Sensory Processing Program

The Sensory Processing Program at the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Outpatient Therapy Center specializes in the treatment of pediatric patients, newborn and up, who have sensory processing deficits. We are dedicated to improving integration of sensory systems (visual, auditory, and perceptual), tolerance to a variety of sensory input, fine and gross motor skills, strength, coordination, and, ultimately, independence in daily life. Parents and family members are an important part of the treatment team and we work closely with them during treatment.

Services Include

• Comprehensive evaluation
• Treatment and therapy
• Family and caregiver education

Services Summarized

Our occupational, physical, and speech therapists are specially trained in sensory integration.

Who Uses These Services

Children with sensory processing deficits who demonstrate any combination of the following symptoms:

• Impaired fine or gross motor skills Impaired motor planning/coordination
• Impaired eye/hand or foot coordination
• Impaired receptive or expressive language
• Impaired auditory comprehension
• Reduced tolerance for sensory input
• Emotional or behavioral problems
• Impaired attention/task focus
• Impaired visual perceptual skills
• Impaired strength
• Impaired balance
• Poor socialization skills
• Difficulty with activities of daily living

Services Explained

To be seen, a patient must first have his or her condition evaluated by a physician who writes a prescription.

Download an Outpatient Referral/Prescription FAX Form.

Comprehensive Evaluation

A thorough assessment by an occupational therapist and by physical and speech therapists, as prescribed. The evaluation includes interviews with parents and a review of medical and school records. Patient’s gross motor skills, fine motor skills, strength, cognitive skills, and communication skills are observed and tested.

Treatment and Therapy

Individualized treatment plans are created to meet patient needs. There are three main types of therapy:

Occupational therapy - goals may include improved balance, strength, endurance, coordination, fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, sensory functioning, and performance of daily living activities.

Physical therapy - goals may include improved balance, strength, endurance, coordination, mobility, and gross motor skills.

Speech therapy - goals may include improved language skills, attention to task, oral motor skills, fluency, and auditory comprehension.

Family and Caregiver Education

We consider family involvement a key component of our program. We provide training and support to ensure that the child’s treatment is able to continue at home, at child care, and in other settings. Therapists provide instruction in home exercise programs and coordinate their efforts with school therapists or other therapists, as needed.

Contact the Sensory Processing Program

For more information or to make a referral, please contact the Sensory Processing Program at:

Phone

616.242.0366 - or - 800.668.6001

Email

Peds.Outpatient@MaryFreeBed.com

Download

Outpatient Referral Form