Wilbarger's approach to sensory defensiveness includes techniques for reducing hypersensitivity and facilitating modulation through which input?

• A. Auditory desensitization only
• B. Visual-moments cueing
• C. Deep pressure proprioceptive techniques
• D. Olfactory grounding

Answer: (C)

The key idea is using proprioceptive input, specifically deep pressure, to calm and organize the nervous system in sensory defensiveness. Wilbarger’s approach provides organized proprioceptive input through strategies like deep pressure and joint compressions (often after a brushing sequence). This kind of input helps down-regulate arousal, reduces hypersensitivity to touch, and improves tolerance to sensory experiences by signaling safety and aiding sensory processing. Other senses such as hearing, vision, or smell aren’t the primary pathways used to achieve this modulation in this approach, so they don’t produce the same calming effect as deep pressure proprioceptive input.