Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder Therapy in Clearwater, FL
Sensory Processing Disorder, also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, is like a road block in the brain. Sensory information is received in the brain, but the neurological “traffic jam” affects the ability to carry out a functional task. Sensory information, such as sound, movement, and touch, can be misinterpreted.
When Does Occupational Therapy Get Involved in Sensory Processing Concerns?
We work with a child and family when a child’s sensory-related issues affect home, school, and/or social dynamics. Our goal of therapy is to allow the child to achieve success by participating in daily activities, such as playing with friends, participating in school activities, and completing daily routines, all in the comfort of our Clearwater, FL clinic.
We Provide Therapy to Help With:
- Self-regulation/modulation- the ability to monitor and control one’s self in different times and settings throughout the day
- Posture
- Motor planning- the ability to understand, organize a plan, initiate, and execute a task
- Balance and coordination
- Body and spatial awareness
- Social interaction
- Motor skill development
- Focus and attention span
- Hyper-sensitivity to various input, such as touch, visual, sounds, smells, taste, and/or movement
- Lacks or has decreased awareness of various input, such as touch, visual, sounds, smells, taste, and/or movement
- Interacting in social situations
Therapy Tools We Use:
- Alert Program
- Essential oils
- Just Right Challenge
- Oral sensory motor input
- Proprioception tools
- Tactile (Touch) tools
- Therapeutic Listening®
- Vestibular tools
- Wilbarger Approach to Treatment of Sensory Defensiveness
Therapy Tool Details
Alert Program
An innovative program that teaches children how to choose appropriate strategies to change or maintain states of alertness. Used before important tests, social gatherings or other stress or “mentally engaging” tasks, this fun and innovative program can help children “tune in” and give their best in any endeavor and environment.
Just Right Challenge
Challenging, child-directed activities are chosen in a playful, motivating environment to encourage active engagement and increase confidence.
Oral Sensory Motor Input
Regulation can be achieved through oral sensory tools, such as whistles, chewy tools, and deep breathing techniques.
Proprioception Tools
The proprioceptive system is located within the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue. It is responsible for telling where your body is in space (body awareness) and safely maneuvering around the environment. Tools, such as weighted blankets, resistance tunnels and trampolines, are used to improve body, safety, and spatial awareness in daily settings.
Tactile (Touch) Tools
Tactile input includes discriminating different types of textures, differentiating pressure touch versus light touch, and identifying pain and temperature. We use a variety of modalities, such as fidgets, vibration, dry and messy play activities and much more to target the tactile system.
Therapeutic Listening®
A Sensory Integration program that focuses on stimulating and strengthening the vestibular core through music frequencies. Therapeutic Listening is an auditory intervention that uses the organized sound patterns inherent in music to impact all levels of the nervous system.
Vestibular Tools
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and is responsible for movement and balance. Tools, such as swings, monkey bars and foam pit, are used to improve balance and coordination.
Contact Us
727-724-KIDS (5437)
2753 State Road 580, Suite 111 | Clearwater, FL 33761
