How to Keep Up After an Absence: Elementary Part 1 of 3

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The winter weather, combined with the holiday season, tends to create a notable increase in student absences from school. Whether families are traveling over the holidays, vacationing, or even getting hit with bouts of the flu, this time of year means that, for one reason or another, students are missing more school. So what can be done to ease the stress of returning to school after a long absence? For elementary-age students, parents play a key role.

Not surprisingly, elementary-age students need a little adult monitoring and management when it comes to extended absences from school. Often times, it is the parent or guardian who decides when a child needs to be out of school to begin with—children do not schedule their own vacations, nor do they make the final call when they are ill. Therefore, the best advice for elementary school children is directed towards parents.

Be proactive

Of course, some occasions simply do not allow for planning—the stomach flu is not going to afford a family the opportunity to plan ahead for a multi-day absence. However, vacations, family visits, or religious observances are things that can and should be planned for. Emailing the school a week or two prior can make all the difference when it comes to prolonged absences.

Take work home

Ask the teacher(s) if your child should take work outside of school prior to the absence. This will allow for a head start on the missed assignments, which will also reduce stress or anxiety for your child. Encourage your child to complete the work in small bits during any downtime while absent.

Utilize technology

If your child is currently reading a novel in class or for a research project, seek an audio version before the absence. In fact, many audio books can be found for free on youtube. A set of headphones and a tablet are all that’s needed to keep your child from lagging behind in his or her schoolwork. Audiobooks act as a way to occupy children while travelling, as well. Consider balancing out their school text by bringing a second audio book just for pleasure.

Prioritize the workload

Hopefully, elementary-age students are not seeing loads of work at this point in their education. However, statistics show that many children are completing 1-3 hours of work each night. This could mean staggering amounts of make-up work if absent for a week. As a parent, you know what your child can and should be doing in terms of homework. Be realistic about the completion and try not to have your child overdo it. If work has piled up to an unrealistic amount, choose the most important assignments or readings—then have a conversation with your child’s teacher. Make-up work should not be seen as a punishment for prolonged absence.

Have your child keep a journal

If teachers are unable to provide make-up work with short notice, have your child complete a daily journal of his or her trip. This not only provides your child with a little bit of academic work each day—it also acts as a keepsake from a family vacation or holiday. The journal does not have to be written—consider allowing your child to keep a video journal or a typed diary during the trip.

Behavioral Techniques for Children with Learning Disabilities

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When it comes to education, there are few things that make or break a lesson like behavior management. Instruction is only as good as a student’s ability to receive it. If behaviors are out of control, the learning environment will be undoubtedly compromised. With classrooms of 30 or more students, effective behavior strategies can range far and wide—just like the many personalities in the classroom. While it may often come down to trial and error, some specific behavior techniques are known to be more effective for students with learning disabilities.

One important aspect of behavior management for students with learning disabilities is to create a classroom environment that is structured, but not rigid. Structure provides students with distinct expectations, both academic and behavioral. To set a standard or expectation from the beginning is a proactive way of staving off unsavory behaviors before they even emerge. However, as we all know, behaviors are typically an effect of some specific emotion. When emotions or reactions take over, especially for students with learning disabilities, it is beneficial that educators have a repertoire of behavioral techniques to try.

For students with ADHD…

Consider what is and is not within the child’s control before issuing a punishment or redirection. A child with ADHD is often impulsive and unaware of his or her own outbursts or comments. There is a difference between a child who is disruptive and a child with attention issues who is not intentionally troublesome. Therefore, the behavior techniques for an interruption must fit the circumstances. Instead of harping on the outburst immediately, as in the case of a disruptive student, give the student a silent cue to remind him or her of appropriate behavior in the class setting. Often times, simply making eye contact with a child will remind him or her to think and raise a hand before speaking out.

Another helpful behavior technique for students with attention issues is to use proximity. When a student is placed closer to the adult in the classroom, he or she will be more inclined to listen, track the speaker, and remain focused. Proximity also helps to remind students that they are in plain view of the teacher at all times. This technique assists when executive functioning is compromised and a student’s focus strays easily.

If a student with ADHD seems unusually fidgety or distracted, allow him or her to take a brain break. This one to three-minute movement break allows students to expel pent up energy or anxiety. The small time gap of movement also helps students to refocus and check back in if attention has been lacking.

For students with non-verbal learning disabilities…

Create a simple, structured outline for the day’s lesson. This will help a student who struggles to transition from task to task, or becomes easily frustrated if he or she feels “left behind.”

An outline or small sticky note indicating the day’s lesson will also prevent a student’s need to ask repetitive or unnecessary questions. These behaviors are typical for student with a non-verbal learning disability (NVLD)—including the inability to read facial expressions or interpret body language.

A student with a NVLD may also appear clumsy, careless, or uncoordinated. Preferential seating, either close to the teacher’s desk, pencil sharpener, door, etc., helps keep this type of learner from unnecessary roaming.

Homework: A New Approach for Teachers

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It should come to no surprise that students and parents are feeling the stress of mounting homework assignments. It is not uncommon for elementary schoolers to complete a few hours of homework every night. The subject of homework and how much is too much has become somewhat controversial, especially recently, when we are seeing children diagnosed with depression and anxiety at an alarming rate. Elementary students in America today are stressed, overworked, and over-scheduled. Regardless of how families may contribute to the “over-scheduled” child, we educators must be cognizant of the reality that homework for homework’s sake is hurting our students. It appears that, after much consideration and research, many schools are changing their stance on the implementation of nightly homework. That said, how can we change our own visions of what homework is meant to accomplish?

Let’s take a look at some alternative perspectives on how homework could be implemented differently in today’s public schools.  

Some schools are doing away with homework altogether. The argument behind this movement is that students are wildly overworked, over-tested, and overly stressed. Since even elementary schools have shifted their instructional focus from socialization, imagination, and creativity to a heavier emphasis on academics, it makes sense to cut homework from the agenda. Consider this—students as young as kindergarten and first grade are seeing more curriculum-based instructional time than ever before. Coloring, sharing, napping, and imaginative play are largely things of the past, replaced by advanced curriculums and content-specific lessons. Since the school day has become more grounded in more difficult school work, schools are forgoing the concept of homework in an effort to balance out the rigor of classes.

Other schools are adopting a similar plan for greatly reduced homework. Again, the argument is that the school day is tough enough—jam-packed with more difficult instruction and classwork. Students are encouraged to complete work outside of the classroom only when extra practice is necessary. This alleviates the “homework for homework’s sake” issue that both parents and students push back against. For example, teachers may provide additional optional worksheets, practices, or websites to peruse for students who would like extra practice with a concept or skill.

Many teachers are becoming proponents of the exit card or entry card in place of checking homework assignments for grades. These small, graded assignments at the opening or closing of a lesson act as check-ins, much like homework. Instead of students taking work home to exhibit their understanding, teachers issue brief formative assessments, like an exit card, to establish whether or not students have mastered the concept on their own. This is just one method which replaces the need for homework without compromising the teacher’s ability to assess student progress.

Another method that teachers are utilizing in place of formal homework assignments is to use class time to complete essays or projects. The push for this comes from many perceived advantages. Workshopping papers during class time allows teachers to have a more hands-on approach to helping students with their writing. This also provides useful opportunities for students to practice peer editing and revision. In terms of group projects, class time to work allows collaborative opportunities without the stress of planning to meet outside of school, which can be difficult for students who cannot drive. Finally, classwork allows students the opportunity to ask questions and receive help in real time. With homework, assignments that are difficult or confusing add another layer of frustration, since help is not always immediately available at home.

Homework Help: Easy and Effective Advice

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Homework: some parents and educators are huge proponents of it—others, not so much. The pros and cons of homework have long been debated; however, its role in your child’s education can be very influential. If homework is a reality at your child’s school, I am sure that you have dealt with the tears, tantrums, and stressors related to the sometimes daunting task. So, how can we manage to make homework less intimidating and more effective? Below are some problem-solving strategies for your child’s homework woes.

Insist that your child keep an agenda, homework calendar, or planner. Whatever you choose to call it, it is the first line of defense against homework stress. Schools typically issue a planner to each student at the start of the school year, but if this is not the case at your child’s school, be sure to purchase one. Writing down homework during class is an imperative step for ensuring that homework is completed or attempted. Not only will writing it down help with memory of the assignment, but it also ensures that you as a parent will know what the assignment is, when it was issued, and when it is due.

On a similar note, be sure that you encourage your child to write down the full details of the assignment. Often in a hurry, students jot down a vague idea of the homework with little detail. This is not much help when homework time begins. Instruct your child to write down the homework as specifically as possible, i.e., the page number, website, number of questions, or chapters to read.

Stress the importance of effort. We have all experienced those ugly moments when frustration takes over. I (not-so-fondly) remember shedding plenty of tears at the kitchen counter over factor trees…and geometry…and algebra…and precalculus homework. Needless to say, math caused a lot of stress in my household growing up. Many families can relate to this struggle. That said, remember to express the importance of simply attempting a complicated assignment. Completion for the sake of credit is not always worth the hours of frustration. Instead, when homework hits the fan, send a quick email to your child’s teacher explaining the effort that your child put into the assignment. Homework is, after all, about the practice of the skills taught at school.

Stay organized with homework assignments. This means not only helping your child organize and keep track of different tasks for their many subject areas, but helping her to organize her time for lengthy or multi-step projects. When more complex or involved assignments come home, create a realistic schedule or timeline for completion. This will help your child begin to build time management skills and help avoid the weekend meltdown. When large assignments are pushed off, the procrastination creates unnecessary stress, which can make the assignment nearly unmanageable. Avoid this by modeling your own time management strategies—show your child different methods of completing lengthy tasks in a timely, organized fashion.

Problems at School: For Parents of Middle Schoolers

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Middle school is arguably one of the biggest leaps for students in terms of educational transitions. Gone are the days of your child having one classroom for all subjects. Gone is the ease of contacting one teacher for any issue at school. And, gone are the training wheels of support and constant micromanagement. This is not to say that success in middle school is completely left up to the child, but it is much different from the hand holding that you have been accustomed to seeing at the elementary level. Up until now, as a parent you have been there for your learner every step of the way, and elementary school has made it easy to monitor, assist, and motivate your child. However, now that your child has reached middle school, the responsibilities begin to shift from the teachers and parents to the students. This is not always an easy transition for parents or children—however, middle school is the place to learn and develop these self-advocacy skills. So, how can you best assist your middle schooler as she navigates through this transitional time in her education? The truth is, there is no quick fix or recipe for success when it comes to parental involvement at school. There are, however, a few suggestions to answer parents’ frequently asked questions.

FAQ: How can I help my middle schooler if his or her grades are slipping?
Since middle school can be an abrupt change, your child may find that academics are suddenly more difficult. If you notice a slip in motivation, it is essential to nip it in the bud early. Talk with your middle schooler at home before contacting teachers. It is important that your child begins to feel a sense of ownership in his or her education. If parents go over their child’s head and take it directly to the teacher, the child will view this as a negative move. Not only are you disregarding your child’s place in the conversation, but you are also sending the message that he or she needs you to fix the problems or clean up the messes at school. A key component of middle school is the idea that students become their own agents of change for their education. Instead of immediately contacting the teacher, have an open and honest conversation about what is happening with recent school work. Allow your child to explain how he is struggling. Then brainstorm suggestions and methods for your child to get extra help on his own.

FAQ: What should I do if I think my child is being bullied?
Unfortunately, we have all been there. Middle school can be downright ugly and painful for many children. This is not a coincidence—this transitional time is marked by hormonal changes, insecurities, and the typical desire to be accepted by peers. With these commonalities comes an unfortunate tendency to be self-absorbed, self-conscious, and openly cruel if it means fitting in. If you notice that your middle schooler is exhibiting signs of bullying, be sure to first validate your child’s concerns and feelings about the social issue at school by listening. When children are systematically bullied, they are made to feel isolated and insecure. The first thing that they need is to know that you are in their corner. Do not downplay the bullying; do not minimize the impact or imply that your child should toughen up.

FAQ: At what point should I involve the school if there are bullying or social issues?
Because the consequences of bullying can be severe, especially in middle school during those formative years, it is essential to have conversations with the school immediately. Do not insert yourself in conversations with the other child or their parents—the school should be the liaison when it comes to bullying incidents. As thoroughly as possible, gather details about each incident, such as who, what, when, and where the bullying occurred. Remember, bullying is often defined as repeated instances of aggression, intimidation, or humiliation revolving around an imbalance of power or strength. One rude comment or act is not classified as bullying. If the bullying is happening in a cyber realm, document and print the evidence of cyberbullying. When meeting with the school, ask to meet before or after school hours. This will alleviate your child’s anxiety about the bullying increasing by “tattling.”

Problems at School: For Parents of High Schoolers

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Challenges at school are sure to emerge at one point or another. Of course, these challenges will vary in frequency and type, just as all learners are met with different trials as they make their way through their education. As a parent, you have been there for your learner every step of the way. Advocating, motivating, and assisting in every manner that you can, you have managed to see your child through to high school. However, now that the stakes are higher, the challenges or problems are likely more substantial, as well. So, how can you best manage to help your high schooler as he or she navigates some of the more crucial years of his or her education? The truth is, there is no quick fix or recipe for success when it comes to parental involvement at school. There are, however, a few suggestions to answer parents’ frequently asked questions.

FAQ: How can I help my high schooler if his or her grades are slipping?

Be sure to begin with a conversation at home. Often times, if parents go over their child’s head and take it directly to the teacher, the child will view this as a negative move. Not only are you disregarding your child’s place in the conversation, but you are also sending the message that he or she needs you to fix the problems or clean up the messes at school. Instead of immediately contacting the teacher, have an open and honest conversation about what is happening with recent school work. Allow your child to explain how he is struggling. Then brainstorm suggestions and methods for your child to get extra help on his or her own.

FAQ: What should I do if I think my child is being bullied?

First, be sure to validate your child’s concerns and feelings about the social issue at school. When children are systematically bullied, they are made to feel isolated and insecure. The first thing that they need is to know that you are in their corner. Do not downplay the bullying; do not minimize the impact or imply that your child should toughen up. Consider your emotions before involving the school. Bullying is an extremely sensitive issue for children, and therefore, their parents. Your first instinct may be to demand action on part of the school. Before contacting administrators and school counselors, be sure to have your ducks in a row with regard to the instances of bullying. As thoroughly as possible, gather details about each incident, such as who, what, when, and where the bullying occurred. Remember, bullying is often defined as repeated instances of aggression, intimidation, or humiliation revolving around an imbalance of power or strength. One rude comment or act is not classified as bullying. If the bullying is happening in a cyber realm, document and print the evidence of cyberbullying. When meeting with the school, ask to meet before or after school hours. This will alleviate your child’s anxiety about the bullying increasing by “tattling.”

FAQ: What do I do if my child is lacking academic motivation?

High schoolers may experience a drop in motivation or drive. While this is somewhat typical, it is equally disheartening for parents, especially considering that high school years are pivotal for determining college and career readiness. Your high school aged child is at a point where a lack of motivation can dramatically affect his or her options for the future. This is the time for an honest conversation, a reality check if you will, that is crucial to have with your child. Ask her what her plans are for the future. Ask what the ultimate career goal would be if success were guaranteed. Then, follow that up with a discussion on realistic steps to take in order to reach these goals. Goals aren’t achieved by hoping for the best—proactive steps toward achievement are essential. Set a game plan for getting your child back on track in terms of motivation.

Standardized Testing: Teacher Tips

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The wise Benjamin Franklin once said that two things in life are guaranteed—death and taxes. Educators in the public school system would likely vote to add standardized testing to that list of guarantees. Few things dichotomize the staff lounge like the discussion surrounding the use of high-stakes tests. While both sides of the long-held debate argue vehemently for the continued use or abolishment of said standardized assessments, one thing is certain—our students, teachers, administrators, and schools will be measured by standardized tests.

With such an inevitable, and potentially stressful, certainty looming over the heads of our students, one major concern for teachers is how to alleviate test anxiety. Here are a few tips:

  1. Provide your students with test-taking strategies prior to the discussion of a major assessment. Students are likely to feel at ease when they are armed with copious strategies for tackling test questions. Prep students in advance so that the strategies are less “teaching to the test” and taught more as essential academic skills for success in higher education.
  2. Another valuable test-taking skill for all content areas involves note-taking. Strategic note-taking is not an innate skill—it must be introduced and practiced in order to master the practice successfully. Make sure that students know how to abbreviate, condense, and paraphrase main ideas and concepts. As many different strategies as there are for taking notes, there are wrong ways to do it, as well. Teaching what not to do when taking class notes can also be beneficial for students. There is no need to copy notes word-for-word; spend the time absorbing and noting new information.
  3. Provide support for practicing time management skills. This could mean allowing study sessions during class, creating a realistic study schedule or calendar, or making creative outlines and checklists for larger unit tests. Also, encourage students to space out their studying and reviewing over several days. A study log is another beneficial way to ensure that students are accountable for their own preparation before a large assessment. Taking several small breaks during a study session can help with attention span, as well.
  4. Encourage students to reread directions and seek clarification if the directions or questions are creating confusion. Guessing, stressing, or spending too much time on complicated instructions can increase test anxiety. Similarly, encourage students to skip questions that are confusing. Remind them that they can always go back and select an answer later on in the testing session. But to focus on a confusing question for too long will not only waste time, it will cause frustration and stress.
  5. Reading the questions prior to the excerpt is also a method to save time. When students know what they are looking for, they are able to work through the text or excerpt more efficiently. Also, remind students to read each question carefully, being sure to understand what is being asked before seeking the answer. Often times, in an effort to save time, students may rush through the questions and choose the initial gut response. Remind them to read questions carefully and completely.
  6. Lastly, when in doubt, remind students to use the “process of elimination” method. Especially when questions are more confusing than others, encourage them to cross off answer options that they know cannot be correct. Then, when necessary, take an educated guess of the remaining options.

When it comes to standardized tests, forewarned is forearmed. Introduce your students to these helpful tips and give them the advantage at test time.

Hidden Talents Masked by a Learning Disability

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As parents, you know your children better than anyone else. You know their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. One of the more difficult aspects of raising a child with a learning disability is watching the struggle—it can be unbearable. A learning disability may come with an unfortunate stigma, one that makes it hard to view the disability as anything other than an obstacle. These obstacles or roadblocks certainly do complicate things in and out of the classroom, but it is important to recognize the unique strengths that often accompany a learning disability. In the same amazing way that people lacking one of the five senses are able to somewhat compensate with the strengths of the remaining senses, a child with a learning disability will often present with extraordinary strengths in other areas.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit periods of difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—these likely interfere with learning and can make school difficult. But, believe it or not, ADHD symptoms may also have their own unique benefits. One of these benefits is called hyperfocus, which is exactly as it sounds. When children with ADHD are able to hone in on one specific activity or task for long periods of time, they maintain an acute focus, one that outlasts that of their peers. Whether this form of hyperfocus comes about athletically, artistically, technologically, etc., children that are able to channel their attention and excess energy find great success in their interests.

Furthermore, having adapted to managing the ADHD symptoms over time, children learn to self-check and recognize when their level of attentiveness dips and peaks. Again, because of the weakness in other areas, children with ADHD are often forced to think or learn a little differently. They build strength in other areas and become experts at streamlining information. With practice, they are able to hone in on significant details and gauge their own comprehension. This sort of self-awareness helps students play off of their strengths and develop creative means of achievement.

As you have likely noticed about your own child, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are also highly sociable and friendly. Because they are prone to being talkative, their verbal language skills, including vocabulary, are often higher than those of their peers. Storytelling, public speaking, and debating are likely some of your child’s common social strengths.

Dyslexia/Dysgraphia

Dyslexia, a learning disability that affects a reader’s ability to decode, comprehend, and read fluently, certainly presents its own challenges in and out of the classroom. Reading levels can range from below grade level to nearly illiterate—which is not only frustrating for parents, but greatly discouraging for children, as well. The advantages of dyslexia are widely unknown, as the disorder is seen as a major educational roadblock. However, there seem to be undeniable benefits. Since reading presents a major challenge, some believe that the following behaviors are a means of compensating for the gaps in reading. For example, children with dyslexia typically thrive at tasks involving abstract thinking, creativity, and holistic or “whole picture” thinking. This flare of creativity is simply another type of intelligence, one that is equally important and beneficial. Children with dyslexia also display strengths in reasoning, problem-solving, and persistence.

Similarly, dysgraphia, a disability that affects written language, has its own unique benefits also. Since motor skills affect pencil grip and the ability to master written language, children with dysgraphia compensate by sharpening their listening skills. These learners are masters of recalling oral details, memorization, and storytelling. These conversationalists thrive in social situations and are often helpful problem solvers. Again, the weakness in one area allows your child to strengthen other areas of importance. Therefore, while a learning disability will certainly present difficulties, a “glass half full” viewpoint means that your child’s alternative forms of learning, understanding, and expressing can be major benefits.  

Sensory Processing: In the Classroom

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Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex condition for several different reasons. Because the symptoms range in severity and can be vastly different from child to child, SPD is often misunderstood by peers, parents, and educators. Furthermore, the symptoms for toddlers, preschool-aged, and school-aged children are also rather common for the age group, causing them to be overlooked or ignored. For instance, school-aged children with SPD may be fidgety, worrisome, aggressive, withdrawn, easily distracted, sensitive, etc. These symptoms resemble the typical behavior of any 7-12 year old from time to time. In fact, these same characteristics could apply to the average adult on any given day.

As discreet as this condition can be, SPD can have significant effects on a child’s ability to learn and adapt to different environments. This, of course, could result in setbacks in the classroom, both socially and academically. Again, because of the varying degrees of severity, symptoms of SPD can be camouflaged by our understanding of the characteristics of certain age groups. Here are some fast facts about SPD and its potential effects on students.

  1. SPD is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to receive, interpret, and respond to information that comes through the senses. This means that students may have difficulty with sights, sounds, textures, and agility/movement.
  2. Sensory Processing Disorder can cause oversensitivity of the senses. For instance, a child may be particularly bothered by the tactile feel of a certain type of material or fabric. Others with SPD could be easily disturbed by common sounds or certain levels of light. Furthermore, students may experience a combination of sensory sensitivity, meaning that more than one sense can adversely affect their ability to receive and retain information.
  3. These aversions to certain sensory messages may seem arbitrary or overly dramatic to people that are unfamiliar with this condition. However, a child with SPD is truly affected by these triggers. A certain ordinary sound or texture of a specific food could cause a child to become physically sick. Obviously, these aversions and reactions can greatly affect the child’s social and cognitive development.
  4. Because of misinformation or complete ignorance of the condition, a student’s peers may be highly confused by the student’s reaction to sensory stimuli. Not only can the behaviors create difficulty for students with SPD, but the social aspect makes cooperative learning and group work an additional difficulty.
  5. Some children with SPD struggle more with spatial awareness. This means that they may exhibit a lack of coordination, difficulty with physical play or movement, and may frequently bump into things while walking. Children that fall on this end of the spectrum of SPD will also exhibit clumsiness and an inability to control or manage their limbs in relation to their surroundings. Therefore, physical education classes, sports, and other extracurricular activities could be difficult or intimidating for students that struggle with physiological symptoms of SPD.
  6. Because SPD is not currently categorized as a medical condition, treatment options can be difficult to come by. For most occupational therapists treating children with sensory processing problems, a common approach is called “sensory integration.” Similarly to exposure therapy, sensory integration involves presenting the child with opportunities to confront the sounds, sights, tastes, textures, etc., that cause discomfort or distress. The idea behind this method is to strategically teach the child how to interpret and respond appropriately to the sensory input.
  7. Some forms of physical therapy could also be beneficial when movement and physical functions are compromised by SPD. Again, the idea is to exercise the brain like a muscle, acclimating it to receive and respond properly.
  8. Sensory Processing Disorder does not necessarily have to accompany another condition; however, it is commonly seen in children on the autism spectrum.