Uncategorized

Integrating Mindfulness & Sensory Modulation in Pediatric Therapy

  Mindfulness (breathing, movement, self-touch activities) and sensory  strategies (suspended swinging, massage, interoceptive awareness specific light touch, sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, as well as mechanical pressure touch through brushing, therapy ball rolling, or the Steam Roller Deluxe) can be extremely helpful interventions for youth with Post-Traumatic Stress, Autism Spectrum and developmental disorders. FAB Strategies lists […]

Integrating Mindfulness & Sensory Modulation in Pediatric Therapy Read More »

Sensory Treatment for Behavioral Challenges in Autism

Sensory modulation is the most behaviorally problematic area of sensory processing for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sensory modulation involves the graded adaptive regulation of sensations. Sensory modulation disorder includes at least one significant difference in sensory: over-responsivity/hyper, under-responsivity/hypo, seeking, or avoiding. Sensory modulation disorders occur significantly more frequently in children and adolescents with Autism

Sensory Treatment for Behavioral Challenges in Autism Read More »

Transdisciplinary Intervention for Youth with PTSD

Occupational, speech/language, physical and mental health therapists play important complementary roles in intervention for youth with early severe PTSD “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” and complex behavioral challenges. This is especially true for those with pediatric PTSD and Autism Spectrum and other developmental disorders. Joint treatment by pediatric rehabilitation and mental health therapists can address the interrelated

Transdisciplinary Intervention for Youth with PTSD Read More »

Simple Sensory Sequence for Complex Behavioral Challenges

This blogpost begins with the chart below and explains a simple Sequential Intervention Strategy for youth with complex behavioral challenges. The strategy is simple to explain to teachers and therapists but must be initially individualized for each youth. The strategy begins by first addressing sensory modulation challenges for helping achieve a calm alert state. This

Simple Sensory Sequence for Complex Behavioral Challenges Read More »

Evolving Mindfulness, Massage, & Sensory Integration Intervention

New research supports the efficacy of combining mindful breathing, body awareness, and a calm alert state as components of intervention to help youth with complex behavioral challenges. Teachers as well as Occupational, Speech/language, Physical and mental health therapists can benefit from transdisciplinary strategies integrating mindful breathing, interoceptive awareness, and sensory modulation interventions to help youth

Evolving Mindfulness, Massage, & Sensory Integration Intervention Read More »

Teaching self-regulating hyper-arousal in pediatric PTSD

For children with complex PTSD and behavioral challenges we individually determine sensory coping strategies such as pulling to linear propel themselves in a suspended cuddle swing for self-calming when they are experiences triggers so they do not self-injure and learn to modulate their arousal levels and increase body awareness through traction at the wrists by

Teaching self-regulating hyper-arousal in pediatric PTSD Read More »

Role of School OT in Reducing Restraint & Seclusion

John Pagano, Ph.D., OTR/L Overview Description Participation in consistent restraint and seclusion reduction efforts is an important component of the practice of school occupational therapy practitioners. Consistent efforts to reduce restraint and seclusion are important at the school, classroom, small group and individual intervention level. Restraint reduction is a priority for schools, demonstrates the unique

Role of School OT in Reducing Restraint & Seclusion Read More »

New OT Interns Graduate

Another two interns graduated at the end of last week. Again I am amazed by the continued enthusiasm and heart of the new occupational therapists. They often made me think of the quote by past AOTA President Ginny Stoffel “Occupational therapy practitioners ask, ‘what matters to you’ not, ‘what’s the matter with you?’ ”.  Juliana

New OT Interns Graduate Read More »

Using FAB Energy Level Strategy to Teach Sensory Modulation to Youth with Complex Behavior Challenges

The FAB Arousal Level strategy helps children and teens with complex behavior challenges become aware of their arousal. Using traffic lights and smells youth are gradually guided towards an awareness of their current arousal level. While I like both the Zones of Regulation and Alert Program I find severely disabled youth can be confused by

Using FAB Energy Level Strategy to Teach Sensory Modulation to Youth with Complex Behavior Challenges Read More »

Occupational Therapy’s Heart keeps beating . . .

Despite the Caronavirus with its delays, masks, and other obstacles my four occupational therapy students completed their three month internship with me today! I asked that they take this graduation picture today with their masks on to remind me of their dedication and perseverance. While I was impressed by their evidence-based knowledge, it is then

Occupational Therapy’s Heart keeps beating . . . Read More »

Verified by MonsterInsights