Summary: In-person interviews with parents and footage from diverse therapy sessions give us an inside perspective on the red flag behaviors of Sensory Over-Responsive kids and the fundamentals of treatment. A basic explanation of the role of the autonomic nervous system is enlightening, and we begin to understand one neurological cause of Sensory Over-Responsivity is over-activity of the Sympathetic nervous system.
The two common behavior patterns for Sensory Under-Responsive children are revealed through parents' first hand accounts and videos of children in therapy. The role of the autonomic nervous system is reviewed, demonstrating the effect of ineffective parasympathetic reactions and important distinctions are drawn between the behaviors associated with SPD and those of children with Autism.
The behaviors of Sensory Craving children are explored through parent accounts, therapy footage, and a synopsis of research findings. The distinction between Sensory Craving and ADHD are suggested. The role of the vestibular system is reviewed, and although the underlying neurological mechanisms of Sensory Craving behaviors are yet unknown, this video provides further explanation of each of the eight senses, shedding some light to scientific questions related to this subtype of SPD.
Level: Introductory
Intended Audience: Parents, caregivers, clinicians, teachers, mental health and medical professionals
Prerequisite: None
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller founded the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder in Colorado, and is the premier center for treatment, research, education, and advocacy for SPD. She currently directs the Treatment Center at STAR Institute and is widely known for fostering collaborative research projects.
For 35 years Dr. Miller has devoted herself to the study and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder and is spearheading the effort to get SPD recognized as a diagnostic entity separate from other disorders. She is a prolific author, with over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her book, Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)has become the definitive source of information on SPD; the revised edition just recently published.Dr. Miller’s other recent book, No Longer A SECRET: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges,offers on-the-spot problem-solving tips to use for children with sensory issues.She developed the STAR Treatment Model, which has been demonstrated through research to be effective in the treatment of sensory-related challenges.
Dr. Miller also develops norm-referenced standardized assessments that are in use worldwide, including the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers, the Leiter International Performance Scale – Revised and the new Miller Function and Participation Scale (or M-FUN) and her latest and ninth scale, Goal-Oriented Assessment of Lifeskills (GOAL). She talks about learning family-centered care during her three terms, totaling nine years on the Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council for IDEA in CO. In 2005, she received the Martin Luther King, Jr. award from the State of Colorado.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the three subtypes of Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)
- Understand behavioral and emotional challenges of the three subtypes of SMD
- Understand the functional challenges of each subtype of SMD
Continuing Education: STAR Institute for SPD is an AOTA Approved Provider of Continuing Education. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Upon full completion of the course video, participants must complete and pass a quiz with at least 80% accuracy to receive a certificate of completion.