Sensory Integration Flashcards
what is sensory processing?
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
at what age is sensory integration well developed?
age 8-10 but continues to be refined throughout life
when the connection is lost or misinterpreted:
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)
what are the 7 senses?
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)
where are vestibular receptors located?
inner ear
what does the vestibular system affect?
balance muscle tone arousal level ocular control bilateral integration auditory language center emotional development- behavior spatial relations motor planning
what is the proprioceptive system?
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)
what is SPD?
SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER
what are 3 types of SPD?
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
what are the 3 types of sensory modulation disorder (SMD)?
1- sensory over-responsivity
2-sensory under-responsivity
3- sensory seeking/craving
to touch, sound, olfactory, movement, proprioception, taste, sight
what is sensory over-responsivity?
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
what is sensory under-responsivity?
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
what is sensory seeking?
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
what is sensory discrimination disorder (SDD)?
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
what is sensory-based motor disorder (SBMD)?
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
what are the types of sensory-based motor disorders?
1- postural disorders
2- dyspraxia
what are postural disorders?
due to inefficient processing of vestibular and proprioceptive info
poor posture, low tone, “loose”, “floppy”
difficulties with bilateral integration
difficulty maintaining equilibrium
what is dyspraxia?
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
what is gross motor dyspraxia?
awkward and clumsy
struggle with playground games and sports
recess and phys ed are likely to be miserable
trip or bump into things frequently
what is fine motor dyspraxia?
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)
what is oral dyspraxia?
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
treatment:
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
what are sensory diets?
=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
how long do families come for therapy?
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
