1. What Can I Choose? Exploring devices and equipment commonly used to influence sensory needs.
Traci Roon, PT, MSPT and Derrick Cannon, PT, DPT
2nd Annual Alaska Autism Conference, October 6, 2017

2. Objectives
Identify and describe the 8 senses and the different responses people can have to them.
Identify and discuss some of the more common items, programs, and environmental adaptations used to influence and promote better tolerance of sensory input.
Describe the parameters for use, potential benefits, and precautions associated with the various tools available.

3. Review of Systems 5 Commonly Known Senses
Tactile (touch)
Gustatory (taste)
Visual (sight)
Auditory (sound)
Olfactory (smell)
3 More Ways to Take In Information
Vestibular
Proprioception
Interoception

4. Responses to Sensory Input
Sensory Over Responsivity (SOR)
Overwhelmed by sensory stimuli
What does this look like?
Goal: Attain and maintain regulation
Sensory Under Responsivity (SUR)
Less sensitive/aware of sensory stimuli
Goal: Increase arousal in a organized way for greater awareness and participation.
Sensory Craving (SC)
Wants control over the situation
Goal: Difficult to discriminate, often requires professional assistance to tease out.

5. Tools For Sensory Over Responsivity

6. Visual Equipment Environmental Changes Calming jars Sunglasses Hats
Blue light filters
Dimmers
Colored lenses
Calming colors
Visual clutter
Stationary vs. moving objects
Eye contact

7. Auditory Equipment Environmental Changes Noise cancelling headphones
White noise
Whisper phone
Metronome
Low frequency music – even tone and rhythmic
Background noise
Controlled exposure

8. Tactile Equipment Environmental Changes Predictable touch
Sensory brush
Sensory bin
Tagless clothing
Thread count
Compression clothing
Child directed cleaning
Fidget
Gloves
Predictable touch
Pressure of touch

9. Gustatory Equipment Environmental Changes Separated plate Seasonings
Smaller utensils
Gum
Bowl or trash can
Adaptive seating
Strong routine
Communication tone
Make the child part of prep and clean up

10. Olfactory Equipment Environmental Changes Scented sachets Diffusers
Face masks
Use calming scents
Parent used pillow case
Ventilate confined spaces
Timing
Change cleaners

11. Interoception Equipment Environmental Changes Alarms/Schedule
Portion control
Dietary modification
Smaller, more frequent meals
End up avoiding food
Pay attention to how food affect the bowels/GI

12. Proprioception Equipment Environmental Changes Designated space
Compression vest*
Weighted toys
Compression clothing
Therapy ball
Lycra
Sensory disk
Steamroller
Moon boots
Punching bag
Backpack
Bounce house/trampoline
Resistance bands
Vibration
Weighted vest*
Resistive chewing
Weighted blanket*
Designated space

13. Vestibular Equipment Environmental Changes Build tolerance gradually
Playground
Use your body to change positions
Furniture – hanging over edge of couch with head down
Quick motions - Jumping over cracks
Unstable surfaces
Build tolerance gradually
Allow child to stop at any time
Precautions
Example: With gravitational insecurity, you’ll gradually introduce different head positions while supporting the body
Watch for autonomic responses
Seizures

14. Tools For Sensory Under Responsivity

15. Visual Equipment Environmental Changes Colored paper Bold print
Flashlights
Light up toys
Light box
Colored lenses
Bright lights
Bright colors
Contrast

16. Auditory Equipment Environmental Changes
Fast music with deep bass – repetitive and upbeat
Metronome
Increased volume (within reason)
Limit background noise for improved processing
Higher pitched voice with emphasis

17. Tactile Equipment Environmental Changes Limit Hazards
Hard bumpy surfaces
Temperature change
Bumpy pencils
Wide grip pencils
Tactile paper
Different textures
Fidget
Limit Hazards
Account for temperature

18. Gustatory Equipment Precautions
Sour spray
Jalapenos
Lemons
Sauces
Pickles
Cinnamon
Warheads
Listerine Strips
Spicy seasonings
Temperature
Cold>Hot
Increasing taste = increased saliva from salivary glands

19. Olfactory Equipment Environmental Changes Strong pungent smells
Musk, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Coffee, Garlic, Citrus, Mint, Basil
Scent diffuser
Candles
Essential oils
Amount of aroma may need to be more than expected

20. Interoception Equipment Environmental Changes Alarms/Schedule
Dietary Modifications
Dietician
Portion Control

21. Proprioception Equipment Environmental Changes Designated Space
Compression vest*
Moon boots
Compression clothing
Backpack
Lycra
Resistance bands
Punching bag
Vibration
Bounce House/Trampoline
Resistive chewing
Weighted vest*
Push/Pull
Weighted blanket*
Lift/Carry
Weighted toys
Scooter board
Therapy ball
Weighted cups/utensils
Sensory disk
Designated Space

22. Vestibular Equipment Environmental Changes Designated Space
Swings
Merry go round
Trampoline
Exercise balls
Carnival rides
Sled
Lycra
Office chair
Designated Space
Precautions
Watch for autonomic responses
Seizures

23. Programs Therapeutic listening The listening program
Rhythmic entertainment intervention
Integrated listening system
Interactive metronome
Myofascial release
Wilbarger brushing protocol
SOS feeding approach
Astronaut program

24. Wrap Up Every Child is Unique Day to Day Differences
Sensory Systems Change
Types of Sensory Inputs
Be Creative!

25. References
SOS Approach to Feeding. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from
Horowitz, L., & Röst, C. C. (2007). Helping hyperactive kids - a sensory integration approach: techniques and tips for parents and professionals. Alameda: Hunter House.
Integrated Listenting System. (2017, September 20). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from
Interactive Metronome -. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from
Myofascial Release. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from
Rhythmic Entertainment Intervention. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from
The Listening Program. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from
Therapeutic Brushing Techniques. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from practice/sensory-modulation/therapeutic-brushing-techniques/
Therapeutic Listening and Astronaut Training. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2017, from
Yack, E., Aquilla, P., & Sutton, S. (2015). Building bridges through sensory integration: therapy for children with autism and other pervasive development disorders. Arlington, TX: Sensory World.

26. Thank You Autism Society of Alaska SPD Foundation
Building Blocks Occupational Therapy

27. Questions?