Research Update: Bone, not adrenaline, drives fight or flight response [? could this be why proprioception helps reduce anxiety?]

Fascinating research adds to and challenges our existing knowledge. This recently published research is suggesting that the fight and flight response in vertebrates may in part be triggered by osteocalcin release via bones. This research raises so many questions regarding the evidence about why sensory integration may help support self regulation. It makes me wonder…

Research Update: Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) and Pain: A New Perspective

Pain and sensory integration difficulties including sensory sensitivity are thought to be features in many disorders including CFS/ME and hyper mobility. Recent research and evidence is exploring the links. Abstract “Sensory modulation disorder (SMD) affects sensory processing across single or multiple sensory systems. The sensory over-responsivity (SOR) subtype of SMD is manifested clinically as a…

Research Update: Occupational Therapy Interventions for Children and Youth With Challenges in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing: A School-Based Practice Case Example

From AOTA May 2019 “Evidence Connection articles provide case examples of how practice decisions may be informed by findings of systematic reviews sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association Evidence-Based Practice Project. This Evidence Connection article is the second article in a two-part series. The first article described a case report of occupational therapy provided…

CPD Update: Neurodevelopmental Soft Signs: Implications for Sensory Processing and Praxis Assessment—Part One

An interesting read, this AOTA CE Article links sensory integration and processing difficulties and higher functions linked to occupation and participation.  A table in the article links types of neurodevelopmental soft signs (NSS) in Occupational Therapy evaluation and underlying brain areas implicated in the literature, commenting that “Integrating clinical observations of NSS with advanced brain-based…

Research Update : Decoding Touch Sensitivity in Autism

“The inability to tolerate light touch is a telltale feature of autism and one of the disorder’s many perplexing symptoms. It has defied treatment and its precise origins have remained somewhat of a mystery. Now, a study led by investigators at Harvard Medical School’s Blavatnik Institute has not only identified the molecular aberrations that give rise to heightened…

Ayres’ Sensory Integration Therapy and Parents.

Does Ayres’ Sensory Integration only recently encompass working in collaboration with parents? No. Jean A Ayres absolutely recognised the importance of empowering parents and parent education to most effectively help children with sensory integration difficulties. She absolutely understood the value of psycho-education and what parents can do at home. from Sensory Integration and the Child,…

Sensory (and people) avoidance may be an appropriate adaptive response.

It turns out that some animals have changed their habits to survive competition with humans for space and resources humans. And it’s a relatively recent phenomenon. This got me thinking about our lives and I reminded of the question I ask when lecturing. It will give my age away but it’s relevant. When you grew…