Appendix 2

Treatment Options

The following options are currently being utilized for the treatment of sensory
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dysfunction. Our belief is that it is up to parents to become the “ultimate

consumer”—reading, asking questions, and making informed decisions about
any form of intervention that their child may receive. We also strongly recom-
mend that any treatment option you wish to explore be discussed with and super-
vised by the appropriate professional(s).

Allergies
There are many different treatment options available for the environmental, food,
and chemical sensitivities that some believe are associated with sensory dysfunc-
tion. Some of these include dietary changes, food elimination, modifications to
the physical environment, or desensitization protocols.

Auditory integration training

Originally developed by a French physician, Dr. Berard, this treatment option
makes use of different sound frequencies to exercise the ear in order to desensitize
and improve hearing and communication skills.

Behavior modification
There are many different forms of behavior modification paradigms. These
methods typically break behaviors down into component parts and apply
specific structured techniques to modify, change, or shape those behaviors.
Copyright 2005. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

“Brushing protocol”
A “brushing” program which utilizes a “surgical” brush to “brush” an individual’s
arms, hands, back, legs, and feet in an attempt to help the individual process and

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 170 UNDERSTANDING SENSORY DYSFUNCTION

organize sensory information. This “brushing” is followed by joint compressions

where each joint is supported as pressure is applied to it. This treatment approach
was developed by an occupational therapist, Patricia Wilbarger.
Homeopathy
Promotes the use of natural ingredients and organic materials to treat illnesses to
attain or maintain good health and development.

Oral tactile stimulation

In this option, a finger, wrapped in a wash cloth, or a “Nuk” massager is used to
swipe across the roof of an individual’s mouth from side to side three times
quickly, then exiting the mouth. This treatment option is used before and during
each meal as is tolerated. It is designed to stimulate the mouth for increased
awareness/decreased awareness of oral sensory stimulation.

Osteopathy
Centers around physical manipulation of the body and the use of natural and
homeopathic remedies to attain or maintain good health and development
and/or treat illness (e.g., chiropractic).

Sensory integration therapy

The goal of sensory integration therapy is to facilitate the development of the
nervous system’s ability to process sensory input in a more “normal” way through
addressing the vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile systems.

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