The Role of Sensory Integration in the Development of the Whole Child American Montessori Society 20

1
The Role of Sensory Integration in the
Development of the Whole ChildAmerican
Montessori Society 2006 Annual ConferenceMarch
30, 2006 Houston, TX

• Alicia Noddings, M.A. (A.B.D.)
• Saint Louis University
• Department of Educational Studies
• McGannon Hall
• 3750 Lindell Blvd
• St. Louis, MO 63108
• 314-977-4062
• noddings_at_slu.edu

Stephen G. Viola, Ph.D. University of
Missouri-St. Louis One University Drive 201
EAB St. Louis, MO 63121 314-516-5332 viola_at_umsl.ed
u
2
(No Transcript)
3
(No Transcript)
4
What is sensory integration?

• Sensory integration (SI) is a neurobiological
  activity within our bodies. It is the way the
  nervous system processes information from the
  senses. Sensory integration is the brains and
  nervous systems ability to organize stimuli.
  When sensations flow in an organized manner, the
  brain can use these sensations to form
  perceptions, behavior, and learning.

5
What sensory sensations are you experiencing
right now?
6
(No Transcript)
7
(No Transcript)
8
(No Transcript)
9
(No Transcript)
10
(No Transcript)
11
(No Transcript)
12
(No Transcript)
13
Hypersensitive
14
Hyposensitive
15
Assessment of SI Dysfunction

• Is? vs. Why is?
• Professionals to consider
• Rating scales
• Observation - Floor Time
• SI tests

16
Assessment (cont.)

• Strongly based on observation in each of the
  childs environments focus on WHY a child is
  engaging in a behavior, not simply IF the child
  is engaging in the behavior
• Filling out of checklists / surveys by parents,
  teachers, other involved parties

The critical piece for appropriate intervention
is determining whether attentional problems are
related to hypersensitivities or
hyposensitivities.
17
Why does SI dysfunction occur?

• Early stress on children to perform
  academically?
• Lack of opportunities for whole-body movement?
• Lack of free play and exploration time?
• Speed of visual stimuli?
• ???

18
SI and Other Conditions

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD)

19
SI and ADHD

• 80 of children with ADHD are found to have
  hyposensitivity patterns
• 20 of children with ADHD
• are found to have hypersensitivity patterns

20
SI and ASD

• By definition, individuals with Autism Spectrum
  Disorder have patterns of hypersensitivities

21
SI and NVLD

• Children with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
  often have patterns of hypersensitivities and are
  frequently described as anxious

22
Interventions

• Choose activities to stimulate a hyposensitive
  child (the hyperactive child) in his areas of
  hypersensitivity
• Choose activities to desensitize the
  hypersensitive child (the hypoactive child) in
  his areas of hyposensitivity
• One child may have both hypersensitivities and
  hyposensitivities

23
Occupational Therapy
24
Desensitization
25
Children who are hyposensitive need more
stimulation
26
Medications
27
Time-In
28
Everyone benefits from proprioceptive
stimulation!!
29
Massage
30
Increased Opportunities for Active Play
31
Increased Opportunities for Movement
32
Classroom Organization Considerations
33
Seating Considerations
34
Preparation for Public Time
35
Homework Considerations
36
The Role of Sports in SI
37
Meal Times
38
Hugs
39
Bedtime Routines
40
Materials
41
Materials
42
Materials
43
Materials
44
Materials
45
Materials
46
Is the problem really SI related?

• Sensory integration issues are common and tend to
  be underdiagnosed
• SI dysfunction can occur in tandem with other
  issues
• SI issues can easily be confused with other
  conditions
• BUTnot every issue is related to SI

47
How should I use my knowledge of SI in the
classroom?

• Consider the possibility of SI-related issues
  when working to diagnose a difficulty
• Consider SI-related techniques when developing
  accommodations and modifications
• Remember that EVERYONE benefits from
  proprioceptive activities

48
Success!
49
Resources

• Books
• The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
• Smart Moves Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head
  by Carla Hannaford
• The Well Balanced Child Movement and Early
  Learning by Sally Goddard Blythe
• Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration
  Therapy for Children with Autism and Other
  Pervasive Developmental Disorders by Ellen Yack,
  Paula Aquilla, and Shirley Sutton.
• Websites
• Sensory Integration International (SII) (through
  the Ayres clinic) - http//www.sensoryint.com/
• Page on sensory integration through the Center
  for the Study of Autism - http//www.autism.org/si
  .html
• Curricular Resources
• How Does Your Engine Run? by Mary Sue Williams
  and Sherry Shellenberger.
• Brain Gym