Managing Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Integration Issues with Core OT
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and sensory integration issues can have a significant impact on daily life, making everyday tasks challenging for children and adults.
At Core OT, we specialise in delivering personalised and effective occupational therapy. Our services are designed to help individuals manage their sensory challenges, improve independence, and thrive in their environments.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder can affect how individuals respond to sensory stimuli. It can be presented in various ways. These symptoms can vary depending on the person and their environment. Here are some common signs of SPD:
Overly Sensitive to Sights, Sounds, or Textures
Some people are more sensitive to things like noise, lights, textures, or smells. For example, they might cover their ears when it’s too noisy or feel uncomfortable wearing certain clothes.
Not Responding Enough to Sights, Sounds, or Touch
On the other hand, some may show little or no reaction to sensory stimuli. They might not notice temperature changes, feel pain, or hear sounds that others find startling.
Challenges with Transitions and Routines
Sudden changes in environment or routine can cause distress. These individuals might find transitions difficult and require more time to adjust.
Avoidance of Certain Sensations
This could include avoiding foods with specific textures, rejecting clothing made from certain fabrics, or avoiding activities that involve touching certain objects.
Motor Coordination Difficulties
Poor coordination can manifest as clumsiness, difficulty with tasks such as handwriting, or challenges engaging in sports and physical activities.
Social Interaction Challenges
Sensory issues may lead to difficulties in reading social cues or interacting comfortably with others. Some might withdraw from social situations, while others may exhibit aggressive or inappropriate behaviors.
Emotional Outbursts or Dysregulation
Sensory overload can often lead to emotional responses such as anxiety, frustration, or meltdowns, especially in overwhelming environments.
Craving for Sensory Stimulation
Some individuals may actively seek out sensory experiences. They may engage in repetitive movements like spinning, jumping, or swinging to regulate their sensory needs.
Difficulty Maintaining Focus
Concentrating on environments with a lot of sensory stimuli can be challenging. Individuals with SPD might struggle to focus on tasks when there’s background noise or visual distractions.
How Does Core OT Help You Manage Sensory Processing Disorder?
At Core OT, we understand that every individual with SPD or sensory integration issues has unique needs. That’s why we develop tailored therapy plans that address each person’s specific sensory challenges.
We offer a range of therapeutic approaches to provide holistic support. Our goal is to enable clients to function more comfortably and confidently in their day-to-day lives.
Sensory Integration Therapy
One of the cornerstone therapies at Core OT for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is sensory integration therapy. This therapy uses engaging and controlled activities that allow the brain to better process sensory input.
Activities such as swinging, playing with textured objects, or using balance boards help clients gradually adjust their sensory responses.
Our therapists help children and adults regulate overwhelming or under-stimulating sensations through these sessions.
Sensory Diets
A sensory diet refers to a carefully designed set of sensory activities tailored to help individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or sensory integration issues. These activities help individuals regulate their sensory input throughout the day.
At Core OT, we design personalised activities that can be incorporated into daily routines. These activities might include rhythmic movements, deep-pressure massages, or other sensory-rich exercises to help regulate responses to sensory input.
Whether it’s for a child in school or an adult managing daily responsibilities, our therapists craft sensory diets that fit into each client’s lifestyle. Our customised activities help them maintain focus, reduce anxiety, and manage sensory overload more effectively.
Environmental Modifications
Our team at Core OT is skilled in recommending environmental modifications that can dramatically reduce sensory overload. We work closely with clients and their families to make homes, schools, or workplaces more sensory-friendly.
We ensure environments support our clients’ sensory needs, whether it’s introducing noise-canceling headphones, adjusting lighting, or creating quiet spaces for calming activities.
Motor Skills Development
Many individuals with sensory issues also experience challenges with motor coordination. Core OT focuses on improving fine and gross motor skills through carefully selected exercises.
These exercises help with tasks such as handwriting, dressing, or engaging in sports. Through structured therapy, our clients gain confidence in their movements, enhancing their ability to perform everyday tasks more independently.
Why is Core OT the Right Choice for Sensory Support?
Core OT provides the highest quality care for individuals with sensory processing challenges. Our expert therapists focus on building trusting relationships with clients and their families. We ensure that every therapy plan is effective and aligns with their goals. Here’s what sets us apart:
Personalised Care: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. At Core OT, every client receives a customised treatment plan that evolves as they progress.
Experienced Therapists: Our therapists are experts in working with individuals of all ages, including children with autism or ADHD, adults with sensory integration issues, and those with related conditions.
Family-Centered Approach: We believe therapy should be a collaborative process. We work closely with families to create supportive home environments and provide strategies that can be used outside of therapy sessions.
Comprehensive Solutions: Core OT offers a wide range of therapeutic services, from sensory integration therapy to motor skills development.
Core OT’s Support for Children and Adults
Whether it’s helping a child succeed in school or supporting an adult in managing sensory challenges, Core OT is committed to offering compassionate care for individuals of all ages. We create therapy plans that fit seamlessly into each client’s daily life.
For children, this could mean developing the tools to stay focused in class or improving social interactions with peers. For adults, it may involve learning strategies to manage sensory overload in the workplace or during social interactions.
Whatever the need, we are here to provide meaningful support to empower our clients to live more independently and confidently.
Contact Core OT for Sensory Support
Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can support your sensory needs: coreot.com.au
30 Oct, 2024
25 Oct, 2024