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School plans sensory classroom

Speciality equipment will help sudents with autism

WASHINGTON — Soon children with autism at Allison Park Elementary School will get a specially made sensory classroom and carts filled with sensory toys.

Autism Open, a Washington-based nonprofit that raises money for individuals affected by autism, donated roughly $10,000 to create custom carts and a classroom. Courtney Cavanaugh, executive director and one of the founders, said the carts will be filled with fidget toys. The intent is for the items to assist children with staying focused, while making behaviors less disruptive in the classroom.

“The carts are basically little stools that the children can put under their desk and wiggle in a circle,” Cavanaugh said. “It allows the kids who normally can’t sit still the opportunity to move while they’re not bothering anyone in the classroom.”

The toys inside the cart include balls, clay, putty, sensory gloves, brushes, balls that can be squished and chewing toys that the students can put on top of their erasers.

“There will be enough carts for each grade level,” Cavanaugh said. “By allowing these kids the opportunity to fidget at their desk with toys, they have a higher opportunity to stay focused and not disrupt the class.”

One of the main reasons the sensory carts were created is so the children can stay inside the regular classrooms and allow the teachers to continue teaching without disruptions.

“Teachers are already overworked,” Cavanaugh said. “Teachers have to deal with classrooms growing in size and long days. This will give them the chance to slide a child a fidget toy and continue teaching like they were. It will allow everyone to continue learning in a positive environment.”

The sensory classroom will be built over summer and ready for next school year. The classroom will have different items for the children to go to throughout the day such as swings, weighted blankets and other fidget toys. Cavanaugh said this will be able to help students get their energy out when they “need a break” from the regular classroom. Later the student can return to the regular classroom to continue learning throughout the day.

“We want them to be focused,” Cavanaugh said. “By giving them a space to exert energy, it will help in the classroom. It will help them be more successful throughout their time in school.”

According to Autism Open’s website, the organization has raised close to $260,000 for children and families affected by autism since 2010. Over the nine years, Autism Open has purchased four autism service dogs, several iPads and sensory items like swings, weighted blankets and fidget toys.

Cavanaugh wants to continue helping other schools in Washington County.

“I really want schools to see what we have done for these children and say, ‘Hey, we like that, can you do it for us?'” Cavanaugh said. “I absolutely want to help them. I want all of the smaller schools to come to us so we can continue to help the children and families that need the most.”

The sensory classroom and carts will be ready to use for next school year. For more information about Autism Open, visit their website or check out “Autism Open” on Facebook.

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