Processing Disorder Research Articles

Sensory Sensitivity in Migraine without Aura Patients is Correlated with the Duration of the Disease and Comorbid Anxiety

Introduction: Migraine is a common neurological disease with a variety of sensory symptoms including pain, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hypersensitivity to light, sound and smell. Migraine patients can perceive some sensory signals as harmful and stressful due to differences in sensory processing. These signals can be a source of stress and anxiety for migraine patients. Related to these, the aim of our study was to examine the relationship between sensory profiles and pain characteristics and anxiety and depression findings in migraine patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 female migraine patients were evaluated for pain characteristics, sensory modulation with the Sensory Profile Questionnaire, and depression and anxiety with Anxiety and Depression Scale. In order to investigate the relationships between these variables, correlation analyses were conducted. Results: Our results suggest that migraine patients may have sensory processing disorders due to differences in their sensory profiles. Sensory profile scores representing sensory processing of migraine patients were found to be different from norm values. Migraine that starts at a younger age and lasts longer is associated with sensory processing disorders. In addition, patients with higher sensory sensitivity and sensory avoidance have more anxiety. Conclusion: Our study results will shed light on treatments that holistically address the physical, cognitive, and emotional factors of migraine patients depending on the relationships between sensory processing, anxiety and depression states and pain characteristics. Keywords: Migraine, sensory processing, pain, anxiety, depression

The Effects of Sensory Integration Therapy on Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SIT on developmentally disabled children with sensory integration disorder.

The Role of a Sensory Diet in Improving the Quality of Psychosocial Functioning of Students in Inclusive Education

Effective sensory processing is necessary for physiological regulation, the generation of appropriate behavioural responses and the development of academic skills. The physical environment in the classroom and at school can impact a child’s ability to become engaged in education. By creating proper sensory diets and a sensory-friendly classroom, teachers can help children achieve an optimal level of arousal and become successful students. That is why paying attention to the possibilities of creating a sensory-friendly environment is so essential as providing the appropriate amount of sensory stimuli tailored to students’ needs and capabilities. An in-depth literature review has been carried out to justify the role of a sensory diet and a sensory-friendly classroom. Analysing the theoretical and scientific context justifies the development of sensory programs in inclusive education. It shows the possibilities for both using and adapting them to the needs of students.

Podpora dieťaťa s osobitosťami v pohybovom prejave

The article discusses the issue of supporting a child with particularities in movement expression, which make it difficult for him to be included and to live in a kindergarten environment every day. It defines expression as a manifestation of internal and external factors in the context of sensory processing disorders in the child's preschool age. The contribution is a partial output of the KEGA project no. 0026UK-4/2021 Preventive Strategies of Specific Learning Disabilities in Terms of Graphomotor Skills in Preschool Age.

Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Women share their experiences of participating in a sensory-based home programme

INTRODUCTION: Sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) has only recently been described in women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD). However, female sexual pain is a virtually unknown area of practice for occupational therapists providing intervention for adults with SPD AIM: To describe the experiences of women with GPPPD with identified sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) who followed a sensory-based home programme METHODS: Purposive, non-probability sampling was used to recruit participants for the qualitative arm of the study after they presented with SPD in the quantitative part of the study. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to gather information and sufficient information power was reached after five participants were interviewed. Data were analysed descriptively using inductive thematic and saliency analyses RESULTS: Two themes were identified. Theme one: Changes experienced after participating in a sensory-based home programme, reflected increased insight into SPD (allowing participants to identify sensory triggers) and intra-personal changes (increased tolerance of sensory stimuli, feelings of control and I can breathe again). Theme two: Coping strategies employed by women with SPD and GPPPD, included sensory seeking, changes to home and work environments, positive reinterpretation/growth, acceptance, and socio-emotional support (you're not the only one. There are plenty of us out there CONCLUSION: A sensory-based home programme, catering to specific sensory profiles is beneficial as a non-invasive occupational therapy intervention approach (based on sensory integrative therapy) for women with both SPD and GPPPD Implications for occupational therapy: • SPD in the context of sexual pain is an emergent field in occupational therapy, thus occupational therapists need to expand service-delivery to this population and other practitioners such as gynaecologists must be alerted to occupational therapy as a non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical intervention option for patients. • Contribute to the knowledgebase of sensory integration in the adult population. • Improve the occupational therapist's role in sexuality. • Emphasize the importance of insight as part of a treatment programme.

Male and Female Toddlers with DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder have Similar Developmental Profiles and Core Autism Symptoms.

Compare developmental profiles and core ASD symptom manifestation between male and female toddlers with DSM-5 ASD. Retrospective record review of 500 toddlers (79% male) at time of ASD diagnosis. There were no differences in developmental functioning between males and females. When adjusting for multiple comparisons, sex differences were only noted for sensory seeking behavior occurring at a higher frequency in females. Overall, there were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, developmental functioning, or manifestation of core ASD symptoms between males versus female toddlers at the time of DSM-5 ASD diagnosis.

SENSORY PROCESSING CORRELATES WITH DEPRESSION AND PERCEIVED STRESS IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Sensory processing is defined as the ability to respond to sensory information from the environment and to act accordingly to the situational demands. Sensory processing is associated with anxiety in middle-aged adults, specifically in those with sensory over-responsiveness and under-responsiveness. It remains unclear how age-related change in sensory processing is correlated with mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlations between sensory processing patterns, depression, and perceived-stress in older adults. Respondents were recruited from community networks serving older adults. They were asked to complete an electronic survey, including the Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS), the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Center of Epidemiologic Depression Scale-Revised. ASPS has 11 factors related to over-responsive, under-responsive, and sensory seeking in visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive input.Of 148 older adults (Mean age = 72 years) completed the survey, 30% perceived moderate to high levels of stress, and 18% had depressive symptoms. The total score of the ASPS Scale is positively correlated with perceived stress (r=0.26; p=.001) and depression (r=0.27; p=.001). Specifically, those who were over-responsive to auditory and vestibular input, and under-responsive to proprioception had higher stress levels and greater depression.Sensory decline or impairment in older adults may alter older adults’ ability to process sensory information. As sensory processing has significant impact on anxiety and perceived stress in older adults, it should be considered in evaluation and intervention, particularly on audition, vestibular and proprioception. Including sensory-based approach may help better manage their mental health.

Longitudinal Relations Between Early Sensory Responsiveness and Later Communication in Infants with Autistic and Non-autistic Siblings.

Early differences in sensory responsiveness may contribute to difficulties with communication among autistic children; however, this theory has not been longitudinally assessed in infants at increased familial versus general population-level likelihood for autism (Sibs-autism vs. Sibs-NA) using a comprehensive battery of sensory responsiveness and communication. In a sample of 40 infants (20 Sibs-autism, of whom six were later diagnosed with autism; 20 Sibs-NA), we tested (a) associations between sensory responsiveness at 12-18months and communication 9months later and (b) evaluated whether such associations were moderated by sibling group, autism diagnosis, or age. We found negative zero-order correlations between sensory responsiveness (i.e., caregiver reported hyperresponsiveness and hyporesponsiveness; an observational measure of hyperresponsiveness) and later communication. Additionally, caregiver reported sensory seeking was negatively associated with later expressive communication only in Sibs-NA. Limitations include our relatively small sample size of infants diagnosed with autism. Implications for future research are discussed.

The experiencing sensory overload project (ESOP): developing an immersive simulation experience for healthcare professionals.

Atypical sensory processing is described as a difficulty in regulating and managing sensory input in a meaningful, ordered way to make sense of the world and environment in which you find yourself. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is common in individuals with autism, pervasive development disorders, and neurodivergent conditions [1,2,3]. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) [2] suggest sensory processing disorders are often overlooked by education, social, and healthcare professionals, leading to health and social inequalities with individuals less able to access ‘support and services that they need to live independently’ [2 p5]. The Experiencing Sensory Overload Project (ESOP) aims to champion inclusive practice and reduce health inequalities by encouraging and enabling healthcare professionals to reconsider their approach, and their working environments to create sensorily safe spaces for individuals who may experience sensory overload. The authors recognised there was insufficient education on SPD within the current nursing curriculum. To address this theory/practice gap, training was sought externally. This consisted of a short simulation-based activity with training delivered by carers who had experience of sensory overload. This was well evaluated by the student participants; however lecturing staff felt the training did not meet our university teaching and learning standards. The positive student feedback provided the impetus to forge links with digital arts colleagues to co-create a robust, pedagogically sound and immersive learning experience. The collaborative journey of ESOP has been led and facilitated by academics from the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Arts in a cross-school alliance ( Immersive learning experiences that recognise and champion diversity must be integrated into the curricular of all healthcare professionals to promote the highest standards of patient care. Meeting this demand with innovative, immersive technology demands collaborative working. This cross-school alliance has produced a learning experience that can work towards reducing health inequalities, promoting independence, and championing inclusive practice. The experiencing sensory overload project (ESOP) collaborative journey 2019–2022 1. Walbam KM. The relevance of sensory processing disorder to social work practice: An interdisciplinary approach. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal. 2014;31(1):61–70. 2. National institute Clinical Excellence. Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management. London: NICE; 2012. 1–42. CG142 3. Bolaños C, Gomez MM, Ramos G, Rios del Rio J. Developmental risk signals as a screening tool for early identification of sensory processing disorders. Occupational therapy international. 2016;23(2):154–164.

‘It’s dynamite!’: The role of popular music and the home–school connection in the special music education classroom

When teaching children with disabilities, the home–school music connection can be the key to keeping our students engaged and motivated while increasing students’ self-regulation and positive interactions with peers. This article aims to shed light on classroom experiences with popular music of two third-grade students with sensory processing disorder and on how ‘music sharing turns’ influenced their overall engagement and ability to self-regulate in music classes. Music sharing turns, a weekly music ‘show and tell’, provided opportunities to bring popular music and activities they enjoy at home into the classroom. The results show that the participants were easily engaged and experienced greater self-regulation and awareness of others during music sharing turns. Music sharing turns also provided a predictable environment for peer interaction with opportunities to take on leadership roles within the classroom while remaining open-ended in a way participants could make their own.

Migraine in the context of chronic primary pain, chronic overlapping pain disorders, and functional somatic disorders: A narrative review.

To contextualize migraine as the most common primary headache disorder in relation to other chronic primary pain and non-pain functional somatic and mental conditions. Migraine is increasingly understood as a sensory processing disorder within a broader spectrum of symptom disorders. This has implications for diagnosis and treatment. Narrative review based on a search of the literature of the last 15 years on the overlap of migraine with other symptom disorders. Migraine as the prototypical primary headache disorder not only comprises many non-headache symptoms in itself, it also shows high comorbidity with other chronic pain and non-pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, functional non-epileptic seizures, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder). Such "symptom disorders" share several etiological factors (e.g., female preponderance, psychological vulnerability) and psychophysiological mechanisms (e.g., altered sensory processing, pain expectancy). These facts are acknowledged by several recent integrative conceptualizations such as chronic primary pain, chronic overlapping pain conditions, or functional somatic disorders. Accordingly, migraine management increasingly addresses the total symptom burden and individual contributors to symptom experience, and thus incorporates centrally acting pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that is, psychological and behavioral, treatment approaches. Migraine and also other primary headache disorders should be seen as particular phenotypes within a broader spectrum of symptom perception and processing disorders that require integrative diagnostics and treatment. A harmonization of classifications and better interdisciplinary collaboration are desirable.

Sensory Processing Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Taking Stock of Assessment and Novel Therapeutic Tools.

Sensory processing disorders (SPDs) can be described as difficulty detecting, modulating, interpreting, and/or responding to sensory experiences. Because SPDs occur in many individuals with autism spectrum disorder and in other populations with neurodevelopmental disorders, it is important to distinguish between typical and atypical functioning in sensory processes and to identify early phenotypic markers for developing SPDs. This review considers different methods for diagnosing SPDs to outline a multidisciplinary approach useful for developing valid diagnostic measures. In particular, the advantages and limitations of the most commonly used tools in assessment of SPDs, such as caregiver reports, clinical observation, and psychophysical and neuroimaging studies, will be reviewed. Innovative treatment methods such as neuromodulation techniques and virtual reality will also be suggested.

Sensory Modulation Challenges: One Missing Piece in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Veterans with PTSD

Veterans with and without a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis were evaluated for presence of Sensory Modulation Challenges (SMC) using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and other measures. Those with PTSD showed significant SMC symptoms. Presence of SMC can contribute to explaining the PTSD symptoms of hyperarousal, avoidance/numbing, and Criterion E cited in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) (DSM-5-TR). Participants also received a consultation and handout explaining sensory diet, the occupational therapy self-treatment for their issues, especially hyperarousal. Despite the small sample size of the non-PTSD group, findings indicate that veterans with PTSD should be tested and treated for Sensory Modulation Challenges.

Prevention and treatment of behavioural and learning disorders with sensory integration therapy

Sensory integration disorders, which are often hidden in the background of learning and/or behavioural disorders, can cause serious difficulties in the daily activities of the students, in the implementation of learning and/or behaviour. Upon hearing the term ‘sensory integration’, two interpretations appear in the minds of professionals. On interpretation refers to the integration, sensory interconnection coordination and interdependence of sensory systems as a typical, neurological maturation process that provides the basis for subsequent learning and behavioural organisation processes. Based on a second interpretation, ‘sensory integration’ is a therapeutic methodology, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedure that provides assistance to people who are lagging behind in the maturation of sensing systems and perception processes. Learning and/ or behavioural disorders can be caused by impaired information acquisition processes, sensory modulation, and integration in the nervous system. The following study comprehensively presents the diagnostic process and the relationship between the learning and behavioural differences related to sensory integration disorders.

3.45 IQ as an Underlying Factor to Altered Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents With ASD

The objectives are to describe the pattern of sensory processing according to sensory over-responsivity (SOR), sensory under-responsivity (SUR), and sensory seeking (SK), in a sample of children and adolescents with ASD, and to analyze some particularities in the sensory factors, including their relations with age, sex, and IQ.

아동감각처리척도(Sensory Processing Scale for Children; SPS-C)의 판별타당도 연구

목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 국내에서 개발된 아동감각처리척도(Sensory Processing Scale for Children)를 사용하여 일반발달 아동과 감각처리문제 아동의 감각처리 능력을 비교하여 판별타당도를 알아보고자 하 였다. 연구방법 : 연구대상자는 3-5세의 일반발달 아동 68명과 감각처리문제 아동 83명의 보호자로 총 151명 을 대상으로 하였다. 연구 참여에 동의한 아동의 보호자에게 연구의 목적과 방법을 설명한 후 연구목적, 동의서, 아동감각처리척도(Sensory Processing Scale for Children), 단축감각프로파일(Short Sensory Profile), 일반적 특성 문항을 포함한 설문지를 발송 또는 전달하여 자료를 수집하였다. 분석방법은 아동 감각처리척도(Sensory Processing Scale for Children)의 판별타당도를 알아보기 위해 성별을 공변량 으로 하여 공분산분석을 실시하였다. 결과 : 연구결과 일반발달 아동과 감각처리문제 아동의 감각처리능력의 차이는 공변량인 성별의 영향(F=6.663, p=.807, partial =η2.000)을 받지 않은 것으로 나타났으며, 두 군에서 감각처리능력에 차이가 있는 것으로 나타났다(F=37.629, p=.000). 아동감각처리척도(Sensory Processing Scale for Children)의 감각영역에 서 총점과 모든 감각 영역에서 감각처리문제 아동이 일반발달 아동보다 평균점수가 낮았으며, 고유감각 (p=.097) 영역을 제외하고 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있었다. 아동감각처리척도(Sensory Processing Scale for Children)의 감각 요소에서 감각과민반응, 감각저반응, 그리고 감각구별 요소에서 감각처리문제 아동과 일반발달 아동은 통계적으로 유의미한 차이(p=.000)가 있었으나 감각찾기 요소는 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 없었다(p=.112). 결론 : 아동감각처리척도(Sensory Processing Scale for Children)는 감각처리문제 아동을 선별할 수 있 는 판별타당도가 있는 도구로 제시할 수 있으며, 앞으로 임상 환경에서 감각처리의 문제를 선별하거나 분 석, 해석, 그리고 중재계획 시 사용할 수 있으리라 생각한다.

The Effect of Sensory Diet on the Impulsivity of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Introduction: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a family-centered sensory diet program on the impulsivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The study population included all children with ADHD aged 6-12 years in Tehran, Iran referred to the clinics of Hasti, Bahar, and Masir-e Sabz in 2020. Of these, 30 children were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. The intervention group underwent 12 sessions of a family-centered sensory diet program, 3 days a week, each for 45 minutes based on the Wilbarger protocol. The used tools were the Wechsler intelligence scale for children-Fourth Edition to test intellectual ability and the Conners’ parent rating scale to diagnose ADHD in children. Independent t test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used in SPSS software v. 20 for data analysis.
 Results: In this study, the mean age of participants was 9.56±4.38 years, including 11 girls (36.6%) and 19 boys (63.3%), and the mean age of mothers of these children was 34.23±6.9. The mean impulsivity scores of children in the intervention group decreased and the results of the ANCOVA showed a statistically significant difference in the mean posttest scores between the two groups (P=0.001).
 Conclusion: The family-centered sensory diet program has a positive effect on the impulsivity of children with ADHD. It is recommended that therapists use the sensory diet program as a complementary therapy along with other therapeutic interventions.

Autistic children and adolescents with frequent restricted interest and repetitive behavior showed more difficulty in social cognition during mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multisite survey

BackgroundThe public health measures enacted in order to control the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have caused considerable changes to daily life. For autistic children and adolescents, adapting to the “new normal,” including mask-wearing, may be difficult because of their restricted interest and repetitive behavior (RRB) characteristics. We aimed to examine the relationships between RRB characteristics and the impact of mask-wearing on their social communications during the pandemic.MethodsWe recruited participants with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria from two outpatient clinics in Tokyo, Japan, between November 2020 and April 2021 using a convenience sampling methodology. As a result, the participants consisted of 102 children and adolescents (mean (SD) age = 11.6 (5.3)). We collected data on RRB characteristics frequency before and during the pandemic using the CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) – Adapted for Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental conditions (AFAR). We then conducted factor analyses to compute the RRB severity composite scores, which are divided into lower- (e.g., sensory seeking), and higher-order (e.g., restricted interest). We also investigated mask-wearing culture using a bespoke questionnaire, and using Spearman’s rank correlation analyses, we examined the relationships between before pandemic RRB characteristics, and the impact of mask-wearing on social communications during the pandemic.ResultsWe found that children and adolescents who exhibited lower-order RRB before the pandemic had difficulties in going-out with mask-wearing (rho = -0.25, q = .031), more challenges with mask-wearing (rho = − 0.34, q = .0018), and difficulty in referring to others’ emotions while wearing masks (rho = − 0.36, q = .0016). We also found an association between higher-order RRB before the pandemic and an uncomfortable sensation (rho = − 0.42, q = .0002) and difficulties in referring to other’s emotions while wearing masks (rho = − 0.25, q = .031).ConclusionsWe revealed that various behaviors, such as sensory seeking, repetitive motor mannerisms and movements, and rituals and routines, undertaken before the pandemic could be important predictors of difficulties with mask-wearing and social communication for autistic children and adolescents during the pandemic. Caregivers and teachers wearing masks may need to provide extra support for social communication to autistic children and adolescents showing RRB characteristics frequently.

Sensory Integration Disorders in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Sensory integration disorder (SID) is also called, interchangeably, sensory processing disorder (SPD). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, chronic, neurological disease of the central nervous system. Sensorimotor function disorders are present in both multiple sclerosis and SID. The study aimed to assess the SID among patients with MS and included 141 patients with relapse-remitting MS and 72 participants in the control group. To assess SID in both groups, a questionnaire prepared by Daniel Travis was used. Additionally, participants answered questions regarding their age, gender, handedness and in the study group about the duration of the disease, relapses in the past year and the advancement of the disease using EDSS. The occurrence of sensory seeking was significantly more frequent in the MS patients with relapses in the past year. Patients with MS had more often general disorders of sensory integration in the past. However, healthy subjects significantly more often showed the severity of social and emotional disorders in the past. Currently, the group of MS patients has a greater intensity of sensor-based motor abilities. The study revealed more severe SID in MS patients than in the control group. Still, more research is needed in this field.

Sensory processing in depression: Assessment and intervention perspective.

Few studies have examined sensory processing in mood disorders, including depression. The interactions between sensory inputs and adaptive behaviour have yet to be clarified in this pathology. We assessed sensory profiles among people with major depressive disorder (MDD) with the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile scale and determined whether sensory processing patterns were associated with clinical variables such as anxiety, depression, psychomotor retardation or self-esteem. We compared 25 participants with MDD (MDD group) and 25 healthy controls (HC group) to identify sensory processing patterns (low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation scale were used to assess depressive symptomatology. Both groups completed the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Frontal Assessment Battery and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory. The MDD group significantly differed from the HC group in each sensory processing patterns. They had higher low registration (p< 0.001), sensory sensitivity (p< 0.001) and sensation avoidance (p< 0.001) and lower sensation seeking (p= 0.005) than HC. Extreme sensory processing patterns in MDD patients were linked to depressive symptomatology, including anxiety. Sensory processing disorders should be assessed and taken into account when developing nondrug treatment strategies.