December 2010
New page about Sensory Processing in Teens:
In
this
information era we tend to put litle emphasis on physical
exercise and even at school it seems to have low priority.
Generally speaking , physical
activities have
a positive affect on all teens for example biking to school, sports,
dancing. If an older child or teenager has more than average
problems with sensory processing, it can be necessary to put an extra
demand on his tactile and vestibular or balancing system. This will
enforce these bodily senses, so that he will start to "feel" better in
both senses of the word.
You find activities, games and other information for your teens on this new webpage.
October 2010
Interview:
Online Magazine about
Sensory Issues
Scientific Research:
AJOT May-June. In this journal of the american occopational therapy association several systematic reviews of the research evidence examiming the effectiveness of sensory integration or sensory processing.
New Books about Sensory Processing:
Living Sensationally
Understanding Your Senses
This
book explains how your individual sensory patterns affect the way you
react to everything that happens to you throughout the day. Each one of
us can identify with one of the four major sensory patterns: Seekers;
Bystanders; Avoiders; and Sensors.
Armed with this
information, you will be able to pick just the right kind of clothing,
job, home and understand why you are making such choices.
Recommended
for therapists and parents with an interest in this subject. Special
useful for therapists using the Sensory Profile questionnaire.
March 2010
New ideas on this website:
A suggestion made by Patricia Stockmann, occupational therapist. Children suffering from sensory processing disorder often enjoy playing with heavy materials. These are easy to make yourself by filling empty plastic bottles (for example from cleaning materials)with sand. We advise you to glue the cap onto the bottle, so that you do not run the risk of spreading the sand all over your house. It is also possible to use the transparant plastic bottles and fill them with sand or other materials, like water, rice, beans or coloured stones. You can change the colour of the water by adding some water paint. This makes the material not only heavy, but pleasant to look as well. Look at weighted materials
A tip from Mieke Bindels, physiotherapist. As an alternative for weighted vests, it is also possible to use a travel pillow filled with sand. I have filledthem, one with 1 kilo, one with 2 kilos, that is as heavy as they should be. The filling itself is a tricky job. I used a funnel with a straw attached to its end to keep the valve open. It takes a little patience, but it can be done. Afterwards you stick the tip cap into the valve with strong glue to make sure children cannot go and scatter the sand about. Another possibility is to cut off one corner of the pillow, fill it up, fold the corner inwards and stick it together with glue. Look at weighted materials
Lulu the cat.
Lulu
is a sweet and beautiful cat that feels nice and soft and loves to be
cuddled! When you caress her, she will start to purr. She can also move
her beautiful paws, and when you stroke her she will lie on het back
with her paws up. She is really fond of cuddling, and this makes her a
great pet for boys and girls in the ages between 4 and 8. The ideal pet
for children with a strong need to rouch, which makes a real cat less
suiteable. The perfect gift also for older children and adults with a
mental handicap. Look at gift-ideas
for children
Sensory processing disorder in DSM-5?
Dear Els,
Sensory Processing
Disorder (SPD) is on the list of conditions
still under consideration for recognition in the next edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. This is the reference work used by
physicians and others to diagnose mental health disorders and many
developmental disorders.
Our
understanding is that the ICD is now being co-revised with the DSM so
that any disorder recognized in one manual will be recognized in the
other. In other words, if Sensory Processing Disorder becomes a
recognized diagnostic category in the DSM-5, it will also be recognized
as a category in the ICD.
With
this step, Sensory Processing Disorder will essentially have
recognition by health care providers worldwide. Whether you are a
clinician or a family member, you know what an enormous improvement
this would make for sensational kids and families everywhere.
Wherever you are, YOU can help
promote recognition of Sensory Processing Disorder in the DSM-5!
The
American Psychiatric Association (APA), which publishes the manual, is
soliciting public comments during its final deliberations over whether
to recognize Sensory Processing Disorder and other conditions
recommended by sources outside the APA. By submitting a comment, you
can show that supporting the inclusion of Sensory Processing Disorder
in DSM-5 is not just national – it’s global.
In
particular, describing the difficulties of finding or providing
effective services in your own country because there is no DSM/ICD
recognition would be compelling.
To
make commenting as simple as possible, we have created a web page
that includes instructions for reaching the comment area of the APA
site. You’ll also find topic suggestions/sample language for
different groups of supporters (parents, OTs, adults with SPD,
physicians, teachers, diagnosticians, etc.) based on what we know the
APA is considering in their final deliberations.
Every
letter counts! The deadline for commenting is April 20, but please act
now. Numbers matter. A mountain of immediate, supportive comments from
around the world will make a significant impression on the committee.
And
– please! – help us pass the word.
Forward
this message and/or the link to our comment page to colleagues,
physicians (especially important!), family, teachers, clients, friends
- anyone in a position to make an informed comment on the value of
recognizing Sensory Processing Disorder in DSM-5. If you have a
website, blog or social networking page, those are great places to get
the word out, too. The more people who comment supportively, the better.
For
years, people have asked us, “What can I do to help get
Sensory
Processing Disorder into the DSM?” Now is the time when
individuals everywhere can help and what they do will matter. Support
the movement to get Sensory Processing Disorder included in the DSM-5
and the ICD. Post your comments today. This is our last chance to be
included until 2025!
With thanks and warmest personal
regards,
Lucy Jane
Miller, PhD, OTR
Founder and Executive Director
New
books on this website: Books
professionals
Sensory Integration
A
Guide for Preschool Teachers
A
very practical book for preschool teachers about sensory integration
and
sensory processing disorder. Defining sensory avoiders, seekers and
under-responders. Designing the environment to support the sensory
development of all children. Helping preschoolers with sensory
processing problems and practical solutions to meet the need of
individual children during daily routines. Making low-cost items to
give children opportunities to get the sensory input they
need.
This
clear written book is essential for all preschool teachers. Very useful
as well for all professionals working with children with special needs,
mental handicap or a developmental delay. It provide also
useful
information for parents and therapist.
The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder
Easy, Everyday Solutions to Sensory Challenges
A
very detailed book with lots of information about sensory processing
disorder. It provides clear explanations, up-to-date research,
step-by-step strategies and case examples that brings proven methods to
life. It reviews and confirms much of what has been written. Then it
goes further and helps to learn that SPD must be considered as a form
of unmitigated stress, the effect of SPD on the child's body and
systems, and the child's physical and emotional reactions. Helping your
child every day and at special events. How to help create a
sensory-friendly classroom. The difference between SPD and
look-alike disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
Recommended
for therapists and all other professionals. For parents it may be too
extensive although they will find a lot of useful information in it.
October 2009
Article to read.
Cris Rowan, a Canadian occupational therapist, wrote in SI Focus about: The Impact of Technology on Child Sensory and Motor Development. A very interesting paper in which the enormous importance of touching, feeling and moving for children is stressed. An extra reason to do the described games, play- and other activities on a regular base with your child.
January 2009
English version of this website on line. If you like it, tell others!!!!!!
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