Transcript Sensory Processing in the Classroom

Sensory Processing in the
Classroom
Presented by:
Laura Peregoy, MS, OTR/L
AGENDA
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Introduction/What is OT?
Sensory Processing—What is it?
Sensory Processing--Development
Signs of Sensory
Processing/Sensorimotor Problems
Conclusion
Questions
What is Occupational Therapy?
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Occupational Therapy is the therapeutic use of self-care,
work, and play activities to increase independent function,
enhance development, and prevent disabilities [and] may
include adaptation of task or environment to achieve
maximum independence and to enhance quality of life.
(AOTA, 1986)
OT’s are concerned with analyzing the child’s ability to
perform in their everyday context.
OT’s have 2 broad goals for the children we serve:
 To improve the child’s functional performance
 To enhance the child’s ability to interact with his or her
physical and social environments
Sensory Processing
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Imagine….
Developmental Tree of Sensory Motor Skills
Definition of Terms:
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Vestibular
Proprioception
Tactile
Auditory
Visual
Olfactory
Gustatory
Vestibular
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The vestibular system is the sensory system that responds to
changes in head position in relation to gravity, acceleration and
deceleration.
The vestibular receptors are the hair cells located in and around
the inner ear and are responsible for the detection of changes in
head position and movement.
The vestibular system provides such information as: Are you
moving? Are you right side up or upside down? How fast are
you going? What direction?
The vestibular system influences muscle tone in certain muscle
groups, equilibrium responses, emotional responses to
movement, and even mood and behavior. Dysfunction in the
vestibular system may result in the avoidance and fearfulness of
movement activities or in a lack of awareness of heights and the
resulting danger.
Proprioception
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Proprioception refers to the internal
awareness of one’s body as received through
muscle and joint receptors and is stimulated
by active movement.
Proprioceptive input provides us with an
internal map of our body as well as provides
information to the brain on how the body is
moving and the position of a body part at any
given moment in time.
Tactile
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The sense of touch
Pertains to the awareness or perception of the
location or change in position of an external stimulus
applied to the skin.
There are 2 subsystems: It is necessary for the two
systems to be balanced and work together.
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Protective System: The pain and temperature channel
serves as protective touch as it alerts the body to any
potentially harmful or dangerous stimuli.
Discriminative System: Gives the body information about the
quality of the stimuli.
Auditory
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The sense of hearing
Auditory processing refers to the brain’s
ability to apply meaning to this sensory
information (sounds) and not to how
well the ear is hearing (auditory acuity).
Visual
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The sense of sight
Visual processing refers to the brain’s ability
to apply meaning to the sensory information
(vision) and not how well the eye is seeing
(visual acuity).
Includes: visual memory, visual sequential
memory, visual discrimination, visual closure,
visual spatial relationships, visual form
constancy, and visual figure-ground.
Olfactory
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This sense of smell. The olfactory
information goes to a deep portion of
the brain and has a very strong
emotional overflow that strongly affects
feelings and emotions.
Gustatory
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The sense of taste
Gustatory perception is dependent on
olfactory sensation.
Signs of Sensory Processing
and Sensorimotor Problems
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Sensory:
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Spinning
Headbanging
Outbursts
Emotional instability
Poor eye contact
Dislikes change
Avoids motor play
Poor awareness of self in space
Poor control in regard to self-stimming
Hand flapping
Signs of Sensory Processing
and Sensorimotor Problems
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Repetitive speech
Biting
Clumsiness
Floppy muscle tone
Does not like touch
Cannot feel touch
Poor or no midline crossing
Poor coordination between the two sides of the
body
Short attention span
Hyperactive
Signs of Sensory Processing
and Sensorimotor Problems
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Decreased ability to concentrate
Decreased ability for abstract thought
Decreased oral motor skills stemming from
the sensory organs
Decreased gravitational security
Decreased balance
Signs of Sensory Processing
and Sensorimotor Problems
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Motor:
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Raised shoulders
Poor gross motor skills
Disjointed appearance
Poor fine motor skills
Poor handwriting
Appears “tight” or “rigid” during activity
Toe walkers
“Bird” walk
Conclusion
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Sensory Processing or sensory
integration refers to the brain’s ability to
assign meaning to incoming sensory
stimuli.
Sensory Processing is different for every
person and may vary day by day or
even minute by minute.
Questions?
References
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Ayres, A. Jean. Sensory Integration and the
Child. Western Psychological Services, Los Angeles,
CA 1979
Case-Smith, Jane; Allen, Anne; Pratt, Pat Nuse.
Occupational Therapy for Children. Mosby,
Gainsville, Georgia, 1996
Denniger-Bryant, Debra J. Sensory Integration:
Its Effect on Learning, Behavior and Motor
Control. Presentation; September 28-29, 2006
Kranowitz, Carol Stock. The Out-of-Sync Child.
Skylight Press Books, New York, 1998