Sensory Integration Sensory Integration for the Classroomfor the Classroom

Kathy Montilluer, M.A. in Ed.Kathy Montilluer, M.A. in Ed.

Understanding and Meeting Understanding and Meeting Sensory Needs Sensory Needs

Let’s take a closer look!Let’s take a closer look!

What Do You Do When What Do You Do When YouYou’’re…re…

(The 7 Positions of Behavior)(The 7 Positions of Behavior) Seeking attention?Seeking attention? Avoiding failure?Avoiding failure? Angry? Angry? Needing control?Needing control? Energetic?Energetic? Bored?Bored? Uninformed?Uninformed?

Children vs. TeensChildren vs. Teens

ChildrenChildren Wiggle aroundWiggle around Run awayRun away Fall on the floorFall on the floor Suck thumbSuck thumb Space outSpace out YellYell Refuse to workRefuse to work Throw workThrow work Hit, kick, bite, spitHit, kick, bite, spit Refuse to do workRefuse to do work

TeensTeens ““Act out”Act out” Listen to iPodListen to iPod Chew gumChew gum TalkTalk Tap pencilTap pencil Bite nailsBite nails Space outSpace out Class clown-joke aroundClass clown-joke around Refuse to do workRefuse to do work Become defiantBecome defiant

Sensory ChecklistSensory Checklist

Different people have different sensory Different people have different sensory needs. needs. What works for you? What works for you?

How does MY engine run?How does MY engine run? What alerts me? What alerts me? What calms me? What calms me?

How Does Your Engine Run?How Does Your Engine Run?

Alert Program by TherapyWorks, Inc.

Steps for teaching self-Steps for teaching self-regulation awarenessregulation awareness

What we do automatically What we do automatically but our students may notbut our students may not

What to do when…What to do when…

Sensory Integrative Sensory Integrative “Dysfunction”“Dysfunction”When sensory input is not When sensory input is not

integrated or organized integrated or organized appropriately in the brain.appropriately in the brain.

May produce varying degrees of May produce varying degrees of difficulty in development, difficulty in development, information processing, or information processing, or behavior. behavior.

Three systems affect the senses: Three systems affect the senses:

1)1) tactile tactile

2)2) vestibular vestibular

3)3) proprioceptiveproprioceptive

Sensory Integration is an Sensory Integration is an issue for many!issue for many!

Tactile System Tactile System The The skinskin is the largest organ of the is the largest organ of the

body & registers our most basic body & registers our most basic sensations - touch, pressure, pain, sensations - touch, pressure, pain, and temperature. and temperature.

Function of Tactile SystemFunction of Tactile System

Provide localized, Provide localized, precise information precise information to recognize & to recognize & differentiate differentiate qualitiesqualities such as such as shape, texture, and shape, texture, and size size without visual without visual inputinput..

Tactile DefensivenessTactile DefensivenessResponses that include: Responses that include:

Insensitivity Insensitivity to sensation – to sensation – seeks out stronger inputseeks out stronger input

Over sensitivity Over sensitivity to to sensation – avoids touch that sensation – avoids touch that would normally be would normally be considered pleasant. considered pleasant.

Proprioceptive SystemProprioceptive SystemProprioceptors Proprioceptors = sense = sense receptors that lie along receptors that lie along muscle fibers and in the muscle fibers and in the tendons and ligaments that tendons and ligaments that connect muscle to bone. connect muscle to bone.

Movements that Movements that pushes pushes joints together joints together or apart or apart are effective stimuli for are effective stimuli for proprioception. proprioception.

Function of Proprioceptive Function of Proprioceptive System System

Necessary for Necessary for coordination!coordination!

Foundation for learning Foundation for learning motor patterns & skilled motor patterns & skilled movements. movements.

Provides:Provides: Physical awarenessPhysical awareness Control of Control of efforteffort Psychological Psychological sense of selfsense of self

(Differentiated from non-self)(Differentiated from non-self)

Vestibular SystemVestibular SystemDetects Detects pull of gravity & pull of gravity & head head accelerationacceleration & & positionposition

Receptors located in the inner ear. Receptors located in the inner ear. Tells me:Tells me:

a) where I am relative to gravitya) where I am relative to gravityb) if I am still or moving b) if I am still or moving

c) the direction and speed of movementc) the direction and speed of movement

Function of Vestibular Function of Vestibular SystemSystem

Influences Influences muscle tone muscle tone change in balance and change in balance and

postureposture eye movementeye movement emotional responses to emotional responses to

movementmovement

Calming ActivitiesCalming Activities Provide quiet or calming time away Provide quiet or calming time away

from task demandsfrom task demands Apply deep pressureApply deep pressure Give bear hugsGive bear hugs Roll up in a foam egg crate or Roll up in a foam egg crate or

blanketblanket Roll a large ball over the individualRoll a large ball over the individual Deep breathing or yogaDeep breathing or yoga Fidget toys such as a Koosh or Fidget toys such as a Koosh or

stress ballstress ball

Calming Activities (cont.)Calming Activities (cont.)

Rest with blanket on a soft surfaceRest with blanket on a soft surface Joint compressions with training Joint compressions with training

from OTfrom OT Calm environment – soft music, dim Calm environment – soft music, dim

lights, no florescent lightinglights, no florescent lighting Weighted vestWeighted vest

Chew resistive items (crunchy or Chew resistive items (crunchy or chewy snacks, like TODAY!)chewy snacks, like TODAY!)

Massage olimbs with lotionMassage olimbs with lotion Sound-proofing headphonesSound-proofing headphones

Stimulating ActivitiesStimulating Activities Play with Playdoh, shaving Play with Playdoh, shaving

cream, finger paints,cream, finger paints, Play in bins of lentils, dry rice, Play in bins of lentils, dry rice,

beans. Hide toys for child to beans. Hide toys for child to retrieveretrieve

Water playWater play Sand or paint play: Make hand Sand or paint play: Make hand

or footprints in paint. Walk in or footprints in paint. Walk in bare feet. Find shells or other bare feet. Find shells or other objects in sand.objects in sand.

Dress upDress up Snacks with strong flavorsSnacks with strong flavors

Stimulating Activities (cont.)Stimulating Activities (cont.) Textures to explore (paintbrush, pot scrubber, cotton Textures to explore (paintbrush, pot scrubber, cotton

balls, sand paper, fake fur)balls, sand paper, fake fur) Vibrating toys - bumble ball, vibrating penVibrating toys - bumble ball, vibrating pen Hot/cold – ice cubes, warm air of hair dryer, cold Hot/cold – ice cubes, warm air of hair dryer, cold

pudding pudding Exercise such as toe touchesExercise such as toe touches Listen to upbeat musicListen to upbeat music Activities with bright colorsActivities with bright colors

Sensory DietSensory Diet

An activity plan of sensory activities in a An activity plan of sensory activities in a plannedplanned environment environment

Can be calming or alerting Can be calming or alerting

Can be used to decrease tactile Can be used to decrease tactile defensiveness and self-stimulatory defensiveness and self-stimulatory behaviorsbehaviors

Sensory Diet GuidelinesSensory Diet Guidelines Routines are important Routines are important Use activity of interest to avoid resistanceUse activity of interest to avoid resistance Make transitions predictable (teach & count to 5)Make transitions predictable (teach & count to 5) Watch for signs of child starting to relax (facial Watch for signs of child starting to relax (facial

expression). This signals an activity is working. expression). This signals an activity is working. Crying or laughing can mean it is time to cool down.Crying or laughing can mean it is time to cool down.

Change it up to keep sensory diet interesting. Also Change it up to keep sensory diet interesting. Also helps with ability of change in an environment helps with ability of change in an environment

Talk with OT regularly to make diet age appropriate Talk with OT regularly to make diet age appropriate and fitting your sensory needs and fitting your sensory needs

(Sensory Integration Learning Center, (Sensory Integration Learning Center, 2007)2007)

Benefits of Sensory Integration Benefits of Sensory Integration

in Schoolin School More engaged learningMore engaged learning Fewer behavioral issues Fewer behavioral issues Increased body awarenessIncreased body awareness Increased academic Increased academic

achievementachievement FUN!FUN!

Sensory Integration Programs Sensory Integration Programs (see end of this PowerPoint)(see end of this PowerPoint)

How Does Your Engine RunHow Does Your Engine RunProgram that supports children, teachers, & parents to choose

strategies to change or maintain states of alertness. 

Brain Gym – Paul E. Dennison, PhDBrain Gym – Paul E. Dennison, PhDProvides activities to integrate brain function across neural Provides activities to integrate brain function across neural

pathways:pathways:lateral (left/right), focus (front/back), and center (top/bottom).lateral (left/right), focus (front/back), and center (top/bottom).

Ready Bodies/Ready Minds – Athena OdenReady Bodies/Ready Minds – Athena OdenUses motor control & sensory integration to increase student Uses motor control & sensory integration to increase student

learning.learning.

Social Story Social Story – – Carol GrayCarol GrayProtocol for teaching & maintain social, daily living, & behavior Protocol for teaching & maintain social, daily living, & behavior self-management skills. self-management skills.

Social Stories™ - Carol Gray

See website & YouTube video LINKS See website & YouTube video LINKS above:above:

Describes a social situation and Describes a social situation and “typical” responses in reassuring, “typical” responses in reassuring, non-threatening mannernon-threatening manner

Personalized to student Personalized to student

Helps “cope” with expected & Helps “cope” with expected & unexpected situations (fears)unexpected situations (fears)

Teaches routines for better retention Teaches routines for better retention & generalization & generalization

Simple Social Story Simple Social Story TMTM

Putting it All TogetherPutting it All Together

Identify the Function of a Behavior Identify the Function of a Behavior

Apply Strategies Apply Strategies First and foremost, TAKE DATA!First and foremost, TAKE DATA! Analyze from the perspective of the childAnalyze from the perspective of the child ““Tease outTease out”” triggers triggers Develop a plan – BIP NEXT CLASS!Develop a plan – BIP NEXT CLASS!

Example ofExample ofDocumented BehaviorsDocumented Behaviors

Picking at inner armpit and inside of Picking at inner armpit and inside of elbowelbow

Interventions UsedInterventions Used

Social StorySocial Story Cool Down Time/AreaCool Down Time/Area Wet Paper Towel Wet Paper Towel

YogaYogahttp://home.getreadytolearn.net/shophttp://home.getreadytolearn.net/shop//

Calm/RelaxedCalm/Relaxed FocusedFocused Body Body

awarenessawareness FitnessFitness ConfidenceConfidence

Thank you to my students for Thank you to my students for teaching me what I need to do teaching me what I need to do

so they can learn!so they can learn!

Brain Gym

Thinking SkillsThinking Skills Organization SkillsOrganization Skills SpellingSpelling MathMath

Writing SkillsWriting Skills Eye-Hand CoordinationEye-Hand Coordination Creative WritingCreative Writing

Self-Awareness SkillsSelf-Awareness Skills Crossing the Auditory Midline: Clear Listening and SpeakingCrossing the Auditory Midline: Clear Listening and Speaking Self-Concept: Inner SunshineSelf-Concept: Inner Sunshine

Reading SkillsReading Skills Crossing the Visual MidlineCrossing the Visual Midline Oral ReadingOral Reading

Ready Bodies, Learning Minds

Motor Lab and activities designed to Motor Lab and activities designed to stimulate and develop the reflex, tactile, stimulate and develop the reflex, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive, vestibular, visual, and auditory systems. auditory systems.

(i.e., jumping as one spells, crawling or creeping to the (i.e., jumping as one spells, crawling or creeping to the reading center, or doing tornadoes at the whiteboard reading center, or doing tornadoes at the whiteboard prior to a writing assignment helps systems operate.)prior to a writing assignment helps systems operate.)

Where to Purchase Where to Purchase Sensory ProductsSensory Products

Abilitations/IntegrationsAbilitations/IntegrationsP O Box 922668P O Box 922668Norcross, GA 30010-2668Norcross, GA 30010-2668(800) 850-8692(800) 850-8692http://www.abilitations.com

Achievement ProductsAchievement ProductsP. O. Box 9033P. O. Box 9033Canton, OH 44711Canton, OH 44711(800) 373-4699(800) 373-4699http://www.specialkidszone.com

Creative Therapy StoreCreative Therapy Store4537 Gibsonia Rd.4537 Gibsonia Rd.Gibsonia, PA 15044Gibsonia, PA 15044(800) 467-6222(800) 467-6222http://www.specialneedstoys.com

Ablenet, Inc.Ablenet, Inc.2808 Fairview Ave. N.2808 Fairview Ave. N.Roseville, MN 55113Roseville, MN 55113(800) 322-0956(800) 322-0956http://www.ablenetinc.com

Sensory ComfortSensory ComfortP O Box 6589 P O Box 6589 Portsmouth, NH 03802Portsmouth, NH 03802(888) 436-2622(888) 436-2622http://www.sensorycomfort.comhttp://www.sensorycomfort.com

Literature ResourcesLiterature Resources

Ayres, A. Jean, PhD. Ayres, A. Jean, PhD. Sensory Sensory Integration and the ChildIntegration and the Child. . Western Psychological Western Psychological Services: Los Angeles, 1979.Services: Los Angeles, 1979.

Kranowitz, Carol Stock. Kranowitz, Carol Stock. The The Out-of-Sync Child: Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration with Sensory Integration Dysfunction.Dysfunction. 1998. New 1998. New York: The Berkley Publishing York: The Berkley Publishing Group.Group.

Gymnic Disco Sit Gymnic Disco Sit  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FPTVFU?keywords=child%20seathttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FPTVFU?keywords=child%20seat

%20cushion&qid=1444146168&ref_=sr_1_10&sr=8-10%20cushion&qid=1444146168&ref_=sr_1_10&sr=8-10

Grip Stixx Oral Sensory toyGrip Stixx Oral Sensory toy http://www.amazon.com/STIXXTM-NUMBER-SELLING-TEXURED-FLAVOR/dp/http://www.amazon.com/STIXXTM-NUMBER-SELLING-TEXURED-FLAVOR/dp/

B00JVYD8X2/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1444146292&sr=8-B00JVYD8X2/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1444146292&sr=8-12&keywords=child+oral+toy12&keywords=child+oral+toy

Older Student Oral Sensory NecklaceOlder Student Oral Sensory Necklace http://www.amazon.com/Skull-Pendant-Necklace-Sensory-Anxiety/dp/B00M752L76/http://www.amazon.com/Skull-Pendant-Necklace-Sensory-Anxiety/dp/B00M752L76/

ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1444146292&sr=8-27&keywords=child+oral+toyref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1444146292&sr=8-27&keywords=child+oral+toy

Older female Student Oral Sensory NecklaceOlder female Student Oral Sensory Necklace http://www.amazon.com/Disc-Pendant-Necklace-Sensory-Anxiety/dp/B00KAO764O/http://www.amazon.com/Disc-Pendant-Necklace-Sensory-Anxiety/dp/B00KAO764O/

ref=sr_1_60?ie=UTF8&qid=1444146292&sr=8-60&keywords=child+oral+toyref=sr_1_60?ie=UTF8&qid=1444146292&sr=8-60&keywords=child+oral+toy

Hand Sensory Toy (Bounce & stretch)Hand Sensory Toy (Bounce & stretch) http://www.amazon.com/Pull-Stretch-Bounce-Ball-Colors/dp/B004HI4YGC/http://www.amazon.com/Pull-Stretch-Bounce-Ball-Colors/dp/B004HI4YGC/

ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=010AG2Y3ZP9KGB5RX0K4ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=010AG2Y3ZP9KGB5RX0K4

Compliments of Janelle BongiovanniCompliments of Janelle Bongiovanni

MAKE YOUR OWN:MAKE YOUR OWN:

Sensory BagsSensory Bags   https://www.pinterest.com/pin/55450639135531519/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/55450639135531519/

Weight Lap BandWeight Lap Band https://www.pinterest.com/pin/259660734742219330/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/259660734742219330/

Sensory BalloonsSensory Balloons https://www.pinterest.com/pin/563018674806280/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/563018674806280/

Scented, Sand, PaintScented, Sand, Paint https://www.pinterest.com/pin/124200902196288581/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/124200902196288581/

WEBSITES:WEBSITES:

Proprioceptive Tools & ToysProprioceptive Tools & Toys http://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/proprioception-toys-tools/http://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/proprioception-toys-tools/

Calming Multisensory ActivitiesCalming Multisensory Activities http://www.two-daloo.com/calming-multisensory-activities-for-kids/http://www.two-daloo.com/calming-multisensory-activities-for-kids/

Compliments of Janelle BongiovanniCompliments of Janelle Bongiovanni

ReferencesReferences

Center for Excellence in Disabilities (2005). Center for Excellence in Disabilities (2005). Sensory diet.Sensory diet. Retrieved March 7, 2008 from Retrieved March 7, 2008 from www.www.cedwvu.orgcedwvu.org/programs/feeding/sensorydiet2.doc /programs/feeding/sensorydiet2.doc

North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (n.d.). North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (n.d.). Occupational therapy home/school activities: Sensory diet.Occupational therapy home/school activities: Sensory diet. Retrieved October 14, 2007, from http://www.nccse.orgRetrieved October 14, 2007, from http://www.nccse.org

Sensory Integration Learning Center (2005-2007). Sensory Integration Learning Center (2005-2007). Sensory Sensory integration learning program FAQ.integration learning program FAQ. Retrieved March 1, 2008, Retrieved March 1, 2008, from http://www.sirriaz.com/sensory_learning/faq.shtmlfrom http://www.sirriaz.com/sensory_learning/faq.shtml

Schrenko, L. C. (2002, February 25). Schrenko, L. C. (2002, February 25). General General accommodations for students with sensory impairments. accommodations for students with sensory impairments. Retrieved October 14, 2007, from Retrieved October 14, 2007, from http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/passwd/trc/ttools/attach/accomm/shttp://www.glc.k12.ga.us/passwd/trc/ttools/attach/accomm/sensimp.pdfensimp.pdf

The Autism Research Institute (1995). The Autism Research Institute (1995). Sensory integration. Sensory integration. Retrieved October 14, 2007, from Retrieved October 14, 2007, from http://www.autism.org/si.htmlhttp://www.autism.org/si.html

Fun and Games!!!Fun and Games!!!