Dec 28, 2017, Lock Haven (PA) Express: New Sensory Room at Wingate Elementary helps students remain calm and focused http://www.lockhaven.com/news/community/2017/12/new-sensory-room-at-wingate-elementary-helps-students-remain-calm-and-focused/ Weisbrode, Bald Eagle Area’s occupational therapist, knows that it is increasingly common for students to have sensory processing differences. This impacts their ability to focus and to be in control of their bodies and emotions.... For example, these students may find it hard to remain seated, become distressed with loud sounds, or have a low frustration level. They may avoid touching certain textures or need to touch everything, and everyone, in the classroom. Children with sensory differences may bump and crash into people or walls, and use excessive force when using classroom tools. Classroom teachers do make needed accommodations for these children within the classroom, like implementing quiet-times or offering flexible seating options. But Weisbrode says that some students require more intensive sensory input throughout the school-day to maintain a well-regulated physical and emotional state. Students need this sensory input before they can become engaged and learn. In an effort to help these students get their sensory needs met, Weisbrode turned the empty classroom into a “Sensory Room.” ...

Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.