Workshop on Sensory Processing Disorder for Parents and Clinicians Set for Dec. 3 at Columbia University, NYC

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents of children with a sensory processing disorder (SPD) and clinicians treating children with a SPD can learn about the latest research and treatment techniques at a full-day workshop to be held at Columbia University's Faculty House in Manhattan on December 3.  The workshop will teach parents and clinicians how to create a tailored sensory experience for children, movement skills in the school and home environment and offer tips on seeking funding for the child's treatment.

The featured speakers are Occupational Therapists Britt Collins and Lindsey Biel, and Jackie Olson, parent of a child with SPD. Collins and Olson are co-authors of "Sensory Parenting" (http://sensoryparenting.com/index.html) and Biel is author of "Raising a Sensory Smart Child."  

This is an intermediate-level educational workshop. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion. The cost for the full-day workshop is $200. The workshop will also be given in Philadelphia on December 2 at the Ace Conference Center, Lafayette Hill (http://www.ot-advantage.com/ota/articles.aspx?id=1686).

About SPD:

While most parents have heard of autism, SPD is a more prevalent disorder that has been shown to disrupt the lives of young children.  Recent studies report that some 5-10% of children experience sensory symptoms significant enough to affect their everyday life functions. When children have a SPD, sensory information is often perceived abnormally. For example, a child may sense pain when feeling a shirt tag brushing against his neck, or a background noise like a ticking clock may become loud and frightening. SPD may also produce symptoms such as clumsiness, emotional outbursts or social withdrawal.  

SPD was first described by developmental psychologist A. Jean Ayers in 1970. The disorder is recognized by the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families (Zero to Three Project) and is listed as a diagnosis in the widely used Diagnostic Manual for Infancy and Early Childhood.

OT-Advantage, based in Chicago, IL, was founded by Alison Bodor, M.S., OTR/L in 2008. OT-Advantage began as a social networking site and has now expanded into e-learning continuing ed, as well as in person CE. A variety of online courses and live educational workshops are currently available for healthcare professionals.  For more information, see www.ot-advantage.com.

SOURCE OT-Advantage