Locala Sensory OT Service - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Locala Sensory OT Servicewww.locala.org.uk/services/sensory-occupational-therapy-serviceAn Introduction to Sensory Needs

2. Brief overview of sensory processingBrief over-view of sensory needsSensitivitySensory seekingThe Movement SensesUsing the muscle sense to calmAn introduction to weighted productsSensory product swapsCharities which support sensory needsPresentation Contents:This presentation gives a quick introduction to sensory processing. For more detailed information about supporting sensory needs, please watch the Talking Sense videos on the Locala Sensory OT website. www.locala.org.uk/services/sensory-occupational-therapy-service/talking-sense-training

3. A Brief Overview of Sensory ProcessingOur senses play a key role in keeping us safe from harm and help us carry out everyday activitiesEach of our 5 senses has special sensors which constantly gather information. Millions of sensory messages are picked up by these sensors every second of the dayThe senses scan our surroundings on the lookout for possible dangerWe only need to listen to the sensory messages that help us with what we are doing right now (e.g. listening to this presentation) or which keep us safeThe brain filters out the sensory messages which are not important or linked to what we are doing

4. A Brief Overview of Sensory ProcessingThis is a bit like a ‘sensory sieve’ or filterSome people have brains which are able to filter and sort out sensory information very easily. Other people’s brains find this tricky, (NB: Being tired, unwell or stressed can effect how well everyone's brain processes sensory information)As well as the 5 main senses, we also have special movement senses. These are at work all the time in the background and help us with our movement skills and postureWe also have senses which track what is happening inside our body. This helps us recognise when we are hungry, thirsty, need the toilet or feel unwell

5. A Brief Overview of Sensory Needs: SensitivityChildren with sensory sensitivity struggle to filter out sensory messages which are not neededThey become easily overwhelmed and upset with too much sensationEveryone’s sense are primed to detect danger and threat. Danger messages are fast-tracked to the emotional brain and nervous system. This makes sure we can response immediately when faced with a threatWhen children have sensory sensitivity, everyday situations (such as having a haircut) often feel dangerous. They can trigger a strong emotional or panic responseSudden, unexpected or unfamiliar sensation is more likely to trigger a panic response. When we know that something is going to happen, it is less likely to be mistaken for something dangerous (e.g. being told the school bell will ring at break time).

6. A Brief Overview of Sensory Needs: SensitivitySensory sensitivity and anxiety are closely linked. When we are sensitive to sensation, our senses detect lots of danger signals. This causes children to feel unsafe and often leads to high anxiety. When we are anxious, our senses are often on ‘high-alert’ and more likely to become overwhelmed.Children with sensory sensitivity often use strategies to control the sensory feedback they get. They may only eat a few ‘safe’ foods or wear certain clothes. They may stick to familiar routines and avoid new places.This helps them to avoid any sensory surprises. Sensitive children usually cope better with sensation if they are in control of it, or it is something they really want to do (e.g. having their ears pierced) Being sensory sensitive can make children seem controlling or set in their ways. They may tell other people to be quiet and turn the TV off, but be very noisy themselves and play their own music at top volume.Sensory sensitivity can make self-care tasks difficult. There are lots of strategies on our website: www.locala.org.uk/services/sensory-occupational-therapy-service/information-for-parents/personal-care-strategies

7. Overview of Sensory Needs: Sensory SeekingSometimes children do not notice sensory information unless the message is very strong. They may not notice someone calling their name unless they shout, or that they need the toilet until they are desperate. Children who miss chunks of sensory information can have a hard time working out what is happening and what they need to be doing. They may miss the ‘danger’ messages from their senses and not notice if they have hurt themselves or if a car is coming towards them.They might find food tastes bland, so not be bothered about eating.They may zone out, as their senses are under-stimulatedChildren who miss chunks of sensory information, often find their own way to get stronger messages from their senses. This is called sensory seekingChildren may not realise they are sensory-seeking. It is often subconscious. What sensory-seeking looks like will depend on the sensory messages being missed. If children don’t notice touch messages they may put lots of things in their mouth, or always hold something in their hand. If they miss movement information they may not be able to stay still.

8. We have two movement senses. The Muscle Sense (proprioception) and the Gravity SenseThe sensors for the muscle sense are found in our muscles, joints and in the ligaments and tendons which fasten our muscles and bones togetherThese sensors feel movement and forceThis helps us to know where all our body parts are (even when we are sitting still)This lets us feel our body as it movesThe muscle sense is always at work in the background. We do not usually notice it (unless there is a problem)Muscle sensorJoint sensorThe Movement Senses:

9. The brain uses information from the muscle sense to:Work out how near we are to objects and people around us work out how high to lift our foot when stepping over somethingWork out how much effort is needed to lift or carry somethingMake sure the muscles we need to use are toned and ready for actionIf an action doesn’t go as planned, the brain uses information from the muscle sense to help us get it right next time!When an action goes well the brain stores this information for next time. This is sometimes called a ‘muscle memory’The Muscle Sense in Action!

10. Be heavy-handed and use too much forceAccidently break or drop thingsTrip over things or bump into thingsInvade other people’s personal space (without realising!)Have muscles which are ‘too floppy’ and not ready for actionHave a hard time learning new movement skillsWe might need to look at our body to work out how it needs to moveWhen the muscle sense does not work so well we can…

11. Using the Muscle Sense to CalmNot only does the muscle sense help us with movement and everyday skills…it plays a key role in organising the other senses and calming the nervous system.The nervous system has 2 threads: Fight and flight to help us face dangerRest and digest to calm us back down when the danger has goneToo many sensory danger signals can trigger the ‘fight or flight’ response. Firing up the muscle sense kick-starts the ‘rest and digest’ response to help calm us downRest and Digest

12. Staying active, helps the muscle sense organise the other senses. This can stop some sensory danger signals being sent by accidentActivities which help out the muscle sense:Play park, climbing wall, green gym, running, soft play swimming, (non-contact) martial arts, team sports, HIIT, inflatable parkThings to do at home:Outdoor play: scooters, garden obstacle course, commando crawls, tree climbing, walk the dog, dig in a sandpit, garden choresIndoors: Yoga, pull-up bar (or suspension trainer), pounding play dough, rough and tumble play, mini trampette, Power-up corner www.locala.org.uk/fileadmin/Services/Sensory_OT/Power_up_corner_exercises.pdf Being in fight or flight can make children very dysregulated. They may benefit from very low-demand muscle-sense activities as hey start to calm. This might be:Use fidgets with a lot of resistance (e.g. Therapy Putty)Finger presses / pulls Firing up the Muscle Sense

13. Staying Active…for freeParks and green spacesGreen gym equipmentJunior Parkrun every Sunday at 9:00am (Beaumont Park, Greenhead Park, Tolson Huddersfield, Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury)Online workout (Joe Wicks, Cosmic Yoga)Walking and hiking

14. What?:Weighted vestWeighted blanketWeighted lap padWeighted shoulder wrapWhy?:Weighted products give children deep pressure and fire up the muscle senseDeep pressure also helps to calm the nervous system back downIt can help reduce anxiety and sensory over-whelmIt can help with touch sensitivity (this can be helpful before self-care or getting dressed)It can help with calming for sleep or following a meltdown. Regular use may also help prevent some meltdowns from happeningAn Introduction to Weighted Products

15. Weighted Products: Swaps 1: Weighted VestJunior backpack filled with: books, drinks bottles, dried foods etc.Fisherman’s vest with plasticine in pockets- NB: secure these2: Lap padSand-filled door stopCherry-stone heat pillow3: Weighted BlanketDown duvet (if already owned)Army surplus heavy wool blanketsSoft (rag) rug

16. Weighted Blankets: Rules for UseIf weighted blankets are not used properly, they will stop working and can be very dangerous.A Weighted blanket will only help calm your child if it is the correct weight for them and it is not worn for too long at any one time.Children will eventually get used to the deep pressure feeling from the blanket. It will no longer feel calming for them once they are used to it.Guidance is as follows:​Blankets should weigh between 5-10% of your child’s body weight​Blankets should be worn for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time​ DO NOT USE THEM OVERNIGHTHave a break of at least 60 minutes before using the blanket again​Children should not be given a weighted blanket if they cannot remove it by themselvesAlways stay with your child whilst they are using a weighted blanketThere head must NEVER be covered. If your child likes to burrow under the duvet a weighted blanket would not be suitable for them

17. Things to think about when buying a weighted blanket…Many companies now offer weighted blankets at discount prices. These are often cheaper than products from specialist providers, but may not be as robust or safe for children with complex additional needsAs your child grows heavier, the weight of blanket they need will change. An adjustable weight blanket from a specialist provider may prove as cost effective in the long term (and weights can be removed for washing)Washing weighted blankets can damage your washing machine. Consider using a cover (or waterproof cover if your child has continence issues).If your child chews through material or eats cotton thread, a robust blanket from a specialist provider is recommended (Sensory Direct, Rompa)If your child tends to overheat consider a cooler bamboo blanket (Harkla UK)Blankets from specialist providers may come with a lifetime guarantee. They are classified as medical devices and are often exempt from VAT.If your child has severely disrupted sleep and requires ongoing deep pressure sensation throughout the night consider either a Lycra bed compression sock or a specialist ball-filled blanket. Both these products give changing sensory feedback so do not loose their effectiveness if used for longer periods. Ball blankets are very expensive (but may be worth it for some children). Consider use of charity funding or Disability Live Allowance.

18. More Sensory Products: Swaps Dark Den(for sensory decompression and visual overwhelm)Large cardboard boxLarge blanket over a table; add cushionsDen under a mid-sleeperCosy Canoe / Pea Pod(for deep pressure and body awareness)Squish box (sturdy box filled with soft toys and cushions)Sofa cushion sandwichChew products(to redirect biting behaviours)Crunchy / chewy snacksIce cubesFire up the muscle sense

19. Charity Support for Sensory NeedsCerebra Sensory Toy LibraryHas visual toys, tactile packs and weighted blankets available for loan28 day loan period with free courier drop off and collectionSee: Toy List - CerebraCaudwell ChildrenProvide set packs with a carefully selected range of sensory toysFamily are asked to provide £20 towards the total £100 costEligibility criteria applySee: Get Sensory PacksFamily FundOffer grants for outdoor play equipment and sensory toysEligibility criteria apply

20. Rompa: (www.rompa.com)Ball blanketWeighted blanketsSensory Direct: (www.sensorydirect.com)Adjustable weighted blanketsWeighted vests and compression vestsChew productsTactile fidgetsBody sockHarkla UK: (UK shop on Amazon)Harkla HugBody sock Purchase Information:

21. Any Questions?