News

General

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is becoming the standard description in both medical and research circles. The condition has also been referred to as dysfunction in sensory integration (DSI) and sensory integration dysfunction (SID).

How do I know if my child has sensory integration issues?

Start with this checklist from OTA-Watertown. If your child exhibits three or more challenges on the list, sensory integration OT may be appropriate. An SI-based evaluation performed by a specially trained occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) would be the best next step. Speaking to a sensory integration therapist can also assist you in determining if problems might exist.

What are the causes of sensory integration problems?

There is no verifiable research in this area yet, but it appears that there may be a variety of causes, such as genetics, prematurity, birth trauma or environmental factors.  See the published article on our research study “Incidence of Pre-, Peri-, Post-Natal Birth and Developmental Factors in Children with Sensory Processing Disorder and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” in the Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience for information on factors that may be related to sensory integration problems.

Can sensory integration dysfunction be cured?

When occupational or physical therapy is given using a sensory integration framework, the problems can be minimized. The nervous system can adapt, and the ability to process sensation can be improved. Biological research has shown that with therapy, the interference of SPD with daily life tasks will be greatly minimized.

Will sensory processing issues go away as my child grows up?

These impact of sensory issues can be minimized due to the greater flexibility most adults enjoy in choosing daily activities in comparison to children. Adults can also receive sensory integration intervention, and many report making gains with therapy. See the articles “Understanding the Occupational Therapy Needs of Adults with Sensory Processing Disorder” and “Occupational Therapy for Adults with Sensory Processing Disorder” by our Director of Research, Dr. Teresa May-Benson, for more information.

Relationship Between Sensory Integration and Other Diagnoses

How is SPD related to ADHD, ADD, NVLD, Autism, or LD? If a child has another diagnosis, will he or she still benefit from SI intervention?

Sensory integration difficulties can occur alone or in conjunction with many other diagnoses. Children with other diagnoses will likely be receiving a variety of services (speech therapy, ABA, tutoring, etc.). They may also take medications. Sensory integration intervention is appropriate for children who, in addition to their other difficulties, have problems with sensory processing that affect their everyday, functional performance.

What are similarities and differences between ADHD, ADD and SPD? Can attention deficits be cured with SI intervention?

Difficulties with arousal, attention, and excessive movement can be present in each disorder, and SI intervention may help reduce these problems. Some behaviors usually attributed to ADD or ADHD may actually indicate SPD. For example, a child who is sensitive to touch or noise might be easily distracted. Or poor postural stability or processing of vestibular input from the inner ear could result in constant movement when sitting.

Do all children with autism have sensory integration difficulties?

Approximately 70% of children with autism experience some sensory integration problems, and SI intervention can help mitigate sensory-based autism symptoms.

Is SPD related to anxiety disorder?

Observation suggests that individuals with SPD may be more prone to anxiety due to the condition's effect on everyday life.  A recent study conducted by Spiral demonstrated significant relationships between anxiety and sensory processing in adults.  This study will be presented at the Massachusetts Occupational Therapy Association annual conference in October 2011and results will be available at that time.

Can SI intervention help children learn to talk or to read?

Yes, if language or reading issues are rooted in sensory processing problems. Many children with speech and language problems have difficulty with cerebellar functioning. The cerebellum is the center in the brain where vestibular (movement), ocular (visual), and proprioceptive (body position) input is organized. Occupational and physical therapy with a sensory integration focus can address these issues, resulting in improved language skills and reading abilities. In addition, skills addressed through this therapy, such as regulation of arousal level, postural control, and motor planning, are foundation abilities that are needed to support learning of any kind.

Sensory Integration Intervention

What happens during an SI-based OT or PT session?

The therapist typically structures the session using ideas and leads from the child to make the activities as meaningful as possible. Frequently the use of an imaginative play theme can enhance the child's willingness to engage in desired activities for longer periods of time. The rapport that the therapist and child develop is central to the therapy. The therapist is always working to provide a "just-right challenge," while giving the child ample opportunities for enhanced sensory input to build a stronger foundation for skill.

What is the difference between OT and PT?

Occupational and physical therapists have very similar training, however, the OT receives more training in oral and hand skill interventions and the PT receives more training in postural and gross motor development.

Are all OTs and PTs able to treat with a sensory integration focus?

No. Occupational and physical therapists who specialize in sensory integration assessment and intervention must already have a bachelor's or master's degree in their field. Certification in SI requires additional, intensive study in sensory integration theory, assessment techniques, interpretation of test results, and intervention and treatment. Some qualified therapists are not SI certified, but are mentored by an SI-certified therapist. We recommend that assessment and treatment be provided only by SI-certified therapists. See the article “Fidelity in Sensory Integration Research” for more information about the characteristics of sensory integration intervention.

What do the letters after the therapists' names mean?

The letters stand for the degree the therapist has earned, and whether he or she is registered and licensed. All therapists have to pass an examination in order to become registered. For example, MS, OTR/L means "master of science in occupational therapy, a registered and licensed therapist." Some therapists have FAOTA after their credentials. This means that they have been asked to be a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association. This distinction is awarded to therapists in recognition of their skill and knowledge which advanced the field of occupational therapy. Spiral Foundation president Jane Koomar, PhD, OTR/L, is also an FAOTA.

How often should my child have therapy and for how long?

The frequency and length of therapy varies depending on the child, but it is common for children to need 50 to 80 sessions of therapy. In some cases therapy is given two to three times per week, which may shorten the number of months of therapy.

What is a sensory diet? How is it different from treatment?

A sensory diet is a daily or weekly list of activities that the child can engage in during regular routines to help maintain an optimal state of arousal. Sensory diet activities can also provide greater body awareness prior to performing skilled tasks. Although a sensory diet is developed by a therapist trained in sensory integration and can be an adjunct to treatment, it can also be implemented by parents, teachers or clients themselves.

How is clinic therapy different from school-based therapy?

In a clinic, the goal is to provide therapy to address all aspects of a child's life (e.g., sleeping, eating, playing), as well as functioning in the home, community, and school. School-based intervention is related to specific issues affecting school performance.

Does insurance cover SI intervention? Do schools provide SI intervention?

Many insurance plans provide some coverage for OT and PT using a sensory integration approach. But each plan is different, so talk with an insurance representative for your particular plan prior to initiating services. Some schools provide OT or PT with a sensory integration emphasis within in the school setting, and occasionally a school will pay for outside SI services. It is most likely for a school to fund outside services if an SI-based intervention can help keep a child in a typical classroom setting.

Educating Others