|
Ask Dr. Lucy
By Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR
Founder and Executive Director
Is there any sort of research or precautions around using vibration (e.g., vibrating teethers, vibrating seat cushions) to help calm a child or help desensitize the mouth and face area?
Many therapists use these tools but wonder whether there are any limits or precautions regarding how they use them. Like so much surrounding Sensory Processing Disorder, this would be a worthy subject for study! I am unaware of any research regarding this subject in the literature. Until it exists, use your best judgment. If a child appears to be comforted by the input and actively requests it, then use it. If a child is unhappy and resistant to the input, do not push it. I generally counsel a conservative approach: When in doubt, leave it out!
Some people say you can only use weighted vests for 30 minutes a day or to make sure the vest doesn't weigh more than 10% of the child's body weight. But I have some 30-pound kiddos who really need a little more than 3 pounds in their vest, and some seem to be able to wear this for an hour twice a day. What is your thinking on weighted vests?
No randomized controlled trial ("gold standard") research has been conducted on weighted vests, but there is some new evidence that they do not have the therapeutic advantage people once thought they might. When we do use the vests, we use them 20 minutes on and at least 20 minutes off so the child does not habituate to the stimulation.
Watch your child carefully to observe whether he/she profits from the extra weight. I think sometimes the children need pressure, not weight, but every child is different. Careful observation, astute judgment, common sense, and a cautious approach are advisable.
There's a link on your website to the "e-Store," which sells sensory products. How does the store relate to the SPD Foundation?
Our e-Store is an online source of sensory products powered by FlagHouse, a global supplier of equipment and toys for physical activity, recreation, education, and special needs. Purchases through the e-Store support SPD research because FlagHouse donates a portion of every sale to the Foundation. The site is easy to use and essentially a way to "give for free." You buy what you need, and our research program benefits.
Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR
Founder and Executive Director
|
|
|
|
