Neurological Thresholds and Behavioral Response

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.