Sensory Processing in Infants and Toddlers

Challenges and Support

Ben J. Atchison, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Department of Occupational Therapy

Western Michigan University

Take Aways…..

Define the terms sensory processing, sensory processing disorder, and the sensory integration approach (OT-SI).

Use “A. S.E.C.R.E.T” for allow analysis of sensory processing strengths and challenges

Learn about a standardized assessment tool: The Infant Toddler Sensory Profile

Learn about methods to include sensory processing enrichment in everyday, routine activities as well as specific challenges that need to be supported.

THE EIGHT SENSORY SYSTEMS

• VISUAL

• AUDITORY

• OLFACTORY

• GUSTATORY

THE EIGHT SENSORY SYSTEMS

• TACTILE

• VESTIBULAR

• PROPRIOCEPTIVE

• ENTERORECTIVE

Sensory Processing is…

“…that process of detecting, registering, interpreting, responding to internal and external sensory information with an adaptive outcome….”

Sensory Processing ….

Detection

Registration

Modulation

Response

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Difficulty detecting, registering, interpreting, responding to internal and external sensory information with a maladaptive outcome…

Types of SPD

SENSORY MODULATION

DISORDER

SENSORY DISCRIMINATION

DISORDER

SENSORY BASED MOTOR

DISORDER

SENSORY OVERRESPONSIVE

SENSORY UNDERRESPONSIVE

SENSORY CRAVING

POSTURAL DISORDER

DYSPRAXIA

8 SENSORY AREAS

OVER-RESPONSIVE: (SOR)

LOW THRESHOLD: Responds too much/too quickly

ON “HIGH ALERT”

POOR FILTERING OF SENSORY SIGNALS

SIGNS OF SOR

SIGNS OF SOR

SIGNS OF SOR

SIGNS OF SOR

Frequent Somatic Complaints

UNDER RESPONSIVE (SUR)

• HIGH THRESHOLD

• LONGER DURATION NEEDED

• GREATER INTENSITY NEEDED

SIGNS OF SUR

Difficulty Following DirectionsLow Energy

“

Complaints of “tired eyes”

frequently loses place in visual activity

difficulty scanning

SIGNS OF SUR

Doesn’t have awareness of spicy foods

W Sitting/Slumped

Posture

SIGNS OF SUR

Passive Activity/Passive Participant

SIGNS OF UR

JULY 4th

Messy Eater……doesn’t mind

Indifferent to heavy clothes, wool textures

SENSORY CRAVING

• HIGH SENSORY THRESHOLD

• INCREASED DRIVE=DISORGANIZATION

• EXTREME OVERAROUSAL; “IN YOUR FACE”

SIGNS OF SENSORY (Seeking)CRAVING

Sensory Events Over Time

Low Arousal

Op

tim

al L

evel

of

Aro

usa

l

HIGH

AROUSAL

Wilbarger, 1991

DISORGANIZED AND DYSFUNCTIONAL

Determining Sensory Challenges Support Strategies

A. S. E. C. R. E. T

Attention

What is attentional state and how can it be altered?

Sensation

What sensations are the child experiencing and how do they support or challenge the child?

Emotional Regulation

What emotional state is the child in and what contributes to this state?

Culture/Context/Current Conditions

The way things are typically done in child’s daily life that generates

“atmosphere”

Relationships

How do relationships help or hurt the child’s abilities?

Environment

What elements of the physical environment challenge and/or

support the child?

Task

Is the task the “just right” match for the child’s capacity?

P2

P3

P4

Score Sum

Section Sum

Supportive Strategies

• FOR SOR

• FOR SUR

• FOR SS/SC

SEE HANDOUTS

Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integration Approach (OT-SI)

Bouncing Equipment

Ropes or Theraband ®for pulling

Therapy Balls

Platform Swing

Frog Swing

Scooter board and ramp

• Ball Pit

• Vibrating toys

• Various Tactile

• Visual Targets

• Climbing Equipment

Fun activities that promote postural, ocular, and bilateral motor development

Developmental Hierarchy of Bilateral Activities

Bilateral Symmetrical Bilateral Alternating

Crossing the Midline

Standard Equipment for ASI

• Barrel

• Vestibular “hammock”

• Props to support daily occupations

CONTACT INFO

ben.atchison@wmich.edu