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SENSORY PROCESSING ROAD MAP

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What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

A condition where one or more of the senses receive signals but the person finds it hard to process and respond appropriately. A. Jean Ayres, PhD, likened SPD to a neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving  the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly. Sensory information goes into the brain but does not get organized into appropriate responses. Those with SPD perceive and/or respond to sensory information differently than most other people. When one gets overloaded, the rest can be bogged down. It can result in motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, school challenges,etc. Professionals can help determine what areas prove the most difficult.

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What is Sensory Discrimination Disorder?

A person's brain confuses input which challenges a person's ability to figure out the source, frequency or pitch of a sensation. For this reason, a person has difficulty with their environment and learning.

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What is Sensory Motor Disorder?

Children have a hard time coordinating their minds with their bodies. All sensory-based motor disorders are lifelong disorders.  ​Click on the senses to learn more about them and spot the red flags

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Sensory-Based Motor Disorder: is defined as a motor challenge with an underlying sensory basis. All sensory-based motor disorders are lifelong disorders.

Sensory Discrimination Disorder: A person's brain jumbles or confuses information, making it difficult for them to determine the source, frequency or pitch of a sensation.

Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD): is a neurological function and is the organization of sensory information for on-going use. Efficient sensory modulation is the ability to effectively regulate the degree to which one is influenced by various sensory inputs.

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Tactile Overresponsivity (Tactile Defensiveness)... So That's Why He Acts That Way!

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How does Sensory Processing impact handwriting?

  • The lower body to have proper support for writing.

  • Needs assistance to write with appropriate pressure.

  • Needs assistance with positioning of letters like b, d, p, and q.

  • Needs to build fine motor skills to hold the pencil with three fingers.

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How does Sensory Processing affect handwriting?

  • Needs assistance with determining how much pressure to use when holding a writing utensil.

  • Needs help with determining the difference between letter placement/position like b, d, q, etc.

  • Weakened strength in fine muscles needed to appropriately hold a pencil.

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Therapies to address SPD:

  • Physical therapy using a sensory integration approach (PT-SI)

  • Vision therapy to improve eye-motor skills for people who have trouble reading, merging into traffic, or writing

  • Listening therapy (LT), which asks people with auditory issues to listen to a variety of sound frequencies and patterns to stimulate the brain while doing other motor tasks like walking on a balance beam

  • Psychotherapy for people who have developed a mood disorder or anxiety because of SPD

  • Speech and language therapy

 

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child. While you can’t change the entire world around them, you can help them feel more secure at home — and her bedroom is a great place to start. Check out this article to create a safe haven for your child to retreat to.  DIY Projects that Will Help Create a Sensory-friendly Bedroom for Children with Autism

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38 Activities for Sensory Play. A small sampling of activities of the things children can do to help their sensory systems develop.

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​​Sensory Overload Hurts Young Brains-Science News Dec 10, 2016  This article talks about over stimulation of screen time affects the brain.

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Recommended books:

Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Starting Sensory Integration Therapy: Fun Activities That Won't Destroy Your Home or Classroom

The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder: Easy, Everyday Solutions to Sensory Challenges

The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder

The Sensory Child Gets Organized: Proven Systems for Rigid, Anxious, or Distracted Kids

The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up: Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder in the Adolescent and Young Adult Years

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Local Providers:

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Advent Pediatric Therapy Services

Where: 3376 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18017

Call: 610-392-4339

Email:office@adventtherapy.com

Website: http://www.adventtherapy.com/therapie/

 

Amy Rau-Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Where: 418 Prospect St, Catasauqua, PA 18032

Call: 610-606-8250

Website: www.AmyRauOTR.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyrauot/

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Backyard Treehouse Pediatric Therapy Center #: (610) 365-8989

25 S Broad Street, Nazareth, PA 18064

*Does not accept medical assistance

Website: http://www.backyardtreehousetherapy.com/#

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Bethlehem Pediatric Therapy Services

Where: 3012 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18020

Call: (610) 625-4404

Website: https://www.bethlehempediatric.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/144243092253038/posts/we-are-so-excited-to-offer-the-safe-and-sound-protocol-at-our-clinic-beginning-a/1882301531780510/

 

Cindy Miles

Where: 3721 Crescent Court West, Whitehall, PA 18052

Call: 610-820-7667

Email: staff@cindymiles.com

Website: http://cindymiles.com/

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Easton Hospital

Where:  3143 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA 18045
Call: 610-250-4232

Website:  https://www.easton-hospital.org/76/service/rehabilitation-services

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Epic Health Services

Where: 5000 Tilghman Street, Suite 157, Allentown, PA 18104

Call: 610-432-7403

Website: https://epicpediatrictherapy.com/services/occupational-therapy/

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Good Shepherd

Services: The Summer Boost Program ages newborn to 21 yrs

is an intensive short course for adolescents who don't have summer   

school based services.

Where: 1651 N Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18104

Call: (484) 788-0701

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Lehigh Valley Health Network               

Allentown: 1243 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103-7982

Call: (610) 402-9770

Muhlenberg: 1770 Bathgate Road, Suite 200, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017-7334

Call: (484) 884-5437

​Easton: 2101 Emrick Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020-8001

​Call: 610-866-9675

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Nelson Therapeutic Services, LLC #: (610) 462-4625

Services: We are a pediatric team providing in home physical, occupational, speech therapy and educational services to the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties.

3124 Cambridge Cir, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/nelsontherapeutic/about/?ref=page_internal

 

Pediatric Therapy Associates Of The Lehigh Valley

Sally Abruzzese, MED, OTR-L

Where: 3440 Hamilton Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103

Call: (610) 821-0123

Email:pedstx@juno.com

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Pennsylvania Autism Action Center

Where: 2071 Route 209, Brodheadsville,  PA 18322

Call: (570) 861-4255

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Sayegh Pediatric Therapy Services, PC

**Also has contracts for Agora Cyber School, Commonwealth Charge Academy, and PA Cyber School.

Email:  info@sayeghpts.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sayeghpts/

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St. Luke's Pediatric Therapy

Where: 153 Brodhead Rd., Bethlehem,  PA 18017

Call: (484) 526-3200

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Sensory Gyms:

Live Learn and Play (ask about membership packages)

All of the pieces in our sensory gym were chosen to give individuals on the spectrum "proprioceptive input" or sensory input which is anything that pulls/pushes on your muscles and joints (hanging/climbing) or gives body movement (swinging, spinning, etc). This type of input has a calming and reorganizing effect in the brain for a lot of individuals on the spectrum. It's also a great way for kids to come together and just have fun with others of all ability levels. They can all learn from each other.

Where: PO Box 206, Emmaus, PA 18049

Call: 610-797-LIVE (5483)

Email: support@livelearnandplay.org

Website: www.livelearnandplay.org

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A Sense 4 Autism (currently looking for a permanent bldg in the Lehigh Valley

Email:asense4autism@gmail.com

Website: www.asense4autism.weebly.com

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Regional Providers:

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Children's Specialized Hospital

Where: 150 New Providence Road, Mountainside, New Jersey 07092

Call:  1-888-244-5373

Website: https://www.childrens-specialized.org/programs-and-services/outpatient-programs/occupational-therapy

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NeuroSensory Center of Eastern PA

Services: is a diagnostic and treatment facility dedicated to serving patients with neurosensory disorders. Our staff, including a neurodevelopmental optometrist, a vision therapist, neurosensory specialists, R.N.’s and L.P.N.’s, and diagnostic technicians, serve patients with disorders including, but not limited to: Dizziness, Vertigo, Chronic Headaches, Migraines, Dyslexia, Sensory Integration Disorders, Post-Concussion and Head Injury, ADD/ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Where: 250 Pierce Street, Suite 317, Kingston, PA 18704

Call: 570-763-0054

Email: info@keystonensc.com

Website: http://keystonensc.com/

 

Talk School

Services: Soma®, DIR Floortime Therapy and Sensory Integration

Where: 6 Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA 19073
Call: 610.356.5566

Website: https://www.talkinc.org/rapid-prompting-method

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Popular products that address sensory needs:

Hanna Anderson Girls Underwear

Seamless Hipster Underwear

Lycra Bed twin Sheet

Sensory Sack

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​Tips on designing your own sensory room at home:

Sensory Room: How to Build a Successful Sensory Room for Greater Brain Development

Anxious Child: Toys for Anxious Children, Self-Regulation and Emotional Grounding

Home Solutions to Cope with Sensory Processing Issues and Sensitivities

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Local Playgrounds and Sensory Gyms:

​A Sense 4 Autism

​Website: https://asense4autism.weebly.com/?fbclid=IwAR3UQvoQvBugvlNLJdWH10lyU1V5dR4bl2NSIVCGaGQIolyX9Kk2YVskkrI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asense4autism/

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​Lehigh Valley Sensory Friendly Community Outings:

 

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom

Where: 4000 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104

Website: https://www.dorneypark.com/help/accessibility

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FreeFall Trampoline Park (hosts Sensory Nights)

Where: 2800 Baglyos Cir, Bethlehem, PA 18020

Call: (610) 849-0373

Website: https://www.freefalltrampolinepark.com/about-us/

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​​Pocono Raceway

Thanks to a financial donation from KultureCity, this popular place for families now has an inclusive playground that address sensory needs.

Where: 1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334

Website: http://www.poconoraceway.com/

More about inclusive playground: http://www.poconorecord.com/news/20180502/pocono-raceway-unveils-inclusive-playground

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Outside Lehigh Valley Sensory Friendly Outings:

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Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)-The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is dedicated to welcoming to all visitors and ensuring their full participation in the natural sciences. This webpage provides information to plan your visit. For the Mobility Impaired, the main entrance is wheelchair accessible. For the Visually Impaired, there are some exhibits that will be of special interest. Service Animals Welcome!  Sign Language Interpretation. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University provides visitors with autism the opportunity to experience the museum in a secure and comfortable environment. The museum provides specific tools and tactics, such as museum stories, to help plan your visit.

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The Arts at Millersville (Lancaster, PA)-We are currently and will continue to introduce the campus and community to the work of professional artists from across the disability spectrum through performances, exhibitions, master classes, and workshops. We offer accessible presentations featuring ASL interpretation, open-captioning, audio-description, large-print and Braille programs, wheelchair seating at our ADA compliant venues, and now select sensory friendly performances for children on the autism spectrum. We also provide arts-learning and performance opportunities for area individuals of all ages living with sensory, physical, or cognitive disabilities. Contact Barry Kornhauser for more information.  The university also hosts an annual Disability Film series. 

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The Bucks County Children's Museum (New Hope, PA)- The Bucks County Children’s Museum is an idea a local elementary and special education teacher had dreamed of for many years. While raising three children in Bucks County, she experienced the rich history and culture of the area. With the idea of raising awareness and a “sense of place”, she wanted to find a way to educate other young families about the uniqueness of the county while preserving its history and beauty. Combining Bucks County history with fun hands-on learning experiences for families to share in evolved, and she began to present this exciting idea to the community.

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The Children's Museum (Bloomsburg, PA)-We encourage and facilitate the exploration of the sciences, arts and humanities and the development of positive learning experiences for people of all ages.  Third Tuesday of the month, $2.00 admission all day.  The Exchange will host hands-on Art Cart projects from 10am – 2pm.

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Choo Choo Barn (Strasburg, PA)-For train lovers...Our 1,700 square foot train layout features over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains…we guarantee the Choo Choo Barn is like nothing you've ever seen!

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The Franklin Insititute: Sensory Alert Maps – will guide you through certain devices or experiences in each exhibit that may have high levels of stimulation. The guides will give you helpful tips as you explore. Sensory backpacks, quiet places, and return visit voucher. During Sensory Friendly Sundays, our exhibits will be modified to provide an opportunity for people on the autism spectrum and with a range of differing abilities to experience all The Franklin Institute has to offer. Event Hours: 8:00am-12:00pm. NEXT FOR AUTISM™ and GSK Science in the Summer™ are proud to underwrite the price of admission for up to 6 guests per group at Sensory Friendly Sunday. Free admission will be available from 8:00-9:30 am on a first-come, first-serve basis. We highly suggest that guests pre-register. ACCESS Cardholders receive a discounted admission of $2.00 per person, up to 4 people per group.

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Fulton Theatre (Lancaster, PA)-Parents of young people with a sensory need can be reluctant to attend live theatre.  Dedicated to inclusion, Fulton Theatre invites families with a child with a sensory need or other social, cognitive and physical challenges to participate in our Sensory Friendly Program at any Family Saturday Morning Series.  We provide supports and resources for young people with a special need at all of our Family Series Productions. 

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KidZooU at the Philadelphia Zoo: KidZooU is completely wheelchair accessible. Be sure to check out the ramped pathway where children can get nose-to-nose and eye-to-eye with a variety of goats. Children can also view the monkeys traveling high up in the Treetop Trails through a 18-foot tall giant spotting scope! A dedicated quiet space is located near the entrance of KidZooU behind the outdoor restrooms. This quiet space has gate access and is a naturalistic area with park benches. There is a KidZooUPix symbol on the gate entrance identifying it as a quiet space. Philadelphia Zoo has identified quiet areas throughout the Zoo. Click here to download the Zoo’s Quiet Spaces Map.

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Lincoln Field (Philadelphia Eagles): In collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a long partner of the Eagles in autism-related endeavors, and KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the world to benefit those with sensory needs, the Linc becomes one of the first sports stadiums to build a sensory-inclusive certified room within the venue.

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People’s Light & Theatre Company (Malvern, PA)-We aim to make our campus and programming accessible and enjoyable to everyone through a range of accommodations and resources.

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