Sensory Processing Disorder and Co-Occurring Challenges Flashcards
What is the tactile system?
The sensory system related to touch, texture, temperature, pain, and vibration.
What is tactile defensiveness?
Overreaction or negative response to light or unexpected touch.
How can an RBT support tactile defensiveness in ABA sessions?
Introduce textures gradually, use deep pressure (within comfort), and incorporate tactile play with reinforcement.
Is tactile integration within the RBT scope of practice?
Yes, when goals target tolerance, task participation, or functional play, guided by the BCBA.
What is the vestibular system?
The sensory system responsible for balance and spatial orientation, located in the inner ear.
What are signs of vestibular seeking?
Constant spinning, climbing, swinging, or jumping.
What are signs of vestibular avoidance?
Fear of movement, resistance to swings or slides, gets dizzy easily.
How can an RBT support vestibular differences?
Offer controlled movement activities (e.g., trampoline, rocking chair) and follow child-preferred pace.
Is vestibular work within ABA scope?
Yes, when used for regulation or engagement under supervision of a BCBA and/or OT.
What is the proprioceptive system?
The sensory system that provides input from muscles and joints about body position.
What are proprioceptive-seeking behaviors?
Crashing, jumping, chewing, carrying heavy objects, pushing/pulling.
How can RBTs use proprioception in sessions?
Integrate heavy work tasks or resistance activities to support regulation and focus.
Why is proprioception often calming?
It provides deep pressure input that helps regulate arousal levels and increase body awareness.
What is auditory sensitivity?
Overreaction to sounds; covering ears, distress in noisy places.
What is auditory seeking?
Making loud noises, vocal stimming, seeking echoing spaces.
How can RBTs address auditory sensitivity?
Use headphones, offer quiet spaces, gradually expose to sounds with preferred activities.
Is sound desensitization in scope for RBTs?
Yes, when paired with reinforcement and goals such as attending, tolerance, or transitions.
What is the visual system in SPD?
Processing of light, color, motion, and visual clutter.
What are signs of visual sensitivity?
Avoiding bright lights, visual overload, squinting.
What are signs of visual seeking?
Staring at lights, spinning objects, watching fan blades.
How can RBTs support visual processing needs?
Use calm environments, visual schedules, reduce clutter, or integrate visual tracking games.
What is oral sensory seeking?
Chewing on objects, mouthing non-food items.
What is oral sensitivity?
Gagging at textures, refusal of certain foods.
How can RBTs support oral processing?
Use chew-safe tools, offer accepted textures, pair eating tasks with reinforcement.
Can RBTs address oral-motor needs?
Yes, when working on tolerance or feeding programs designed by a BCBA or SLP.
What is olfactory processing in SPD?
Processing of smells; can be overly sensitive or seek strong smells.
How might children respond to olfactory input?
May gag at smells, seek strong scents, or avoid certain places.
What can RBTs do to support olfactory needs?
Use scent-neutral settings, desensitize with preferred smells, reinforce tolerance.
What is interoception?
The sense that helps us understand internal states like hunger, thirst, temperature, and bathroom needs.
How can interoceptive challenges look?
May not notice hunger, bathroom urgency, or pain.
Can ABA address interoceptive deficits?
Yes, through routines, bathroom schedules, and emotion/feeling identification tasks.
What is sensory regulation?
The ability to manage and respond appropriately to sensory input.
How can ABA help with sensory processing?
By building tolerance, teaching self-advocacy, using reinforcement, and creating sensory-informed behavior plans.
What is within RBT scope regarding SPD?
Implementing sensory breaks, prompting coping tools, supporting regulation, and using data to inform BCBAs.
Why is understanding SPD important in ABA?
It impacts behavior, attention, transitions, communication, and overall participation in therapy.
What is the tactile system?
The sensory system related to touch, texture, temperature, pain, and vibration.
What is tactile defensiveness?
Overreaction or negative response to light or unexpected touch.
What are signs of tactile seeking?
Touching everything, mouthing objects, craving messy play.
What are signs of tactile avoidance?
Avoiding messy play, distress with certain fabrics or touch.
ABA strategies for tactile sensitivity?
Introduce textures slowly, pair with reinforcement, allow choice.
What is the vestibular system?
Sensory system in the inner ear that helps with balance and movement.
What are vestibular-seeking behaviors?
Spinning, swinging, jumping, rocking.
What are vestibular-avoidant behaviors?
Fear of swings, slides, sudden movement.
How can ABA support vestibular needs?
Use movement breaks, allow child-led input, reinforce engagement.
What is the proprioceptive system?
Senses from muscles and joints that help with body awareness.
Signs of proprioceptive seeking?
Crashing, bumping, chewing, pushing/pulling.
ABA strategies for proprioceptive needs?
Heavy work activities, resistance play, jumping, crashing pads.
What is auditory processing in SPD?
How the brain interprets sound input.
Signs of auditory sensitivity?
Covering ears, distress with loud or unexpected noises.
ABA support for auditory challenges?
Use headphones, prep for noise, pair sound with positive experiences.
What is the visual system in SPD?
Processes light, color, shape, motion, and spatial input.
Signs of visual sensitivity?
Squinting, avoiding bright rooms or busy visuals.
ABA strategies for visual processing?
Use calm visuals, limit clutter, use visual schedules.
What is oral sensory seeking?
Mouthing objects, chewing on clothing or toys.
Signs of oral sensitivity?
Gagging, refusal of textures or strong flavors.
ABA strategies for oral needs?
Offer safe chew tools, pair textures with reinforcement.
What is olfactory processing?
Ability to tolerate and interpret smells.
Signs of olfactory sensitivity?
Gagging at smells, distress in certain places.
ABA strategies for olfactory SPD?
Desensitize gradually, use preferred scents in play.
What is interoception?
The sense of internal body states (hunger, bathroom needs, emotions).
Challenges from interoception?
Difficulty recognizing when hungry, thirsty, or needing a break.
ABA support for interoception?
Use bathroom schedules, emotion charts, body awareness tasks.
How does SPD relate to emotional regulation?
Over- or under-sensitivity may lead to outbursts or shutdowns.
How can ABA support emotional regulation with SPD?
Teach self-regulation strategies, use calming tools and visuals.
What are common co-occurring challenges with SPD?
ADHD, autism, anxiety, communication delays.
How does sensory overload affect behavior?
Can trigger meltdowns, avoidance, or aggression.
What ABA tools can help with transitions?
Use visual schedules, countdowns, reinforcement for smooth change.
How does ABA help manage SPD-related aggression?
Teach communication, increase tolerance, reinforce calm behavior.
What’s the RBT role with SPD in ABA?
Implement behavior plans, support regulation strategies, take data.
Why is collaboration with OTs important?
OTs target sensory needs directly; ABA supports behavior and function.
Can RBTs do sensory integration therapy?
No. RBTs can use sensory-friendly supports but not direct SI therapy.
