Conference Presentation

Hands-on Sensory & Body-Based (Somatic) Self-Regulation for Hyperarousal & Anxiety in FXS

01 h 00 m

Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR, addresses the topic of individuals with Fragile X syndrome often struggling with anxiety, hyperarousal, sensory reactivity, and behavioral difficulties that arise from internal and external overwhelm.

About the Webinar

Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR
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Individuals with Fragile X syndrome often struggle with anxiety, hyperarousal, sensory reactivity, and behavioral difficulties that arise from internal and external overwhelm. Recent findings from the FORWARD database suggest that these difficulties are the leading cause of reduced quality of life and that proper treatment is not provided to address this area of need.

This session focuses on active sensory and body-based strategies that are evidence-based and aimed to directly reduce hyperarousal, tame anxiety, and limit the negative impact of sensory reactivity. Such strategies directly support overall self-regulation which in turn leads to increased quality of life.

Additional Resources

Managing Behaviors in Fragile X Syndrome
When discussing Fragile X syndrome and behavior, it is important to note that — like every person — the focus should be on the individual.

About the Presenter

Tracy Stackhouse

Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR, is co-founder and executive director of Developmental FX in Denver, Colorado. She is a leading pediatric occupational therapist involved in clinical treatment, research, mentoring, and training regarding OT intervention for persons with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially Fragile X syndrome and autism. Tracy has a master’s in developmental psychology/neuroscience. She received her NDT (neuro-developmental treatment) training with Lois Bly. She is SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) certified and was the clinical specialist in sensory integration at the Children’s Hospital in Denver as well as the OT for the Fragile X Research and Treatment Center. Tracy continued her clinical and research work with Dr. Randi Hagerman at the UC Davis MIND Institute during its start-up year prior to starting Developmental FX.

Tracy has written several book chapters on sensory integration and neurodevelopmental disorders and teaches nationally and internationally on sensory integration, autism, Fragile X, and related topics. She is the lead author for the SpIRiT and STEPSI Clinical Reasoning Tools which are leading-edge evidence-based models in pediatric occupational therapy. Tracy is also a member of the Fragile X Clinical & Research Consortium and the NFXF Advisory Committee.