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Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD (originally called Sensory Integration Dysfunction) is a neurological disorder in which the sensory information that the individual perceives results in abnormal responses.
Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into responses. For those with Sensory Processing Disorder, sensory information goes into the brain but does not get organized into appropriate responses. Those with SPD perceive and/or respond to sensory information differently than most other people. Unlike people who have impaired sight or hearing, those with Sensory Processing Disorder do detect the sensory information; however, the sensory information gets “mixed up” in their brain and therefore the responses are inappropriate in the context in which they find themselves.
Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD (originally called Sensory Integration Dysfunction) is a neurological disorder in which the sensory information that the individual perceives results in abnormal responses. A more formal definition is: SPD is a neurophysiologic condition in which sensory input either from the environment or from one’s body is poorly detected, modulated, or interpreted and/or to which atypical responses are observed. Pioneering occupational therapist and psychologist A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., likened SPD to a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly. (from the STAR Institute website)
**Not every child / person that would benefit from sensory tools has SPD. We are all sensory beings with different sensory needs and preferences. All of us utilize sensory tools to manage daily life (i.e. clicking a pen, chewing on a pencil, twirling hair, rubbing fingers together, tapping feet etc.) to help us manage anxious / nervous and excited feelings but also to help us stay focused and alert. Some children simply need help finding the appropriate tools to manage their nervous system responses.**
A nice video explaining SPD from a child's point of view.
Sensory related information:
Sensory related information:
Mask wearing tips for sensory kids
Info on weighted blankets- why use it, who might benefit and guidelines for use.
Another article with lots of links for the research that has been done for weighted and deep pressure tools in relation to sleep, anxiety, behaviors and sensory regulation
A quick overview of the sensory systems (printable)and how they might affect your child by growinghandsonkids.com
The sensory systems (aside from visual) that can affect your child's reading and writing.
Sensational Brain (BrainWorks) has a lot of resources to create a sensory diet and implement it at home and in the classroom. They also did some wonderful research on sensory diets used in the classroom. Free printables are available, too!
30 1-minute sensory break ideas by lemonlimeadventures.com
50 Heavy Work activities for kids, free printable
Sensory Diet Applications and Environmental Modifications: A Winning Combination
How to avoid a sensory meltdown
The Best Solutions for Clothing Sensitivities in Kids
Sensory Activities for kids by growinghandsonkids.com
Baby Sensory Play Ideas, OT approved
Calming activities for outings
50 non-food sensory bin fillers and 50 more
5 things to know about kids who chew on everything
Sensory Diets and Sensory Lifestyles
Free Sensory Diet Cards (FREE DOWNLOAD)
Meltdowns
Sensory Coping Tools
Sensory Classroom Toolkit (FREE DOWNLOAD)
For teachers:
For parents:
Sensory related resources:
Sensory related resources:
Apps:
Apps:
Weighted and deep pressure tools:
Weighted and deep pressure tools:
weighted lap pad
weighted blanket
weighted vest
compression vest, T-Jacket (app controlled pneumatic compression vest, has alternating programs, very intense input, 2-3 hours battery length)
compression garments
roll up in a blanket ("burrito")
use a ball or a foam roll to "roll out pizza dough"
Crash pad
Movement tools:
Movement tools:
Exercise ball for sitting or exercises
Air filled seat cushions
Jump rope
Trampoline
Swing
Heavy work tools:
Heavy work tools:
Chores- no special tools needed
Mouth tools:
Mouth tools:
Sucking (straws)
Sweet food
Sour food
Salty food
Spicy food
Crunchy food (carrot sticks, chips, crackers,...)
Chewy food (gum, chewy candy, calamari, steak,...)
Chew toys/ tools or chewlery
Touch tools:
Touch tools:
Sand (Kinetic sand, playground sand)
Different fabrics
Squishy ball
Slinky
Stuffed animals
Lotion
Eye tools:
Eye tools:
Dimmed lights/ low watt light bulbs/ light filters
Natural light
Visual schedule or chart
Sunglasses
Hats with visors
Colored overlays
Ball games / juggling
Nose tools: *be sure no allergies are present before using scents!* Read Essential Oils Safety Info FIRST!
Nose tools: *be sure no allergies are present before using scents!* Read Essential Oils Safety Info FIRST!
Calming scents/ reduce restlessness: vanilla, banana, lavender, vetivert, spruce
Alerting scents / improve concentration: citrus, peppermint, anise, basil, rosemary
Relaxing: Orange, lavender, cedar, ylang ylang
Reduce nervous tension / stress: benzoin, chamolile, clary, sage, frankincense, sandlewood
Reduce anxiety: bergamot, petit grain
Reduce boredom: lemongrass
Scent memory game
Scent diffusers
Ear tools:
Ear tools:
Headphones to listen to music
Noise cancelling head phones /Ear plugs
White noise (fan, fountain, etc.)
Background music
Rhythmic / rhyming stories
Other:
Other:
Easy and Powerful Sensory Diet Activities- for at home or in school
Sensory Input to calm and focus your child- joint compression, massage, deep ressure activities, etc. are demonstarted
Quick video on What Is A Sensory Diet?
Using a exercise ball for sensory activities
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