Making Sense Out of Sensory Processing Disorder: Kay Kopp, OTR/L Tanyia Schier, MS, OTR/L

Making Sense
Out of Sensory
Processing
Disorder
Kay Kopp, OTR/L

Tanyia Schier, MS,OTR/L
Mentorship at STAR Center
(Sensory Therapies and Research) near Denver, CO
Historical Evolution of SPD
A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, sensory integration pioneer,
developed the theory, assessment and treatment methods
for sensory integration dysfunction
Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR studied under Jean Ayres and has
furthered the work through her sensory research, education,
and treatment
Terminology
 Originally termed sensory integration dysfunction

 New terminology of sensory processing disorder
adopted
SPD Definition
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. (Miller 2013)
 Indicators of SPD includeinappropriate or
problematic motor, behavioral, attentional,
or adaptive responses following or anticipating
sensory stimulation
 Sensory differences are only considered a “disorder”
when they cause significant difficulties with daily
routines and tasks (e.g. individual can’t cope or
compensate)
 Quality of life is key in understanding the significance

of sensory impact on an individual
Etiology
Exact cause of SPD is not identified but preliminary

studies suggest a role of:
 Genetics
 Prenatal/birth complications
 Environmental factors
SPD in Medical Community
 Not recognized as a formal medical dx at this time

– came close in ICD-10 formulation
 Sensory differences are included in DSM-5
diagnostic criteria for ASD
 Included in the Diagnostic Manual for Infancy and
Early Childhood -
Section I – Primary Diagnosis: Axis I: Regulatory-Sensory Processing
Disorders
8 Sensory Systems
 Auditory  Vestibular System

sense of position & movement
 Visual
 Taste  Proprioceptive System

joint & muscle sense
 Smell
 Touch  Interoception System

sense of internal organs
Sensory Processing Disorder
(SPD)
Sensory Sensory-Based Sensory

Modulation Motor Disorder Discrimination
Disorder (SMD) (SBMD) Disorder
Postural Visual
SOR SUR SC Dyspraxia
Disorder
Auditory
Tactile
SOR=Sensory Over-Responsivity
SUR=sensory UnderResponsivity
SC=Sensory Craver Taste/Smell
Position/Mvmt
Interoception
Miller, L J, et. al., 2007
Phenotypes within
Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)
SMD = Impairment in detecting, modulating,

interpreting, or responding to sensory stimuli
 Sensory over-responsivity
 Sensory under-responsivity
 Sensory craving
Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR)
 Hypersensitivity to sensations (visual stimuli,
sounds, touch, movement, tastes, smells)
Sensory Over-Responsive
Behaviors
 Respond too much, too frequently, or too long to
sensory stimuli
 Get aggressive or impulsive when overwhelmed
by sensory stimuli
 Irritable, fussy, moody (hyperalert emotions)
 Unsociable; avoids group activities, difficulty
forming relationships (social scene too overwhelming)
 Excessively cautious and afraid to try new things
 Upset by transition and unexpected changes
Sensory Under-Responsivity (SUR)
 Individual is less sensitive to and less aware of
sensory stimuli than most people
Sensory Under-Responsivity
Behaviors
 High pain threshold
 Doesn’t noticed when touched
 Unaware of need to go to the bathroom
 Usually prefers sedentary activities
 Passive, quiet, withdrawn
 Difficult to engage in social interactions
 Excessively slow to respond to directions
 Lack motivation or drive
Sensory Craving
 Individualseems to need much more
sensory stimuli than most people
Sensory Craving Behaviors
 Constantly on the move

 Likes crashing, jumping, rough housing
 Excessive spinning, swinging, rocking
 Constantly touches objects or people
 Seeks vibration
 Watches spinning objects
 Constant talking; trouble turn taking in
conversation
Variability with SPD
Sensory differences can impact any individual sensory
system or multiple senses. Individual can have mixed
responses –
across sensory systems:

e.g. under-respond to touch input but over-respond to
auditory input
within sensory systems:

e.g. be over-responsive to light touch and craver of
deep touch
Quick Poll
Do you view yourself more as a sensory:
1.over-responder
2.under-responder
3. craver
Incidence of SPD
Present in children and adults
 5 - 16% of typically developing children
 70 – 90% children and adults with ASD have

impairments in sensory processing
 40 – 60 % with ADHD have SPD

Difference between
ADHD and SPD
 ADHD is more impulsive
 ADHD has anxiety specific to social concern, not

sensory aspects
 SPD and ADHD have similar reactions to initial

stimulus, ADHD habituates, SPD does not
Current Research on SPD
 Children affected with SPD have quantifiable
differences in brain structure
 For the first time shows a biological basis that

sets it apart from other neurodevelopmental
disorders.
(Shivani Desai, BS, Emily Fourie, BS, Julia Harris, BS, and Susanna Hill, BS, all of UCSF,
and Anne Arnett, MA, of the University of Denver, 2013)
Current Research on SPD
Children with SPD have decreased structural brain

connection in specific sensory areas different than
those in autism
Chang YS, Owen JP, Desai SS, Hill SS, Arnett AB, Harris J, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. (2014)
SPD is a stand alone diagnosis
References
 Chang Y., Owen J. Desai S., Hill S., Arnett A., Harris J. Marco E., Mukherjee P.
(2014)Autism and sensory processing disorders: shared white matter disruption in
sensory pathways but divergent connectivity in social-emotional pathways. PLoS
One. 9(7):e103038.
 James, K., Miller, L.J., Schaaf, R.C., Nielsen, D.M., Schoen, S.A. (2011) Phenotypes
within sensory modulation dysfunction. Comprehensive Psychiatry. 52, 715-724.
Doi:10.1016/i.comppsych.2010.11.010.
 Miller, L.J., Sensational Kids –Revised Edition , 2014.
 Ognibene, T. (2002). Distinguishing sensory modulation dysfunction from attention-

deficit-hyperactivity disorder: Sensory habituation and response inhibition
processes. PhD Dissertation, University of Denver.
 Owen, J. , Marco, E., Desai, S., Fourie, E., Harris, Julia , Hill, Susanna S., Arnett, Anne B.,
Mukherjee, Pratik. (2013) Abnormal white matter microstructure in children with
sensory processing disorders. Neurolmage: Clinical. DOI:10.1016/j.nicl.2013.06.009
Clinician Background &
Training
Post Professional Training
 Certification: Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests
(SIPT)
 Intensive Mentorships: SPD Foundation, Spiral
Foundation
 Workshops
Evaluation
 Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT)-
standardized test
 Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)-questionnaire
 Sensory Profile-questionnaire
 Clinical Observations
 Parent reports on participation in activities of daily
living
 Teacher reports on sensory and academic challenges
Purpose of the Sensory Profile and
the Sensory Processing Measure
Questionnaires
 Aids the team in determining what are the sensory
challenges
 Examines social participation in relation to sensory
issues
 Allows comparison across and between environments-
home and school
 Promotes team problem solving for program planning
Information courtesy of SPD Foundation
SPM
 The SPM is a standardized school and home based
questionnaire for children Preschool to 6th grade
 An infant/toddler version is in the works
Sensory Profile 2
5 questionaires in the kit:

 Infant
 Toddler
 Child
 School Companion
 Short
Sensory Profile
for Adolescents and Adults
Adolescent/Adult Self Rating Questionnaire

Adolescent/Adult Caregiver Questionnaire
It’s never too late to seek help for sensory

processing challenges
Sensory Integration and Praxis
Test(SIPT)
 Standardized for ages 4 yrs to 8 yrs, 11 months
Clinical Observations
Some of the behaviors seen in an evaluation:
 Frustration tolerance
 Attention to task
 Persistence with task
 Response to transitions
 Impulse control
 Direction following
 Motor planning
 Eye hand coordination
 Postural control
 Tactile Defensiveness
 Auditory Defensiveness
Information courtesy of SPD Foundation
Caregiver Report
Activities of Daily Living
 Dressing
 Grooming/Hygiene
 Bathing
 Eating
 Sleeping
 Playing
Sensory Evaluation At CHDD
An OT evaluation of Sensory Challenges includes:

 Parent questionnaire- SPM or Sensory Profile
 Clinical observation
 Play observation
Evidence-Based Practice
 There is extensive and ongoing research on the efficacy

of occupational therapy for the intervention of sensory
integration
 In 2007, a randomized controlled study of “The

Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy for Children
with Sensory Modulation Disorder” demonstrated that
OT-SI was effective.
Miller, L.J., Coll, J.R., & Schoen, S.A. (2007).
 The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation is the first

organization to operate a full-time program of research
into SPD
Intervention for SPD
Clinic
School
Home
In the Clinic
 The goal is to decrease the impact of sensory

challenges through rehabilitation, remediation,
modifications, adaptations and parent
education.
Sampling of Items Seen in a
Sensory Clinic
sensorycityot.com/open-sensory-gym/
Swings
Therapeutic Listening
Programs
 A type of brain fitness that trains the neurological
pathways needed for daily functioning.
 Used in clinic and home in conjunction with other
interventions
 Learning
 Neuro-Development
 Social and Emotional Behavior
Intervention for SPD at the
STAR Center
Role of OT in the Home
 Direct intervention
 Coach parents
 Educate family to help their home
be more sensory friendly
Feeding Therapy
 Picky Eater or Problem Feeder-
 Is Sensory Processing Disorder affecting the child’s
ability to eat?
Play Intervention
DIR Floortime
 Supporting relationships through play
OT Consultation
Home Environment
 Consult re: equipment, toys and materials
 Home modifications
OT Consultation at Home
 Sensory Lifestyle
A Sensory Lifestyle
Heavy Work
Examples of Heavy Work at Home
 Vacuuming
 Sweeping
 Mopping
 Carrying laundry basket
Examples of Heavy Work at School

 Chair push ups, wall push ups
 Animal walks
 Chewy snacks (fruit roll-ups, jerky, dried fruit).
 Crunchy snacks (dry cereal, vegetables, pretzels, popcorn)
 Carry appropriately heavy notebooks to the office or from class to class.
OT in the Schools
 Occupational Therapy is a “related service” in
the child’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
 The child must qualify for special education

services to be eligible for OT at school
 The goal is to increase participation in the

academic environment
Role of OT in the School
 Direct treatment in the classroom or motor room

 Consultation with teachers
 Accommodations or modifications
Sensory Accommodations
at School
 Fidgets
 Wiggle cushion
 Noise reduction headphones
 Weighted lap pads, vests
 Weighted pencils, utensils
 Theraband
 Brain Breaks
 Heavy work
Sensory Modifications in
Schools
 Alternate seating
 Look at lighting
 Suggest desk arrangement
 Provide education on sensory regulation tools
 The Zones of Regulation
 The Alert Program
Sensory Regulation Tools to
Build Self Awareness
Alert Program
Quick Poll
Does your profession support and encourage sensory
awareness?
1. Not supported
2. Informally supports
3. Somewhat supports
4. Fully supports
References
 Ahn, Roianne, PhD, Sensory Processing in Adults, SPD Foundation
 Braddock, George: Creative Housing Solutions – gbcchs.com/
 DIR Floortime: http://www.icdl.com/DIR
 Haber, Elizabethe and Iris Sava, Deanna; Heavy Work Activities List for Occupational Therapists --
Useful for Designing a Sensory Diet for Children with Sensory Processing Disorders; retrieved from:
http://www.skillsonthehill.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Heavy-Work-List-for-Parents.pdf
 Miller, L.J., Coll, J.R., & Schoen, S.A. (2007). A randomized controlled pilot study of the effectiveness
of occupational therapy for children with sensory modulation disorder. American Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 61, 228-238
 Research: http://spdfoundation.net/research.html
 Sensory Processing Measure- http://www.wpspublish.com/store/p/2991/sensory-processing-measure-spm
 Sensory Profile 2 - http://www.pearsonclinical.com/therapy/products/100000822/sensory-profile-2.html
 SIPT Certification Program and Praxis Test, sponsored by USC/WPS

http://www.wpspublish.com/store/c/340/si-certification-program-sponsored-by-uscwps
 SPD Foundation: Parent Tips: Picky Eaters by Bethany Fenhaus MA OTR/L ;

spdfoundation.net/newsletter/2011/10/starlights-parent.htiml
 Video: Star Center Tour; http://spdstar.org/videos/
 Wilbarger, Patricia OTR/L : http://www.avanti-ed.com/2.html

Resources
 Sensory Processing Book List
 Websites/Resources on Sensory Processing
 Sensory Materials/Equipment Vendor List
sensoryplaytray.com
 Be sure to consult with an Occupational Therapist for guidance

on what sensory tools would benefit you or your child
Thank You
Support for attending the advanced

mentorship at STAR Center was
generously provided by The
University of Washington CHDD
and the LEND Program.
Center on Human Development and Disability

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Making Sense

Kay Kopp, OTR/L

 Originally termed sensory integration dysfunction

 Quality of life is key in understanding the significance

Exact cause of SPD is not identified but preliminary

 Not recognized as a formal medical dx at this time

 Auditory  Vestibular System

 Taste  Proprioceptive System

 Touch  Interoception System

Sensory Sensory-Based Sensory

SMD = Impairment in detecting, modulating,

 Constantly on the move

across sensory systems:

within sensory systems:

 5 - 16% of typically developing children

 70 – 90% children and adults with ASD have

 40 – 60 % with ADHD have SPD

 ADHD has anxiety specific to social concern, not

 SPD and ADHD have similar reactions to initial

 For the first time shows a biological basis that

Children with SPD have decreased structural brain

 Miller, L.J., Sensational Kids –Revised Edition , 2014.

 Ognibene, T. (2002). Distinguishing sensory modulation dysfunction from attention-

5 questionaires in the kit:

Adolescent/Adult Self Rating Questionnaire

It’s never too late to seek help for sensory

An OT evaluation of Sensory Challenges includes:

 There is extensive and ongoing research on the efficacy

 In 2007, a randomized controlled study of “The

 The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation is the first

 The goal is to decrease the impact of sensory

Examples of Heavy Work at School

 The child must qualify for special education

 The goal is to increase participation in the

 Direct treatment in the classroom or motor room

 Braddock, George: Creative Housing Solutions – gbcchs.com/

 DIR Floortime: http://www.icdl.com/DIR

 Sensory Processing Measure- http://www.wpspublish.com/store/p/2991/sensory-processing-measure-spm

 Sensory Profile 2 - http://www.pearsonclinical.com/therapy/products/100000822/sensory-profile-2.html

 SIPT Certification Program and Praxis Test, sponsored by USC/WPS

 SPD Foundation: Parent Tips: Picky Eaters by Bethany Fenhaus MA OTR/L ;

 Video: Star Center Tour; http://spdstar.org/videos/

 Wilbarger, Patricia OTR/L : http://www.avanti-ed.com/2.html

 Be sure to consult with an Occupational Therapist for guidance

Support for attending the advanced

Center on Human Development and Disability

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