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Sensory Dysfunction and Impact on Behavior and LearningDebbie Shatrowsky OTJenn Jensen OT11What is sensory integration? Every day, we receive a great deal of information from our senses. We use this information to organize our behavior and successfully interact with the world. Example: Putting on Jacket http://www.incrediblehorizons.com

22What happens if our senses are not being interpreted properly?A child with hazy feedback about his sense of touch, body position and movement is in a world totally foreign to ours. Imagine a world where something as basic as another childs touch is perceived as something unreliable, inconsistent or even THREATENING! Would you feel secure and safe?

3Sensory Processing SystemsTactile/touch

Vestibular/movement

Proprioceptive/deep pressure

4When we have trouble with Sensory InputHyper-reactive.

Sensory Avoiders.

Hypo-reactive

Sensory Seekers

55Hyper-reactiveEasily overwhelmedReactive/impulsiveNegative affectUnable to focus & attendPulls away when being touchedMay over react to stimuli: smells, food/materials (textures or consistency), unexpected touch, sound

66Sensory AvoidersActively WithdrawsDoesnt interact with othersWants to control everythingLimits exposure to sensory input, movement, food, clothing, etc.Explosive when control is lostAffect is fearful or anxious

77Hypo-reactiveWall Flowers Need a jump start Dont notice detailsMisses sensory informationTend to have low toneFlat AffectAction is passive

8Standing work stations, frequent motor breaks, school jobs- shredding, attendance, recycling8Sensory Seekers

Enjoys sensationCreates sensations in the environmentRisk Takers, Action is impulsiveCrash and Bang, bouncers, climbersSpins or rocks desk or chair incessantlyTouches, smells, moves constantlymay use others to meet sensory needs

9Deep pressure- joint compressions, wall or desk push ups, heavy work load jobs, ball chair9We may use sensory for the following Reasons Increase focus and attention to taskCalmingTo decrease self injurious behaviorTo replace disruptive behaviorsTo rev up an under responsive systemTo increase a childs ability to motor plan unfamiliar motor tasks

10Preferred Sensory InputSome children need less stimulation. Dim the lights and play soft soothing music. Comfort with deep pressure bear hugs. Provide a retreat. Some children require more sensory stimulation. Take frequent walks, trampoline, bouncing on ball, engage in gentle roughhousing.

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How do we help?Determine childs preferred sensory intakeConsult with OT on childs needs/ appropriate activitiesCome into the sensory room with a plan (understanding of what the child needs, why he needs these activities, and knowledge of which activities will meet these needs.Follow up with the OT on how activities are working.

12Precautions and Contraindications

13No swing spinning, no deep pressure near or around neck or those with seizure disorders, Swinging will rev up some students, slow linear swinging is best for calming13