Therapro was delighted to return to the Community Resources for People with Autism 26th Annual Conference on April 15th, in Agawam, MA. This year’s conference, which is dedicated to providing information and networking opportunities for families and professionals, drew a sold-out crowd of 650 attendees. Temple Grandin, Ph.D. was this year’s guest speaker, providing three lectures entitled: “Autism and My Sensory Based World.” Additionally, a panel presentation closed the day with discussion about the daily challenges and successes of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Grandin is a renowned author and speaker on topics related to autism. She is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Throughout the day she spoke on a personal level as an individual who is autistic as well as on a professional level sharing information about therapeutic treatment strategies that are currently in use. Dr. Grandin explained how the autistic brain works, specifically highlighting in a fascinating way, how her brain categorizes experiences.
Therapro’s exhibit was popular with parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD as well as with professionals. Fidgets of all types were popular, including the all-time favorite Rapper Snappers, Fidget Pencils, Bendeez, and Tangles. The Fidget Kit, which offers a variety of fidgets in one pack sold out quickly. Chewy necklaces were sought out throughout the day. Senseez Vibrating Pillows were a big hit. The Sensory Connection books and Drive-Thru Menus were hard to keep in stock. Books and products that address building social skills were praised: Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond, Building Social Relationships, and Mind Your Manners.
Visitors to our exhibit engaged in interesting discussions about weighted blankets, sensory sensitivities, and favorite self-regulation strategies. Many were familiar with Therapro and expressed their thanks for great products. One mom told me that “Therapro has made a big difference in my son – thank you!” Her 9-year-old son, who has ASD, loves Stretchy String, which he calls his “string of life!”
This conference was inspirational because it provided professionals and caregivers with insight from an individual who lives with autism daily. Dr. Grandin’s ability to share her life experiences was moving. I had the opportunity to meet and speak directly with her. She expressed her gratitude for Therapro distributing her favorite of the books she has written, The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger’s.
Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
We anticipated an energizing 4 days in Chicago at the 2016 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo! Therapro director and owner, Karen Conrad Weihrauch, ScD, OTR/L was happy to be back in familiar territory, having received her OT degree at the University of Illinois. The Therapro team of 5 occupational therapists, lead by Karen, convened at the Expo Hall on Wednesday afternoon, rolled up our sleeves and got to work setting up our massive, colorful exhibit. Karen, Bhanu, Ginger, and Linda, and I functioned like a well-oiled machine, constructing the display and stocking the shelves with all our latest and greatest products.
Our hope for all children is that they become productive, engaged members of their community as adults. For students with special needs, this goal becomes a challenge because it is dependent on early, interesting, and meaningful training in pre-vocational skills. At Therapro’s Saturday Seminar on March 12th, entitled: