Presented by Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L
Individuals with Fragile X (FXS) 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.
Runtime: 1:00:18
Additional resources and controls for this video are accessible just below the video: Play/pause, volume, subtitles, view transcript, watch as picture-in-picture, or in fullscreen mode.
About the Speaker
Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR
Executive Director, Co-Founder, and Occupational Therapist, Developmental FX
Tracy Murnan Stackhouse 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 degree in developmental psychology/neuroscience. She received her NDT (neurodevelopmental treatment) training with Lois Bly. She is SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test) certified and was the clinical specialist in sensory integration at the Children’s Hospital Colorado 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 OT. Tracy is a member of the National Fragile X Foundation Clinical Research Consortium and the NFXF Scientific & Clinical Advisory Committee.
Additional Resources
When discussing Fragile X syndrome and behavior, it is important to note that — like every person — the focus should be on the individual. Many behaviors are positive, and it is those behaviors you will see most often in addition to challenging behaviors. Behavior problems serve a purpose (or a function) and are often a form of communication. Addressing behavioral challenges in an individual with FXS should start with a comprehensive evaluation. A proactive approach with appropriate support and accommodations will likely foster positive outcomes and set up the individual with FXS to succeed in their home, school, or community.