Sensory processing disorder (or simply, SPD) is a condition in which the affected individual has difficulty in perceiving and responding to sensory stimuli. The severity and symptomatic pattern tends to vary greatly with some persons exhibiting only the subtle form while others have the severe form. If they are looking for sensory processing disorder treatment Milton Ontario parents need to understand a number of important things beforehand.
The cause of this problem remains obscure. However, some recent studies suggest that there may be a genetic component. In some of the children that have been affected, there is an intrinsic anatomic abnormality in the brain. The brain-stem and the mid-brain have been singled out as the most important parts of the brain with regard to multi-sensory integration. Any problem affecting these regions may result in problems in processing stimuli.
The observant parent will first notice the problem in early childhood. A baby with the condition is typically excessively fussy and as they grow older, they tend to throw tantrums more frequently than the average baby. As they get into adolescence, they will mainly present with frequent bouts of anxiety. It has been observed that SPD never presents in isolation; it is usually associated with other neurological and developmental conditions such as autism.
Either one or several modalities are affected at given time depending on the underlying abnormalities. There are two main ways in which the problem presents. These are either under or over responsiveness. An individual that is under-responsive to stimuli does not react in the presence of an enhanced level of stimuli such as excessive heat or the blast of a siren. The other end of the spectrum is where the individual reacts excessively to a low stimulus level.
There are a number of ways in which the diagnosis can be made. These include, among others, the use of standardized questionnaires, standardized tests and free play observation. The expert responsible for making the definitive diagnosis varies from one country to another. They may be occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and so on. In some centers, all children suspected to have the condition are subjected to a full psychological and neurological exam.
Therapeutic measures need to be individualized since the pattern of presentation is greatly variable. The therapist will choose an environment that stimulates the patient and is well controlled. Fun filled activities have to be incorporated into the program to avoid overwhelming the child. If the child shows some positive improvements in the clinic environment, the same should be transferred to other aspects of their lives such as home and school.
A diagnostic criteria for this condition is yet to be created. This has created a great challenge in developing treatment protocols. The good news is that occupational therapists continue to play a vital role in helping affected persons adjust to their environment. They should help the children optimize their abilities and develop skills in dealing with areas in which they have difficulties.
Complementary and alternative medicine have also attempted to provide a solution. One of the interventions falling under this category is acupuncture. The treatment is purported to work by restoring what is termed life energy which in turn helps achieve normal functions. Scientific backing for these claims is not yet available. Other interventions are tailored to specific individual needs. For instance, sound-blocking headphones can be used by patients with auditory hypersensitivity.
The cause of this problem remains obscure. However, some recent studies suggest that there may be a genetic component. In some of the children that have been affected, there is an intrinsic anatomic abnormality in the brain. The brain-stem and the mid-brain have been singled out as the most important parts of the brain with regard to multi-sensory integration. Any problem affecting these regions may result in problems in processing stimuli.
The observant parent will first notice the problem in early childhood. A baby with the condition is typically excessively fussy and as they grow older, they tend to throw tantrums more frequently than the average baby. As they get into adolescence, they will mainly present with frequent bouts of anxiety. It has been observed that SPD never presents in isolation; it is usually associated with other neurological and developmental conditions such as autism.
Either one or several modalities are affected at given time depending on the underlying abnormalities. There are two main ways in which the problem presents. These are either under or over responsiveness. An individual that is under-responsive to stimuli does not react in the presence of an enhanced level of stimuli such as excessive heat or the blast of a siren. The other end of the spectrum is where the individual reacts excessively to a low stimulus level.
There are a number of ways in which the diagnosis can be made. These include, among others, the use of standardized questionnaires, standardized tests and free play observation. The expert responsible for making the definitive diagnosis varies from one country to another. They may be occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and so on. In some centers, all children suspected to have the condition are subjected to a full psychological and neurological exam.
Therapeutic measures need to be individualized since the pattern of presentation is greatly variable. The therapist will choose an environment that stimulates the patient and is well controlled. Fun filled activities have to be incorporated into the program to avoid overwhelming the child. If the child shows some positive improvements in the clinic environment, the same should be transferred to other aspects of their lives such as home and school.
A diagnostic criteria for this condition is yet to be created. This has created a great challenge in developing treatment protocols. The good news is that occupational therapists continue to play a vital role in helping affected persons adjust to their environment. They should help the children optimize their abilities and develop skills in dealing with areas in which they have difficulties.
Complementary and alternative medicine have also attempted to provide a solution. One of the interventions falling under this category is acupuncture. The treatment is purported to work by restoring what is termed life energy which in turn helps achieve normal functions. Scientific backing for these claims is not yet available. Other interventions are tailored to specific individual needs. For instance, sound-blocking headphones can be used by patients with auditory hypersensitivity.
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