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We began the brushing protocol tonight with our AS who has massive transition issues/behaviors (and is sensory defensive). I was initially instructed by one OT who gave one directive as to what to do... I asked our ST (who specializes in SPD issues) who advised a similar way but with more specified rules... and the OT who we presently have working with AS was very "it doesn't matter, just brush for 3-5min" and when asked where/how and if we should do joint compression I got "doesn't matter".
Anyone have experience with this? What suggestions would you pass on... and has it worked at all for your kiddo's?
Thanks... from a very frustrated/confused but opimistic momma :)
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We do the brushing and the joint compression. Our DD is a sensory seeker. Honestly, I don't see either of those things making a difference with her. She has gotten used to the brush and doesn't start laughing hysterically anymore ... so I guess that's something. But for her, it's the heavy work that makes a difference.
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I am finding that everyone does things a little differently, no one is right or wrong you just have to figure out which way works best for you. My little guy likes joint compressions once in awhile but only if he asks for them so we never combine them with brushing. He likes the brushing I guess, because he tolerates it, but I don't see it making a lot of difference. My friend swore by it when her son was little so I think it is pretty individual as to the results you will see. I agree with minibus though that heavy work is what works best for us. Our OT actually just gave me a sequence of different types of activities to try and the sequence has worked wonders! Good luck!
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manderzmcg79
We began the brushing protocol tonight with our AS who has massive transition issues/behaviors (and is sensory defensive). I was initially instructed by one OT who gave one directive as to what to do... I asked our ST (who specializes in SPD issues) who advised a similar way but with more specified rules... and the OT who we presently have working with AS was very "it doesn't matter, just brush for 3-5min" and when asked where/how and if we should do joint compression I got "doesn't matter".
Anyone have experience with this? What suggestions would you pass on... and has it worked at all for your kiddo's?
Thanks... from a very frustrated/confused but opimistic momma :)
Personally, if I wasn't being given very SPECIFIC instruction, I would stop.
I know brushing is popular, and it does feel good so we all think hey it can't be bad.....but some studies have actually not only shown brushing to be ineffective but tied to agression.
If your OT feels this is a necessary and theraputic techinque, the OT should be providing you with specific instruction and an outline of specific anticipated results. My son's therapist actually had a hand out with specific times and directions.
My own suggestion is to either go to an academic library or at a minimum go to googlescholar and look at scholarly articles on the pros and cons of these kinds of techniques.....then also find out exactly what the professional seeks to address with your child....and test it. Do a behavior chart to see if the results really are what the professional expects. At a minimum, being informed means professionals can't just dismiss you when you ask questions like, "how do I do this?"
Again, just my opinion, but right now SPD is in fad mode. Fads make me nervous. I mentioned my son's former therapist gave the handout for brushing--it didn't do much for my son, but then when he's evaluationed his "sensory profile" is pretty much normal despite what was assumed.
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