Desensitizing Your Learner
Covid-19 has exposed us to a new “normal” in many ways. From not having access to our favorite things to being limited in everyday activities, these changes have proved difficult for many of us. This statement could not be more true than for children with sensory issues. While we don’t know how long these changes will last, we do know that they will be around for a while so systematic desensitization will become a very necessary part of the lives of many individuals with Autism or other special needs.
Systematic Desensitization (also sometimes referred to as graduated exposure therapy) is a behavioral therapy based on the principle of classical conditioning in which individuals are gradually exposed to an anxiety provoking object, situation or place over a period of time. This exposure, when paired with relaxation techniques and positive reinforcement helps individuals to begin to tolerate otherwise aversive or stressful situations. This strategy is successful in teaching learners to tolerate necessary self-care routines such as nail clippings, hair cuts, dental exams, and under current circumstances- tolerating face coverings.
Desensitization is not an overnight cure. This teaching protocol requires detailed planning and precise execution if it is expected to yield a positive outcome. Things to consider prior to starting a desensitization program: How will you define the skill you are desensitizing the learner to? For example, if your goal is to teach your learner to tolerate wearing a face covering what will that entail? How many steps will you break the skill into? How long will they be expected to wear it? Will you teach for generalization of this skill by exposing them to various types of face coverings or wearing them in various settings? How will you correct for errors when teaching? How will you reinforce progress and desired outcomes? While you shouldn’t expect overnight success, when executed correctly systematic desensitization can help make otherwise stressful situations tolerable, making all efforts worthwhile.
