What is sensory integration?

Sensory integration is the process whereby the brain interprets information taken in by the senses in order to make a meaningful response. Sensory experiences include sight, taste, touch, smell, sound, sense of body position, and the pull of gravity. Sensory integration is an activity that is automatically performed by the brain. For some this process is inefficient and causes difficulty in performing everyday activities.

Who has problems with sensory integration?

Problems with sensory integration are found in individuals throughout the lifespan, in all intellectual levels and throughout all socioeconomic groups. Examples of individuals who may have difficulties with sensory integration may include premature birth, autism and autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and stress related disorders. According to independent research studies approximately 70% of individuals in schools with a learning disability has difficulties with sensory integration.

What are some signs and symptoms of sensory processing disorders?

Some signs and symptoms of sensory processing disorders may include:

• Decreased attention to task
• Easily distracted
• Always on the move – unable to sit still
• Picky eater
• Behavioral concerns such as aggression or impulsiveness
• Low tone, slouched posture while seated
• Dislikes grooming activities including brushing teeth, brushing hair, getting hair cut, etc...
• Spinning, spurts of running, thrill seeking behaviors
• Social and/or emotional difficulties
• Difficulty making transitions
• Delays in speech, language, or motor coordination
• Inability to calm self
• Clumsiness
• Activity level that is unusually high or low
• Mouths, licks, chews non food items
• Difficulty making eye contact
• Difficulty following multi-step directions
• Has a need for routine or sameness
• Poor handwriting or awkward pencil grasp

Is a sensory processing disorder (SPD) different from dysfunction in sensory integration?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Dysfunction in Sensory Integration are the same. Sensory Processing Disorder is more commonly used in the research community while Sensory Integration Dysfunction is used more by clinicians.

What causes SI problems?

Research has not given us one answer for this question. SI problems appear to be due to a number of causes including genetics, prematurity, exposure to toxins, etc.

Can SPD be cured?

SPD cannot be cured, but sensory integration therapy with an occupational therapist can assist an individual in decreasing the affects of this disorder. Through a sensory integration approach, nervous systems can be changed thereby helping that individual better process sensory information.

Will SI problems go away as my child grows up?

No. SI problems have not been shown to go away as a child grows up. Adults have more choice in daily routines and activities which may allow for them to adjust for some of their SI difficulties thereby minimizing the appearance of dysfunction. Adults can receive sensory integration therapy and have reported an improvement in their symptoms.

What steps can be taken if my child has sensory processing disorders?

If you suspect that your child has a sensory processing disorder, contact our office and our director will discuss your concerns with you. If we believe that your child may benefit from therapy an evaluation should be completed. You should obtain a prescription from your child's physician for an occupational therapy evaluation. Then you will need to set up an appointment for your child's initial evaluation, which will last approximately one hour. Your therapist will ask questions regarding your child's medical history and previous experience with therapy programs. The therapist will evaluate your child's skill level in a non-threatening manner. The therapist will then provide recommendations regarding the frequency of future visits and suggestions for other home activities. Your therapist will discuss concerns and goals with you in order to set up an individualized treatment plan. The plan is then sent to the child's primary physician for authorization. Once the plan is signed and returned to the therapist, then regular therapy sessions may begin. Your therapist will contact you to setup dates and times for your child's therapy sessions. You will receive your formal evaluation results on the day of your first therapy session.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is a profession devoted to helping individuals function optimally in their daily occupations or activities. The occupations of children include play, self-help skills, learning and social interactions. When working with children, Occupational Therapy facilitates the development of age-appropriate sensory and motor functions to promote a child's ability to play, learn and interact in their environment.

What is a sensory diet?

A sensory diet is a list of activities that can be performed on either a daily or weekly basis. These activities are scheduled into routines to assist the individual to obtain an optimal state of arousal to aid that individual in learning and developing functional skills. A sensory diet also assists the individual in developing body awareness. A sensory diet is developed by an occupational therapist, but can be carried out by family, educators, or the individuals themselves.

What is the Interactive Metronome?

The Interactive Metronome (IM) is a brain-based assessment & treatment program developed to directly improve the processing abilities that affect motor planning and sequencing. IM promotes and enhances brain performance and recovery. This is accomplished by using innovative neurosensory and neuromotor exercises developed to improve the brain's inherent ability to repair or remodel itself through a process called neuroplasticity.

Who can use the Interactive Metronome?

Individuals with Sensory Integration Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Non-verbal Learning Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), Balance Disorders, Limb Amputation, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to name a few have been shown to make vast improvements when utilizing the IM in addition to traditional therapeutic interventions.

How can the Interactive Metronome help my child?

The IM has been shown to improve Attention & Concentration, Motor Planning & Sequencing, Language Processing, Behavior (Aggression & Impulsivity), Balance and Gait, Endurance, Strength, Motor Skills and Coordination.

Where can I find additional information on the Interactive Metronome?

Additional information on the IM can be found at www.interactivemetronome.com. Here you can find case studies and clinical research.

What is Therapeutic Listening?

Therapeutic listening is an evidence-backed protocol that combines a sound-based intervention with sensory integrative activities to create a comprehensive program that is effective for diverse populations with sensory challenges. Therapeutic Listening can impact sensory modulation, attention, behavior, postural organization, and speech and language difficulties.

How can Therapeutic Listening Help my child?

Therapeutic Listening coupled with sensory integration has also been shown to increase attention, organized behavior, self regulation, postural control, bilateral coordination, praxis, fine motor control, oral motor/ articulation, social skills, communication, and visual motor integration.

Where can I find additional information on Therapeutic Listening?

For additional information you can go to the website www.vitallinks.net to view a more comprehensive explanation of therapeutic listening. There is also research and case studies available.

Will my insurance pay for the services that you offer?

At this time The Center for TLC accepts most insurances. The reimbursement for services varies from provider to provider. For the most accurate information on your insurance benefits please contact your insurance company. Feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in determining what your benefits are.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a method used to increase the amount of oxygen supplied to the body by increasing both the atmospheric pressure and the concentration of oxygen.

What does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy do?

Increasing the atmospheric pressure creates an environment where oxygen gas dissolves more easily into the surrounding liquids, such as the blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluids. This increased oxygenation allows for many health benefits, such as cell growth and regeneration, detoxification, immune support, new capillary growth, and improved neurological functioning.

What are the different types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

There are three different types of HBOT:

High Pressure HBOT -also known as hard shell, hospital grade HBOT, or just HBOT. The pressure used in this type of HBOT is above 2 absolute atmospheres.

Low Pressure HBOT- refers to pressures below 2 absolute atmospheres.

Mild HBOT- is a very low pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy administered at 1.3 absolute atmospheres.

How are the different types of HBOT used?

Each type of hyperbaric oxygen therapy has its advantages and disadvantages. The higher pressures are very useful in acute illnesses, and the lower pressures are safer, generally without major side-effects, and better for chronic illnesses.

Is HBOT covered by insurance?

HBOT is currently approved by the FDA for 13 conditions that are often covered by insurance including:

• Diabetic Foot Ulcer
• Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
• Refractory Osteomyelitis
• Burns
• Air Embolism
• Decompression Sickness
• Intracranial Abscess
• Gas Gangrene
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Crush Injury
• Severe Anemia
• Compromised Skin Grafts
• Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Why doesn't insurance cover HBOT for autism or other neurological disorders?

For these other medical and neurological issues, HBOT is not yet FDA approved, and is therefore usually not covered by insurance. The use of HBOT to treat these conditions is considered “off-label”. Off-label treatments are common in medicine.

Is HBOT safe?

Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very safe for most people, there are a few medical conditions for which treatment with extra oxygen under pressure is contraindicated (not recommended). If a patient does not have any of these conditions, then HBOT is generally considered safe for that patient.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
The following is a list of the conditions in which HBOT treatment is not recommended:

• Acute asthma attack
• High Fever
• Uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Optic Neuritis
• Pneumothorax
• Known ear infection or blocked ear canals
• Known sinus infection or upper respiratory infection
• Aneurism
• Glaucoma
• Pregnancy
• Severe heart or lung disease
• Congenital spherocytosis
• Currently taking any of these medications: Cisplatinum, Disulphiram, or Doxorubicin

Are there any side effects with using HBOT?

Although most people do not experience any negative side-effects from hyperbaric oxygen treatments (other than “ear-popping” sensations during pressurization), some temporary side-effects are possible. Most of the time, patients report a wonderful increase in energy, mental clarity, and sense of well-being from HBOT.

Common side effects include:

• Ear and sinus discomfort – due to the changes in pressure within the chamber. (Can be minimized by techniques to “EQUALIZE THE PRESSURE” of the ears, or by inflating more slowly.)
• Temporary blurry vision.

Rare side effects include:

• Temporary headache or nausea - Can be caused by die-off of pathogenic organisms and/or enhanced detoxification.
• Temporary drowsiness
• Temporary hyperactivity
• Temporary neurological regression – from die-off, or enhanced detoxification and mobilization of toxins.
• Temporary dizziness
• Temporary claustrophobia – this can be reduced by relaxation techniques and maintaining communication with the HBOT technician.

What does HBOT do for autism?

Increasing research shows that in autism and other neurological disorders, there are areas of the brain with low blood flow and oxygen, and that after treatment with HBOT the blood flow and level of activity in these portions of the brain returns to normal. Children with autism who have completed mHBOT treatments have almost universally benefited to some degree from the treatment. Children on the autism spectrum experience improvement in a wide range of their symptoms with mHBOT treatments, including increased language ability, better socialization, less aggression, improved bowel function, and better cognition, to name a few.

What conditions can be treated by HBOT?

HBOT works not by curing a disease, but instead by lessening the body’s inflammatory response and restarting idling cells. It is not only effective on traumatic brain injuries, but also on problems such as stroke, birth injury, cerebral palsy, MS, and autism.

What is the treatment protocol for HBOT?

TLC follows the most commonly recommended protocol beginning with 40 one hour sessions of HBOT at 1.3 ATA that are completed once or twice a day 5 days a week. After the initial 40 visits, the course of treatment will be re-evaluated.

Why is TLC offering HBOT?

TLC conducted a small study last summer to test the effectiveness of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, also known as mHBOT. TLC completed the study with two families, each completing 2 sessions a day, 5-6 days per week for 3 months. Each child completed over 100 hours in the chamber. Each child completed The Autism Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) before beginning treatment and every 20 visits thereafter. The ATEC measures how severely an individual is affected by Autism. Both children decreased their ATEC scores by 20% (the lower the score, the less impaired).We were so happy with the results that we bought a chamber and are now offering it to our patients as a part of their therapy. Research studies report that HBOT is helpful for a variety of children with neurodevelopmental impairments. The children realize improvements in eye contact, cognitive ability, socialization, sleep, calmness, language, and decreased stereotypical behaviors (stimming).