"2009 Summer Camps Now Registering!" "New Sensory Playgroups Forming in January 2009!"

EOP 3

Offers opportunities for structured play in a sensory enriched environment. Small group atmosphere with emphasis on self-regulation, motor planning, and social skills. Staffed by OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS. Pre-registration is required: Forms. For more info please visit the services page. Our next group session Begins January 26th! All registrations processed when fullpayment is received.

Do you know a child who, although bright, has difficulty holding a pencil, playing with toys, or performing self-care tasks like dressing? Have you seen a child who is so fearful of movement that playing on ordinary swings and slides brings about extreme fear and insecurity? Or have you observed a child at the opposite extreme who is uninhibited and overly active, often falling and running into dangerous situations? If so, then this child may be experiencing Sensory Integration Dysfunction.

Sensory Integration involves the body's ability to successfully organize information taken in by the senses. Dysfunction occurs when the nervous system is unable to properly integrate the seven (yes, there are seven!) senses. These include sight, taste, smell, hearing, touch, proprioception, and coordination\balance (vestibular).

Cube Play

Diagnosis
Sensory Integration Dysfunction is typically diagnosed by an occupational therapist following an in-depth evaluation. We are certified to administer the SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) which is considered the "gold standard" for accessing learning, behavioral, and developmental delays related to sensory integration. Clinical observations and parent\teacher interviews are also conducted to gain the most well-rounded view of your child's abilities.

Treatment
Our sensory-enriched gym provides the ideal environment for your child to explore the touch, taste, auditory, visual and movement experiences needed in order to develop a nervous system that organizes sensory input more proficiently. We will also work with you to develop a "sensory diet" suited specifically to your child's needs so that opportunitiies for sensory enrichment can be integrated into his or her daily routine.

Sensory Seeking behaviors may include:
- Touching others too often.
- Engaging in unsafe behaviors such as climbing too high or jumping from high surfaces
- Enjoying excessively loud noises and/or rough lay

Sensory Avoiding behaviors may include:
- Strong reactions (withdrawal or aggression) to touch or fabrics
- Extreme fear or sickness in regard to movement or heights
- Oversenisitivity to food smells and limited food repertoire
- Discomfort in loud or busy environments such as sporting events or cafeterias