Reflection

Reflecting on what I have learnt while writing this blog, I can see sensory modulation as a field of occupational therapy practice that would benefit mental health settings in New Zealand. Although I have only explored two aspects of sensory modulation in this blog I am aware of how in-depth sensory modulation can be.

I think one of the most important things that sensory modulation provides for any client is the ability to identify their unique tendencies and preferences, and how these patterns influence self-organisation. Learning skills that can be transferred into other environments encourages the client to use these as ongoing interventions once returning to their own home. I cannot conclusively say that sensory modulation is the best treatment for every client; however I do think that the strategies sensory modulation uses can benefit anyone, even if it is simply providing a relaxing and calm environment for the client.

Occupational therapy is a profession concerned with enabling clients to lead meaningful lives and provide them with the opportunity to engage in daily activities. Sensory modulation provides an opportunity for occupational therapists to promote engagement in therapeutic activities, self care and social participation.

A barrier I can see potentially affecting the set up of sensory rooms in acute mental health services is funding. This must be considered as staff will need to continuously monitor the sensory room and provide their time to setting up the policy and procedures with the clients. The acute service will need a room available that suits the requirements of the sensory room, and there will be additional costs for the equipment. I think this is barrier that can be overcome as the benefits the sensory room provide for the client and the promotion of recovery on the ward will be significant.

I would love to hear your thoughts on my blog so please feel free to comment.

Examining Schizophrenia and Sensory Modulation Disorder

I have just read an article on examining schizophrenia and sensory modulation disorder. The article introduces the concept that sensory modulation disorder is present in clients with schizophrenia. Although the results suggest that adults with schizophrenia also demonstrate sensory modulation disorder, more research needs to be conducted to support this theory.

The research in this article is relevant to occupational therapists as it increases understanding of behaviours related to schizophrenia that interfere with occupational performance, providing opportunities to make unique and valuable contributions to the services and the teams they are working in. Although more research needs to be carried out, people suffering from schizophrenia can benefit from sensory modulation just like all clients with a mental illness. Many individuals with mental health conditions live in a state of fear and disorganization. It is the strategies that focus on increasing individual’s ability to specifically interpret, organise and respond to sensory input that improves recovery for clients. Even if the person does not have sensory modulation disorder, they will still benefit from sensory modulation due to their lack in ability to engage and make the correct responses with their environment.

Unfortunately I was unable to attach the link to the blog; however you should be able to find the article in Google search.

Olsen, L. (2010). Examining schizophrenia and sensory modulation disorder: A review of the literature. American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

The following is a list of examples of some of the potential benefits of the use of sensory modulation strategies:

• Increased self-awareness
• Increased ability to self-nurture
• Increased resilience
• Increased self-esteem and body image
• Increased ability to engage in therapeutic activities
• Increased ability to engage in self-care activities
• Increased ability to engage in meaningful life roles
• Increased ability to engage in social activities
• Increased ability to cope with triggers

Sensory Diet Checklist

A sensory diet should incorporate the following;

•Prevention strategies
•Crisis intervention strategies
•A personalized sensory kit
•The type and amount of support needed to succeed
•Sensory supportive space(s)


I have attached a sensory diet checklist, created by Tina Champagne, of activities people may use or do in order to decrease and/or prevent stress.

http://www.ot-innovations.com/images/stories/PDF_Files/sensory_diet_checklist_2007pdf.pdf

Sensory Diets

“A sensory diet refers to those experiences an individual's system needs in order to self-organise and function throughout each day” (Champagne, 2008). We typically engage in these experiences without consciously knowing the complexity or the purpose they serve, however it is beneficial that we gain an awareness of our own unique way of doing things. Supporting clients to create an individualised sensory diet, will give them an increased self awareness and ability to perform daily tasks.

When creating a sensory diet, it is important to support individuals to consider meaningful and purposeful ideas for both preventative purposes and for use during crisis states. Practice may also be necessary with some of the chosen techniques in order to experience the full benefit. Creating a daily or weekly schedule incorporating those things the person finds most beneficial is one of the ways to begin planning for the implementation of the sensory diet.

Having a planned and scheduled program to meet an individual’s specific need is a concept that I think would work well in a mental health setting. Having a set program, designed to encourage the management of a client’s awareness of their body functions, is a desirable way to implement meaningful and purposeful activities to promote recovery. As occupational therapists need to monitor and evaluate sensory diets, which is a continual process, it provides an opportunity to integrate sensory modulation into community settings.

A great way to provide a calm environment in your sensory room is to play relaxing music. Listen to this youtube clip as see how relaxed you get!!

Tips On Creating A Sensory Room

It is essential to involve both staff and clients in each step of the process to create the perfect sensory room for your service. Meaningful items and themes for rooms can be established through actively involving everyone who will be using the treatment space. No sensory rooms are ever the same because this is not a standard process and it will become a unique and meaningful therapeutic space.

I have provided links to web sites that help to assist with starting up a sensory room. These ideas are not all-inclusive and the ideas presented may not be suitable for all settings or populations.

This is an example of a policy and procedure which is essential for the use of a sensory room. By having this set in place there are clear expectations on the use of the room for all staff and clients.
http://www.ot-innovations.com/images/stories/PDF_Files/demo_sensory_room_policy_2006-1.pdf

This is a list of equipment that can be used in a sensory room.
http://www.ot-innovations.com/pdf_files/Starting_up_sensory_Room_web.pdf

More ideas!!
http://www.sensoryconnectionprogram.com/sensory_room3.pdf