Week 3 - Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Challenges Flashcards
How is the CNS organized?
hierarchically organized (cortex relies on input from lower brain centers)
Name the 8 sensory systems.
- touch (tactile)
- taste (gustatory)
- smell (olfactory)
- sight (visual)
- hearing (auditory)
- body perception (proprioceptive)
- head position and movement (vestibular)
- interoception
interoception
the sense of knowing what is going on inside our bodies.
What is the role of our senses?
our brains specialize in sorting and interpreting sensory info and then generating responses to that sensory info.
the neurological process that organizes sensations from one’s body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively in the environment.
sensory integration
sensory integration leads to what?
an adaptive response
refers to one or more of the actions below: filtering, registering, sorting, organizing, comparing, storing of sensory info that comes from different sensory receptors. occurs in the brain (cortex, brainstem). may or may not lead to a response.
sensory processing
appropriate action in which the individual responds successfully to some environmental demand. the stimuli elicits an appropriate response.
adaptive response
inappropriate reaction; irrelevant, disproportionate to stimuli (extreme or minimal/no reaction) the stimuli elicits no response.
maladaptive response
the child’s individual ability to respond adaptively to sensations over a broad range of intensity and duration; complex process of filtering perceived sensory info and regulating the response.
sensory modulation
the ability to sustain homeostasis (optimal level of arousal) over time in order to remain engaged, focused, efficient. the ability to stay even-keeled across time no matter what’s happening.
sensory (self) regulation
the individual resources that direct successful behavior such as cognitive skills, emotion regulation, sensory and physiological stress responses, social and environmental factors
regulatory capital
the cortical reception of the stimulus. limbic system modulates and registers sensory input, while cortex actually perceives stimulus
registration
determined by the level of thalamic activation by the reticular formation. the level determines the magnitude of the sensory input from thalamus to the sensory cortex.
arousal
the motor output required to appropriately respond to the stimuli. initiated by motor cortex with input from the basal ganglia and cerebellum.
stimulus response
ability to remain oriented to a stimulus. depends on level of arousal and registration as well as the ability to filter (inhibit) unnecessary stimuli.
attention
a condition that exists when sensory signals don’t get organized into appropriate responses. prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the info needed to interpret sensory info correctly.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
What % of the general population has SPD?
10-12%
What % of the school-aged population has SPD?
5%
According to Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing, which condition of SPD has a high threshold and passive response?
Low registration - Sensory Under-Responsivity (SUR)
According to Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing, which condition of SPD has a high threshold and active reponse?
Sensory Seeking (SS)
According to Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing, which condition of SPD has a low threshold and passive response?
Sensory sensitivity (not frequent)
According to Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing, which condition of SPD has a low threshold and active response?
Sensory avoiding (SOR)
Name 4 sensory based motor disorders.
- poor fine and gross motor skills.
- dyspraxia (somatosensory based)
- Postural Ocular Movement Disorders (vestibular based)
- Bilateral integration and sequencing deficits (vestibular based)
- respond too intensely or too easily
- response to non noxious stimuli is a fear response: fright, flight, fight, freeze
- associated with anxiety, hyper vigilance, hyperactivity, aggression, withdrawal
- interferes with engagement in occupations
- resistant to change, non-adaptable
- difficulty focusing or attending
- limited variety of social responses
- sensory defensiveness, tactile defensiveness, hypersensitivity
Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR)
- insatiable desire for sensory stimulation
- appear hyperactive, impulsive, constantly on the move, fidgeting
- unawareness of touch or pain, touch others too hard or too often - may appear aggressive
- lack of safety awareness while seeking out sensation
- provide self with extra sensory input from “all channels”
- very negative, resistant, “bored” if unable to engage in sensory activities.
- hyposensitivity, low registration
Sensory Under-Responsivity (SUR)
Describe interoception system challenges.
- When experiencing interoceptive signals that are so strong, people become overwhelmed and confused.
- Experiencing dulled or muted interoception signals, makes people unable to respond to emotions until they reach a fever pitch.
- common in ASD, trauma disorders, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges.
Name the 4 A’s that indicate targeted changes in behavior.
- Attention
- Activity Level (Arousal)
- Adaptation to change/organization
- Affect (Emotional responsivity)
a gradual process of regulating sensory systems evolving from passive participation towards active self-determination. should be an active, dynamic constantly changing process incorporated in the child’s daily routines.
sensory diet
How is the intensity of sensory stimulation is measured?
frequency x duration = intensity
Name the 3 proximal senses. *
- touch - vibration, massage, hugs, pressure, light touch, messy play, deep pressure
- vestibular - linear and rotary head movement, suspended or non-suspended equipment
- proprioception - experiences where muscle tension and stretch sensations are the dominant input.. pulling, pushing, carrying heavy objects, hanging on equipment
Describe the use of touch, movement, and proprioception to cause inhibition (calm).
- rhythmical
- sustained
- slow
- expected
Describe the use of touch, movement, and proprioception to cause facilitation (excitatory).
- arrthymic
- uneven
- rapid
- unexpected
Name 3 aspects of the environment that can affect a student’s sensory system.
- lighting in the room
- noises in the room
- odors
Name 5 environmental adaptation for a classroom.
- “quiet space”
- alternative seating - bean bags, carpet squares, wedges, etc.
- standing as an alternative to seated work.
- dimming lights
- playing music (during transitions)
an area in the classroom (or school) where an individual can escape stress. should be quiet with few visuals or distractions. activities that occur here should be individualized to ensure that they regulate appropriately.
break area
