Can ABA be used for SPD?

Can ABA be used for SPD? What is SPD? Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives sensations from the world. When an individual's sensory processing functions inefficiently, it leads to disorganization in the brain, affecting their ability to stay synchronized with their surroundings. Estimations from literature suggest that as many as 40 - 88% of children diagnosed with autism may also have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) (Adrien et al., 1993; Dahlgren & Gillberg, 1989; Kientz & Dunn, 1997; Ornitz, Guthrie, & Farley, 1977; Talay-Ongan & Wood, 2000).

For how the two fields work on it together, Collaboration Series - Module 5: OT & ABA is a recorded conversation between an occupational therapist and a behavior analyst on their roles, sensory concepts and assessment, made for the professionals on a child's team ($39 for 30 days of access).

Individuals with SPD need to regulate their internal states in order to stay synchronized and appropriately respond to various environmental activities.

Doctors, therapists, and parents have been giving a lot of attention to the recent diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder. As this is a new diagnosis, it is not yet included in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), and the medical field and funding agencies, such as insurance companies, often do not recognize it. Although Occupational Therapists (OTs) are best suited for diagnosing sensory-related issues, professionals in other disciplines, such as ABA and Speech, can also successfully address sensory-related issues.

What are the causes?

Sensory processing is how the brain receives sensations. When sensory processing is inefficient, it disorganizes the brain, affecting synchronization with surroundings. Estimates suggest that 40 - 88% of children diagnosed with autism also have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) (Adrien et al., 1993; Dahlgren & Gillberg, 1989; Kientz & Dunn, 1997; Ornitz, Guthrie, & Farley, 1977; Talay-Ongan & Wood, 2000).

Although it is not yet included in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), often unrecognized by the medical field and funding agencies. Occupational Therapists (OTs) diagnose sensory-related issues, but other professionals, like ABA and Speech experts, can address them too. According to Bonnie Hanschu, disordered brain chemicals in the limbic system and brainstem cause sensory processing difficulties. Lack of circuitry for proper sensation processing is another factor. SPD affects individuals regardless of ability or disability, like Autism, ADHD, Down's Syndrome, Anxiety, etc. It presents a spectrum of issues.

Signs of SPD, although not limited to, may include the following:

• Auditory: Individuals may have hypersensitivity to everyday noises.
• Tactile: They may experience hypersensitivity to touch.
• Oral: Hypersensitivity to foods, textures, tastes, etc., may be present.
• Visual: They may exhibit hypersensitivity to lights.

Individuals with SPD engage in maladaptive behaviors, such as tantrums when startled. They may struggle to sit still, follow directions, or experience sensory overload. When an individual with sensory-related issues receives therapy from multiple professionals, it is beneficial for the entire treatment team (BCBAs, SLPs, OTs, Psychologists) to collaborate and collectively address this condition across therapy settings. Since SPD is often associated with behaviors resulting from over or under-reaction to stimulation, such as taste, smell, sound, or touch, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies can effectively treat these resulting behaviors using desensitization protocols.

SPD itself is not a behavior, so it isn't an ABA target. BCBAs target the observable behaviors linked to sensory differences, such as covering ears, leaving the room or refusing certain foods, and address them through the ABCs: antecedents, behavior and consequences. Antecedent manipulation is a least restrictive strategy. Collaboration among BCBAs, SLPs, OTs, and Psychologists is crucial for individuals receiving therapy from multiple professionals. ABA strategies, like desensitization protocols, effectively treat SPD-related behaviors.

Special Learning’s online Basic Applied Behavior Analysis Training Course provides comprehensive learning on various ABA strategies that can be used to address sensory-related issues.

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