NB: This article is written for the parents of children who have SID and related problems. We publish it here because we know that therapists like to give their client’s caregivers as much information as possible.
By: Debbie Woodward
Many children with Sensory Integration Disorders exhibit symptoms of tactile defensiveness. In layman’s terms this simply means that they have hypersensitivity to touch and/or tactile input. This in turn may cause:
- Difficulty transitioning between activities
- Lack of attention or focus
- A fear or resistance to being touched
The Therapressure brush is the sensory brush designed by Patricia Wilbarger. Love larger grip for brushing program, makes it easier to hold. What is the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol? The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique & Oral Tactile Technique (OTT) (formerly referred to as the. The Wilbarger Protocol (Wilbarger, 1991) is a specific, professionally guided treatment regime designed to reduce sensory defensiveness. The Wilbarger Protocol has its origins in sensory integration theory, and it has evolved through clinical use. It involves deep-touch pressure throughout the day.
Using the Wilbarger Protocol, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 18, 1, 43-63. This pilot study examined the effect of the Wilbarger brushing and joint compression protocol and sensory diet on symptoms associated with Sensory Defensiveness among 3 women with histories of self-injurious behaviors. The technique was developed for sensory defensiveness. The creator of the technique, Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, FAOTA, is a leading expert on sensory defensiveness. (This is basically when the nervous system over-reacts to stimuli that would not typically be perceived as negative or harmful.). The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) & Oral Tactile Technique (OTT) The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) & Oral Tactile Technique (OTT), which in the past was referred to as the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol, refers to the specific sensory modulation techniques developed by Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, FAOTA. Patricia Wilbarger is an.
Patricia Wilbarger Brushing Program
Your child may benefit from what is commonly known to most parents as “Brushing Therapy”. It is known in Occupational Therapy circles as The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) & Oral Tactile Technique (OTT). It was developed by Dr. Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, FAOTA, an occupational therapist and clinical psychologist that has been working with sensory processing theories for over 30 years.
When first introduced to this, many parents are a bit skeptical. How can “brushing” my child help them with their sensory integration issues and tactile defensiveness? The theory behind it is that our skin is the human body’s largest sensory organ, and therefore it is in constant contact with our nervous system; relaying information that allows us to interact effectively with our environment. Often times, the inability for the human body to process sensory input effectively can cause motor skill delays, tactile defensiveness, or social and emotional difficulties. Brushing therapy seeks to use this connection between the skin and the nervous system to assist kids who may be having difficulty organizing sensory information properly.
It is thankfully, quite simple to implement. The first step in the therapy involves using a soft, plastic, surgical brush which is run over the child’s skin, using a very firm pressure, starting at the arms and working down to the feet. The chest and stomach area are always avoided as these are sensitive areas that can cause adverse reactions. There can be some drama at first, until the child becomes accustomed to the therapy, but most children find it pleasurable after a few sessions and may even ask for it when they are feeling “off”. Along with the brushing, most practitioners will also prescribe joint compressions. In this phase of the treatment, the therapist or a parent trained by a therapist provides gentle compressions of each of the child’s major joints for a count of ten. Finally, the therapist may also suggest the Oral Tactile Technique, or OTT. This technique involves using a finger to swipe along the inside of the child’s mouth. This has been found to help with some children who have an issue with what is known as oral defensiveness. If your child is adverse to new foods because of their texture, or has a severe aversion to having their teeth brushed, they may have an issue with oral defensiveness.
If you think that your child would benefit from this form of therapy, it is important to seek guidance from an Occupational Therapist. Performing the therapy in a manner other than taught by a trained professional can be, at best, useless and could possibly do more harm then good.
Article Reprinted with Permission of Debbie Woodward