Sensory Processing issues and Positive Behavioural Support

1. CTPLD April 2013 Sensory Processing issues and Positive Behavioural Support

2. Aim of the session • Introduction to sensory processing and sensory processing differences • What do we mean by sensory overload • The time intensity model and sensory processing differences • Occupational Therapy Interventions

3. The Senses

4. The Senses • Tactile: touch receptors are found throughout the skin • Auditory: How we respond to noise, pitch and tone • Vestibular: our vestibular system helps us maintain our balance and posture, and understand where and how fast our bodies are moving.

5. The Senses • Proprioceptive: Situated in the muscles and joints, our body awareness system tells us where our bodies are in space, and how different body parts are moving. • Olfactory: smell • Gustatory: taste • Vision

6. Examples of our senses working together?

7. What is Sensory Processing?

8. Sensory Processing • We have receptors all over our bodies that pick up sensory information, or 'stimuli'. • Our hands and feet contain the most receptors. Most of the time, we process sensory information automatically, without needing to think about it much • Habituation of the senses

9. Sensory Processing Sensory Input Sensory receptors are stimulated Processing Sensory information is organised and interpreted, stored and related to previous experiences Response A response is generated

10. Sensory Processing Difficulties • Some people with learning disabilities find it hard to make sense of sensory information • Many people with Autism have difficulty processing everyday sensory information • Unable to sort out the right sensory information they seem overwhelmed by the world around them and are unable to react to it effectively.

11. Sensory differences Hypersensitivity Hyposensitivity I like to smell different objects I shield my eyes from sunlight I like to touch different textures I don’t like being touched I always walk on my tiptoes I like to make different noises

12. Sensory processing differences • They may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimulus • Unable to communicate their sensory needs • This can trigger challenging behaviour

13. Sensory assessments and intervention • Sensory questionnaire • Observations • Feedback from staff • Completion of sensory report and recommendations

14. Sensory Stimulation • Where possible an individuals sensory needs should be met through the environment and daily participation in various activities • This can be supplemented with specific sensory activities e.g sensory room

15. Sensory Overload

16. Sensory Overload • Brain receives too much sensory information for the individual to process and respond too • Unable to regulate multiple sensory input • Sensory difference can lead to sensory overload a person may shut down of all their channels and withdraw into their own world

17. Sensory Overload Signs of sensory overload • Challenging behaviour • Shutting down (refusing to engage with others) • Inability to focus on a specific activity

18. Time intensity model crisis escalation recovery Trigger baseline Baseline Post incident

19. Time intensity model and sensory processing Calming/low arousal activities Calming/low arousal activities Use of sensory diet baseline Use of various sensory activities Use of various sensory activities

20. Sensory Processing and challenging behaviour • Challenging behaviour has a function • Recognising that some of these behaviours could be sensory related • Use of sensory activities as a response to the behaviour

21. Occupational Therapy Interventions

22. Sensory Diet • What is a sensory diet? • A personalised activity plan that provides the sensory input a person needs to stay focused throughout the day. • The same as we may fidget to stay awake or have a bath to unwind

23. Sensory Diets • RED • Alerting activities • AMBER • Neutral activities • GREEN • Calming activities

24. Benefits of a sensory diet • Can help individuals tolerate sensations and situations that they find challenging. • Limit sensory seeking/avoiding behaviours • Adjusting sensory input to reduce sensory overload

25. Sleep hygiene • Promotes a good sleep pattern and daytime alertness • Creates a structured evening routine • Reduces arousal levels and has a calming effect on the individual

26. Questions

27. An example of sensory differences Sensory Seeking

28. Sensory differences Tactile • Touching of objects/people • Hands to mouth: biting hands • Licking the wall Auditory • Vocalisations/repetitive sounds

29. Sensory differences Vestibular • Walking on tip toes • Spins • Enjoys walks • Enjoys car rides

30. Sensory differences Proprioceptive • Walks on tip toes • Spinning on the spot • Leaning against the wall Visual • Playing with his twirler

31. Sensory differences Gustatory • Showing preference for strong flavours • Licking of wall/objects Olfactory • Smelling of different objects e.g food/clothes

32. Importance of sleep hygiene • Having a structured evening routine can aim to lower arousal levels • Promotes good sleep

33. Any Questions?