Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Sensory integration classes

Here is the pediatric occupational therapist that I had mentioned today in our class. I finished overview 4 last spring so I have completed her overview series. Her name is Christy Kennedy and she specializes in Sensory Integration (SI). She's Amazing! And so helpful to have a group of other parents going through similar struggles.

Here's Christy's info:
ckennedy@mindspring.com
Overview Series Day 11:30am-1pm
Evening 7pm-8:30pm
234 E. Parkwood Rd, Decatur, GA
30030-2813
http://christykennedyot.com

As I shared, this overview series helped me better understand my VERY Active son as well as identify activities that organize him like swimming, swinging, listening to music, singing, jumping, climbing, building, drawing, etc. And the importance of protein loading for breakfast and lunch to stabilize his blood sugar and level his mood plus snacks every 2 to 3 hrs. Gosh, he's high maintenance in this area but so is his daddy. All three of us have engines that run high so we go up and down a lot. Learning more about my own sensory integration as well and how to recover more quickly when I run high, although always a work in progress! So, lots of tips like omega-3's for focus, timers, sit-upons to use at dinner table and/or at desk while doing homework at home /school to help calm instead of fidget (I sit on the sit-upon at meals and use for my desk chair because so comfortable!), creating a play room where Christopher can swing, climb in order to organize himself (haven't done this yet but would like to).

I like that Christy requires parents to take the overview series before offering direct therapy to the child. She wants to help parents help themselves. The sensory integration classes make so much sense especially around learning to identify our own arousal states and others. The engine idea to symbolize our arousal state is great. The main goal is giving our children strategies for understanding and regulating themselves.

Here's an example of what is covered in overview series 3 and an excerpt from pamphlet given out called:
"How Does your Engine Run?"
The Alert Program for Self Regulation
SI Overview Series

Arousal - a neurological state of alertness that readies a person to pay attention and respond appropriately to the immediate environment.

Low - sleep, relaxation, patiently waiting

High - angry, frustrated, sad, worried, hurried, silly-goofy, surprised, embarrassed

Just Right - focused, engaged, "in the groove" "game's on" , smooth sailing

High or Low Engine Speeds
- Decrease function
- problem solving
- awareness of self and others
- motor skill
- access to memory - short or long term

Andrea=)