Applying Sensory Processing Techniques to Positively Impact Behavior Part 2: Techniques to Address Sensory Processing Difficulties Amanda Martinage OTR/L, M.Ed

Objectives Present techniques to address sensory processing difficulties with practical activity suggestions provided Discuss how to promote independence Review research related to sensory processing and based strategies Discuss other points of interest

Techniques to Address Sensory Processing Difficulties Sensory Diets (addresses the deficits) Adapt the environment(compensates for deficits) Structure routines (provides predictability)

Creating Sensory Diets Sensory Diets – “based on the principle that individuals require a certain quality and quantity of sensory experiences to be skillful, adaptive, and organized in their daily lives.”

Goals of Sensory Diets Promote optimum level of arousal, self regulation and behavioral organization Help child maintain an optimal level of arousal Promote adaptive and skillful behavior To reduce sensory dysfunction

Planning a Sensory Diet Sensory activities have different meaning for different people Activities should be incorporated into daily life Careful planning is critical Plan in collaboration with the child, family and caretakers Activities based on child’s preferences Be multisensory Be age and/or developmentally appropriate

Principles and Approaches Use a variety of activities – powerful, long lasting, state changers and mood makers; calming and organizing Timing is everything – activities must be repeated throughout the day to help maintain optimal level of organization

Application of Sensory Diets Interview adults involved in the environment where the sensory diet will be utilized List out activity suggestions for the caregivers to utilize as sensory diet strategies Schedule activity at least every two hours during the day

Application of Sensory Diet Cont. Provide sensory based activity prior to an activity requiring increased focused attention Use naturally occurring activities Encourage independence

Sensory Diet Activities Specific to the Home Environment Help with chores: carry, push, drag laundry basket Fun indoor sensory based activities: wrestling, making forts with cushions, tickle fights, pillow fights Outdoor activities: outdoor play equipment such as swings, climbing structures, money bars Infant massage

Sensory Diet Activities Specific to the School Environment Morning walk or exercises Sensory input during transition times Chores that need to be completed, errands that need to be run The use of weighted equipment or compression vests throughout the day Seated movement activities (Move n’ Sit, sitting on a therapy ball, supportive seating) Give children choices between activities

Examples Sensory stations Sensory diet write up –Data collection!!! Yoga cube

Adaptations and Changes in Routines Accommodate Anticipate difficulties and provide accommodations before behavior escalates

Adaptations and Changes in Routines continued Discuss upcoming changes in the schedule in a time frame that is beneficial to the child Provide rewards that are not linked directly to sensory preferences, i.e. Don’t take away outside time.

Adaptations to the Environment Create safe play areas Provide safe sensory controlled environment or “hide-outs” Create a sensory room, sensory cart For ideas go to OT-Innovations.com OT-Innovations.com Minimize visual and auditory distraction during activities that require attention and focus

Structure Routines Try to keep routines and possessions organized Be consistent with rules and consequences Keep an activity schedule posted Create routines for difficult times of the day

Found at:

Education is empowering! Educate child Educate parents, families and caregivers Educate the team working with the child

Promote Independence Teach appropriate language and label behavior/arousal levels Use self rating tools Use activity checklists or questionnaires- increase awareness of self Teach self advocacy

Research to Support the Use of Sensory Processing Strategies? Literature reviews Small population sizes Difficult to empirically measure change Recent research dedicated to supporting the disorder

Scholarly Articles Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation

Sensory Break!!!

Other Points of Interest Differences between ADD and SPD Addressing self stimulatory behaviors The more sensory the better? Is it sensory or challenging behavior?

Found at: sensorysolutionsinc.blogspot.com/2015/02/is-it-behavior-or-is-it-sensory.html?spref=pi

How to Integrate Sensory Processing Strategies into an Individual Education Plan? Accommodation Section Methodology Section Write objectives with a functional measureable outcome

“Gradually, our child has blossomed and we have learned to do something with him which I never thought would be possible. We learned to enjoy him. He is our favorite companion.”