OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


How Do You Know If A Behavior Is Sensory Or Motor?

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

January 9, 2017

Share:

Question

How do you know if it is a sensory or a motor behavior? 

Answer

It is both - sensory in and motor out. It is always both so if someone is having a tantrum, they have already had too much sensation and gotten demodulated. Sometimes it is almost too late to use a sensory strategy. Ideally, we want to use sensory strategies as a protector against the risk. The ideal is to set the system up to meet the challenges in the environment. Sometimes we miss the cues. At that point you can try a sensory strategy, in particular a soothing strategy. Soothing strategies are deep pressure, slow rocking of vestibular system and some good proprioception. Those are our best go to strategies.

I have several interventions that I use when trying to diffuse a tantrum. If I know them and and they are willing, I like to just use a hug or my hand over their hand. The brain is wired to pay the most attention to input into the hands and input into the mouth. When in doubt you can use deep pressure in the hands and or deep pressure in the mouth, so a hand massage, a pacifier, or a warmed up squeeze ball with a juice box are going to give you two big bangs for the buck.


rondalyn v whitney

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Rondalyn Whitney’s research focuses on emotional disclosure to reduce stress and improve quality of life and family quality of life when raising a child with disabilities.  She is the author of more than 6 books, her work has been published in over 10 scholarly journals and she is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She serves as a reviewer for several journals.


Related Courses

Using the Science of Sensory Process to Survive The Holidays
Presented by Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Video

Presenter

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Course: #4952Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'I enjoyed the course very much'   Read Reviews
Stress reduces our ability to cope and the holidays increase the number of stressors in our daily lives: The pandemic presents a unique pile-on effect for families. This advanced level course builds of foundational knowledge of Ayre’s theory of Sensory Integration to the occupational needs of families during holiday celebrations.

Interoception: The Hidden Sensory System
Presented by Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Video

Presenter

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Course: #3932Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'the examples and case studies'   Read Reviews
The interoceptive system, often referred to as the ‘eighth sensory system’ is often neglected or misunderstood. However, this system is critical to self regulation. This course will explain how understanding the 8th sensory system can contribute to better sensory modulation, social interaction and ultimately as better sense of self-awareness.

Joint Hypermobility Syndromes: Assessment and Intervention
Presented by Valeri Calhoun, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Video

Presenter

Valeri Calhoun, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Course: #5376Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'More on this topic and this instructor'   Read Reviews
This course will cover upper extremity assessment and treatment strategies for the pediatric/young adult population affected by joint hypermobility syndromes. The treatment focuses on both orthopedic strategies along with adaptive methods for these individuals.

Foundations for School Readiness: Sensory Regulation and Yoga (Day 1)
Presented by Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Britt Collins, MS, OTR/L
Course: #3841Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Engaging and knowledgeable presenter'   Read Reviews
This course will provide you tips and tools to integrate sensory regulation, yoga and mindfulness into the classroom for children of all abilities.

Assessment and Intervention for Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) in Feeding Therapy
Presented by Samantha Heidenreich, OTD, MOT
Video

Presenter

Samantha Heidenreich, OTD, MOT
Course: #5377Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Packed with information'   Read Reviews
This course will provide foundational review of information about anatomy and physiology of Tethered Oral Tissues and the functional implications that can impact feeding. Additionally, the course will prepare clinicians to support feeding goals and outcomes by improving their ability to assess and provide intervention for Tethered Oral Tissues.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.