![]() Having one or more OCD symptoms is associated with functional impairment and an increased risk for other behavior problems 8, 9. ![]() Among pediatric populations, 13–15% report at least one or more OCD symptoms 8, 9. However, many more individuals experience subclinical obsessive-compulsive symptoms in the absence of a formal diagnosis. Lifetime prevalence for juvenile-onset (usually 9–12 years) is relatively low (1–2.5%) 7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by persistent and ritualistic behaviors that are performed in response to intrusive thoughts, images, or ideas. ![]() Conversely, children identified as at-risk for SOR have more behavior problems than children not at-risk 3, 6. Nevertheless, children with behavior problems, particularly anxiety disorders 4 and autism spectrum disorder 5, frequently report elevated levels of sensory over-responsivity. Although not currently recognized as such, some evidence suggests that SOR symptoms comprise a distinct disorder with prevalence rates ranging from 5–20% 2, 3. SOR typically manifests as exaggerated or prolonged negative behavioral responses to ordinary sensory stimuli 1. Although such solutions are larger and longer investments, they will ultimately yield your child's feeling of safety and enjoyment at your next trip to the coffee shop or Costco.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is characterized by an inability to integrate sensory information and respond appropriately. As a neuroplasticity nerd, I advocate for the interventions that will help the brain learn to do a better job integrating sound. But, that path accommodates to the problem and prolongs it. There are a number of environmental modifications you can make to help a child who is sensitive to sound. Use sound muffling devices in moderation as a band aid in emergencies, but th ink twice about always using them. Deprivation of sound and conditioning the brain to not have to integrate it could even increase sensitivity and reactivity. However, they quickly become a crutch to alleviate immediate symptoms and fail to treat underlying auditory processing problems. headphones can offer instant relief from noise. Use noise canceling headphones with caution: Noise canceling The auditory system, too, can be trained to integrate information better.ĥ. Consult an OT about sound-based interventions: There are sound-based tools (like Therapeutic Listening) to help with auditory-perceptual or modulation challenges. Make a plan for what the child can do if it becomes too problematic.Ĥ. Prepare and problem solve: Let your child know you are doing something or going somewhere that may be noisy, providing them time to prepare themselves. Introduce your child to new places at quiet times, gradually increasing the amount of time spent there in future visits.ģ. Start by observing something from afar, then taking a step closer on the next opportunity. Take new experiences slowly: Relief from sound sensitivity requires a gradual desensitization and not sudden full exposure. Time to go spin, jump, and swing on the playground!Ģ. As one system improves, so does the other. ![]() ![]() Intense movement helps strengthen the vestibular system's sense of balance and orientation in space. Provide movement opportunities: Movement affects the structures of the inner ear, activating the vestibular system. Here are some suggestions to help retrain your child's sound processing centers so that grocery shopping and fire drills are not so challenging.ġ. Auditory defensiveness results in the child lingering in defensive-mode, acquiring maladaptive coping strategies like tuning out, hyper-focusing on something else, attempting to escape the situation, or acting out. ![]()
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