Sorry for the multiple questions this morning. I woke up on the problemsolving side of the bed.
DS ASD, 2.5 has been in OT for about 5 months now, and she's big on the brushing protocol for his sensory issues. We've been doing it about 3x per day, and while I have seen improvement overall, I'm not sure it's the brushing that's doing it. I've also not seen any studies that show it to be effective. I do respect and like his OT, and she connects well with him, but I want to be sure we're using our precious time well on things that will help him.
Not sure what I'm asking....but if anyone has any info, I'd be grateful.
We do this protocol with DS. When he was younger and going to private OT, she had us try the protocol and do the brushing w/joint compressions every 2.5 hours for two weeks. At that time, we didn't notice any change. DS had just turned 2. He also didn't have a ton of sensory issues at that time. Fast forward to 9 months ago when DS started in an intensive autism day treatment program and he started becoming more aware of his surroundings and having a lot more sensory awareness and sensitivites the brushing has helped a TON! We have also used the brushing before a task like putting on long sleeves or jackets with compressions to help him tolerate it and he has slowly accepted it and doesn't need the brushing now.
I think it's worth giving it a try and if you've noticed an improvement, keep it up. I know initially it's very time consuming, but eventually you can put more time inbetween brushing sessions.
We brush/joint compress at least twice a day. In the morning and before bed. DS's OT said do it at those times and any other time is gravy. So we're not following the every 2 hour protocol.
I think it helps him selfregulate, along with other sensory diet activities. Right now something, or everything, is working so I'm not willing to rock the boat.
Re: Brushing Protocol worth the time?
We do this protocol with DS. When he was younger and going to private OT, she had us try the protocol and do the brushing w/joint compressions every 2.5 hours for two weeks. At that time, we didn't notice any change. DS had just turned 2. He also didn't have a ton of sensory issues at that time. Fast forward to 9 months ago when DS started in an intensive autism day treatment program and he started becoming more aware of his surroundings and having a lot more sensory awareness and sensitivites the brushing has helped a TON! We have also used the brushing before a task like putting on long sleeves or jackets with compressions to help him tolerate it and he has slowly accepted it and doesn't need the brushing now.
I think it's worth giving it a try and if you've noticed an improvement, keep it up. I know initially it's very time consuming, but eventually you can put more time inbetween brushing sessions.
Good luck!!
I think it helps him selfregulate, along with other sensory diet activities. Right now something, or everything, is working so I'm not willing to rock the boat.
DS 09/2008