How Intensive Occupational Therapy can benefit kids with Sensory Processing Disorders
A key aspect of helping children with Sensory Processing Disorders is occupational therapy. In the Bay Area and Mountain View, there are many options for occupational therapy. Hospital-based, clinic-based, school-based, home-based Occupational Therapy.
Typically a regiment of 1x/wk is prescribed; usually lasting 3 to 6 months. Some children receive OT services for years.
What if it was different? – Intensive bursts of therapy can benefit Sensory Processing Disorders
Research shows us that for kids with SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS short intensive bursts (3-5x per week for 30 sessions) of therapy rather than drawn-out therapy over a long period of time are most effective for managing symptoms.
Why does this work? – Consistency supports changes
Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders are challenged by their sensory systems and how they interpret or perceive the sensory information from the world. They are constantly in a state of fight or flight. As a result, their nervous system is flooded with stress neurochemicals-putting them into an over-aroused state of being.
No one can function, learn, or play in an over-aroused state!
When intensive sensory-based therapies are provided, the nervous system has the opportunity for neurobiological changes to be made. This intensity allows for helping the child’s nervous system to be at the optimal level of arousal for long periods of time, helping the nervous system to feel calm and safe.
This is where the magic happens! – Finding the right balance for your family
Once the child’s nervous system feels calm and safe, they are able to learn, play, thrive.
Intensive occupational therapy services help the nervous system to feel safe and maintain a just right level of arousal for longer periods of time. Using the burst method, parents are taught how to implement sensory strategies for success in improving performance anytime everyday!
A Therapeutic Break!
When parents are armed with the tools to help their child maintain this just-right level of arousal throughout the day, and they can use it effectively throughout the day, parents and children can take a therapeutic break. This can happen for several weeks to several months. Another burst may be necessary. As a child’s nervous system matures over years of development, it is likely that a child will need several intensive bursts of therapy throughout their lifetime.
