Desensitisation Examples:

An example of desensitisation would be introducing new foods to a child on the autism spectrum who has problems with the smell, taste and texture of certain foods. Its gradual introduction can help the child to become desensitised to the smell, look and texture of an unfamiliar food. The first step would be to try a food that has the best chance of suiting your child's preferences. It may just sit on a plate near theirs for several nights. The next few dinners, it may be placed on their plate but with no expectation made of the child to eat it. Next, the family may try the new food and show their enjoyment. With gradual introduction no negative effects from exposure, the child will usually try the new food eventually. The child may initially smell the item or put it on their tongue, without eating. Gradually the child may taste and eat a minute amount, leading to further exploration.

If a child is reluctant to go into assembly it may be possible that he/she stands outside the hall and listens. If this is tolerated, then stand in the open doorway. From here stand at the back of the hall. After some time the child may then gradually move to sit with his/her peers. It may be that the child attends only that assembly that he/she enjoys, for example, singing assembly. The child can then be gradually introduced to other assembly times. The child could spend a given time in the assembly (with timer) after which the child leaves. If leaving is a problem then the child could join for the final few minutes, gradually increasing the time in each case