Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory Processing Differences
Visual Sense
Vision is the process of gathering, analyzing, storing, and responding to light information.
Vision includes visual acuity (seeing), coordination of the two eyes, focusing, eye movement control, and visual perceptual skills. When we use our eyes, we are developing visual maps, which we use with our body maps to figure out how to move around successfully.
After determining what are the sensory preferences, we can look at if an individuals processing is causing functional impairments in his or her life.
Low Registration
Sensation Seeking
Sensory Sensitivity
Sensation Avoiding
Use of visual schedules can provide structure so that children and adolescents who are sensory seekers will know when more movement activities will happen. A visual schedule will also provide children and adolescents who are sensory sensitive or avoiders with the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming activity.
Sample Visual
Ask others to slow down, speak up, and repeat as needed. Have child/adolescent explain or repeat information back to you to make sure he or she has processed what was said. Use an alarm for reminders. Make visual cues more noticeable- underline, bold, highlight, use color, etc.
Information obtained in part from Sensory Profile Supplement, Winnie Dunn. Information is reproducible.
A caveat for remembering general treatment ideas for sensory seeking is that Proprioception (deep pressure) is a childs/adolescents friend.
Encourage participation in a "hard work" activity 3x/day (mopping the floor, pushing or pulling heavy objects, doing push-ups, etc.). More ideas include:
Staple paper onto the bulletin boards Move the furniture in the classroom.
Carrying a heavy backpack.
Be sure to only put weight in the backpack that equals 10%-20% of the child's body weight.
Sixty-three second-grade students participated in the study. 31 students were assigned to a treatment group, and 32 were assigned to a control group. Treatment group participants used Disc 'O' Sit cushions throughout the school day for a 2-week period. The teachers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 1996) for each participant before and after the intervention. An analysis of variance identified a statistically significant difference in the attention to task before and after the intervention for the treatment group. The results of the study provide preliminary evidence for the use of the Disc 'O' Sit cushion as an occupational therapy intervention to improve attention in the school setting.
Questions?
References
Bundy, A.C., Lane, S., & Murray, E.A., (Eds). (2002) Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice (2nd ed). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Davies, P., & Chang, W., Studying Sensory Processing
Dunn, W. (1997). The impact of sensory processing abilities on the daily lives for young children and their families: A conceptual model. Infants and Young Children, 9 (4), 23-35. Dunn, W. (2001). The sensations of everyday life: Empirical, theoretical, and pragmatic considerations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 608-620
References
Kinnealey, M., & Fuiel, M., (2006). The relationship between sensory defensiveness, anxiety, depression, and perception of pain. Occupational Therapy International. 6(3), 195-2006. McIntosh, D., Miller, L., Shyu, V., & Hagerman, R. (1999). Sensory modulation disruption, electrodermal responses and functional behaviors. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 41, 608-615. Parham, D. & Mailloux, Z. (1995). Sensory Integrative principles in intervention with children with autistic disorder. In J. Case-Smith, A.S. Allen, & P.N. Pratt (Eds.),Occupational Therapy for Children (pp. 329-382). St. .Louis, MO: Mosby.
References
Pfeiffer, B., & Kinnealey, M., (2006). Treatment of sensory defensiveness in adults. Occupational Therapy International, 10(3), 175-184. Stephens, C.L., & Royeen, C.B., (1998). Investigation of tactile defensiveness and self-esteem in typically developing children. Occupational Therapy International, 5(4), 273-280. Wakeford, L. (2006), Sensory Processing: Strategies to
Zuckerman, M. (1994). Biological Bases of Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, and Anxiety. Hillsdale, NJ. Larenece Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.