Addressing sensory processing challenges Robert Jason Grant Ed.D, LPC, RPT-S, CAS www.robertjasongrant.com

Sensory Processing Defined A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and school failure can accompany SPD. Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, 2016

Sensory Processing Defined A condition that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses. Jean Ayres, PhD, likened SPD to a neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly.

Eight Sensory areas Sight (visual) Smell (olfactory) Hearing (auditory) Touch (tactile) Taste Vestibular Proprioception Interoceptive

vestibular Responds to a change in your head position or having your feet lifted off of the ground. It also contributes to balance and equilibrium. Everyday activities include somersaults, rolling inside of a barrel/tunnel, prone (on stomach) or inverted (upside down) on top of a large exercise ball, swinging, hanging upside down from a trapeze bar or monkey bars, merry-go- round, hammock, and roller coasters. nspt4kids.com

proprioception Informs us of our body position in space. Receptors for this system are located primarily in our muscles and relay information on muscle length and tension. Activities could be squeezing something in your hands, chewing something particularly hard, or pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, or crawling with the entire body. nspt4kids.com

interoceptive Refers to our internal senses.  Any sensations that originate from within the body, like the feeling of hunger and thirst, sickness, heart rate, and the feeling that one needs to use the bathroom. Activities include vestibular and proprioceptive interventions; brushing, deep pressure. Possibly behavioral techniques such as timers, visual schedules, and practice.

Sensory Processing Resource Lindsey Biel, Pediatric Occupational Therapist www.sensoryprocessingchallenges.com Sensory Questionnaire Home Screening tool School Screening tool Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Work With Kids & Teens, by Lindsey Biel

School related Manifestations

interventions The Process When (how often) Where (location) Who How Goals

interventions Iguana Walk Family Spin Break Out Pool Noodle Relaxation Sensory Mandala

References and resources Grant, R. J. (2016). Play-based interventions for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. New York, NY: Routledge. Grant, R.J. (2016). AutPlay Therapy for Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. NY: Routledge.

Thank you! Robert Jason Grant Ed.D, LPC, RPT-S DrGrant@robertjasongrant.com www.robertjasongrant.com