Sensory Strategies at LCC

12/1 Why12/8 What12/15 How

The joy of jumping.

Why Sensory Strategies?

Why Sensory Strategies?

To effectively deescalate crisis behaviors so that the intensity,

duration and frequency of those behaviors decreases.

Preliminary Case Example

Student:

on the “high risk” list for last year and a half due to severity and frequency of crisis behavior (OODA and Physical Behavior) including climbing on top of the Trevor Building. Diagnosis of ADHD. These behaviors led to several hospitalizations and many many incident reports.

Preliminary Data

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March

April

May June Ju

ly

Augus

t

Septem

ber

Octobe

r

Novembe

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# of

IR's

Start MSDR Use

Clinician/Staff/TBS Implement Sensory Strategies

Decreasing frequency, severity and duration of crisis

behaviors means….

Less injuries – a safer milieuMore time learningMore time spent on developmentally appropriate tasksLess stress on staff and studentsMore progress made = transition to lower level of care.

Student’s Perspective

Staff Perspective

What is your AM sensory diet?

What happens when some or all of the usual items are unavailable?

How does this effect the remainder of your day?

Why Sensory Strategies?

To help student be ready to learn by providing needed sensory input.

Why Sensory Strategies?

To teach about the mind/body connections between -

• Stimulus/trigger• Sense• Feeling• Body reaction• Strategy/ tool

Making Connections Empowers Students to

Emotionally Self-RegulateExample

Stimulus/ Trigger………..Disliked foodSense…………………….NoseFeeling…………………..IrritatedBody Reaction…………..EscalationStrategy/ Tool…………Ask for options

Why Sensory Strategies?

Strengthens therapeutic relationships.Promotes collaboration and recovery.Applicable across age groups, settings and populations.Variety of activities and options means accessible and flexible.

An Evidence-Based Practice….

Over the last several decades, but especially in the last decade – more and more research is showing that these approaches work to support better environments and outcomes for clients and those who support them. A complete reference list and research articles are available.

How Sensory fits with our current program.

Collaborative Problem Solving Behavior communicates needs and reflects

lagging skills.

Behavior Intervention Plans Have in past and more so now will address the

sensory function of student behavior.

Treatment Plans Frequently address need for self-regulation and

use of coping skills and relaxation strategies.

Next time….

Thank you for your attendance and participation.

Next Wednesday is the second in the series of three addressing “What” sensory strategies are.

See you there!