Sensory Integration

Question 1

what is sensory processing?

Answer 1

refers to the way the NS receives sensory messages and turns them into responses

it enables us to take in and make sense of different kinds of sensations coming into the brain along different sensory channels at the same time

sensory integration is a normal process of CNS functioning

occurs automatically in normal development

Question 2

at what age is sensory integration well developed?

Answer 2

age 8-10 but continues to be refined throughout life

Question 3

when the connection is lost or misinterpreted:

Answer 3

it is hard to process the sensation to make sense of it

if a person can’t make “sense” of the stimuli they are not able to generate an appropriate adaptive response

ex: someone touches your shoulder
- turn around and speak to them (appropriate response)
- turn around and scream/hit them (misinterpreted)

Question 4

what are the 7 senses?

Answer 4

1-sight
2-sound
3-touch
4-taste
5-smell
6-proprioceptive (pressure on joints/ms; position sense)
7-vestibular (perceptions of speed, movement, head position in space)

Question 5

where are vestibular receptors located?

Answer 5

inner ear

Question 6

what does the vestibular system affect?

Answer 6

balance
muscle tone
arousal level
ocular control
bilateral integration
auditory language center
emotional development- behavior
spatial relations
motor planning

Question 7

what is the proprioceptive system?

Answer 7

guides arm and leg movements without the use of vision (walking downstairs)

makes automatic adjustments to prevent falling

synchronizes movement with force (throwing a ball near vs. far)

Question 8

what is SPD?

Answer 8

SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER

Question 9

what are 3 types of SPD?

Answer 9

1- SENSORY MODULATION DISORDER (SMD)

• sensory over-responsivity
• sensory under-responsivity
• sensory seeking/craving

2- SENSORY DISCRIMINATION DISORDER (SDD)

3- SENSORY-BASED MOTOR DISORDER (SBMD)

• Postural disorders
• Dyspraxia

Question 10

what are the 3 types of sensory modulation disorder (SMD)?

Answer 10

1- sensory over-responsivity
2-sensory under-responsivity
3- sensory seeking/craving

to touch, sound, olfactory, movement, proprioception, taste, sight

Question 11

what is sensory over-responsivity?

Answer 11

form of SMD

respond to sensory messages more intensely, more quickly, and/or for a longer time

anxiety or discomfort in situations that don’t bother other children

enormously challenged by transitions

create a comfort zone in an over stimulating world by avoiding change

this need is so great that compulsive and perfectionist habits are common

toddlers may show an almost obsessive aversion to anything messy

they may have serious difficulties falling asleep and/or dislike being held or rocked

they may become aggressive or severely withdrawn

Question 12

what is sensory under-responsivity?

Answer 12

form of SMD

exhibit less of a response to sensory info than the situation demands, taking longer to react and/or requiring relatively intense or long-lasting sensory messages before they are moved to action

fail to notice when they bump or bruise themselves

usually socially withdrawn, preferring solitary games to playmates (play alone on computer or read)

often quiet and self-contained

Question 13

what is sensory seeking?

Answer 13

form of SMD

constantly on the move- like to crash, bump, jump, and roughhouse

show a strong preference for excessive spinning, swinging or rolling

can become extremely demanding, even explosive or aggressive if they can’t get their quest for sensation met

often labeled ADHD bc of being overly active

often lick, suck or chew on non-food items

risk takers

may be impulsive or have no safety awareness

Question 14

what is sensory discrimination disorder (SDD)?

Answer 14

difficulty discerning the characteristics of sensory stimuli (bumpy, smooth, hot, cold, small, large)

difficulty using info from one system to guide through another (seeing an obstacle in front of you and guiding movement around it)

can result in poor body awareness, difficulty with racing force, difficulty reading social cues and poor auditory discrimination

Question 15

what is sensory-based motor disorder (SBMD)?

Answer 15

describes the dysfunction that occurs when the “hidden” proprioceptive and vestibular senses are impaired

proprioceptive system is the sense that tells where our body parts are in relation to each other and signals how much we have to contract our muscles in order to move

Question 16

what are the types of sensory-based motor disorders?

Answer 16

1- postural disorders

2- dyspraxia

Question 17

what are postural disorders?

Answer 17

due to inefficient processing of vestibular and proprioceptive info

poor posture, low tone, “loose”, “floppy”

difficulties with bilateral integration

difficulty maintaining equilibrium

Question 18

what is dyspraxia?

Answer 18

difficulty translating sensory info into physical movement, unfamiliar movements, or movements with multiple steps

“problem is in the bridge” between intellect and muscles

can be gross, fine or oral motor problems or in a combo of these, with any one dominating

have low tolerance for frustration

may have low self esteem

social rejections

some dyspraxic children develop verbal creativity to compensate (bossy) but lack the physical ability to play an active part in a game

Question 19

what is gross motor dyspraxia?

Answer 19

awkward and clumsy

struggle with playground games and sports

recess and phys ed are likely to be miserable

trip or bump into things frequently

Question 20

what is fine motor dyspraxia?

Answer 20

becomes evident about 1 year old

have trouble coloring, staying in the lines

difficulty with handwriting

difficulty with self-care activities that require coordination movements (getting dressed)

Question 21

what is oral dyspraxia?

Answer 21

infants may not be able to coordinate suck, swallow and breathe

as they get older, they have trouble chewing and eating

jaws may hang open, causing drooling

can affect speech

Question 22

treatment:

Answer 22

whether or not tx is warranted is based on the child’s response to sensory stimuli and their ability to function in every day life

frequency of therapy sessions are determined by the severity of the presenting difficulty

average is 1-2x/wk

parents are usually expected to be in the session with the child unless they are a distraction. if so, they are met with after sessions to discuss what activities should be carried over at home

SI tx is CUMULATIVE, meaning that sensory input builds over time, and eventually normalizes the sensory system

a large part of tx is educating families and developing sensory diets to be carried out at home

Question 23

what are sensory diets?

Answer 23

=a list of activities that are created for a child based on their needs

the activities provided are meant to be performed daily and throughout the day

activities are chosen for their organizing effect on the child

the overall goal is to get the child to a place where they can most efficiently attend and learn

all children have “sensory diet” activities whether it is a technique the parent has learned in the session that they know works well or a typed out list of activities to perform

Question 24

how long do families come for therapy?

Answer 24

when an eval is completed goals are written with a time frame of 3-6 months

re-evals are completed after 6 months

some families are excellent at taking what they have learned here they carry it out in their every day life. they are finished quickly

some families need significant support to cope with their daily struggles with their child and come for longer periods of time

sometimes referrals are made for psychological assistance, and behavior therapy