Any parent of a child with special needs will know that school can be a challenging place at times – which is why so many mums and dads are praising an Illinois-based teacher this week.
Miss Maplethorpe, a teacher at Raymond Ellis Elementary School, has been lauded for creating ‘sensory seating’ for children with special needs.
In a post shared to the school’s official Facebook page, Miss Maplethorpe is seen posing beside a set of chairs fitted with tennis balls.
Her hope is that these special sensory chairs will help children with conditions such as Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Down syndrome.
“Sensory seating is used for students who may have difficulty processing information from their senses and from the world around them,” management explained in the post.
“Tennis balls on the seat and backrest provide an alternative texture to improve sensory regulation. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc., may benefit from this seating option.”
While some parents have suggested that the seats won’t work for everyone, many have praised the idea as ‘amazing’.
“Some children who need sensory release will purposefully stand on Lego bricks, strangle themselves, or repeatedly bash their heads on walls/cabinets. This seat will help them get that release SAFELY. It may be uncomfortable for us, but for a child with autism this could change their lives,” wrote one parent.
Another chimed in: “I love this! I commend teachers that choose to work with, and mothers that have special needs children. It has to be so mentally and physically exhausting, and yet you continue to find awesome ways to help your children thrive.”
What are your thoughts?
