Your Therapy Source Blog » sensory processing disorder http://yourtherapysource.com/blog Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapy Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:15:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Hand Out for SPD http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/26/hand-out-for-spd/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/26/hand-out-for-spd/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:46:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/26/hand-out-for-spd/ Advance for PT has just published a patient hand out on sensory processing disorder. It is a brief one page hand out with information on signs and symptoms of the disorder. You can view it at Advance for PT .

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/26/hand-out-for-spd/feed/ 0 Background Noise and Food Preferences http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/19/background-noise-and-food-preferences/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/19/background-noise-and-food-preferences/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:29:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/19/background-noise-and-food-preferences/ A recent study published in Food Quality and Preference looked at the effects of background noise on food preference. Forty eight adult volunteers were exposed to a variety of background white noise via headphones and different types of food simultaneously. The results indicated that the louder the white noise the less the volunteers could taste different flavors such as salty or sweet. The sense of crunchiness of a food increased with the increase in white noise. In addition, the researchers found that if the subjects enjoyed the type of music they listened to while eating they enjoyed the food more.

Makes me wonder what effects white noise and music has on children who have sensory issues with food or picky eaters?

Read more about white noise at a previous blog post: white noise and attention span

Reference: Woods et. al. Effect of background noise on food perception Food Quality and Preference doi:10.1016/j.foodqual.2010.07.003

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/19/background-noise-and-food-preferences/feed/ 0 Learning Styles and Sensory Processing Disorder http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/07/learning-styles-and-sensory-processing-disorder/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/07/learning-styles-and-sensory-processing-disorder/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:26:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/07/learning-styles-and-sensory-processing-disorder/ In the school setting, teachers discuss various learning styles of students. There are three main types of learning styles:

1. Auditory learner – learns best by using sense of hearing
2. Visual Learner – learns best by sense of vision
3. Kinesthetic/ Tactile Learner – learns best by doing or touching

More teachers are now accommodating students and presenting new material in various ways to help all students learn more efficiently. Teachers can offer choices regarding different ways to complete assignments that allow students the freedom to utilize their own learning styles. When determining a students learning style, a teacher looks at the students strengths. How do they learn best – auditory input, visual input or tactile input?

Is is starting to sound familiar? When determining if a student has sensory processing disorder, pediatric therapists look at auditory, visual and kinesthetic input and output. When an pediatric therapist evaluates a student for sensory processing disorder typically weaknesses are determined. For example, “this student is a sensory seeker constantly looking for movement opportunities”. Pediatric therapists can also look at students in a different manner with regards to learning styles and offer suggestions to the teachers in a language that they can fully understand. Therefore in addition to offering treatment strategies to address the students core sensory issues try:

1. offering recommendations on how to present academic material to the sensory seeking student for that student may be an excellent kinestethic/ tactile learner

2. providing the teacher with a list of methods or activities that may make it easier for the student to learn a new concept.

3. following up on recommendations – did the student perform better on as assignment when there was a kinesthetic approach to the task?

4. offering suggestions with a universal design approach to teaching to benefit all students in the classroom.

Modifications and Interventions for School :

Reproducible reporting forms with hundreds of suggested interventions

Download: $16.95

Find out more.

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/10/07/learning-styles-and-sensory-processing-disorder/feed/ 0 Social Stories and Visual Schedules http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/09/29/social-stories-and-visual-schedules/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/09/29/social-stories-and-visual-schedules/#comments Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:48:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/09/29/social-stories-and-visual-schedules/ Many children benefit from the use of social stories to help to familiarize them with different social situations and to improve behavioral responses. A recent study followed 3 autistic children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Social stories were written to target specific behaviors for each child. The results indicated that following the use of the social stories, modest improvements were noted in on task behaviors. Further improvements in on task behaviors were seen when the social story was followed up with a complimentary visual schedule.

Reference: Naomi Schneider and Howard Goldstein Using Social Stories and Visual Schedules to Improve Socially Appropriate Behaviors in Children With Autism Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions July 2010 12: 149-160.

Sensory Mini Books and Charts: includes visual schedules for sensory diets

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2010/09/29/social-stories-and-visual-schedules/feed/ 0 Self Regulation as a Predictor of Academic Abilities http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/10/self-regulation-as-a-predictor-of-academic-abilities/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/10/self-regulation-as-a-predictor-of-academic-abilities/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:48:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/10/self-regulation-as-a-predictor-of-academic-abilities/ Self regulation is the ability of a person to tolerate sensations, situations and distress and form appropriate responses to that sensory input. Simply stated, it is the ability to control behavior. In children, self regulation matures just like other developmental processes. Children get older and learn to think before they act. Research continues to develop in this area of self regulation and how much it effects other aspects of development. A recent article in Developmental Psychology reports that self regulation in children is a predictor of academic abilities. The researchers used the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Task (HTKS) to evaluate 343 kindergartners ability to self regulate. The HTKS task measures the ability to listen, remember instructions and follow motor commands. It does not measure emotional responses. Children with higher levels of self regulation in the beginning of the school year achieved higher scores in reading, vocabulary and math at the end of the school year. The researchers concluded that improving self regulation in children can improve academic achievement and behavioral responses.

Now, for any therapist, teacher or parent who has knowledge of sensory integration knows how much deficits in self regulation effect behaviours, social skills and motor responses. We need to continue to educate school staff on the importance of this skill be developed in all children. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten curriculum has changed it’s focus to reading, writing and math skills at an earlier age. There is not enough practice time to learn self regulation during these early formative years. Now it appears as if this hard core academic curriculum in the early years needs to slow down. This study provides significant evidence to support teaching self regulation skills.

Here are 5 simple tips to encourage self regulation in all children:
1. Therapists, teachers and parents should model good self regulation and self control. Use a calm tone in stressful situations. Model self control during disruptive classroom or home time.
2. Partner children who lack self regulation with children who exhibit better control to act as appropriate role models.
3. Play fun games that require children to wait for directions before they act (i.e. Simon Says).
4. Play fun games that require turn taking.
5. Keep activities structured and predictable.

Something to ponder for OT’s - Do you find that the majority of children with sensory modulation disorder exhibit deficits in all aspects of academic achievement? Does anyone know of any research on this topic? Would love to read it. Please comment.

References: Ponitz, Claire Cameron; McClelland, Megan M.; Matthews, J. S.; Morrison, Frederick J. A structured observation of behavioral self-regulation and its contribution to kindergarten outcomes. Developmental Psychology. Vol 45(3), May 2009, 605-619.

Oregon State University (2009, June 9). Self-regulation Game Predicts Kindergarten Achievement. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 9, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/06/090608162547.htm

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/10/self-regulation-as-a-predictor-of-academic-abilities/feed/ 0 10 Simple Activities to Encourage Physical Activity in the Classroom http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/09/10-simple-activities-to-encourage-physical-activity-in-the-classroom/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/09/10-simple-activities-to-encourage-physical-activity-in-the-classroom/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:43:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/09/10-simple-activities-to-encourage-physical-activity-in-the-classroom/ Here is a great hand out to give to teachers to get students moving in the classroom. Just hit the print button!

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/09/10-simple-activities-to-encourage-physical-activity-in-the-classroom/feed/ 0 Family TV Watching and Autism http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/05/family-tv-watching-and-autism/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/05/family-tv-watching-and-autism/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:33:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/05/family-tv-watching-and-autism/ I came across this article on TV watching and autism on Twitter from @cozycalm. Eileen Parker is owner of Cozy Calm Weighted Blanket Store. I really enjoyed reading this article because it is written from her own experiences (she has SPD, high functioning autism and OCD). Her blog offers interesting reading and helpful tips. She has given us permission to reprint her blog post here on this topic. In my opinion, this article offers some great suggestions for parents and therapists (to pass this info along). Thanks, Eileen Parker for your insight and helpful information.

Family TV Watching and Autism
By: Eileen Parker on May 8, 2009.

You can help your child with autism lower their stress level with some simple rules about family TV watching.

As a child and now an adult with autism and sensory processing disorder, I know that TV can be stressful to the point of jumping, tears, anger, confusion, and other reactions. As an adult, I have learned to contain some of my reaction in front of others, but children don’t necessarily have that regulation built in yet. Also, while watching TV, I will start to feel upset. I often don’t realize what is bothering me early on, but I have learned to identify my own signs.

When my hubby and his kids are talking and watching sports, I have to leave the room, close the door, and go away because my aggravation from the sound continues to elevate until it boils.

A child may not know that they can leave the room to a quieter place. A family member may even tell the child to stay in that room or the TV may be audible throughout the house, so the child has no escape from the sound. With the noises from the TV, the child’s irritability can climb all day.

Here are some TV rules that could make your child’s life much more relaxed:

1. No talking while the TV is on. More than one source of sound is not merely aggravating; it feels like a hurt in the brain.
2. Mute the commercials. The sudden jarring sound of a blasting commercial bashing into the ears can make your child jump, sweat, breathe fast, or make sounds.
3. If your TV has the capability, lower the treble. The higher register noises are more painful.
4. Put the TV in an enclosed room and close the door so your child does not have to hear it.
5. If you are not watching the TV, turn it off.
6. Have your child look away from the screen during commercials so the fast-moving visual stimuli don’t make it worse.
7. Turn the volume down.
8. Learn to make TV more bearable for your child by doing a brushing protocol first. Your child can also lie under a weighted blanket while watching TV.

Visit www.EileenParker.com to view her blog or go to www.CozyCalm.com to check out her weighted blankets.

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/06/05/family-tv-watching-and-autism/feed/ 0 SPD in the DSM-V http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/05/27/spd-in-the-dsm-v/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/05/27/spd-in-the-dsm-v/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 18:25:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/05/27/spd-in-the-dsm-v/ The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation needs to get 20,000 signatures in support of continued research to get diagnostic recognition of sensory processing disorder (SPD) in the DSM-V (Diagnosis and Statistical Manual). Most therapists are aware that SPD is not a recognized diagnosis. Others may not be aware which causes confusion among health care providers, parents, teachers and insurance companies. It makes it very difficult to get reimbursement for therapy sessions for people with sensory processing disorder. If you support Sensory Processing Disorder in the DSM-V, please take the time to sign their petition at http://www.spdfoundation.net/petition.php

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/05/27/spd-in-the-dsm-v/feed/ 0 Focus and Gum Chewing http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/focus-and-gum-chewing/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/focus-and-gum-chewing/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:28:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/focus-and-gum-chewing/ Lots of news today regarding a recent study indicating that chewing gum improved students scores on math testing (read more at NBC).

Need some more justification to teachers and parents as to why you recommend chewing gum for certain children, check this out. Click on bottom right to view in full screen.

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/focus-and-gum-chewing/feed/ 0 Self Regulation and Obesity http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/self-regulation-and-obesity/ http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/self-regulation-and-obesity/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:17:00 +0000 Administrator http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/self-regulation-and-obesity/ Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine published research that indicated children who lack self regulation exhibit excessive weight gain. This was a longitudinal study of 1061 children. The children participated in self regulation tasks at ages 3 and 5 years old. They were then followed until 12 years of age with body mass index (BMI) being measured 6 times throughout that time. The children who exhibited a decrease in the ability to self regulate had the highest BMI and the most rapid weight gain.

Curious to know do you observe this trend in children with a lack of self regulation?

Reference: Lori A. Francis; Elizabeth J. Susman
Self-regulation and Rapid Weight Gain in Children From Age 3 to 12 Years
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009;163(4):297-302.

]]> http://yourtherapysource.com/blog/2009/04/22/self-regulation-and-obesity/feed/ 0