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SPD: Sensory Processing Disorder

 

Our nervous system starts to develop in utero and matures over the first 5 to 7 years of our lives. There are specific stages of development that each one of us has to go through in order to be full functioning adults that can live the life we want for ourselves. 

Sensory Modulation & Sensory Discrimination:

 

Sensory modulation is the ability of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) to regulate the activity between the sympathetic (arousal) and parasympathetic (inhibition) systems. This can be likened to driving a car, when one has to balance the amount of pressure on the gas (arousal) and the brake (inhibition). When balance is achieved, we talk about achieving the “just right place” for optimal arousal and the “car” stays on the road in a safe and secure way.

In sensory modulation disorders this imbalance causes difficulties such as behaviors (meltdowns, frustration, etc) and frequently coincides with anxiety that can show itself in a variety of forms. Sensory processing differences are often are labeled as “having difficult behaviors” and are also blamed for them, even though it is an actual developmental delay and neurobiological condition.

 

Sensory Discrimination is the ability of the Central Nervous System (CNS) to register information in an adequate speed and pace, as well as processing the sensory information from the entry point to the pre-frontal cortex for analysis. What this means is that we have to be able to innately and accurately grade sensory information to match the intended intensity of the stimulus (from auditory, visual, touch, movement, deep pressure, smell and taste) and instantaneously analyze and prioritize the importance of the incoming information.

 

There are different sensory systems that we evaluate. They include:​

  • Qualifications & Training
    Qualifications and Training: ​ DIR Floortime ® 204 (Expert Floortime provider and Training Leader) DIR Floortime ® 203 (Coaching parents and caregivers) DIR Floortime® 202 DIR Floortime® 201 DIR Floortime® 101 Therapressure© Brushing Protocol, having completed “Sensory Defensiveness”, presented by Patricia and Julia Wilbarger Therapeutic Listening© by Sheila Frick Advanced Therapeutic Listening© /Quickshifts with Sheila Frick Alert Program– How Does Your Engine Run? Designed to teach children self-regulatory strategies. The Traffic Jam in My Brain by Genevieve Jereb (OTR) ILS: Integrated Listening System Program M.O.R.E, Motor components, Oral organization, Respiratory demands and Eye contact/control ​
  • ​Masterclasses / Conferences
    ​Masterclasses/ conferences: ​ The Art of Therapy and Connection: Masterclass Webinar Series with Kim Barthel Decoding Autism. From understanding neurobiology to choosing intervention strategies. Kim Barthel OTR/L “The Action is in the Interaction” DIR/Floortime. Kathy Walmsley & Mari Caulfield Stephen Porges: How Polyvagal Theory changed trauma treatment Dr Tina Bryson - the power of showing up masterclass Dr Lawrence playful parenting master class Dr Rosa green - collaborative and proactive solutions masterclass Dr peg Dawson- executive skulls masterclass Dr Rick Hanson - hardwiring happiness masterclass Aware parenting mentoring – Helena Mooney
Kid Playing with Wooden Toys
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