Sensory Integration is a neurological process that assists everyone’s brain in making sense of their world. It is carried out by very intricate neural circuitry and is dependent upon an optimally alert and organized brain.

Treatment strives to assist the child in modulating their presenting state which then assists in brain organization. When the brain is organized - neither overloaded nor under-stimulated - the child is best able to cope with age-appropriate maturity, learn skills, and react with positive behaviors.

Individual treatment is available for:

The toddler experiencing sensory processing and/or modulation difficulties which may be impacting on his/her ability to become a connected family member.

The preschooler who is experiencing difficulty becoming a social group participant due to inadequate sensory processing and/or modulation.

The school-age child who is finding it difficult to learn due to deficient processing in the areas of sensory modulation.

Many children who are struggling with sensory integrative and fine motor issues are not being given the opportunity to maximize their potential secondary to availability of services.

Sensory integrative services require space and tolerance on the part of public building inhabitants. It has been a long journey to arrive at the 148 New Dorp Lane destination.

Comprehensive Evaluation's are necessary to determine if there is a need for intervention. If there is a need, the evaluation then is vital to appropriate goal setting, and ensuring appropriate treatment planning and activity selection.

Consultation should be available to give parents and/or the child an opportunity to voice their concerns. This is an informal discussion. A consultation consists of the screening of specific areas of functioning to determine if treatment at this site would be effective.The therapist’s feedback may include suggestions to try at home or at school prior to taking any other actions or referrals to other professionals that may meet the needs of the child.

Evaluations are available for children who have not undergone such a process and present with considerable difficulties warranting the evaluation. Evaluative services are dependent upon an inquiry or referral for services.

Educational Services and continuing motivation to learn are the hallmark to competent service delivery.

Professional Presentations are available to family members and organizations. Parents are encouraged to suggest topics.

Student Education is available to students of Occupational Therapy and other professionals-to-be.

Professional Education is available for pediatric practitioners. Topics are relevant to continuing education in pediatric health care. Guest speakers and topics will be based upon the request and interest of the professionals.

Fine Motor Development is a direct result of several factors: a modulated arousal state which enables the processing of the task’s sensory properties; tuned and activated postural mechanisms that are supporting the large muscles of the body; coordinated small muscles of the hands and eyes, allowing for cohesive interaction and mature visual perceptual skills.

 

In the Therapist Corner it is hoped that other professionals will share their expertise on issues that seem to baffle us the most. Once a month a question will be posed and information will be gathered via e-mailing to theotdepot2@verizon.net . Responses will be posted here in the following month.

July-August's Question

Does anyone have a concern regarding how sensory integration is being administered in the EI population? Please feel free to E-mail us!!!!

 Answer

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Along the Avenue you can find events that we are having at The O.T. Depot.

If you are interested in more information - e-mail us at theotdepot2@verizon.net .

Sensational Celebrations!

These are specialized Birthday Parties for children who cannot handle the sensory overload of many party places. Our environment and activities are controlled to maximize the enjoyment of the party participants - both children and adults. However, to ensure this experience the guest list is limited to the birthday child and seven other guests. Many sensory children cannot handle more than this and when over-exposed will just grow up to hate parties. The fee includes a 1:2 staff ratio to ensure safety - and it does include the food!! The party will last an hour and a half - again this is for sensory reasons - the central nervous system will generally fatigue after this amount of time and meltdowns will be waiting in the wings! 

S.I.M.P.L.E. Strategies! Sensory Integration - Mommies - Play - Learning - Enrichment ... all wrapped up into one!

This is a specialized group for toddler's ages 2 to 3 years. It is for one and a half hours, two mornings a week, for 6-weeks. During this time the toddler will receive mini SI treatment sessions and exposure to sensory-based preschool activities with behavioral expectations. The parent will receive education on how to handle a sensory toddler, as well as be given an opportunity to develop a social network for personal support. 

September Registration ends on the 18th - but there are a few seats left. January Registration will be posted at a later date.