New
Methods, Therapies, and Advocacy in Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs)
*PAGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT*
Please see our study of sound & balance processing in sensory processing disorders.
This new section on Sensory Processing Disorders or SPDs, also termed Sensory Integration Disorders or SIDs, often used interchangeably, spans 20 years of personal research and experience as a drum circle facilitator working with many brain and neurological disorders. I have been working with a variety of neurological disorders and special populations, including, hydrocephalus, spinal cord injury, autism, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, schizophrenia, and drug and alcohol addiction.
Developer & author of new web site on cognitive accessibility - www.CognitiveAccessibility.org
Background of Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs):
There has been a lot of confusion and disinformation in regards to SPDs, cognitive dysfunction, and associated neurological disorders, and it is only been in the last several years, due in large part to the prevalence of autism, that the medical community is coming to understand SPDs. In SPD disorders, there first is some underlying neurological disorder, brain injury, or neuropathology which causes the SPD, as SPD is not a disorder in of itself, rather, it is a symptom or group of symptoms stemming from hyper, hypo, or other dysfunction of one of the senses, due to a neurological disorder or injury. In my own care, it was my doctor's inability to understand my difficulties with cognition, or concentration/memory, balance, and intolerance to sound and light, that led me to look for answers. And it was perhaps the 2001 EMDR study on sensory integration and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) that directed me to sensory integration research. I undertook a study of sound processing, headache, balance, and cognition in 2002 with a metronome and balance pad, to explore the effects of different rhythmic patterns and multi-task processing on the brain. I initially undertook this at a patient hydrocephalus conference meeting at CHOC, and then followed up by interviewing others affected by migraines and various neurological disorders. What I learned and proved was that most of the intolerance and difficulties with sound in persons with neurological pathology were due to the rhythmic patterns of the sound, and not so much as to the volume or tempo (rate or speed of the pattern) of the sound.
Some Affected Disorders Include:
Autism
ADD
ADHD
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Disorders
Post TBI
Post Concussion
Post Tumor
Post Stroke/CVA
PTSD
Hydrocephalus
Migraine Disorder
Multiple Sclerosis
Dementia & Alzheimer's Dis.
Parkinson's Disease
Hyperacusis
Current Research & Published Studies:
Treatment with Drumming & Music Therapy:
Brain Apps
Cognition/proprioception: my discovery was intuitive w/ hand/finger movements to sustain mental focus during driving, akin to Ricky Henderson base-stealing, broad IQ health benefits. Fingers, hands & body rhythms boost brain focus and mental output
Movement/coordination: my discovery was intuitive, my choreographed movements by taping on hips, legs, counters, and engaged surfaces, play to move, SCI workshop, today use of basketball (likely aid autism).
SI Therapy (In cases of SPDs): results were found in my 2002 SI study, was not drumming at the time, made therapeutic audiotape, later learned that drumming was aiding my SI tolerance, also benefits in learning (likely aid autism)
Socialization: team-building, corporate, family, youth, community
Language Development: learning of foreign language, non-verbal communications
BWE/Trance States: team-building, health & disease mgt., behavioral modification, integrative medicine, mental health
Advocacy Efforts in Affording New Rights & Protections for Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders:
It's taken many years to come to our present understanding of Sensory Processing Disorders, or SPDs. This spans an array of neurological disorders, and affected persons should be afforded reasonable accommodations, disability protections, and accessibility to use/access public places where reasonably possible. SPD may be so widespread in the population as to outnumber all other disabilities combined.
Our Related Web Pages:
3. Sensory Processing Disorders Study
6. Health and Wellness Drumming
10. Drum Circles