Does occupational therapy help Sensory Processing Disorder?
SPD treatment often means working with an occupational therapist on activities that help retrain the senses. Many therapists use a sensory integration (OT-SI) approach that begins in a controlled, stimulating environment, and focuses on making SPD easier to manage in day-to-day life.
How does an occupational therapy help a child with sensory processing disorder?
OTs engage kids in physical activities that are designed to regulate their sensory input, to make them feel more comfortable, secure, and able to focus.
What does an occupational therapist do for SPD?
A: SPD is typically treated with a program of occupational therapy (OT) conducted in a sensory-rich environment. Appropriate OT can change the neurological functioning in children with SPD so they can manage their responses to sensations and behave in a more functional manner.
Can occupational therapists diagnose sensory processing disorder?
The Diagnostic Process Although not yet recognized officially (for example, in the DSM-5), Sensory processing Disorder can be identified and categorized by an occupational therapist with advanced training in sensory processing and integration.
Is SPD a disability?
While SPD may affect the child’s auditory, visual, and motor skills, and the ability to process and sequence information, it is not, at present, specifically identified as a qualifying disability, making a child eligible for special education and related services.
How common is SPD without autism?
The reverse, however, doesn’t hold true: Most people with SPD aren’t on the autism spectrum. While about 1 in 45 adults and 1 in 54 children in the United States are autistic, as many as 1 in 6 children may have SPD significant enough to affect their everyday life.
Is SPD on the autism spectrum?
Some doctors say that SPD is a symptom of other disorders — such as autism spectrum disorder, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, etc. — and not a disorder itself. Other doctors believe your child may suffer from SPD without having another disorder.
Is SPD considered special needs?
Is SPD a form of autism?
What does a sensory meltdown look like?
During a sensory meltdown, children with special needs have very little control over their behavior. They may scream, break things, attack others and even try to hurt themselves.
What exactly is sensory processing disorder?
Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Formerly referred to as sensory integration dysfunction, it is not currently recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis.
Can you “cure” sensory processing disorder?
There is no medication to treat sensory processing issues. But there are therapies as well as practical changes you can make at home and at school to help your child feel better and do better.
How to get a diagnosis for sensory processing disorder?
The Diagnostic Process. Although not yet recognized officially (for example, in the DSM-5), Sensory processing Disorder can be identified and categorized by an occupational therapist with advanced training in sensory processing and integration. Of primary importance is linking sensory impairments to challenges in functioning at home or school.