[tri-med] Re: Sensory Integration Therapy - Nan

----- Original Message -----
From: "gina L Anderson"
> what is it SIT gina

In very, very simplified terms.........
If you imagine that the brain is a control box - it accepts all the
information that comes in from the environment, processes it and then
outputs it again in a controlled and purposeful way

With our children, the basic premise is that because of differences in the
brain the information comes in OK but that the brain isn't effecient at
interpreting or processing it so what comes back out is delayed, and
frequently unco-ordinated/uncontrolled.

Sensory Integration Therapy aims to help the brain modulate the information
by giving stimuli to the brain in a controlled way so that it can be
processed by the brain and then building on that.

A very simple example is tactile defenciveness - frequently seen in children
with a disorder of sensory integration. We all get information from our
skin, about temperature, what we are wearing etc. But after we accept the
information for example that we have a jumper on - we ignore it until
something changes eg we get too hot.

A child with sensory integration problems doesnt modulate that information -
instead they are constantly aware that they have a jumper on, that it is
heavy, that it scratches and so on. Because that information is constant it
becomes painful (ever had those days when even the softest jumper is
annoying??). Its not "really" painful information its just that its constant
and annoying because its not wanted. Imagine the "pain" that you feel when
you are laying on the beach in the sun half asleep and someone comes up and
tickles your feet with a feather - the pain you feel is not from the
feather, feathers dont hurt - but you DO feel pain and as a result you lash
out. In addition a person is so busy trying to deal with the information
from their skin that they can't attend to anything else.

This can and does happen to any of an effected individuals senses. Though
not everyone has all the problems and not everyone reacts the same way.

For example I have a problem with auditory sensory integration - I think it
comes with old age :-)) I cant stand a lot of noise around when I am
stressed and trying to think - the noise doesnt need to be unpleasant - its
just because its there.

Alex has a problem with information coming in via his mouth - he cannot
process certain textures and flavours. Similarly he has a problem with
touch - he will wear shoes but they are constantly annoying for him and if
you watch he rubs, kicks and his legs are constantly moving when he has them
on. Similarly he is acutely aware of every tiny scratch and bump on his skin
and he will pick at it (controlled input) rather than leave it be
(uncontrolled input).

Why our children are at risk of having DSI I dont really know - I think in
part its because they have different "wiring" in their brains - but also I
think that there is a biochemical component which is why a lot of the
behaviours will be minimised with some medications (eg Clonidine)

Sensory Integration Therapy helps by "teaching" the person to accept the
information and modulate it. It must be done by someone who knows what they
are doing though - too much input during therapy can overstimulate and make
the problem so much worse, understimulation is not going to do anything.
Also the stimulation is frequently aimed at the autonomic nervous system -
and for certain at risk individuals that can be deadly if not done correctly
and or monitored.

Many people see an SI therapist swinging a child and think - oh thats all
there is too it - I can do that and not pay the money - but there is more to
the therapy than swinging in a hammock. Uncontrolled swinging by someone who
is not watching properly can cause a vagal nerve response - leading to a
massive increase in blood pressure and all the problems that it entails.

If it looks like fun and the kid is enjoying themselves then the therapist
is doing something right. If the child eventually starts asking for specific
inputs at therapy - eg going over to the swing, they are definitely on the
right track and eventually the child will start seeking the input that they
need, when they need it. For example I know many children with autism who
will go and seek out a sheet or blanket and wrap themselves in it when they
have become overstimulated. Similarly rocking is another way that many
develop as a way of calming the senses. (this is not the case in ALL
children who rock - just some). For some it can be a way of stimulating
dulled senses - often takes a trained eye to tell the difference.

I could go on and on - but then I am an SI believer :-)) not everyone,
especially some doctors, aren't.

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up
where I intended to be.
- Douglas Adams

Keep Looking for Rainbows!!!
Karen, Mum to Alex (7, T-18 mosaic)
Sydney, Australia
http://members.optushome.com.au/karens
http://www.trisomyonline.org

                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
                       www.trisomyonline.org
                  Families Helping Families On-line

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