Unit I - Sensory Modulation

Question 1

sensory modulation

Answer 1

Modulation means to regulate or adjust to a certain level; to tone down; to adapt to the circumstances in the environment. Neuromodulation is what occurs within the CNS as excitatory and inhibitory inputs from both the external and internal environment are balanced and responses generated.

• The balance of excitatory and inhibitory input and adapting to environmental changes
• Happens subconsciously (ie. infant sucking to calm)
• Modulation occurs when a person’s behaviors meets the environmental demands

Question 2

sensory modulation disorder

Answer 2

the nervous system is unable to regulate its own activity level
Throughout the day a child may need to:
Increase arousal state
Decrease arousal state
Maintain arousal state

Question 3

general ways to decrease arousal state

Answer 3

Deep Pressure
Slow Rocking or gentle linear movement
Proprioception (chewing, resistive pulling/ pushing)
Predicatable and repetitive activities

Question 4

general ways to increase arousal state

Answer 4

Fast Swinging
Bright Lights
Rapid light touch
Proprioception 
(Proprioception is organizing for multiple states)

Question 5

sensory diet

Answer 5

planned, scheduled activities imbedded throughout the day to help these individuals achieve or maintain an optimal arousal level

Question 6

developing a sensory diet

Answer 6

requires the family to document the daily routine for 3-4 days, with notations for particular problem times. It also requires the OT to observe the child in natural settings, including home, school, and daycare.

Question 7

sensory activities

Answer 7

games
bouncing/swinging
exercises
calming
tactile

Question 8

guidelines for planning a sensory diet

Answer 8

1. Routines are important so start simple and work up. An example might be after breakfast, after lunch, after school, before bedtime, or every 2 hours.
2. Use an activity that the child has an interest in completing
3. Transitions are made between activities and during an activity. Try counting to 5 before making a transition, help the child understand a transition is coming up.
4. Watch for signs of child starting to relax by facial expressions, this mean the child is involved in an activity that is working at that time. Crying, whimpering, and laughing, can mean it is time to cool off or calm down.
5. Change the routine occasionally for variety. This will help to keep the sensory diet interesting. This also helps with the ability of change in their environment
6. The occupational therapist should talk with the parent or teacher carrying out the diet to make sure the diet is age appropriate and is still fitting the child’s sensory needs.