Services
Sensory Integration
We realize that Sensory Integration is hard to "prove",
because of the fact that we work with the premise that each child is an individual
system of it's own and creates his or her own set of adaptive responses. It is
a highly individualized approach in a world of research standards
that require specificity and rigor in studies that do not allow for the amount of
individualization that we need to work with every day. Independent research has
proven that the brain remains "plastic" and pliable until the end of life.
This is one of the most crucial components in terms of sensory integration. As long
as the brain remains pliable, we believe and see that change can occur for the better,
when the child is exposed to the right kind of integrative stimuli that is needed
for his / her individual system. More and more research are coming to light, so be
sure to download the additional information referred to at the end
of this page. The new 0-3 diagnostic manual under the guidance of Dr. Stanley
Greenspan (April 2005) is also now recognizing Sensory Dysfunction as an applicable
diagnosis and we are excited at the prospect of having children diagnosed at earlier
ages. Dr. Lucy Miller, also referred to in the additional material, worked with Dr.
Greenspan in putting this material together. Dr. Miller has been very important to
the field of sensory integration in terms of research over the past decades.
Sensory Integration Services at A Total Approach
- We provide comprehensive sensory integration evaluations that would include a parent interview, clinical assessment (including the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) and observations, and home or school observations where applicable. The evaluations will provide you with a narrative "snapshot in time" of your child regarding all his/her sensory and motor functions and how this reflects on his/her function in terms of home and school. It will also outline a "road map" of recommendations as to where to go from here. The evaluation fee includes a consultation with the child's parents after they have received and reviewed the written report.
- We provide 2-hour screenings in Sensory Integration for those families who do not desire a lengthy report and want to transition or commence services with us. This screening will include all the clinical observations, though will not include the extensive testing that the above evaluation would require. The consultation and treatment options are discussed with the parents during the screening.
- We provide weekly visits with experienced occupational therapists / physical therapists and the frequency could range between 1 to 2 to 3 times per week. These visits will encompass physical treatment as well as ongoing support with functional needs at home and school through the development of sensory diets and home programs. Our treatment approach is family centered and the child is allocated to a specific therapist that he/she will see upon each visit.
- We also provide one or two week intensives during which the child will attend our center 2 –3 hours per day for 5 days and receive therapy in a variety of combinations. This might comprise only of Sensory Integration treatment and consultation or could be designed based on individual needs in combination with our other approaches, such as Sound Therapies or DIR (Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationships Model – Drs. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder).
- We visit educational and home settings for observational reports on occupational function and follow this up with a written report and recommendations.
- We provide consultation services to schools and families and each request is determined based on individual or organizational need.
- We also provide IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) assistance through consultation.
- We provide quarterly workshops for parents and / or interested individuals that cover specific topics relevant to Sensory Integration, Child, and Family.
- Our Sensory Motor groups, held every morning from 9 through 11am for 3 to 4 yr. Olds and 4 to 5 yr. Olds provides occupational and physical therapy together with a sensory integration and DIR frame of reference.
- Social Skill functioning is very commonly affected by sensory integration deficits and as the child progresses in individual therapy, we could add additional peers to assist with social skill goals, should this be appropriate to the needs of the child.
- Our summer programs run for 6 weeks, usually starting after July 4th, for 4 hours daily, Monday through Thursday. These camps consist mostly of sensory integration, DIR, social skills, as well as educational programs. They usually fill early in March of each year as we only take 6 children in every group.
