Intervention for Sensory Integration Disorders

Because many males, and some females, with fragile X syndrome have a variety of sensory integration disorders, occupational therapy, medication, and combined occupational-speech-educational therapy are often indicated. Occupational therapists are vital to the educational and therapeutic teams, as they can work with sensory integration disorders, arousal levels, tactile defensiveness, fine motor weaknesses, and oral motor needs. Occupational therapists often design a "sensory diet" for an individual with fragile X, finding the best combination and timing of various sensory inputs.

An occupational therapist (OT) is someone who is trained to provide assessment and therapy for fine motor, self-help, and sensory integration disorders.  Occupational therapy may be provided in early intervention, early childhood, and school programs, in work settings, and through private agencies, such as Easter Seals.

Free Brochure:

What kinds of assessments are completed by occupational therapists for children and adults with fragile X syndrome?

What medical intervention needs to be sought for children with fragile X syndrome to help in sensory processing?

How might occupational therapists provide services to children with fragile X syndrome?

What kinds of goals and strategies are most important in occupational therapy for children with fragile X syndrome?

Gail Harris-Schmidt, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois

Additional Information:

• Environmental Structure and Routine
  By Mouse and Tracy, March 2008
• A Primer on Sensory Integration
  By Tara Mulvany, MOTR/L, CSI, December 2007
• Strategies for Day-to-Day Life
  By Mouse & Tracy, November 2006
• What is Occupational Therapy?
  By Deborah Kwan, OTR/L, Fall 2001

Books

• Answers to Questions Teachers Ask about Sensory Integration: Forms, Checklists, and Practical Tools for Teachers and Parents by Jane Koomar, Carol Kranowitz, Stacey Szklut, Lynn Balzer-Martin, Elizabeth Haber, Deanna Iris Sava, 2001.
• The Everything Parent's Guide to Sensory Integration Disorder: Get the Right Diagnosis, Understand Treatments, and Advocate for Your Child by Terri Mauro, Sharon A. Cermak, 2006.
• Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder by Carol Stock Kranowitz, 2006.
• The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder by Carol Stock Kranowitz, 2006.
• Parenting a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder: A Family Guide to Understanding and Supporting Your Sensory-Sensitive Child by Christopher R. Auer, Susan Blumberg, 2006.
• Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues by Lindsey Biel, Nancy Peske, 2005.
• Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder by Lucy Jane Miller, Doris A. Fuller, 2007.
• The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book: Practical Answers to the Top 250 Questions Parents Ask (Answer Book Series) by Tara Delaney, 2008.
• Sensory-Sensitive Child: Practical Solutions for Out-of-bounds Behavior by Karen A. Smith, Karen R. Gouze, 2005.
• Starting Sensory Integration Therapy: Fun Activities That Won't Destroy Your Home by Bonnie Arnwine, 2006.
• Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World by Sharon Heller, 2003.
• Understanding Sensory Dysfunction Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adhd, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorder by Polly Godwin Emmons, Liz McKendry Anderson, Kingsley, 2005.

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