Sensory Processing issues and Positive Behavioural Support CTPLD April 2013

Aim of the session Introduction to sensory processing and sensory processing differences What do we mean by sensory overload The time intensity model and sensory processing differences Occupational Therapy Interventions

The Senses

Tactile: touch receptors are found throughout the skin Auditory: How we respond to noise, pitch and tone Vestibular: our vestibular system helps us maintain our balance and posture, and understand where and how fast our bodies are moving.

The Senses Proprioceptive: Situated in the muscles and joints, our body awareness system tells us where our bodies are in space, and how different body parts are moving. Olfactory: smell Gustatory: taste Vision

Examples of our senses working together?

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory Processing We have receptors all over our bodies that pick up sensory information, or 'stimuli'. Our hands and feet contain the most receptors. Most of the time, we process sensory information automatically, without needing to think about it much Habituation of the senses

Sensory Processing Sensory Input Sensory receptors are stimulated Processing Sensory information is organised and interpreted, stored and related to previous experiences Response A response is generated

Sensory Processing Difficulties Some people with learning disabilities find it hard to make sense of sensory information Many people with Autism have difficulty processing everyday sensory information Unable to sort out the right sensory information they seem overwhelmed by the world around them and are unable to react to it effectively.

Sensory differences Hypersensitivity Hyposensitivity I shield my eyes from sunlight I don’t like being touched I always walk on my tiptoes I like to smell different objects I like to touch different textures I like to make different noises

Sensory processing differences They may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimulus Unable to communicate their sensory needs This can trigger challenging behaviour

Sensory assessments and intervention Sensory questionnaire Observations Feedback from staff Completion of sensory report and recommendations

Sensory Stimulation Where possible an individuals sensory needs should be met through the environment and daily participation in various activities This can be supplemented with specific sensory activities e.g sensory room

Sensory Overload

Brain receives too much sensory information for the individual to process and respond too Unable to regulate multiple sensory input Sensory difference can lead to sensory overload a person may shut down of all their channels and withdraw into their own world

Sensory Overload Signs of sensory overload Challenging behaviour Shutting down (refusing to engage with others) Inability to focus on a specific activity

Time intensity model Baseline crisis Trigger escalationrecovery baseline Post incident

Time intensity model and sensory processing baseline Calming/low arousal activities Use of various sensory activities Calming/low arousal activities Use of various sensory activities Use of sensory diet

Sensory Processing and challenging behaviour Challenging behaviour has a function Recognising that some of these behaviours could be sensory related Use of sensory activities as a response to the behaviour

Occupational Therapy Interventions

Sensory Diet What is a sensory diet? A personalised activity plan that provides the sensory input a person needs to stay focused throughout the day. The same as we may fidget to stay awake or have a bath to unwind

Sensory Diets RED Alerting activities AMBER Neutral activities GREEN Calming activities

Benefits of a sensory diet Can help individuals tolerate sensations and situations that they find challenging. Limit sensory seeking/avoiding behaviours Adjusting sensory input to reduce sensory overload

Sleep hygiene Promotes a good sleep pattern and daytime alertness Creates a structured evening routine Reduces arousal levels and has a calming effect on the individual

Questions

An example of sensory differences Sensory Seeking

Sensory differences Tactile Touching of objects/people Hands to mouth: biting hands Licking the wall Auditory Vocalisations/repetitive sounds

Sensory differences Vestibular Walking on tip toes Spins Enjoys walks Enjoys car rides

Sensory differences Proprioceptive Walks on tip toes Spinning on the spot Leaning against the wall Visual Playing with his twirler

Sensory differences Gustatory Showing preference for strong flavours Licking of wall/objects Olfactory Smelling of different objects e.g food/clothes

Importance of sleep hygiene Having a structured evening routine can aim to lower arousal levels Promotes good sleep

Any Questions?