The list of behaviors and concerns associated with a sensory processing disorder is seemingly endless. If your child is diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder, Mary Free Bed therapists can help her function better at home, at school, and in the community.
While sensory processing difficulties can’t be cured, they can be managed using certain strategies on a daily basis. The Pediatric Sensory Program focuses on educating you and your child on what these strategies are and how to use them so your child can lead a functional life.
Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms
- Defensive to touch
- Sensitive to bright lights and loud noises
- Poor coordination, balance, and body-in-space awareness
- Food aversions
- Behavior problems
- Inability to regulate emotions
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Difficulty in school
Who Uses the Pediatric Sensory Program’s Services?
The therapists at Mary Free Bed’s Pediatric Sensory Program treat infants, children, and adolescents (birth to 18 years). Your child needs a prescription from your medical doctor or psychiatrist to be evaluated.
Mary Free Bed’s Pediatric Sensory Program Evaluation
Your child’s comprehensive evaluation for sensory processing disorder includes:
- Parent/caregiver interview
- Medical history review
- Observation of your child completing sensory activities
- General muscle strength and coordination assessment
- Completion of a sensory profile questionnaire (for children 11 years and older)
- Visual motor test, if necessary
S
ensory profile questionnaire – If your child is 11 years old or older, you’ll need to complete the sensory profile questionnaire. This questionnaire helps your therapist assess information on each of your adolescent’s sensory systems.
Beery Visual Motor Integration test – If your child’s therapist has concerns that your child has problems processing visual information and coordinating motor movements, a visual motor test may be necessary.
Following evaluation, our Mary Free Bed therapist will review results with you and your child, if appropriate, and recommend treatment, if needed.
Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment
If treatment is recommended, your child will come to Mary Free Bed’s Outpatient Therapy Center once a week for 6-8 weeks.
Each week, therapy focuses on a different sensory area. You and your child will learn activities and strategies for each sensory system. Your therapy sessions may look like this:
Week 1: Develop a sensory diet and receive a list of structured activities that correspond to your child’s sensory needs.
Week 2: Understand self-regulation strategies through the “How Does Your Engine Run?” program.
Week 3: Learn tactile desensitization strategies (may include the Wilbarger brushing program).
Week 4: Identify oral desensitization activities and strategies to introduce new foods.
Week 5: Learn proprioception (sense of body position) and vestibular (sense of movement) system activities and strategies.
Week 6: Incorporate sensory strategies to increase independence and functioning with daily living activities, including dressing, bathing, eating, chores around the home, and social interaction, at home, at school, and in community.
Some children with sensory processing disorders may need more or less than 6 weeks to accomplish goals. Your therapist will determine the length of your child’s therapy that will best meet his needs.
Insurance & Payment
If your insurance provider does not cover treatment for a sensory processing disorder diagnosis, Mary Free Bed’s Outpatient Therapy Center offers services on a self-pay basis, with payment plan options.
Contact
For more information or to make a referral, please contact Mary Free Bed’s Pediatric Sensory Program.
PHONE
616.242.0366 - or - 800.668.6001
FAX PRESCRIPTIONS
616.493.9827
EMAIL
Peds.Outpatient@MaryFreeBed.com
LOCATION
Outpatient Therapy Center
350 Lafayette SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4651
Directions & Map
RESOURCES
www.SPDfoundation.net
www.Sensory-Processing-Disorder.com