Intervention in Children With Sensory Processing Disorders

Imagine there's a device in your ear that changes your native language to something foreign before the words reach your brain. Everyone else around you understands, but you grow frustrated and upset because the words don't make sense to you. Sensory processing disorder, or SPD, is like this, but it affects how you interpret things like touch, light and sound itself---not just language---and even the level ground you're standing on. Children with this disorder struggle to understand and tolerate their world, and there are ways you can help.

Occupational Therapy

• The first step toward intervention with a child suffering from SPD is having an evaluation by an occupational therapist. The OT will assess your child's symptoms and observe how the child reacts to certain sensory situations and stimuli. The OT will talk to you about things that bother your child and what the child's reactions are to certain things at home and at school. After the assessment, the OT will talk to you about ways to help your child. He may prescribe periodic therapy sessions, either in an office or at your home. At these sessions, the therapist will work with your child to help her cope with her sensory conflicts.

Brushing

• The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique, or simply "brushing," is a method of addressing sensory defensiveness. Brushing seems simple, but should only be done by or under the guidance of an OT trained in the method. A soft surgical brush is used to brush an SPD sufferer's skin firmly, starting with the arms and working down toward the feet, avoiding the chest and stomach. The joints are then gently compressed for several seconds. Brushing helps improve communication between the body and brain, helping an SPD sufferer to better tolerate the feel of certain things and helping his or her mind accurately interpret sensory stimuli. It also improves the ability to focus and transition more easily from one activity to the next.

Sensory Diet

• The sensory diet isn't about food. It's a daily pattern of stimulating and calming behaviors that help your child get through the day. It provides safe activities, so that he gets the active stimulation he needs, and builds in time for behaviors that are calming to him. You may schedule some time for jumping on a trampoline before school so he gets rid of the urge to jump around, and make sure he has a few minutes after school to cuddle with a favorite toy and a warm blanket, to ease the transition back home.

Music Therapy

• Even children with sensitivity to sound can benefit from music therapy. Many children shut down and can't communicate well when they're overwhelmed with sensory stimuli.The simple act of repeating rhythms with various instruments helps to facilitate communication---an area that can be affected by SPD. A child feeling frustrated may pound on the drums until she feels better; another may strum a guitar gently, soothing herself with the soft sounds and vibration.

Obstacle Courses

• Children with SPD often have problems with praxis: knowing what they want to do, figuring out how to do it and getting there. They also may have problems with balance and motor control. Setting up a simple obstacle course in the living room or the therapist's office allows your child to practice all these skills. Many therapists' offices have large gyms with mats, rope swings and ladders, and ball pits to create a variety of fun and therapeutic courses for kids with sensory difficulties.