sensory processing disorders

dunn’s model

symptoms are classified according to the interaction of sensory stimuli that are needed to stimulated a behavioral response

• high threshold vs low threshold

• passive vs active behavioral responses

high neurological threshold

• unfazed by immersion in highly stimulating sensory environments

• low level responsiveness to routine environmental stimuli

  • stimuli that is unexpected or experienced over a prolonged period of time may elicit a response

low neurological threshold

• minimal stimulus facilitated a behavioral response

  • may be perceived as an over reaction compared to the average person

passive behavioral response

individual makes no attempt to change the intensity or duration of sensory input

active behavioral response

individual avoids or seeks to avoid sensory stimuli

poor registration

• high thresholds and passive behavioral responses

  • may appear aloof or indifferent to the demands of the environment because of low levels of processing ordinary sensory experiences

sensory seeking

• high threshold and active behavioral response

  • actively engages in seeking sensory input and often seeks intense experiences

sensory sensitivity

• low threshold and passive behavioral response

  • response to ordinary sensory input with agitation, being bothered, and often considered hypersensitive

sensory avoiding

• low threshold and active behavioral response

  • often in a state of “fight or flight” in response to ordinary sensory stimuli

  • behavioral response can escalate quickly and seem unpredictable-

ecological model of sensory modulation disorders

• describes individuals unique response to interactions between external and internal dimensions of sensory processing in the context of their lives

proposed sensory processing nosology

classifies symptoms according to

• sensory modulation disorder (SMD)

• sensory based motor disorder (SBMD)

• sensory discrimination disorder (SDD)

sensory modulation disorder (SMD)

• any sensory system

  • sensory overresponsivity (SOR)

  • sensory underresponsivity (SUR)

  • sensory seeking/craving(SS)

sensory based motor disorder (SBMD)

• includes underlying sensory discrimination disorder as well as possible sensory modulation disorder

  • dyspraxia (difficulty planning new movements)

  • sensory based postural disorders

sensory discrimination disorders (SDD)

• ability to distinguish sensations as different

  • I.e., visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, gustatory, olfactory

signs & symptoms

• fluctuating/extreme responsiveness

• difficulties interacting with environment

• difficulty conceiving, planning, sequencing, or executing actions

• poor initiation of activities

• difficulty with goal directed action on environment

• tactile processing dysfunction

tactile defensiveness

• overresponsivity to ordinary touch sensations

  • irritation/discomfort with variety of textures

  • dislike brushing teeth of hair

  • various behavioral responses

under responsivity to tactile stimuli

• diminished sensory registration and responsiveness

  • may not respond to normal levels of tactile input and may seek disproportionate amounts of stimuli

proprioceptive processing disorder manifestations

• modulation deficits

• discrimination deficits

  • poor awareness of body position, bod parts, and body schema

• clumsy/awkward

• distractibility

• motor planning and movement difficulties

• reliance on visual cues or other cog strategies to motor plan, guide movements, and perform tasks

• too much/too little force

  • stomping, breaking objects

• poor personal space awareness

• seeks heavy resistance and pressure

vestibular seeking disorder manifestations

• hypersensitivty to movement

  • aversion to movement

• hyposensitivity to movement

  • intense vestibular stimulation without complaints of feeling dizzy; thrill seeker unaware of danger

• gravitational insecurity

  • excessive fear of falling

• low muscle tone

• postural-ocular deficits

• decreased balance and equilibrium reactions

• bilateral coordination deficits

• low endurance

• deficient motor planning and sequencing

• behavior responses

sensory based motor disorder

• deficits in proprioceptive and vestibular systems

• dyspraxia

• postural disorders

eval for sensory disorders

• parent/caregiver interview

• teacher interview

• formal assessment of sensory processing

• informal observations of performance and behavior

• formal assessment of observations

• standardized tests