Reflection

I have really enjoyed the process of designing this blog and learning about sensory modulation in mental health settings and benefits that it provides for service users. I hope that this blog could be useful for other people who are interested in learning about sensory modulation. I have covered many areas in my blog such as; sensory diets, impact on function, OT perspective, benefits and seclusion and restraint.

Upon reflecting on what I have learnt so far I believe that sensory modulation is beneficial to mental health services and that we as occupational therapists are in a unique position to provide training and education to service users and staff to provide treatment that is more client-centred and an alternative to seclusion and restraint. Sensory modulation promotes engagement in therapeutic activities, self-care, and leisure, all of which are central to occupational therapy.  

Sensory Diets

A sensory diet can be described as "the experience an individuals system needs in order to self-organise and function throughout each day" (Champagne, 2006). We often engage in activities without knowing their complexity or the purposes they serve so it is beneficial to facilitate an increased awareness system to help a client understand and be aware of their unique patterns and preferences. When creating a sensory diet it is important to consider meaningful ideas for both preventative purposes and use during crisis states (Champagne, 2006). The therapist needs to use effective communication skills in order to gather as much information from the client as possible to collect a comprehensive history. Sensory diets are currently being used in many different mental health settings such as treatment plans, crisis prevention plans, activity programmes and many other creative ways. By understanding a persons individual sensory tendencies, crisis and restraint and seclusion can be avoided, ensuring a more client-centered and humane approach.

References
Champagne, T. (2006). Sensory diets. Retrieved from http://www.ot-innovations.com

Functional impact of sensory processing problems

Below are some examples of the functional impact of sensory processing problems:

Tactile Defensiveness:
Strong clothing preferences and avoidances e.g. clothes feeling itchy
Aversion to showers
Aversion to clothes tags or jewellery
Dislike the feeling of bare feet
Discomfort with suprise touch e.g. hugging, hand-shaking
Discomfort with intimate relationships
Vestibular Defensiveness

Riding in car causes vomiting

Poor balance

Aversive to walking down steep stairs

Visual Defensiveness

Sensitivity to visual stimuli e.g. brightness and contrast

Auditory Defensiveness

Defensive to sounds

Distracted when other people are talking

Olfactory/Oral Defensiveness

Nauseated by odours

Extreme food preferences

Praxis

Difficulty learning new skills particularly learning numbers, letters and spatial organisation

Life impact

Discomfort with touch affecting interpersonal behaviour

Discomfort in crowded places

Frequently feel anxious and tense

Avoidance of social events due to need to dress up

Need to maintain own space

Avoid routine medical procedures e.g. shots, dentist

Often describe self as extremely neat, organised, routine orientated

The occupational therapist needs to be aware of the sensory processing problems that could impact on their clients ability to engage in everyday life. For example social events, work, leisure, parenting, and organisation skills. May-Benson (2011) discusses how cccupational therapists are in a unique position to expand their practice into areas where sensory processing issues may impact on people.

References

May-Benson, T. (2011). Understanding the occupational therapy needs of adults with sensory processing disorder. OT Practice, 16(10),13-18.

Short clip about the positive effects of sensory modulation