Neurological Threshold Quiz and Flashcards: Behavioral Response

Study Notes

Sensory Processing

Refers to the way our nervous system receives and processes information from our senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, proprioception, and vestibular sense)
Enables us to understand and respond to our environment
Involves integrating sensory information to perform complex tasks

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

A condition where sensory signals are not detected or organized into appropriate responses
Can result in over- or under-response to sensory stimuli
Can affect daily activities, learning, and social interactions

Sensory Integration

A theory developed by occupational therapist A. Jean Ayres
Refers to the neurological process of organizing sensory information from the environment and the body
Enables the body to effectively perform within its environment

Sensory Profiles

Developed by Dr. Winnie Dunn
Organized into four quadrants:
- High threshold/low registration: misses sensory information
- High threshold/active seeking: seeks more sensory information
- Low threshold/passive response: over-responds to sensory stimuli
- Low threshold/active avoiding: tries to avoid sensory stimuli

Red Flags for Sensory Processing Disorder

Excessive or lacking responses to sensory stimuli
Difficulty paying attention
Behavioral problems (e.g., being overly active or sensitive)

Strategies for Supporting Sensory Processing

Occupational therapy
Providing sensory experiences in the classroom (e.g., sensory tables, movement activities)
Incorporating sensory integration techniques into daily routines
Creating a sensory diet tailored to individual needs
Providing accommodations and modifications in the classroom (e.g., weighted vests, fidget toys)

Collaborating with Teachers and Families

Occupational therapists can work with teachers to provide supports and ideas for accommodations
Team meetings can facilitate collaboration and ensure carryover of strategies
Families can support children at home by incorporating similar strategies into daily routines and rituals### Home Visits and Collaboration
Home visits are essential in understanding a child's needs both at home and at school.
These visits provide valuable insights from parents, which can lead to new strategies for supporting the child.
An example of this is a child who had trouble sitting still during Circle time, but was able to focus with a specific squishy toy that was sent from home.

Working with Parents

Parents' input is crucial in understanding their child's needs and boundaries.
Parents who volunteer at school work with occupational and physical therapists to gain a deeper understanding of how to support their child.
Parents' suggestions are always taken into consideration, and therapists build upon them to create a more comprehensive support system.

Sensory Integration and Parent Understanding

Understanding sensory integration helps parents and caregivers recognize that all behavior has meaning.
It provides a deeper understanding of human behavior and relationships, giving parents and caregivers another tool to support their child.

Proprioception

Proprioception is the ability to perceive the position, location, orientation, and movement of the body.
It involves specialized sensory receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints that send information to the brain.
Proprioception is critical for everyday movements and activities, such as smooth coordination and precise movement.
Impaired proprioception can lead to challenges with coordination, balance, and navigating surroundings.

Impact of Proprioception on Daily Life

When proprioception is impaired, individuals may experience difficulties with coordination, balance, and navigating surroundings.
This can lead to issues with writing, using utensils, and even playing sports.
Impaired proprioception can also affect social interactions, such as invading others' personal space.

Vestibular System

The vestibular system is a key part of the sensory system, located in the inner ear and connected to specific areas of the brain.
It helps us maintain balance, coordinate eye movements, and recognize head movements.
The vestibular system includes the semicircular canals and otolith organs.
Problems with the vestibular system can cause issues like dizziness, vertigo, and trouble keeping balance.

Impact of Vestibular System on Daily Life

When the vestibular system is impaired, it can affect daily activities and interactions.
It can cause difficulties with balance, posture, and moving in challenging situations.
Understanding how the vestibular system works is crucial for everyday tasks and interacting with the world.

Fine Motor Skills and Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) affects how sensory information is processed by the brain, leading to challenges in motor output.
SPD can impact fine motor skills, including handling, writing, and drawing.
Children with SPD may experience hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, or poor proprioception, which can affect their ability to perform fine motor tasks.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-disciplinary approach, including occupational therapy that focuses on sensory integration.

Description

Understanding the concept of neurological thresholds and behavioral response continuum, from high to low, and how it affects human behavior. Dr. Dunn's hypothesis on active to passive behavioral response is discussed.