tOTal ability

 Fact Sheet:  The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) at tOTal ability

The 5+ “Wh?” answered 

Who?  Infants, Children, Youth, Adults and Seniors with sensory defensiveness 

What?  The Wilbarger DPPT was developed by Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, FAOTA, occupational therapist, known for coining the phrase “sensory diet”.  The DPPT uses a specific pattern of treatment using a special brush and gentle joint compressions to treat and minimize the impact of sensory defensiveness (also called sensory over responsivity).  The Wilbarger DPPT must be taught to parents, caregivers, educators and individuals to self treat by a Wilbarger DPPT trained occupational therapist.  Only the Wilbarger Therapressure brush should be used.  Wilbarger, P. & Wilbarger, J.  (1991). Sensory Defensiveness in Children Aged 2-12: An Intervention Guide for Parents and Other Caretakers, Avanti Educational Programs: Santa Barbara, CA. 

When?  Daytime appointments are available Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request. 

Where?  Our multi-disciplinary clinic is at 156 Westmorland Road, Suite 302, Saint John, New Brunswick. The building is wheelchair accessible. We provide off-site services Saint John-St. Stephen-Fredericton-Moncton and beyond upon request. Per kilometre rate and travel time fees apply.

Why? Sensory defensiveness can significantly affect a person’s ability to engage in participate in their daily occupations of self-care, productivity and leisure at home, school and work.  A person with sensory defensiveness may respond with a flight, fight or freeze reaction to non-noxious stimuli. A person who is over responsive to sensation may avoid touch, cover their ears, and stop doing some activities as they are overwhelming. S/he may limit their food diet due to sensitivity to taste, smell or texture.   S/he may react strongly and with emotion or behave in a disruptive way when the sensory demands or experience is too great. 

How?  1.      Call 506. 652.5353 or 1.877.784.5353; Contact us to make an appointment to be assessed for sensory defensiveness by an occupational therapist.  During the initial screening the OT will determine if a standardized assessment such as the Sensory Profile or Sensory Processing Measure is required prior to treatment.

2.       Visit www.spdfoundation.net for more information about Sensory Processing Disorders

3.      Occupational therapy may be a benefit of extended health care insurance, motor vehicle accident insurance or disability insurance.  Occupational therapy is a tax deductible medical expense per Canada Revenue Agency.