Sensory Integration is the ability to respond appropriately to sensory information in our environment and is a neurological process that occurs within all of us. When the Sensory Integrative system is not functioning effectively the impact on learning, behaviour and social skills can be far reaching.

Sensory Integration Treatment

This approach specifically considers sensory processing and modulation. The Sensory Treatment Approach has shown to be useful and successful treatment approach is to "encourage the nervous system to process and integrate sensory input in organised and meaningful ways, which will ultimately enhance the ability of the nervous system to function more adequately."

The areas of assessment, intervention or training offered

• Assessment of Sensory Processing, and Modulation;
• Specialist Sensory Treatment Programs / Intervention Package;
• Setting individual goals for interventions, outcomes for an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP);
• Provision of a Sensory diet (sensory strategies) and informal training to parents and/or teachers;
• Provision and implementation of a sensory motor programme;
• Advice on sensory resources and specialist equipment;
• Monitoring and review of the programme.

In summary, Sensory Modulation Dysfunction is complex and multidimensional. When any sensory input is not modulated in an expected way, the behaviour that results is out of context with what is needed for an adaptive environmental interaction. Poor modulation has ramifications, both within the nervous system, e.g. affecting attention, arousal, and modulation of other inputs and in the outside world because it results in the production of behaviours that do not match environmental demands or expectations.

Sensory Modulation dysfunction can manifest with;

• Emotional dysregulation


• Poor Distress Tolerance


• Dysfunctional Behaviours

Relevant and appropriate treatment packages are bespoke and individualised to address the Young Person’s diffiuclties. Specific sensory Strategies (Sensory Diet) for home and school + Specialist Assessments for contribution to Education, Health and Social Care Plans (EHCP) (£250)

Review Packages for children who already have had an assessment for Sensory Processing Difficulties – (£120)

Specialists Assessment Package for a Child with Sensory Processing Difficulties:

• Completion of an appropriate standardised Sensory Assessment at home/school or at the clinic
  (2-3 hours), including clinical observations by a trained SI Therapist (Level 3).
• A report will be completed, following the assessment with individualised recommendations




A follow-up discussion of recommendations is scheduled with both the parent and school and will include the following:

• 1. Underlying Sensory Processing difficulties (Sensory modulation and sensory motor and how these are impacting on participation indaily activities;


• 2. Sensory responses within the classroom and home environment and its impact on the child’s performance;


• 3. Recommendations and advice for meeting the child’s Sensory needs in the classroom and at home follow up discussion regarding recommendations and the intervention options;


• 4. Estimated time in school – 2-3 hrous with additional time for writing the report and follow up meeting and discussion;


• 5. Cost of this process inclusive of a report starts at £425 per child

Treatment packages for children with Sensory Processing Difficulties:

If a child has been assessed as having sensory processing difficulties, we can offer them care packages. In order to treat young persons with this condition, our Occupational Therapists are able to apply other psychotherapeutic modalities to address the child’s emotional dys regulation; distress intolerance and communication and social interaction difficulties.

Treatment of these conditions include:

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT);


• Neurolinguistics Programming for Children and Young People (NLP);


• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS);
• Vestibular Rehabilitation;
• Sensory Integrative Therapy (SI);

Specific Sensory Strategies (Sensory Diet) for home and school + Specialist Assessments for contribution to Education, Health and Social Care Plans (EHCP is £250)

Review Packages for children who already have had an assessment for Sensroy Processing Difficulties through Reassessment (£120)

The Phrase Rebound therapy, when correctly applied describes a specific methodology, assessment and programme of use to individuals who require opportunities for enhanced movement patterns, therapeutic positioning, exercise and recreation for a wide range of users with additional needs, such as spatial awareness, poor balance and coordination, poor Sensory processing and Modulation difficulties and Social skills and communication. Children and Young people with a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, Learning Difficulties, Poor self-esteem and confidence to name but a few. Rebound Therapy should always be used as part of a therapeutic development program and facilitated by a Qualified Occupational Therapist / SI Therapist or a Physio-Therapist.

The benefits of Rebound Therapy

• This is an interactive activity that influences a person’s physical function;
• Motivation for participation, communication and Sensory and Modulation systems;
• It provides a weightless environment with three (3) dimensional movement options;
• Rebound Therapy provides multiple benefits.

EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. It involves what is called bilateral stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain with a variety of methods. These moths can include eye movements to the left and right, an auditory tone in each ear or alternating vibrations in each hand. This simple procedures would make differences for clients struggling with long standing issues around trauma, phobias, eating disorders, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), addictions and attachment disorder. The results vary from incremental but profound shifts to complete turn-a-rounds.

EMDR AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

What is the connection between Autism / ADHD/ ADD/ ODD and EMDR? Although not designed with Autism in mind, it appears to be beneficial for some people with a diagnosis of the afore-mentioned with specific problems. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing is an advanced clinical technique that offers potential benefits to children with autism. Recent research suggests that EMDR is not only a workable option for managing stress disorders in people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder(ASD), but may also function as a basic therapy to curb some of the standard symptoms of ASD.

Anxiety is common amongst those with a diagnosis of ASD, and in particular in relation to communication and social interaction with others, but there is much more to it for c Children and Young Persons with a diagnosis of ASD. There is proof that individuals with autism are just as prone to experiencing traumatic events or succumbing to external stress factors as anyone else, and a lack of social skills or behavioural control can make it harder to address. Some of these examples are: Social anxiety or phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, eating disorders, inter/intra-personal relationships, which cause huge difficulties in performing meaningful activities of daily living. The end result is that the child or Young person may end up isolating themselves and have poor quality of life experiences or occupational deprivation.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing has a particular appeal for therapists focusing on ASD because of relatively simple client interactions. Much like applied behaviour analysis (ABA), it involves the manipulation of a person’s physiological and psychological state through the consistent application of basic scientific principles. Methodical and responsible EMDR Therapy can be beneficial to children with autism by encouraging productive adaptations of various though and behavioural patterns.

Handwriting Assessment is an assessment of handwriting legibility, pencil grip and visual perception and is similar to the DASH assessment. However in this instance; the therapist would use this form of handwriting assessment to assess more than just the speed of handwriting. For example, letter formation, spacing, alignment, legibility and uniformity of slope and size of letters will all be evaluated.

The purpose of this assessment is to determine the underlying flaws in the foundations that make up handwriting. Through identifying which aspects of the complex movements of handwriting need developing the therapist can provide a more efficient and accurate therapy treatment plan.

Where and how is the handwriting assessment completed?

The Handwriting assessment is an assessment that can take place in clinic, at home or at school. The therapist would get the child to write a piece of writing in their best handwriting using a sentence that contains every letter of the alphabet.

Conditions the Handwriting assessment is commonly used for

Below are some of the most common conditions the handwriting assessment is used for:

• Developmental delay;
• Developmental co-ordination disorder;
• Dyslexia;
• Dysphagia;
• Dyspraxia;
• Cerebral Palsy;
• Learning Disability;

Occupational therapists can help all kinds of children, including those without any identified condition. Poor handwriting can have a detrimental effect on later life, therefore by ensuring your child is assessed and treated at a young age, you are offering them a better future.

Treatment following a Handwriting assessment

Handwriting assessments may also include other assessments to measure Motor Impairments.The Movement Assessment battery for Children, (MABC Checklist) is a performance test and an observational checklist with clear guidelines for interventions. Following these assessments and in particular handwriting assessment, an occupational therapist would offer a range of treatment options and interventions. Below is some examples of the kind of treatment we provide:

• Therapy aimed at improving fine motor skills;
• Handwriting improvement programme;
• Multi-sensory approach to handwriting improvement;
• Clearly defined SMART therapy goals;
• Outcome based re-assessment following treatment;