Has anyone heard of Wilbarger deep pressure and Proprioceptive Technique

by Ursula Gates
(Hampton, AR)

My daughter Haley has started receiving occupational and physical therapy this summer. She has also received speech therapy in the past and now during the summer. This is not at school. My family physician recommended the place we go to. It is really great. They have helped my daughter tremendously. She still has a lot of issues. It seems when we get past one sensory issue another sensory issue comes up.

To get to my question the occupational therapist my daughter uses at this place has started a sensory diet for Haley. Part of her sensory diet is the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT). It has really worked wonders for Haley. I don't know if anyone has mentioned this before, but if not you should really talk to your Occupational Therapist about it. Make sure they are certified in this because there is a certain way to do this. She also taught me how to do this. To use this technique with out instruction from a trained therapist could be harmful at the extreme, and at the minimum, useless.

That is not all first I have to start with Oral Tactile Technique(OTT) 1 daily or when needed before meals. Then we do the deep pressure and Proprioceptive technique (DPPT) which is brushing with a surgical brush or a therapeutic brush. You should ask your OT she should know. It also includes joint compressions after the brushing. I know it sounds silly I thought it did at first, but it really works if done properly.

Then last we do what is called the PEDI Protocol. It is for foot defensiveness, head bangers, and toe walkers (this is something new my daughter has started doing. She will also walk on her heels). This is supposed to release neurochemical serotonin from the brain.

The brushing technique uses a specific method of stimulation to help the brain organize sensory information. The DPPT has been found very beneficial with sensory integrative dysfunction. This technique helps the brain and body work together more effectively.

On another note, I finally got to see a developmental pediatrician. It took six months to get an appointment. I am now more confused than ever. She could not pinpoint it down to just one diagnosis. Even though I did emphasis her sensory issues. The good news is she said that she is not on the autism spectrum because her verbal skills are average. She has all the other symptoms of mild autism. She did say that Haley is severely language delayed, ADHD, memory delay, and she also has a coordination delay. The doctor wants her to see a neurologist to cross out any other disorders or diseases. I am worried because she said that she wanted Haley to have a MRI.

She also wants Haley to see a audiologist for her coordination and sensitive hearing. To get a thorough check on her vision. Because she has visualization problems. Also a specialist because she has stomach problems. Do you think there is a bigger problem here?