As cicadas begin to emerge in the Greater Cincinnati area, special needs advocates say people need to be aware of the potential sensory overload caused by the insects’ noise.The buzzing of the cicadas can be compared to a jackhammer or a lawn mower. People with autism tend to be more sensitive to sounds and touch.The CDC estimates one in 68 children has been identified to have autism.As people navigate the 2021 cicada invasion, autism advocates say the most helpful tool to prevent sensory overload is preparation.The Cincinnati Center for Autism, in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, gives its students social story narratives which walks people with autism through reassuring possible cicada scenarios.Slides contain the following declarative messages:“The cicadas may land on me and that is okay. I can brush them off me if I want.”“The cicadas will not hurt me, my family, my friends, or my pets. They do not sting or bite.”“I can wear a hat, or headphones to quiet the noise. Or maybe I can find something to do inside.”Specialists with Cincinnati Center for Autism say in addition to verbal statements to offer cicada support, people can also be on the lookout for non-verbal cues of discomfort.“If individuals are covering their ears, or might be jittery, more so than they were previously, those are signs of discomfort and being sensitive to signs of discomfort, but will be important during this time,” Cincinnati Center for Autism Primary School Managing BCBA Kelli Brinker said. “If your kiddo is asking to go inside when maybe they normally love outside, it might be due to sensitivity to the cicadas. If they're asking to play with toys versus play on the playground, it might be due to sensitivity to the cicadas.”Brinker said it can be helpful to reassure people with autism who may be experiencing sensory overload by saying “It’s just the cicadas. You don’t need to worry.” She warned saying this in an annoyed tone when someone is clearly bothered is most likely not helpful. In addition, she said using the phrase, “You just have to get used to cicadas” can also not be helpful as it can be dismissive to someone’s sensory overload and genuine fear.To learn more about the narrative stories, click here. They are free and can be used for anyone who is concerned about cicadas.
As cicadas begin to emerge in the Greater Cincinnati area, special needs advocates say people need to be aware of the potential sensory overload caused by the insects’ noise.
The buzzing of the cicadas can be compared to a jackhammer or a lawn mower. People with autism tend to be more sensitive to sounds and touch.
The CDC estimates one in 68 children has been identified to have autism.
As people navigate the 2021 cicada invasion, autism advocates say the most helpful tool to prevent sensory overload is preparation.
The Cincinnati Center for Autism, in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, gives its students social story narratives which walks people with autism through reassuring possible cicada scenarios.
Slides contain the following declarative messages:
- “The cicadas may land on me and that is okay. I can brush them off me if I want.”
- “The cicadas will not hurt me, my family, my friends, or my pets. They do not sting or bite.”
- “I can wear a hat, or headphones to quiet the noise. Or maybe I can find something to do inside.”
Specialists with Cincinnati Center for Autism say in addition to verbal statements to offer cicada support, people can also be on the lookout for non-verbal cues of discomfort.
“If individuals are covering their ears, or might be jittery, more so than they were previously, those are signs of discomfort and being sensitive to signs of discomfort, but will be important during this time,” Cincinnati Center for Autism Primary School Managing BCBA Kelli Brinker said. “If your kiddo is asking to go inside when maybe they normally love outside, it might be due to sensitivity to the cicadas. If they're asking to play with toys versus play on the playground, it might be due to sensitivity to the cicadas.”
Brinker said it can be helpful to reassure people with autism who may be experiencing sensory overload by saying “It’s just the cicadas. You don’t need to worry.” She warned saying this in an annoyed tone when someone is clearly bothered is most likely not helpful. In addition, she said using the phrase, “You just have to get used to cicadas” can also not be helpful as it can be dismissive to someone’s sensory overload and genuine fear.
To learn more about the narrative stories, click here. They are free and can be used for anyone who is concerned about cicadas.
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