Sensory Disorders
This page is a compilation of my favorite tools available to learn about sensory processing disorder in children and incorporate sensory experiences in speech therapy. Discover research, ideas, websites, and resources for sensory issues! Bookmark this page or save it to Pinterest with the image at the bottom!
What is sensory processing disorder (SPD) and why do SLPs need to be educated about it?
Children with SPD do not have adequate sensory processing skills to receive, organize, interpret and respond to sensory information efficiently. This negatively affects their attention, behavior, and development. Speech-language pathologists do not diagnose or treat SPD. But, it is not uncommon for a child with sensory processing disorder to also receive speech services. SPD is especially common in those diagnosed with autism – research shows 78% of autistic children present with sensory difficulties! Often times children with SPD are viewed as lazy or as having behavioral issues when in reality the sensory problems are the cause. This is why it is crucial that, as SLPs, we gain an understanding of SPD and how to help a child with their sensory needs. In doing so, we can understand the root of the behavior, avoid meltdowns, and make progress in intervention.
START HERE >> How to Help a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder Succeed in Speech Therapy
TYPES OF SENSORY INPUT TO INCORPORATE INTO THERAPY:
- Visual
- Auditory
- Tactile
- Olfactory (smell)
- Gustatory (taste)
- Vestibular (head position)
- Proprioceptive (the sense that tells the body where it is in space)
BLOG POSTS
Why You Should be Using Sensory Play in Speech Therapy
The Importance of Movement in Learning
Strategies for Tantrum-Free Transitions
How to Use Sensory Bottles
Why You Should Be Using Sensory Bins in Speech Therapy
PODCASTS
Listen to a podcast episode where I discuss SPD in speech therapy! Real Talk SLP Podcast
WEBSITES
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/
https://www.spdstar.org/basic/about-spd
Guide to Sensory-Friendly and Accessible Event Planning
TOOLS
Discover some tools to help kids with sensory needs through this Amazon List:
Sensory Needs
FREEBIES
Speech Therapy Handouts – Free speech therapy printables! Developmental milestones, hierarchies, and graphics for SLPs and educators, as well as parent handouts for speech therapy. The printables cover various topics to use as cheat sheets or handouts.
Gliding Minimal Pairs Sensory Bin – Target the phonological error of gliding in the initial position with minimal pairs! This spring-themed activity was designed as a sensory bin activity but can also be used on its own with any game.
Play Dough Mats – Incorporate play dough sensory play in your sessions with these free mats. Use as an open ended reinforcer, for following directions, play skills, and fine motor practice. Includes 5 play dough mats – a birthday cake, a boy, a girl, emotions, and a potted plant.
Behavior Social Story – Behavior management and emotional regulation: A social narrative mini-book on how to handle frustration with calming strategies. A great way to discuss feelings and appropriate ways to express them!
RESOURCES
OT and PT Handouts – Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy development milestones, hierarchies, and charts! Evidence-based infographics with explanations for fine motor, gross motor, visual motor, sensory skills, activities of daily living, emotional regulation, feeding and oral motor skills, handwriting, play skills, and more.
Sensory Bin Seasonal Vocab and Object Function Bundle – Object function speech therapy cards activity. This makes it easy to work on vocabulary and makes an engaging speech therapy activity to use year-round! These cards make it easy and engaging to work on expressively identifying object functions and receptively identifying object functions.
Sensory Bin Stimulus Cards – The must-have speech therapy sensory bin activity! These versatile cards instantly turn common speech therapy goals into engaging activities with no prep. I always keep a sensory bin on hand to put these cards in last minute when I don’t have time to completely prepare a session. This product includes five common speech therapy goals on prompt cards.
