Sensory Interventions for Children with PTSD

Abstract

A presentation was done to inform students and future occupational therapy practitioners on the importance of sensory interventions for children who are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Childhood trauma can be attributed to many different forms of child abuse. There are various types of trauma that children experience that can lead to PTSD. These include developmental or complex trauma, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, and accidental injury or trauma. Neurobiological changes occur in individuals that present with PTSD, these neurobiological changes effect development in children. Changes typically occur in the; hippocampus, corpus callosum, cerebrum, and the amygdala. These changes effect sensory mechanisms in children, sensory intervention can be utilized in the treatment of PTSD in children. Various sensory interventions that promote function in children with PTSD include creating a sensory diet, providing eye movement interventions, and including proprioceptive and vestibular activities during occupational therapy interventions. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is important to include when providing interventions for children with PTSD. CBT helps change behavior by providing talk therapy and ways to one’s change behavior. Overall PTSD is a prominent issue that is important to address in occupational therapy.