Sensory Sensory IntegratioIntegratio

nnJulie Julie BakerBaker

Firstly...Firstly...

…about me

Sensory Integration Sensory Integration WorkshopWorkshop

The aim of this presentation is to provide participants with some:

knowledge about Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorders

appreciation of the issues students face in the classroom

strategies and equipment Occupational Therapists use regularly

information for how you can help these students gain the most they can from their learning environment.

Our SensesOur SensesWe have 5 familiar senses that respond to

sensory input from outside of our body.

Auditory (sound)Auditory (sound) -Information through the ears

Gustatory (taste)Gustatory (taste) -Information through the

mouth

Olfactory (smell)Olfactory (smell) -Information through the nose

Visual-(seeing)Visual-(seeing) -Information through the eyes

Tactile (touch)Tactile (touch) -Information through the hands

& skin

But......But......

We have 2 hidden senses that respond to sensory input insideinside our body.

Vestibular – information about movement through the inner ear

Proprioceptive - Information from muscles, ligaments, and joints

When the hidden senses operate automatically and efficiently, a child is able to focus his eyes, ears and attention (familiar senses) to the task at hand.

What is Sensory What is Sensory Integration?Integration? "Sensory integration is the process of

organizing sensory inputs so that the brain produces a useful body response and also useful perceptions, emotions, and thoughts". (Ayres, J., 1995, p 28)

"It Is an unconscious process of the brain (occurs without us thinking about it - like breathing) Organizes information detected by one's senses (taste, sight, hearing, touch, smell, movement, gravity and position).

Gives meaning to what is experienced by sifting through all the information and selecting what to focus on (such as listening to a teacher and ignoring the noise of outside traffic)

Allows us to act or respond to the situation we are experiencing in a purposeful manner (known as an adaptive response. Forms the underlying foundation for academic learning and social behaviour." (Ayres, J., 1995, p 5)

The more we repeat the new skill, the stronger the pathways in the brain become and the skill becomes automatic.

What is Sensory Processing What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?Disorder (SPD)?

the brain is inefficiently processing sensory messages coming from a person's own body and his/her environment

trouble responding in an adaptive way to everyday sensations that you and I would hardly notice or simply take in our stride

Three different types of Three different types of SPDSPD

Miller (2006)

What does SPD look like?What does SPD look like?

This can be difficult as they present as the ‘naughty’ child in many situations. Since you can’t physically see their issues, this can make it very difficult to identify, especially if you are unaware of sensory processing

The following are descriptions of only some of the commonly seen behaviours in children who exhibit sensory processing difficulties.

An acute awareness of background noises Fascination with lights, fans, water Hand flapping/repetitive movements Spinning items, taking things apart Walking on tip-toe Little awareness of pain or temperature Coordination problems Unusually high or low activity level Difficulty with transitions (doesn't "go with the

flow") Self-Injury or aggression Extremes of activity level (either hyperactive or

under active). Fearful in space (on the swings, seesaw or

heights).

Striking out at someone who accidentally brushes by them.

Avoidance of physical contact with people and with certain "textures," such as sand, paste and finger paints.

The child may react strongly to stimuli on face, hands and feet.

A child may have a very short attention span and become easily distracted.

A strong dislike of certain grooming activities, such as brushing the teeth, washing the face, having the hair brushed or cut.

An unusual sensitivity to sounds and smells. A child may refuse to wear certain clothes or

insist on wearing long sleeves/pants so that the skin is not exposed.

Appears floppy or has ‘low muscle tone’, tires easily and is often slumped in postures and sits in the W position on the floor

Frequently adjusts clothing, pushing up sleeves and/or pant legs.

AuditoryAuditoryResponds negatively to

unexpected or loud noises Holds hands over ears Cannot work with background

noise Seems oblivious within an active

environment

VisualVisualPrefers to be in the dark Hesitates going up and down

steps Avoids bright lights Stares intensely at people or

objects Avoids eye contact

TactileTactileAvoids getting messy in glue, sand,

finger paint, tape Is sensitive to certain fabrics (clothing, bedding)

Touches people and objects at an irritating level

Avoids going barefoot, especially in grass or sand

Has decreased awareness of pain or temperature

Olfactory (Taste/Smell)Olfactory (Taste/Smell)

Avoids certain tastes/smells that are typically part of children's diets

Routinely smells non-food objects Seeks out certain tastes or smells Does not seem to smell strong

odours

ProprioceptionProprioceptionContinually seeks out all kinds of

movement activities Hangs on other people, furniture,

objects, even in familiar situations

Seems to have weak muscles, tires easily, has poor endurance

Walks on toes

VestibularVestibularBecomes anxious or distressed

when feet leave the ground.Avoids climbing or jumping Avoids playground equipment Seeks all kinds of movement and

this interferes with daily life Takes excessive risks while

playing, has no safety awareness

Imagine if.....

What impact does SPD What impact does SPD have on learning?have on learning?

Because SPD affects the child’s overall development, their participation in typical childhood experiences will be lacking, inconsistent, or ineffective. Performing ordinary life activities may be challenging for the child with SPD because the child’s brain is unable to organize and process sensory information.

Now it’s time for some Now it’s time for some fun ;)fun ;)

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY What actually is OT? It is very important to seek an OT trained in

sensory integration for assessment with children who are suspected of having difficulties with sensory processing

A therapist might incorporate sensory integration theory into treatment to assist the child in decreasing sensory-avoiding behaviours (like avoidance of brushing his or her teeth or hair), sensory sensitivities (such as sensitivities to certain fabrics or food textures), and sensory-seeking behaviours (like seeking movement input by constantly spinning, pacing, or rocking).

Addressing such issues will help the child self-regulate so that he or she is able to function and learn at school.

OT will help a child’s nervous OT will help a child’s nervous system go from this...system go from this...

To this...To this...

What is a Sensory Profile?

What is a Sensory Diet?◦A sensory diet is an activity plan

designed for an individual child to help modulate his ‘arousal’ level.

◦ A sensory diet includes a combination of alerting, organizing and calming techniques to be used in their daily life

Approaching the Approaching the parent/carerparent/carer Remember to be sensitive to the emotions of

a parent whose teacher is saying something quite confronting about their child

Understand some parents will be defensive of their child’s issues

Give specific examples of why you have concerns

Be supportive and suggest you think it could be of great benefit to their child’s development if there is an underlying cause for their behaviour which could be addressed for the child.

Suggest they consider an Occupational Therapy Assessment with an OT trained in Sensory Integration

Many parents fear the stigma attached to Sensory Processing Disorder and do not want their child to be labeled as a special needs child. That fear is normal, but it does not help the child.

We must consider the identification of Sensory Processing Disorder as a benefit because a child can get help before the problem turns into a serious learning disability.

The psychological, emotional, learning and social effects of sensory integration dysfunction on an individual may be reduced with proper sensory integration treatment and an understanding from the medical and professional fields.

StrategiesStrategies Instead of targeting the behaviour,

consider what the cause may be....For example, if the child cannot sit still

and focus during circle/sit down time, try to find a subtle and quiet activity for the child to ‘fidget’ with during this time, or have them sit with something heavy on their lap

If they don’t like going out in the bright sunlight, try using sunglasses and a ‘floppy’ sun hat

If they seem to be overwhelmed with too much visual stimulation, put them at the front of the group to limit the amount of other children in their visual field and put the visual ‘busy-ness’ at the back of the classroom (ie: posters and bright artwork)

If they seem to not like loud noises, try headphones (noise buffering ones, not active ones) during music/loud activities

If the child is ‘bouncing off the walls’, provide regular active activities which give the proprioceptive feedback regularly during the class (ie: a short 30 second) ‘copy me’ game with ‘heavy movements’ including jumping, slapping legs, stomping, and/or ask the child to do certain tasks for you which involve carrying heavy items for you. (if they don’t need to be done, make something up!)

Equipment to help focus in Equipment to help focus in sit down group activitiessit down group activities

Fidget toys (bean bag, blue tac, taggies, stress ball)

Vibrating pillow to sit onPillow to sit on with poly pellets

in itSitting on a ballWeighted products (especially

when coming from active play)

Equipment to satisfy Equipment to satisfy proprioceptive needsproprioceptive needs

Heavy activitiesTrampolinePunching bagRollerboardsTug of warClimbing rope

Resources: Occupational Resources: Occupational TherapistsTherapists

Fiona Berry The Therapy Place

Boronia VIC 3155

0421 127 628

Zoe Planck Bright Start Therapy

Many areas including Yarra

0413 207 705

Resources: Bricks & Mortar Resources: Bricks & Mortar StoresStores

Senseabilities – 12 Winyard Drive, Mooroolbark VIC

3138 (03) 9726 8047 – usually open 10

– 2 weekdays I believe (Robyn and Kathy)

Sensory Matters – Wantirna, by appointment only (Julie)

Resources: OnlineResources: Onlinewww.aass.org.auwww.thetoybug.com.au www.onestopsensoryshop.com.auwww.indigotoys.com.auwww.specialneedstoys.com.auwww.alexanderstoybox.com.auwww.senseabilities.com.auwww.resourcesathand.com.au

(books)

General information General information onlineonline

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcS2VUoe12M (GREAT Sensory Overload Simulation made by an adult living with SPD)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Iuj8dr9oY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDIFmlEp7Ks

www.spdaustralia.com.au

The Out-of-Sync Child – Recogniing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. 2005.

Answers to Questions Teachers Ask about Sensory Integration by Jane Koomar, Carol Kranowitz and Stacey Szklut and others. 2007.

Sensory Integration – A guide for Pre school Teachers by Christy Isbell and Rebecca Isbell 2007

I can not provide clinical Occupational Therapy consultations, but if you think I can be of any other help to guide you regarding general information, please do not hesitate to contact me. If I can’t assist you, I will endeavour to pass you information regarding other resources that may be able to help.

Julie BakerDirector – Sensory Matters0419 523 704info@sensorymatters.com.auwww.sensorymatters.com.au (to be launched soon)www.facebook.com/sensorymattersaustralia

Remember:Sensory

Processing Disorder is not behavioural,

it's neurological