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New research supports the importance of addressing interoceptive body awareness as a component of the sensory processing frame-of-reference to promote behavior and learning in students with significant sensory differences and complex behavioral challenges (Mahler et al., 2022; Tancredi et al.,, 2022; Butera & Aziz-Zadeh, 2022). Interoception appears to overlap with and uniquely expand sensory processing interventions […]

The FAB Strategies for Learning Readiness Form (FAB Strategies Form) can be applied in a variety of ways by therapists and teachers. FAB Strategies Form Description Blog Although the FAB Strategies Form is copyrighted therapists and teachers have my permission to use it with their students. The FAB Strategies Form can be used as a

The FAB Strategies for Learning Readiness form enables school therapists and teachers to develop an individualized program for their students that improves behavior and learning. It guides the school team in being consistent and literally “on the same page”. Despite its copyright all therapists and teachers have my permission to copy and use my new

When I was 14 years old I passed a man on the street who had Downs Syndrome, and was momentarily bothered by his physical features. My reaction upset me because I had a sister who had Downs Syndrome who died as an infant from pneumonia. To confront my prejudice I volunteered at a home for

Though not extensively discussed sensory processing difficulties can negatively impact emotional regulation in individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). October 10th is both Sensory Processing Awareness month and World Mental Health Awareness day, making it a good time to consider the relationship between sensory processing disorders and PTSD.   Sensory processing disorders are more common

I was deeply moved by “the knitting brain” picture from Emily Balog. It instantly transported me to my experience as an OT student over 40 years ago during my affiliation in Mental Health OT at Johns Hopkins Hospital. It all started when a COTA who was part of my supervision team started teaching me to

Practical antecedent strategies are described that can be used by therapists and teachers to prevent inappropriate behavior in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Helpful antecedent strategies for regular use by therapists and teachers include: engaging favorite activities, giving choices, introducing students to the materials and people they will be interacting with before learning tasks,

Sensory modulation disorders are strongly associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder “PTSD”.  Research found over three quarters of youth with PTSD had sensory modulation disorders, compared to five percent in the general population.  Sensory modulation disorders significantly associated with childhood trauma are: hyperarousal (including auditory defensiveness, tactile defensiveness, as well as gravitational insecurity), hypoarousal, and sensory

Behavioral challenges significantly impact learning and occupational performance in school. Preventing and responding to behavioral problems is an important part of the school occupational therapists’ scope of practice. School occupational therapy practitioners can collaborate with school staff to increase the effectiveness of trauma-informed restraint and seclusion reduction efforts. This involves a 3-tiered approach including environmental

  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