Sensory

Integration
Disorder

How to identify in
your class

Treatment

Look for the following features

as signs of SPD in primary aged
children:

Description
Also commonly known as
Sensory Processing Disorder
(SPD), this condition is apparent
when sensory signals dont get
organized into appropriate
responses. Students with SPD
often find it difficult to process
sensory information due to
increase or limited input from
their senses.
3 components of SPD:
Sensory Modular Disorder
problem interpreting sensory
messages

Heightened reactivity to sound

Under-reactive to some sensations

Appears to be in their own world

Has difficulty regulating their own

behaviours

Shows a need for control and easily

frustrated

Poor sleep habits

May be clumsy and show poor motor

skills. E.g. look at their handwriting.

Easily distressed during self-care tasks

such a tying shoe laces

Difficulty transitioning between tasks

Poor attention

Difficulty forming and maintaining

friendships

Treatment for sensory processing

disorder consists of occupational
therapy involving the following
(dependent on students needs)
!

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder-

issue with movements and
balance

Sensory Discrimination
Disorder- difficulty sensing
differences between senses

Patrick Devine s3433694

A sensory diet: not concerned

with eating but involves the
planning of a sequence of
activities for the student that
stimulates senses. Assists with
attention.
Expand their abilities:
extending their current skills to
facilitate success
Behaviour management:
establish consistent behaviour
management strategies.
The Wilbarger Protocol: joint
compressions and ordered
pressure to assist in sensory
regulation
Social Stories: developing short
descriptions of situations
including what to expect and
why.
Find more at:
www.childdevelopment.com.au
http://www.spdfoundation.net/

Teaching
Tools

Resources

Some strategies for supporting

students with SPD at school can
include:
-

Implementing daily
routines for each students
so they can predict
transitions

Give warning for

example, 2 min remaining
before moving through
activities

-
-

Use visual cues to support

changes
Maintain parent
communication so that
actions such as behaviour
management are
consistent
Developing their fine
motor skills and
handwriting through
painting and craft
activities.

Some cost-efficient means to keep

children with SPD calm and focused
include:
Body Sox a long sleeve that fits over
the body that assists in increasing body
awareness
Excersize ball chair offer movement
and bounce, both providing sensory
input.
In one study of SPD involving primary students
with Auditory processing difficulties. Students
were becoming frustrated and angry, and no
longer wanted to attend school.
The reaction in this case was a result of auditory
overload.
Students experiencing this may block their ears
during lots of noise and feel anxious amongst
large crowds.
In order to reduce sensitivity, the boy above
showed on Today Tonight was introduced to a
listening routine. 15 minutes as soon as he
wakes up and 15 minutes at the end of the day.
What he is listening to is classical music.
Research showed that this music produces
frequencies that are similar to background
noise, talking, and large crowds.
More on this sound therapy strategy can be
found at http://www.spdaustralia.com.au/the-
listening-program/

Chewy tubes these are rubber objects

that are small and chewable to help
children focus.
Bean bag chairs also assist in
providing whole body sensory input
Theraputty- malleable putty that can
be squished, stretched, molded and
other to provides sensory input, assists
in focus and fine motor development.

For more resources, activities, and

teaching strategies for students with SPD
see the following:
http://www.sensory-processing-
disorder.com/sensory-integration-
products.html
http://www.childdevelopment.com.au/
http://sensationalkidsot.com.au/home/sens
ory-processing/