Ep 07 - Guest Expert: Erin Grujic, Occupational Therapist, Sensory Integration in Youth

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan, host
Anna, teen co-host
Erin Grujic, Occupational Therapist

Tara, Anna, and Erin (our guest expert) discuss:

1. What is an occupational therapist? How do they support their clients?

2. What is sensory integration?

Erin notes that we have 7-8 sensory systems and some (or all) of these sensory systems can become easily overloaded, impacting our functioning if our brain misinterprets this sensory information as negative. If this happens, kids can get distressed, resulting in a fight-or-flight response that leads to crying, tantrums, covering their ears, refusing to participate, running away, or showing anger. Erin observes that quarantine--the disruption of routine--is contributing to an abbreviated "window of tolerance."

Erin provides a helpful analogy about us all having a "cup" that needs to be filled with sensory information. If the cup isn't completely filled (kids are under-stimulated), kids can seek more input. If the cup is overflowing, kids can get overwhelmed easily and want to avoid sensory stimulation.

3. How do kids develop sensory integration problems?

Kids benefit from having parents who can be responsive to child's sensory needs.Tara discusses having to modify her parenting style with her son, as he demonstrated sensory sensitivity as an infant and toddler. He found loud noises and having sun in his eyes to be distressing. Tara relates to this, as she's also sensitive to loud noises, sun in her eyes, fans blowing on her, etc.

4. Are kids with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, or ADHD more susceptible to sensory integration difficulties?

Erin notes that it's essential to figure out the "function" of kids' behavior---what need are they trying to meet? For example, they may be seeking attention, sensory input, or avoidance of unpleasant tasks. We want kids have an increased "bandwidth" to tolerate sensory information.

5. What strategies can parents use in the home environment to support their children's sensory development?
    - recognizing triggers
    - using strategies to increase their bandwidth, or tolerance, of these triggers so kids can        stay at their "just right" level
    - make sure to PLAY with your kids; let them get messy and be a little bit risky
    - help your kids co-regulate---adjust their environment to set the stage for success

6. Do you ever feel that parents take it personally when their kids "misbehave" as the result of sensory issues?

7. What are some indicators that can help determine whether it's necessary to consult an OT about your child's sensory issues?

Erin notes that OT's can provide a comprehensive assessment to determine whether a child could benefit from intervention from an OT.

You can find more information about Erin and her mobile clinic at Sensational Path.

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To learn more about Dr. Tara Egan, visit HERE or  HERE.

"One Day You'll Thank Me" is edited by Laura Bauder from PodcastHers.