Dunn's Sensory Integration Model Summary

The contribution of three research papers push forwards my hypothesis that occupational therapy has the power to grant indispensable rehabilitation for adolescents with an autistic disorder. For instance, seventeen children in one study as its experiment group received manualized OT/SI (occupational therapy using sensory integration) intervention adhering to the principles of sensory integration around, “sensory motor factors affecting the child’s functional behaviors and individually-tailored sensory motor activities were developed to address….[these components in adaptive ways in order the] intervention is contextualized in play with active involvement of the child and conducted in a large gym equipped…[with chances for] active, guided, sensory

Sensory impairments usually result in the other senses becoming stringer. Although it could delay the child’s development if it isn’t diagnosed early, the earlier it is diagnose the earlier the child can be supported and be taught relevant things in a way that suits them.

Sensory integration is a condition that can be found in young children. This condition is defined as the difficulty of developing motor and cognitive skills at a typical rate(book). If the parent of a child with this condition is fully aware, most likely they will take the steps they need to better their child’s life. With that being said, the child will need an occupational therapist. The researcher has gathered information on the steps and guidelines of what an occupational therapist needs to follow for early intervention, the benefits it has for the child in need, and also the roles of an occupational therapist that will be further discussed. One of the most important role that an occupational therapist can do for a child with sensory integration is early intervention. The earlier you acknowledge the condition, the better outcome the child has at improving his/her physical and mental capabilities. Early intervention helps these children strive towards a path that improves their abilities and skills that are developed during these crucial years.

We may not like loud noises, so we avoid crowds and clubs, or have textures issues, so we avoid slimy or squishy food, all without therapy. Our flight, fight, or freeze responses are our defense system again the unknown, but sensory processing treatment work on changing that response. With all of materials I compiled, I am in agreement that sensory processing disorder is the next “it” diagnosis for children. I do believe that children with Autism, ADHD, ADD, and Down Syndrome struggle with processing sensory information. However, there is no proof that sensory processing difficulties are not a byproduct or syndrome of the disability. More research is necessary in order to determine how and why sensory processing occurs and affects daily life. The goal for all educators is to provide students with the best education

Occupational therapists help children make of sensory experiences involving sights, smells, touch, sounds, tastes and movement. Children with learning disabilities or autism may experience serious difficulties processing, understanding and reacting to sensory stimulation. The ability of these children to process sensory information may impacted by either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimulation. Many children who engage in problematic behaviors or anti-social tendencies may actually be experiencing difficulties processing and understanding sensory information and their environment. Occupational therapists use observation and data collection to create a plan that addresses and rectify specific behaviors.

This is important because these sensory deficits present occupational barriers for both child and caregiver's ability to engage in meaningful activities. There is mixed empirical research regarding the effectiveness of sensory based interventions due to the variability in the symptomatology of children with sensory deficits. However and in spite of the sparse supporting evidence it is used in many occupational therapy settings because it has been shown to be effective in individualized clinical treatment plan and in less rigorous studies. AOTA has launched an initiative across all occupational therapy domains to increase the use of evidence based practice. The triangulation process used in this qualitative inquiry is designed to make the data collection process more robust (Portney & Watkins, 2009). Thus adding to the growing base of evidence supporting the use of sensory based interventions in occupational therapy

Animal-assisted interventions can also be integrated into existing models of treatment for ASD by using animals for components that traditionally target sensory and affective arousal (Berry et al., 2013). The Denver Model is a therapy technique used by occupational therapists that integrates applied behavioral analysis with treatments to target developmental and relationship deficits, which also includes interventions to treat sensory issues. They suggest that therapy dogs are suitable for integration in this model because they provide a multisensory stimulus that incorporates an emotional bond and a sensory experience. The authors also recognize that because of the variances in symptoms of children diagnosed with ASD, highly individualized treatment programs must be created to accommodate multiple levels of sensory sensitivity. More research is needed to determine how children with different levels of sensory sensitivity respond to different animal therapies, potentially though using a comparative study. Perhaps children who are hypersensitive would respond better to an intervention with a dog, rather than a horse. Overall, available research indicates that therapy dogs are also a potential method for providing sensory experiences for children with

While there are many ways that a person can specialize in the field of occupational therapy, one of the profession’s draws exists in the potential for variety and diversity. The goal of occupational therapy is to provide therapies and alternatives that allow clients to return to the things that they need to be able to do, and the things they want to be able to do. This is obviously a broad definition, and one that can be achieved in various groups, and through various methods. Occupational therapists can specialize in hand therapy, stroke rehabilitation, driving, community mobility, low vision patients, pediatrics, or geriatrics. In any of these specialties, a therapist can address their patient’s daily living activities, leisure, work, education, or social participation. An increased ability to participate in any of these activities can be facilitated through a variety of treatments: splinting, modalities, adaptive equipment, task modification, environmental modification, or activities centered on desired occupations.

During the course of research, there were many commonalities found in the literature surrounding Wilbargers’ Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique. The majority of the studies that focused on the treatment of children with a primary diagnosis of sensory defensiveness. Because occupational therapists use a more holistic approach when treating clients, the perspectives of the parents and caregivers were given great value in their studies. For one study, a major instrument used to collect data was a parent/caregiver questionnaire (Bhoti & Brown, 2013). The questions provided researchers with information all of the following regarding inconvenience that the intervention may have caused, impact on daily routine, empowerment,

Over the past few years, my experiences have enhanced the quality of my life and prepared me for my future. Each event has taught me responsibility and has brought me closer to making the commitment of potentially becoming an occupational therapist. I became interested in the field of occupational therapy when my best friend was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease back in 2010 and was sent to a rehabilitation center to see an occupational therapist. Going into this rehabilitation center with my best friend, I was unaware to what occupational therapy was and how it would benefit her in any way. As I observed the occupational therapist work with my best friend, I became fascinated with the different types of techniques there are to rehabilitate

The controversy of sensory integration research and practice has surrounded the therapy and can be confusing to educators and parents (Jacobson & Foxx, 2015). Sensory integration, whether effective or ineffective, gained strength from the authority granted to the professional who promotes this therapy. This treatment is unsubstantiated, the claims are vague, with a lack of careful, scientific evaluations of the treatment and tests whether they benefit difficult or impossible.

Many people can agree that working with children is rewarding. And yet, sometimes the education system tends to be overlooked for those with a disadvantage. Unfortunately, according to one source “Up to 15% of school-age children are believed to have sensory challenges, and at least 40% of individuals with developmental disabilities and 80% of those with autism are affected” (Research opportunities, 2014, p. 244). With that being said, some schools or Occupational therapy school-based consultation (OTSBC), have incorporated Occupational therapy in their facilities to help their students develop and succeed in life. This is great news for children with disabilities whether it be a sensory processing disorder (SPD), birth defect or a physical/mental

Many parents believe that they are the reason why their child acts a certain way. Researchers are unable to pin point exactly what is the cause of sensory integrated problems but are able to narrow down several possible directions such as genetic factors, premature birth, birth trauma, viruses, illnesses, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy and many more. Unable to understand their child’s behavior, parents have chosen to medicate their child to help them focus. These children may show signs of unacceptable or inappropriate behavior such as very active, inattentive, impulsive, impatient or very loud. Even though some parents may believe their child is aware and conscious of their behavior, they are not. Children are having a very difficult time focusing even if they are trying their hardest. Another approach that therapist have found helpful is sensory integration therapy. “Sensory integration therapy also known as SI therapy is a method of treating children who have problems processing sensory stimuli called sensory integration disorder.” Professionals must approach each child with a sensory integration disorder in a positive way. Therapist must challenge the students and create a setting that would allow the students to feel a sense of accomplishment. According to “Helping hyperactive kids” the feeling of success is an important first step in your child’s ability to process sensory stimuli.

Sensory Integration would help Jessie respond better when feeling overwhelming to his schoolwork and working with others, as well as helping Jessie regulate his behaviors especially during transitions in school. With this frame of reference, the use of controlled sensory input can help Jessie facilitate appropriate adaptive responses. The more adaptive responses Jessie is able to make, the more organized her brain becomes and the ability to integrate sensory stimuli becomes more

Four year olds are still very much learning through the use of their senses (Blaustein, 2005). As well, some children may have special needs concerning sensory processing and integration (Ayers, 1994). Children with sensory processing disorders range from over-responsive, under-responsive, to sensory craving (Ayers, 1994). Nonetheless, every person encounters a plethora of sensory stimuli each day and must take in information and integrate it with prior knowledge to make meaningful responses (Ayers, 1994). Multisensory centers provide young children with and without special needs with the opportunity to seek out sensory stimulation, acquire sensory integration and motor skills, learn coping skills, and understand basic scientific concepts (Blaustein, 2005).