June 15, 2007, Newsletter Issue #44: DeadTime
Tip of the Week
Dead time is any period of time in which the individual with autism is not engaged. Basically, dead time involves moments when the child is left in his own world with nothing to absorb. With all of the sensory input that surrounds people in community settings, dead time seems as if it would not be a problem. However, some individuals with autism have hypoactive sensory systems. This means that everything is blocked out, including significant input.
The individual with a hypoactive sensory system will be seen staring off into space. He won't respond to questions or sounds and he will appear to stare though people and objects rather than directly at them. When an individual has a hyperactive sensory system, he may shut down in order to avoid the unpleasant bombardment of sensory input. He experiences dead time as he concentrates on his sensory needs.
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