How do occupational therapists help with sensory processing disorder?

Occupational therapists evaluate children to determine which stimuli they are sensitive to, then work with each child and his or her family to develop coping mechanisms and treatment plans.

What does an occupational therapist do for sensory processing disorder?

With SI, an occupational therapist (OT) begins “by exposing them to sensory stimulation in a structured, repetitive way… over time, the brain will adapt and allow kids to process and react to sensations more efficiently.”

Do occupational therapists work with sensory issues?

Kids who struggle with sensory processing issues are often referred to occupational therapists (OTs). They do a treatment called “sensory integration therapy.” The idea is that kids with sensory issues have too much or too little stimulation through their senses.

What is the best therapy for sensory processing disorder?

Can occupational therapists diagnose sensory processing disorder?

The Diagnostic Process

Although not yet recognized officially (for example, in the DSM-5), Sensory processing Disorder can be identified and categorized by an occupational therapist with advanced training in sensory processing and integration.

How Occupational Therapy Helps with Sensory Integration Issues

What is a sensory OT assessment?

The Sensory assessment is an assessment that can take place in clinic, at home or in school. It will be completed by an occupational therapist through an observation of the behaviours and movements the child shows in relation to the sensory input they are receiving.

Can a child have SPD without autism?

Most children with SPD do not have an autistic spectrum disorder! Our research suggests that the two conditions are distinct disorders just as SPD and ADHD are different disorders.

What is OT sensory integration?

In traditional SI therapy, the OT exposes a child to sensory stimulation through repetitive activities. The OT gradually makes activities more challenging and complex. The idea is that through repetition, your child's nervous system will respond in a more “organized” way to sensations and movement.

How do I help my child with sensory processing disorder?

How do you calm a child with sensory processing disorder?

How do you discipline sensory processing disorder?

What are the 3 patterns of sensory processing disorders?

Is there a cure for sensory processing disorder?

Effective treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder is available, but far too many children with sensory symptoms are misdiagnosed and/or improperly treated. Untreated SPD that persists into adulthood can affect an individual's ability to succeed in marriage, work, and community social environments.

Does sensory processing disorder get worse with age?

SPD becomes worse with injuries and when with normal aging as the body begins to become less efficient. So, if you always had balance problems and were clumsy, this can become more of a problem in your senior years.

Is SPD considered special needs?

While SPD may affect the child's auditory, visual, and motor skills, and the ability to process and sequence information, it is not, at present, specifically identified as a qualifying disability, making a child eligible for special education and related services.

What triggers sensory processing disorder?

Doctors don't know what causes SPD. They're exploring a genetic link, which means it could run in families. Some doctors believe there could be a link between autism and SPD. This could mean that adults who have autism could be more likely to have children who have SPD.

Is SPD on the autism spectrum?

Today, they're such a widely recognized aspect of autism that they are included in the diagnostic criteria for the condition. Still, many child psychiatrists do not see SPD as a distinct diagnostic label.

Can a child outgrow sensory processing disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder is frequently seen in children who have other conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Much like autism spectrum, the symptoms of this disorder exist on a spectrum. However, unlike autism, it is possible for the child to outgrow this disorder.

Why do OTs use sensory integration therapy?

Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder addresses how sensory information is getting in, and it also teaches children to recognize the effects of sensory overload early and to use sensory tools and strategies to regulate attention in a wide range of environments.

What is an example of sensory integration therapy?

Therapy sessions are play-oriented and may include using equipment such as swings, trampolines, and slides. Sensory integration also uses therapies such as deep pressure, brushing, weighted vests, and swinging. These therapies appear to sometimes be able to calm an anxious child.

What are the 4 levels of sensory integration?

The sensory integrative abilities include sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, postural-ocular control, praxis, bilateral integration, and sequencing.

Is sensory processing disorder a mental illness?

Diagnosis. Sensory processing disorder is accepted in the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-3R). It is not recognized as a mental disorder in medical manuals such as the ICD-10 or the DSM-5.

Is SPD a neurological disorder?

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? It is a neurological condition that makes it difficult for the body to receive messages from the senses and turn them into the appropriate motor and behavioral responses.

Can SPD cause speech delay?

Impact of SPD on Speech

Many children with SPD are also diagnosed with a speech delay or aphasia, a difficulty in conveying spoken language. This can occur when a child is sensitive to sound and has trouble discerning the auditory information around him/her.

What happens at an OT assessment?

Assessments can explore the following areas:

Developmental skills including motor and play development. Self-care and functional skills such as feeding, toileting and dressing. Fine motor skills in relation to handwriting and using a knife and fork. Gross motor skills in relation to riding a bike, sitting posture.