Sensory Modulation

Question 1

Sensory integration and processing

Answer 1

Jean Ayres
■the way human beings take in sensory information and how each person processes and perceives this information
■Sensory Integration and Processing (SIP) is an overarching term used when referring to all categories of SIP, including sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, and sensory-based motor patterns and skills

Question 2

sensory processing disorders

Answer 2

sensory modulation disorders: sensory overresponsivity, underresponsivity, and seeking

sensory discrimination disorder

sensory-based motor disorder: postural control, dyspraxia

Question 3

sensory systems and receptors

Answer 3

• tactile, visual, auditory, olfaction, gustatory
• proprioception
• vestibular
• interoception: awareness of internal states

Question 4

sensory modulation quadrant model (Dunn’s)

Answer 4

high threshold sensation seeking (seeker)
low threshold sensation avoiding (avoider)
low registration passive (bystander)
sensory sensitivity passive (sensor)

Question 5

sensory modulation and self-regulation

Answer 5

■Education is key to help people understand how SIP challenges may negatively influence safety, behavior, relationships and occupational participation.
■Once people become more aware of their SIP patterns, the information can be used to help explore interventions that support coping with and managing sensory input.
■Calm-Alert Continuum

Question 6

assessment and screening tools

Answer 6

Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile
The Sensory Defensiveness Questionnaire
The Sensory Modulation Questionnaire
The Caregiver Questionnaire
The Sensory Processing Caregiver Checklist

Question 7

The Sensory Modulation Program (SMP)

Answer 7

Tina Champagne
■ Organized to serve as a guide when beginning to employ sensory modulation concepts and strategies
■ Includes the integration of the therapeutic use of self, sensory-related assessment processes, integrative therapies, treatment approaches, programming and environmental modifications

Question 8

restraint and seclusion reduction recovery

Answer 8

Part of the TIC and recovery initiatives
■ sensory-based approaches help to reduce the use of S/R and PRN medication use when people are distressed
■Over time, the TIC initiative has added an emphasis on trauma informed approaches (TIA) due to the recognition that not everyone that supports people with mental illness is clinically trained

Question 9

sensory connection program

Answer 9

• karen moore
• structured program for individual and group tx
• 2 levels for cognitive functioning

Question 10

adolescent/adult sensory profile

Answer 10

• self questionnaire
• standard measure to profile the effect of sensory processing on functional performance
• questions regarding how person generally responds to sensations, as opposed to how they respond at a specific time
• quadrant scores: low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, sensation avoiding

Question 11

neurological threshold

Answer 11

amount of stimuli required for a neuron or neuron system to respond

Question 12

habituation

Answer 12

• high threshold
• a process that represents the nervous system’s recognition that something familiar has occurred. Without habituation, one would be distracted continually by each new stimulus, such as the feel of clothing, everyday sounds in the environment, etc

Question 13

sensitization

Answer 13

• low threshold

- the nervous system mechanism that enhances potentially important stimuli

Question 14

behavior response/self regulation

Answer 14

• the way in which people construct response strategies in relation to their thresholds
• Passive strategies are acting in accordance with one’s threshold (high threshold – don’t notice stimuli; low threshold – notice a lot of stimuli).
• Active strategies are acting against natural thresholds as a way to reach homeostasis (seeking or avoiding stimuli).