What Is The Wilbarger Technique?Many individuals with autism have sensory integration dysfunction. They have difficulties with too much or too little sensory inputs including tactile inputs and proprioception inputs. I call this concept the Goldilocks and the Three Bears principle. Not too much. Not too little. But just the right amount of touch and proprioception is desired. The Wilbarger technique is used to help these kids widen their ‘just right’ zone so that they are not as hyposensitive or hypersensitive to touch and proprioception. You should notice gradual improvement with tactile and proprioception sensitivity when you consistently apply these brushing procedures and joint compressions. Ideally, this technique should be used with trained professional supervision since rare but serious side effects have resulted from misapplication of the procedure. So that you will know about this technique and so that you can ask your occupational therapist informed questions, I would like to share the brushing procedure that I learned directly from my kids' occupational therapist.
This plastic brush is not rough and will not scratch. It provides just the right amount of pressure and sensations to the skin. You can get your brush at Ark Therapeutic Services (scroll down). Make sure to replace the brush when the plastic bristles wear down to maintain the proper effect. Even though we used the surgical scrub brush with tremendous success, this surgical scrub brush is no longer recommended since a specific improved brush has now been designed for the Wilbarger technique. With your brush you then use long strokes up and down as you brush the extremities and back of your child with firm and deep pressure. Avoid the chest, abdomen, neck and head. Our occupational therapist told us not to use too much or too little pressure. Remember the Goldilocks and the Three Bears principle! Next, you compress each major joint several times. Place one hand above the joint and one hand below the joint, and firmly press your hands toward each other thereby compressing the joint. Remember Goldilocks and the Three Bears – not too hard and not too light! Brushing and compressing should be done at least 2-3 times per day, but is often more effective if done about every 2 hours. The entire procedure should only take a few minutes. Usually you would only need to do brushing for several weeks to several months. You may need daily maintenance of 1 - 2 brushings per day. This technique is a great warm-up prior to occupational therapy sessions. Many individuals with sensory integration dysfunction have responded remarkedly when the Wilbarger technique is included as a component of a comprehensive autism treatment plan. So, talk with your occupational therapist about starting the Wilbarger brushing technique with joint compressions now!
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