Deck 16: Advances in Sensory Integration Research: Basic Science Research

Question 1

Research showing and making important links between the processing of sensory input, brain functioning, and behavior have been useful for ______________.

A)Supporting the use of occupation-based play activities in treatment
B)Supporting the idea of sensorimotor-based neuroplasticity in basic science research
C)Supporting the use of parent report measures in assessment of sensory processing abilities
D)Showing the effectiveness of sensory integration (SI)interventions in school-based practice

Answer 1

Supporting the idea of sensorimotor-based neuroplasticity in basic science research

Question 2

Which signs of neuroplasticity and positive changes in brain function and structures have been shown in response to applications of sensory input?

A)Increased dendritic branching of neurons, particularly in the occipital cortex
B)Increased growth of white matter in the motor cortex
C)Pruning of mirror neurons in the region of the cerebellum
D)More or higher levels of sensory gating found in children with sensory modulation problems as opposed to typical children, as measured by EEG

Answer 2

Increased dendritic branching of neurons, particularly in the occipital cortex

Question 3

Measures of the parasympathetic nervous system can be used to determine how well a person can self-regulate and calm after an exciting or stressful event and have been used in studying capacities related to sensory modulation. Examples of such measures include ____________.

A)Electro-dermal response and blood pressure
B)Evoked response potential (ERP)and electroencephalogram (EEG)
C)Heart rate variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and vagal tone
D)Muscle tone and range of motion testing

Answer 3

Heart rate variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and vagal tone

Question 4

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory over-responsivity have been shown to ___________________________.

A)Have sympathetic nervous system (NS)over-activity
B)Have sympathetic NS under-responsivity
C)Have excessive sensory seeking behavior
D)Have surprisingly excellent parasympathetic NS functioning

Question 5

Davies and colleagues (2009, 2011) were able to discriminate children with sensory modulation disorder (SMD) from typical children by examining responses to different intensities of auditory input using ___________________.

A)CT scan
B)A behavior checklist and heart rate
C)Evoked response potentials (ERPs)
D)Levels of salivary cortisol

Question 6

Which of the following kinds of technology is particularly useful for determining which brain regions might be working together in response to sensory events and how they are functionally connected?

A)Magnetoencephalography (MEG imaging)
B)Evoked response potential (ERPs)
C)Positron emission tomography (PET scans)
D)Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)or vagal tone

Question 7

Which of the following is a structured, controlled research paradigm used to measure physiological responses to sensory stimuli from various sensory systems over multiple trials?

A)The Sensory Profile activity
B)The Sensory Challenge Protocol (SCP)
C)The Space Odyssey scenario
D)Astronaut Training

Question 8

Advances in basic research studying the brain mechanisms involved in sensory processing disorders (SPD) suggest which of the following is TRUE?

A)Advances in brain research do not play a role in helping to define SPD as its own diagnostic condition.
B)CT scans are the most effective radiographic technique for seeing the brain abnormalities characteristic of children with SPD.
C)There is no evidence suggesting that the brain mechanisms of children with SPD function any differently than those of children without SPD.
D)The brains of children with SPD are wired differently; in some children, responses are less inhibited, whereas in others, brain areas are not communicating efficiently or performing optimally.

Question 9

Animal research with Rhesus monkeys demonstrates all of the following EXCEPT ____________________________________.

A)Prenatal and some early postnatal environmental factors influence the development of sensory modulation challenges.
B)Prenatal alcohol and prenatal stress exposure have a negative impact on the development of tactile modulation.
C)Environmental influences may interact with genetic expression to impact behaviors associated with sensory modulation disorder.
D)Alterations in the serotonin and dopamine systems should be ruled out as factors influencing the processing of sensory input.