SENSORY PROCESSINGANDRELATED BEHAVIORS
DenaHayashino, COTA
OBJECTIVES
Participants will:Have a basic understanding of sensory processing.Identify the foundational sensory systems.Recognizing signs of poor sensory processing.Develop strategies to improve behaviors related to sensory processing.Differentiate sensory vs. behavioral issues.
SENSORY PROCESSING
What it is:Reacting to the information you take in.Good ProcessingAble to organize incoming information so it can be used effectively.Poor ProcessingOver or under reacting to incoming information.
HISTORY OF SENSORY PROCESSING
1963 by Jane AyresTerms have changed through the years:Sensory Integration DisorderDysfunction of Sensory IntegrationSensory Processing Disorder
SENSORY PROCESS
RegistrationOrientation and attentionOrganization of a responseExecution of a response
THE SENSORY SYSTEMS
ProprioceptionVestibularTactileVisualAuditoryOlfactoryGustatory
TIPS TO REMEMBER
TIPS TO REMEMBER
The “Just Right Challenge”Provide child with input they are seekingKeep them from getting too much of what they can’t handleFUN!!!!
PROPRIOCEPTION
Processing sensations perceived through the muscles, joint, ligament, tendons and connective tissue.It’s what gives us a sense of body awareness and body position.
SIGNS OF POOR PROPRIOCEPTIVE PROCESSING
Tires easily.Stamping feet against the floor when walking.Chews constantly on objects.Frequent tripping or falling.Dressing and other self-help skills could be challenging.Walks on toes
STRATEGIES FOR POOR PROPRIOCEPTIVE PROCESSING
Activities that will provide heavy work.Walking and crawling over cushionsBear hugsProviding small spaces for them to go intoPushing and pulling and hangingGentle “Squashing” gamesRough-housing
VESTIBULAR
Responds to changes in head position and gravity…the “movement system”Effects: balance, equilibrium responses, muscle tone, coordination of eye and head movements, ability to use both sides of the body together; affects level of alertness.
Signs of Poor Vestibular Processing
Dislike being on their stomachDislikes baby swingExcessive spinning and rockingExcessive runningGetting dizzy easilyNever gets dizzy
STRATEGIES FOR POOR VESTIBULAR PROCESSING
Provide opportunities for movement:Swinging (different swings and positions)SpinningRunningTrampoline
TACTILE
Sense of touch, includes deep pressure, pain, temperature.Protective touch…self preservationDiscriminative touch…lets us know where we’re being touched and what we’re touching.
SIGNS OF POOR TACTILE PROCESSING
Bothered by tags and/or certain fabrics.May not want to wear clothes… or may want to be totally coveredMay not like to be heldWon’t touch and explore toys or food.High pain toleranceDislike daily care routines.Crave touch
STRATEGIES FOR POOR TACTILE PROCESSING
Provide a variety of tactile inputMessy play activitiesOpportunities to touch different texturesDrying extra long and firm after bathAdding deep pressure to touchBrief but frequent touch if defensivenessLonger deep touch for seekers
SENSORY MODULATIONANDBEHAVIOR
Difficulty modulating or monitoring the input can cause children to be:over-reactive (explosive/disruptive and avoidant)under-reactive (distracted and withdrawn)sensory seeking (thefidgetersor crashers)difficulty with transitions.
POOR BEHAVIORS
Saying something mean or rude to someoneSpittingHittingPushingPoor manners in general
SO IS IT SENSORY OR BEHAVIOR?
If it’s behavior:Circumstances should change it. (example: Child throws a fit when it’s time to ride in the car to daycare, but when it’s time to go to the park, the car ride doesn’t bother them).positive re-enforcement changes it.If it’s sensory:It manifests itself in generalized circumstances.
SO IS IT SENSORY OR BEHAVIOR?
It could be a behavior that is learned over time due to less than ideal sensory processing…but poor behavior still shouldn’t be accepted.Don’t punish sensory problems but don’t tolerate bad behavior.
So How Do I Handle It?
Temple Grandin offered some suggestions:Make accommodations for sensory problems:Screams when fire alarm ringsTantrums in large supermarketPoor toleration of scratchy clothesPoor hand writingHyperactivity under fluorescent lights
So How Do I Handle It?
Don’t tolerate bad behavior:Being rudeBad table mannersManipulating teacher by having a tantrumPoor grooming or sloppy clothesLaughing at a fat ladyswearing
SENSORY DIET
A sensory diet is:A planned activity program carried outthroughoutthe child’s day.Activities to maintain an alert and calm body.A tool for behavior management.Most sensory diets focus on providing input to tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive systems.
SENSORY DIET
Considerations:What time of day is most challengingWhat stimulation are they seeking?What are they avoiding?
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