Aubrey Schmalle – Distracted and Disorganized Kids in a Digital Generation: Techniques to Influence Neuroplasticity, Manage Screen Time & Implement Sensory Smart Movement

Outline

4 D’s of a Digital Generation: Distraction, Disorganization, Dysregulation, and Digital Dementia

• The speed of digital information verses the speed of neurodevelopment
• Growing impact of technology on learning and behavior
• Specific challenges for children with learning, processing, and attention deficits

Rebalance the Brain-Body Connection

• Role of the senses in self-regulation, perception, and adaptive response patterns
• Sensory Imbalances: Overusing vision in a screen-based world
• Impact of weak links in sensory triads on learning and behavior
• Influence physiology to reduce disorganization and dysregulation
• Rebalance through controlled activation of multiple senses

A Powerful New Framework: Body Activated Learning™

• 3 Phase Approach: Optimize, activate, and regroup
• Optimize connection to the body through energizing or calming movement
• Activate the brain-body connection using sensory triads and vision exercises
• Regroup from screen-based and sedentary learning tasks triggering visual and body fatigue
• Experiential learning

Activate and Digitally Interactive Treatment Strategies

• Determine a child’s digital and sensory-learning profile
• Building Sensational self-awareness to engage and empower learners
• Proactive activities to support regulation and cognition
• Embedding regrouping opportunities to recover from dysregulation and overload
• Technology as a tool to support the brain-body connection
• Case studies, videos, and interactive learning

Influencing Neuroplasticity: Techniques to Balance Technology and Sensory Smart Movement

• Vision, auditory, vestibular, and more considerations for:
  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Dyslexia and dysgraphia
  • Non-identified but digitally impacted children

Attacking Digital Dementia and Disorganization from the Inside Out

• Educate parents and schools
• Play and learning vs “Done for You” Technology
• Visualization vs videos and Playstation
• Creation vs consumption: Interactive learning in a digital age
• Remediation vs accommodation

Contagious Mindsets: Collaborate to Empower a Digital Generation

• Integrated support strategies: Use body activated learning within an RTI model
  • Whole class intervention and universal design
  • Small group instruction, social groups, and morning movement opportunities
  • Individualized supports
• Teach to learn: Modeling and cross-training for Paraprofessionals
• Planning materials and resources for collaborative intervention
  • Classroom set-up and sensory smart routines
  • Merging sensory diets, sensory strategies, multisensory learning, and brain breaks
  • Empowering conversations with children