126: Your Sensory Health Matters with Virginia Spielmann, Ph.D.
Jan 6, 2025
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Virginia Spielmann, an occupational therapist and TEDx speaker, dives deep into the world of sensory health. She emphasizes how sensory experiences influence everything from mental health to daily routines. Virginia discusses the importance of tailoring physical activity to individual needs and highlights the often overlooked role of play in adult wellbeing. She also sheds light on how caregiver responses can shape children's sensory experiences, advocating for understanding and support to nurture autonomy while addressing sensory sensitivities.
Sensory health impacts psychological well-being by influencing how individuals perceive and process sensory information in daily life.
Rethinking traditional exercise approaches is essential to accommodate diverse sensory processing experiences, promoting better overall well-being and active lifestyles.
Deep dives
Understanding Sensory Health
Sensory health encompasses how individuals perceive and process sensory information, which can significantly affect their day-to-day lives. This concept emphasizes that everyone, regardless of being neurodivergent or neurotypical, experiences a spectrum of sensory processing differences. Virginia Spielman highlights the importance of understanding these differences to enhance psychological well-being, as the traditional education systems often limit our understanding to just five basic senses. Acknowledging sensory health can lead to better communication, more effective coping strategies, and enhanced interactions in various social and personal contexts.
The Importance of an Inclusive Approach to Exercise
Many individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, often face challenges relating to traditional forms of exercise due to sensory aversions or negative past experiences. Virginia emphasizes the need to rethink how we view physical activity, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, and exploring various forms of movement that cater to individual comfort levels. For instance, for someone who finds exercise overwhelming because of heat sensitivity or discomfort, incorporating activities like gentle yoga or even playful engagement can make a significant difference. By diversifying what is considered an active lifestyle, we can promote better sensory health and overall well-being for everyone.
Recognizing and Validating Sensory Processing Differences
Many individuals struggle with daily tasks due to their unique sensory processing responses, yet these challenges often go unrecognized or undervalued. Virginia discusses how simple activities like showering can evoke aversive sensory experiences that hinder daily functioning, prompting the need for greater awareness and validation of these personal perceptions. By normalizing discussions around sensory aversions, individuals can better understand their experiences, leading to more effective coping strategies and accommodations. Importantly, this acknowledgment allows for creating supportive environments that respect each person's sensory needs.
The Balance Between Accommodation and Growth
Occupational therapy aims to support individuals in navigating their sensory experiences while promoting both comfort and personal growth. Virginia articulates the importance of finding a balance between providing accommodations for sensory needs and encouraging individuals to gradually embrace new experiences. This requires a nuanced approach that nurtures an individual’s body autonomy, helping them develop mastery over their sensory responses without feeling pressured to conform. Ultimately, the goal is to create environments where individuals can learn to respond to sensory stimuli in ways that foster resilience and well-being.
Sensory health goes far beyond discomfort with a scratchy fabric or loud noises. If you are not familiar with sensory health, this episode will be full of new concepts and revelations for you. You WILL realize how important sensory health is for each of us! My guest is Virginia Spielmann, an occupational therapist who did a TEDx Talk on this topic. She explains sensory health, why it’s important, and how it matters in every area of life. Join us to learn more!
Show Highlights:
Virginia’s background and journey to her work today
Sensory health: “how” we feel, what we do with it, and why it connects to everything about our psychological well-being
Understanding sensory health as the bridge between mental and physical health
Active lifestyles and exercise don’t look the same for everyone.
Differences in sensory processing
How we unintentionally gaslight our kids’ sensory reactions
The importance of being curious as a parent
Finding a balance between accommodating and exposure/growth
Understanding systematic desensitization
Comfort AND challenge—not comfort OR challenge
The #1 intervention for improved mental health? Dance and other forms of big play
An overview of the STAR Institute’s programs, services, and events
Resources and Links:
Connect with Virginia Spielmann and the STAR Institute: Website and TEDx Talk
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