MADISON GARTMAN, OTSFULTON STATE HOSPITAL

BIGGS MAXIMUM SECURITY UNIT

Sensory Integration

What is Sensory Integration?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7_mCJzegi4&feature=player_embedded

Possible Interventions

Weighted vests, blankets, and animals Compression vest

Body socksStress ballsMusic Art Activities related to client’s interestAttending comfort room

Research

Clients who experience: Lack of sleep and increased agitation

Relaxation videotape prior bedtime Sleep habits and overall mood improved

Self-harm to manage distress Snapping a rubber band against one’s wrist, holding ice in hand, or

biting into a lemon Symptoms improved

Anxiety disorders Progressive relaxation and deep breathing techniques

Improved mood Agitated behaviors

Application of lemon balm to the face and arms on a daily basis were found to be effective

Compression vests

Survey for Current NOP Client at BIGGS

Current NOP Client at BIGGS

NOP Clients

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

TotalClients SurveyedClients w/ Sensory Tool

Current NOP Clients at BIGGS

What Sensory Tool Do You Have?

Wt Blanket

Wt Animal

Wt Blanket + Animal

Wt Blanket + Stress Ball

Do You Use It?

Yes No

Sometimes

Current NOP Clients at BIGGS

Do you think the sensory tool helps? Majority: Yes

4 – No; 2 – Sometimes; 12 – Yes Responses include:

Wt blanket helps me sleep Keeps me warm, calm I use it [wt animal] for looks on my bed Sometimes helps I use stress balls when I’m nervous Wt vest would help calm me down vs. eating a bunch of ice I like the weight on my chest **I sometimes act out so staff has to hold me down… the

pressure calms me down. I think a vest would help keep me calm.

What does this mean?

Clients may not realize the purpose of utilization Educate client and staff

Is the sensory diet client specific? Not all clients need a wt blanket

Document and analyze client’s pre- and post behaviors Has the behavior improved since intervention?

References

Ben-Avi, N., Almagor, M., & Engel-Yeger, B. (2012). Sensory processing difficulties and interpersonal relationships in adults: an exploratory study. Psychology, 3(1), 70-77. doi: 10.4236/psych.2012.31012

Champagne, T., & Stromberg, N. (2004). Sensory approaches in inpatient psychiatric settings: innovative alternatives to seclusion & restraint. Journal Of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 42(9), 34.

Cummings, K., Grandfield, S., & Coldwell, C. (2010). Caring with comfort rooms: reducing seclusion and restraint use in psychiatric facilities. Journal Of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 48(6), 26-30. doi:10.3928/02793695-20100303-02

Mailloux, Z., Mulligan, S., Roley, S., Blanche, E., Cermak, S., Coleman, G., & ... Lane, C. (2011). Verification and Clarification of Patterns of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction. American Journal Of Occupational Therapy, 65(2), 143-151. doi:10.5014/ajot.2011.000752

SPD Life. (2010). SPD symptoms. Retrieved June 15, 2013, from http://www.spdlife.org.

Sensory-Processing-Disorder. Sensory processing disorder checklist: signs and symptoms of dysfunction. Retrieved June 15, 2013, from http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com.

The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile: User's manual. Brown, C. & Dunn, W. The Psychological Corporation: San Antonio, TX, 2002.