|
| |
 |
Sensory Processing
Gus Olson, MS, OTR, Escanaba, MI
Joubert Syndrome Foundation & Related Cerebellar
Disorders Professional Advisor Committee Member
An occupational therapist trained in sensory processing
sensory integration is best able to assist with
assessing this area. Nearly all children with Joubert
Syndrome will have sensory processing disorders. This
includes how we use and interpret our senses such as
hearing, seeing, touching, and tasting. It also includes
information from the muscles and joints (proprioception)
and information from movement and gravity (vestibular
input). Following a "Sensory Diet" that is giving a
variety of input (tactile, proprioception and
vestibular) to your child on a regular basis throughout
the day will assist the brain to be in a more ready
state to learn. Some techniques such as deep pressure,
joint compression, trampoline play, use of a weighted
vest, ankle or wrist weights or the use of rotational
equipment are just some techniques that may be
incorporated into a child's routine as part of a
"Sensory Diet". Some individuals may participate in a
technique known as the "Willbarger Protocol" , i.e.
being brushed with a corn brush followed by joint
compression. Any sensory diet or specific sensory
technique should first be evaluated by an occupational
therapist trained in this area. The success of a sensory
diet is via team work of the parents, all therapists (PT,OT,Speech
etc.), and the school staff. Sensory diets, to be
successful do not occur in a vacuum and should continue
throughout the day with the support of all persons
involved.
Sensory processing and how it affects learning and
behavior
Mary Ann Trott, MA, Albuquerque, NM
Joubert Syndrome Foundation, Corp. Professional Advisor
Committee Member
Everything we do is based, to some extent, on our
ability to process sensory information. The information
we receive from seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and
smelling as well as the information we receive from our
muscles, tendons, and joints (proprioception) and
information about gravity (vestibular) is sensory
information. The information is received by the eyes,
ears, skin etc. and is interpreted by the brain. The
brain must then be able to organize and use that
information. The brains use of sensory information is
what allows us to understand and react to our
environment and to learn from that environment.
Our brains also use sensory information to modulate our
alertness. This modulation allows us to maintain an
appropriate level of alertness to meet the demands of
the day. For example, we first wake up, then we need to
pay attention while we drive to work, we need to be calm
enough and alert enough to do all that is required of us
during the day and finally we need to calm ourselves to
fall asleep.
Some children, particularly those who have neurological
impairments (such as Joubert Syndrome) do not process
sensory information in a way that is comparable to the
majority of their peers. These differences of
difficulties may affect the way children behave and
learn. Some children may be very fearful or cry easily.
Others may be very picky about things that come in
contact with their skin. Some children are unwilling to
participate in movement activities others may be over
active. They may have difficulty in reading, writing
legibly, copying from the board or understanding what is
said. Some children seem to be driven to go through
certain rituals such as rocking, wrapping themselves up
very tightly or wearing certain clothing items. It may
appear that these children are very controlling and
aggressive or very passive. It is important to
understand that these are not learned behaviors but
neurological responses that an individual is not able to
control.
An occupational therapist who has neurodevelopmental or
sensory processing integration training is the
professional who is best able to determine if a child
has a sensory processing disorder. An occupational
therapist can also provide treatment. Teachers do not
often have information about sensory processing and it
is important for them to understand that certain
behaviors and or abilities are related to neurological
process rather than a behavior one. This understanding
will also help to determine how best to deal with and
treat the problem.
Back To Information Center
Index |
|
| |
|
The views expressed do
not necessarily reflect those of the donors. The articles,
announcements, and resources included on this website are
for information only and should not be considered as medical
advice. Please always consult your physician for medical
advice. The Joubert Syndrome & Related Disorders
Foundation does not endorse any product, service, or theory
referred to on the website.
|
|
|