Adolescence can be a tumultuous period, marked by the challenges of self-discovery and navigating a complex world. For teens with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), anxiety can be a prominent companion, influencing their daily lives and interactions. Paediatric occupational therapists play a pivotal role in implementing strategies to address anxiety, recognising the intricate relationship between sensory processing difficulties and emotional well-being.
Understanding Anxiety in Teens with SPD
Teens with SPD often face heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli, making their environment a potential source of anxiety. Overstimulation from sounds, lights, textures, or social interactions can trigger anxious responses. Recognising these triggers is crucial for paediatric occupational therapists seeking to create tailored interventions.
Strategies for Anxiety Reduction
1. Sensory-Friendly Environments:
Creating sensory-friendly spaces is foundational in addressing anxiety. Paediatric occupational therapists work with families to adapt to home and school environments, minimising overwhelming stimuli. This may include soft lighting, comfortable seating, and visual or auditory tools to provide a calming atmosphere.
2. Deep Pressure Techniques:
Deep pressure activities, such as weighted blankets, vests, or compression garments, are employed to provide a sense of security and comfort. These strategies can help regulate the nervous system and alleviate anxiety.
3. Calming Sensory Activities:
Engaging in specific sensory activities, such as therapeutic swinging, rocking chairs, or sensory bins, can offer teens with SPD a controlled and soothing sensory experience. These activities promote relaxation and contribute to anxiety reduction.
4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Paediatric occupational therapists incorporate mindfulness and relaxation exercises tailored for teens. Techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation empower adolescents to manage anxious feelings in various situations.
5. Social Skills Training:
In addressing social anxiety, paediatric occupational therapists provide social skills training. This involves teaching teens how to navigate social interactions, interpret non-verbal cues, and develop effective communication strategies, fostering confidence and reducing social anxiety.
6. Gradual Exposure Therapy:
Gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing stimuli is a therapeutic approach. Paediatric occupational therapists work collaboratively with teens to create manageable steps for exposure, promoting desensitisation and coping skills development.
7. Routine and Predictability:
Establishing and maintaining routines contribute to a sense of predictability for teens with SPD. Knowing what to expect in various situations can mitigate anxiety related to uncertainties.
8. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals:
Paediatric occupational therapists often collaborate with mental health professionals, including psychologists or counsellors, to address the emotional aspects of anxiety. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive support for teens with SPD.
In summary, paediatric occupational therapist employ a range of strategies to address anxiety in teens with Sensory Processing Disorder. By understanding the unique sensory sensitivities of each individual, therapists can tailor interventions that promote emotional well-being and equip adolescents with effective coping mechanisms. These strategies not only alleviate anxiety symptoms but also empower teens with SPD to navigate the complexities of adolescence with increased confidence and resilience.
We provide high quality evidence-based sensory education about babies, for families, neonatal professionals, and Occupational therapy and Sensory Integration/Sensory Processing.
The Institute is running under the aegis of Dr. Geetha M Arora, Paediatric Occupational Therapist having 13 years of experience with the aim of offering Neonatologist & Paediatric Occupational Therapy Services to the children having sensory processing disorder & sensory issues by providing a caring and a positive atmosphere where they are able to recognize their fullest potential.
www.movengrow.com Address: HA 1 Ground Floor Radhika Enclave, Sector 104, Noida, Uttar Pradesh The Institute is running under the aegis of Dr. Geetha M Arora, Paediatric Occupational Therapist having 13 years of experience with the aim of offering Neonatologist & Paediatric Occupational Therapy Services to the children having sensory processing disorder & sensory issues by providing a caring and a positive atmosphere where they are able to recognize their fullest potential.The occupational therapy service is a specialized service which provides a family-centered approach to help children and young people participate and achieve their developmental potential in daily activities (occupations)which enhance their health by our experts.
Our Paediatric Occupational Therapist applies specialist approaches and techniques to maximize a child's engagement, achievement and independence in all activities, including those at school, play, leisure and self care skills such as dressing and feeding.We provide specialist assessment, advice or treatment to children and young people who have delayed or impaired functional skills associated with a wide range of developmental difficulties.
Assessment and treatment is tailored to meet the child/ young person's functional difficulties.
We aim to provide timely and practical advice to parents ,guardians and schools for the treatment and management of any difficulties that a child is experiencing .Our collaborative approach aims to ‘up skill ’the people that surround and support a child in their daily life to ensure that they have knowledge and skills to maximize a child's independence.Common Conditions We Help With Premature Infants Delayed Developmental Milestones Autism Asperger Syndrome Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) Sensory Processing Disorders/Difficulties Learning Difficulties Childhood Trauma Downs Syndrome Brain Injury Physical Disability ex cerebral palsy Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder Spina BifidaContact Us:www.movengrow.com Address: HA 1 Ground Floor Radhika Enclave, Sector 104, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a combination of behavioral therapy (behavior modification) and cognitive therapy.
The most basic idea of the cognitive part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy says that thoughts influence how we feel, and how we behave.
CBT also says thoughts cause distress when they are distorted, which can be treated by you and a therapist.
A distorted thought is one that does not reflect reality.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for social anxiety disorder further says that it is not a situation in and of itself that causes us to feel and act but instead it is the meaning that we attribute to the situation.
MSAM provides the the best therapists in Philadelphia.
