Sensory Interventions for Behavioral Regulation of Children with Trauma: A Reference Guide for Occupational Therapy Practitioners

Various disciplines have published conceptual frameworks that advocate for sensory approaches for treatment of individuals with trauma. An interdisciplinary treatment and research team released a comprehensive trauma framework that includes sensory regulation as one of the three pillars to address the brain-body component of behavior regulation (Kinniburgh, Blaustein, Spinazzola, & Van der Kolk, 2005). In 2010, Massachusetts created a state-wide initiative to integrate sensory interventions into holistic trauma treatments (LeBel, Champagne, Stromberg & Coyle, 2010). Psychotherapists have produced a sensorimotor psychotherapy framework to address the somatic self-regulation difficulties that people with trauma experience (Lohrasbe, & Ogden, 2017). The National Institute of Trauma and Loss for Children has released a position paper that encourages trauma providers to extend beyond cognitive-behavioral therapy and talk therapy towards structured sensory interventions for arousal and emotional regulation (Steele & Kuban, 2010). Trauma treatment teams have started seeking professionals who can implement sensory interventions as a bottom-up approach for somatic regulation.

Occupational therapy practitioners specialize in helping people with sensory-processing disorders for self-regulation, as well as treating people who have experienced trauma. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) released a position paper that delineates the role of occupational therapists using sensory approaches with adults with various mental health conditions for motor planning, self-regulation, and skill development (2017, paras. 1-6). Additionally, AOTA has published an infographic that defines occupational therapy’s role in childhood trauma, including sensory interventions, at the preventative, intensive, and home-based, school-based, and community-based levels, which includes most pediatric settings (Petrenchik & Weiss, 2015). Moreover, AOTA created a description of early childhood adversity, as well as how it impacts the central nervous system and sensory system(s) (Lynch, Ashcraft, & March Tekell, 2017). Finally, AOTA has shared a trauma decision guide in response to increased family and community trauma during the coronavirus pandemic, which includes risk factors, social determinants of health, and screening and assessment tips (AOTA, 2020, paras. 1-6).
Disciplines that serve adults and children who have experienced trauma have described a need for sensory-interventions for this population. It has been acknowledged that interventions for children with trauma strengthen resilience and can act as barriers against future negative health and life outcomes (CDC, 2020, para. 11). Empirical literature has defined distinct sensory-processing and self-regulation difficulties in children and adults who have experienced trauma. Frameworks and conceptual ideas have been construed to guide professionals through comprehensive treatment approaches that include sensory-based interventions. The occupational therapy profession has started empowering its practitioners to meet this challenge for which we are uniquely qualified.

This book is a critical review of the empirical evidence about the effectiveness of sensory interventions on behavioral regulation of children and adolescents with histories of trauma, compiled into a reference guide for occupational therapy practitioners. Dr. Rutherford wants therapists to reference this review of empirical evidence to advocate for the use of sensory-based interventions into comprehensive mental health care plans in medical, school-based, and behavioral health settings for people with histories of trauma.