needed! The second page of the support provides general strategies for increasing and decreasing energy levels! In addition, three adaptions are included in the combined support to show how the support might be customized for students incorporating 5th grade lingo or their areas of special interest (e.g., Pokemon and the periodic table) The video tutorial describes the design and use of the support, as well as customizing options.

Partner Stage:
Conversational Partner

Child Objectives:
MR 4.5 Shares intentions for joint attention (a. comments on immediate events; c. requests information about immediate events; d. expresses feelings or opinions)
SR 4.3 Uses self-monitoring and self-talk to guide behavior
SR 5.3 Uses metacognitive strategies to regulate arousal level in new and changing situations

Partner Objectives:
IS 1.6 Provides information or assistance to regulate state
IS 5.3 Provides guidance and feedback as needed for success in activities
LS 2.4 Uses augmentative communication support to enhance child’s emotional regulation

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Snack Server

Free Visual Support: Snack Server (PDF)

When we are hungry, it can be hard to focus on others. Yet, snack and meals are wonderful opportunities for social engagement. Snack Server is a visual support designed for Language Partners. The structure creates predictable and meaningful roles within the context of getting ready to eat, while also supporting the development of socially focused vocabulary. Snack Server highlights two roles using word combinations to guide participation- the “giver” of the snack and the “taker.” The support is designed for users to fill in the red squares with with photos of those filling the roles. See video for further discussion and possible modifications.

Partner Stage:
Language Partner

Child Objectives:
JA 6.2 – Comments on action or activity
SU 5.6- Uses variety of relational meanings in word combinations

Partner Objectives:
IS 6.2 – Adjusts language complexity to child’s developmental level
LS 2.1- Uses augmentative support to enhance child’s communication and expressive language.

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Decision Making Tree for Dealing with Problems

Free Visual Support: Decision Making Tree for Dealing with Problems (PDF)

When arousal levels increase, often times, creative problem solving abilities go out the window. The Decision Making Tree for Dealing with Problems is designed to lighten the burden of needing to generate solutions in the moment for Conversational Partners. This support requires pre-teaching in order for it to be useful and effective when a student is actually confronted with a problem. As with any complex support, in addition to pre-teaching, the use of modeling as well as initial mutual regulatory support is suggested. Remember new self-regulatory skills are often most effectively learned through successful mutual regulatory assistance. The structure of this support can be adapted for a wide range of possibilities. So, feel free to be creative and individualize the strategies.