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 Sensory
Processing Disorder -
SPD - and
Complementary Therapies for Older Children
and Adults–
In job related
situations or educational settings sometimes there are difficulties
for some people in keeping track of information, staying organized,
learning new required information quickly, and feeling stable in
employment or education. Often the cause is Sensory Processing
Disorder, with specific combinations of difficulty with
proprioceptive, vestibular and other senses. In being
evaluated by the work or school environment the result is usually a
person being quickly and constantly labeled ADHD/ADD. There is often
a physical impact/cause involved, resulting in sensory difficulties.
It is important
to find timely strategies that can WORK for adults in demanding jobs
and older children in demanding educational environments, especially
for motivated persons who want to change and grow. SPD is a term
that can include aspects of PTSD, ADD, ADHD, Autism, PTSD, Aspergers
and even temporary stress related difficulties.
If
you have questions or thoughts about you or someone you know and
SPD, you can speak to me, go to my contact page or make an
appointment at:
Victoria
Behrends –
RCST®,
HHP, M.A., MH, credential - 760-753-1493
and my other website:
www.sensoryprocessingbugs.com
-----
Sensory Processing Disorder also has been known as Sensory
Integration Disorder, interfering with the proprioception, self
regulation and sensory processing of people who have learning
disabilities, trauma related difficulties and many other behavioral
and physical conditions. Modulation and self-regulation can be taught,
craniosacral therapy and somatic/trauma therapy can be implemented,
nutritional support can assist, sound therapy can make a difference
and a sense of calm and safety can promote the most important
solution.
Sensory
integration is critical in child development and can often be
compromised by difficult births, or early childhood
experiences that limit exposure to sensory development. Adult
trauma or illness in life can impact sensory integration,
developing conditions that are problematic, developing sensory
difficulties early or late in life.....
“Studies
show that as many as five percent of all children suffer from
SPD, yet information and help for those with this disorder is
still very limited. A lack of insurance or school-based
diagnostic resources combined with the fact that SPD often looks
like other disorders frequently results in misdiagnosis and
inappropriate treatment for children and adults.”
(SPD
FOUNDATION – spdfoundation.net)
Adults in the work or
educational environment can find it difficult to keep track of
categories and lists of work to be done, follow directions that are
thrown at them, keep order in required settings and wonder what they can
to do to improve, especially if exams or job reviews are coming up.
----- Trauma Connection
There is
a connection of traumatic experience, physical and emotional-- and
developed SPD. We can see that with Wounded Warriors, trauma
survivors, sports injuries and even extraordinary chronic stress.
The
trauma connection is often key. Trauma author Robert Scaer, MD (The
Trauma Spectrum) and international
occupational therapist, Ana do Valle, OTR, SEP shared their
experiences and work and success in treating victims of major world
traumas onsite, using techniques developed to treat Sensory
Processing Disorder that was clearly evident after these events
occurred. in our workshops we learned the connections with
SPD, brain physiology and the physiology of trauma. We were able to
apply identification and practical intervention techniques for
regulating sensory processing skills that I have used extensively
since that time in my own work. As a sensory integration therapist
she remarks:
“Sensory
Processing Disorder (SPD) is recognized as a major cause of
self impairment in children, adolescents and adults. It is
commonly present in behavioral conditions such as anxiety
disorder, PTSD, ADHD and leaning disabilities. SPD may
contribute to the development of many poorly understood
physical diseases and syndromes.” Ana do Valle
In
an interview with me, Robert Scaer, MD discussed this connection of
SPD and complex trauma:
“SPD
is the behaviorial seed that sprouts and flourishes, rendering the
child exquisitely sensitive to events that might be at all
traumatic. It is based on the cyclical autonomic dysregulation of
trauma, with both extremes of autonomic expression. But rather than
the restricted and inadequate diagnosis of PTSD, the syndrome that
emerges with maturation is complex trauma...SPD and complex trauma
are the closest of relatives. In both cases the treatment is
primarily somatic in nature and quality because words only address
the tip of the iceberg.” (Interview
with neurologist Robert Scaer, MD and Victoria Behrends, 9/19/11)
The
significance here is that SPD treatment must include a look at
possible trauma connections, current or from the past-------trauma
resolution work in addition to other therapies can address
some of the origins of sensory difficulties that have resulted from
trauma. Dr. Scaer and Ana do Valle are the pioneers in this thinking
and conduct seminars for other leaders in this field illustrating
how to understand and work with this connection of SPD with trauma.
Other trauma resolution therapies listed on my Articles page can
also address sensory disorders---the explanation of the Concept
of Safety is key in therapy.
-----
Safety
Dr.
Stephen Porges, author of The Polyvagal Theory stresses the
importance of Safety in the Social Engagement System
(see Articles for in depth view). He developed the Listening
Project, conducted much research dr.stephenporges.com
over the last forty years--and describes the components in his 2011
book-----that project is now the Safe And Sound Protocol,
released in March 2017 to be implemented by professional
therapists----with substantial results in treating Autism and other
sensory disorders, anxiety---more ongoing studies may find many more
applications. Stanley Rosenberg has worked with Dr. Porges to create
the Social Engagement Protocol with craniosacral and body oriented
applications to address trauma and other related conditions. www.stanleyrosenberg.com
-------
SPD can look like ADHD and may be
misdiagnosed. Traditional treatment for ADHD may be inapplicable for
good results, including drug therapies in cases where SPD therapies
and strategies would be the far more appropriate and effective answer
for sensory integration development.
----- Some Characteristics
Sensory Processing Disorder characteristics
are listed by the SPD Foundation and are on their “Red Flags”
page (for full description go to their excellent website listed above:
CHILD
- oversensitivity to touch, noise, smell, other people – clumsy;
poor motor skills; easily distracted, fidgety, aggressive – easily
overwhelmed, difficulty making friends – unaware of pain and/or
other people – lethargic and slow – tasks uncompleted – difficulty
staying focused – frequent or long temper tantrums
ADULT
(though many characteristics above may apply as well)–
difficulty staying focused at work or meetings – always on the
go- easily distracted – poor esteem, afraid of failing at new
tasks, oversensitive to touch, noise, smells – leaves tasks
uncompleted
----- A TEAM can
help:
There
are intervention techniques and a TEAM APPROACH that can regulate
the sensory processing that is impacted by the strength, timing and
frequency of sensory stimuli. With that intervention and help there
can be integration and self regulation within the nervous system.
NOTE:
Only some Occupational Therapists are
using techniques that have been pioneered for SPD. It is important to
research for a therapist with the SPD background and the
specific certification required.
TEAM
or Individual Therapies:
Craniosacral,
Occupational, and Physical Therapy
with therapists specifically trained in sensory disorders
(many therapists do not have this training)-- are some of the many
effective tools to develop sensory processing by using Cranial
Therapy, a Sensory Diet, sensory therapy, Listening Therapy, and
sensory integration activities.
Craniosacral
Therapy balances the nervous system that is impaired by
Sensory Processing Disorder and can support the system overall in
resolving that trauma link.
Safe
And Sound Protocol - a 5-day Listening Program---developed
by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on the Social
Engagement System and his original Polyvagal Theory--designed
as therapy for Autism, anxiety, with ongoing studies in
Trauma, Depression--for both Children and Adults
Comprehensive
Resource Modeling can
be an effective tool, developed by Lisa Schwarz, M.Ed. from its
origins of EMDR and Brainspotting, and can help to resolve trauma
emotional and/or physical that may surround Sensory Processing
Disorder. (See Articles on this website)
Sound therapies:
Human Tuning, music, singing, humming
Sensory
therapy is supported with craniosacral therapies and occupational
therapy work that can open up the world to people with these
difficulties. Sensory tools that have been and continue to be
invented are making a difference in the lives of people who often
have had little success with conventional treatment.
-----
In my own work I use STRATEGIES for clients AND their family members
in Strategy Sessions,
with possible combinations of :
-
SPD
techniques, self-regulation, sensory diet and sensory
activities/teaching skills approach
- Sound
therapies
- Strategies,
Research, Resources
- Nutrition
Research/ Hair analysis
- Brainworks
- www.sensationalbrain.com
- some activities can be applied with older
children/adults
- SensoryBugs®
Strategies, Research, Resources
These
Strategy Sessions
can also be extremely effective with other disorders that
involve SPD, already mentioned—Autism, Aspergers, PTSD,
ADHD/ADD, and anxiety disorders.
When
a Strategy Session
for an older child, teen or adult is combined with
occupational therapy, craniosacral therapy, and perhaps
nutritional analysis, and trauma resolution, and the Safety
Sound Protocol-- there is effective communication and synergy
among the members of a recommended team—OT,
CST, teachers, psychologists, -- great improvement in
strategies for sensory processing and self-regulation can be
made.
An additional benefit of the Team approach is that the
person feels supported and again, safer.
Victoria
Behrends - 760-753-1493 - or
contact page
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