Tag Archives: autism

SENcastle all in one sensory solution

Discover the SENcastle: A Revolutionary Sensory Solution

Occupational therapists know that every child’s sensory system is unique, requiring individualized approaches to address their specific needs. Often, creating an effective sensory space demands substantial room and specialized equipment. Enter the SENcastle – a compact, portable sensory room that offers a sensory solution designed to transform how therapists address sensory processing challenges.

A Game-Changer for Meeting Sensory Needs

Developed in collaboration with special education teachers and sensory integration therapists, the SENcastle offers a comprehensive and adaptive sensory experience. This multimodal sensory device connects children’s sensory needs with assistive technology, providing controlled sensory input through five sensory systems: visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive.

Why Occupational Therapists Will Love the SENcastle

1. Versatile and Adaptable: The SENcastle fits seamlessly into most environments, whether it’s a classroom, therapy clinic, or community setting. Its compact design ensures it can be integrated into individual or group settings, as well as shared spaces for universal access.

SENcastle cushions, 6 specially designed cushions that offer a range of sensory experiences

2. Comprehensive Sensory Input: With its thoughtfully designed components, the SENcastle offers a wide range of sensory experiences. The central light column, equipped with advanced LED technology, projects dynamic visual effects, while integrated sound effects enhance the auditory experience. Six specially designed sensory cushions provide varied tactile and proprioceptive input, creating a holistic sensory environment.

3. Easy to Use: The SENcastle is user-friendly and straightforward to operate. With five control buttons and RFID-enabled sensory cards, therapists can easily manage sensory scenes, adjust sound and light intensity, and customize the experience to meet each child’s needs.

Therapist and child inside the SENcastle using the easy to use RFID cards to create sensory scenes
SENcastle a versatile sensory solution with 6 sensory cushions and a central light column

4. Portable and Space-Efficient: One of the most significant challenges in creating sensory spaces is the requirement for large, dedicated areas and extensive equipment. The SENcastle addresses this by offering a portable solution that can be set up quickly and efficiently, taking up minimal space while providing maximum benefits.

5. Promotes Independence and Generalization: By integrating sensory experiences into everyday situations, the SENcastle helps children generalize and apply behaviors learned in specialized settings to their daily activities. This promotes greater independence and enhances their ability to navigate various environments successfully.

Features and Technical Specifications

  • Ergonomic design with spacious interior
  • Adjustable sound and light intensity
  • A central light column with visual effects
  • Integrated sound effects
  • Six sensory cushions for varied input
  • Durable construction with easy maintenance
  • RFID-enabled sensory cards with multiple scenes
  • Bluetooth Headphones are included to allow use even when in a shared space
  • Recording capable for personalised messages and sounds
  • 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Transforming Therapy Sessions

Imagine a sensory solution that not only addresses individual sensory needs but also transforms the environment to optimize therapy sessions. The SENcastle does precisely that, offering a space for “sensory discharge” to calm overstimulated children or a “sensory charging” station to energize those needing additional input.

Bringing Sensory Integration to New Heights

For occupational therapists, the SENcastle is more than just a sensory room; it’s a revolutionary tool that redefines how sensory integration therapy is delivered. Its versatility, portability, and comprehensive features make it an invaluable addition to any therapeutic setting, empowering therapists to create tailored sensory experiences that foster growth, independence, and success.

Ready to explore the SENcastle’s potential? Visit Therapro’s website to learn more and discover how this innovative sensory room can transform your therapy sessions.

Increasing Awareness of Pediatric Feeding Disorder

Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) presents significant challenges for children and their
families; raising awareness about PFD is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention, ensuring that children receive the appropriate care and support. This disorder can affect a child’s ability to eat and drink, impacting their nutrition, growth, and overall development. It is defined as “impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate, associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial dysfunction.” Studies show that in the United States, PFD affects more than 1 in 37 children under the age of 5. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Feeding Matters have been at the forefront of these efforts, working collaboratively to enhance understanding and recognition of PFD.

Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorder

Pediatric feeding disorders encompass a broad range of difficulties related to eating and
drinking. These can include medical, nutritional, feeding skill-based, and psychosocial
aspects. Common symptoms may include difficulty with sucking, chewing, or
swallowing, aversion to certain textures or foods, and disruptive mealtime behaviors.
Early identification and intervention are essential to prevent long-term consequences,
such as malnutrition, growth delays, and social-emotional issues.

The Role of AOTA in Addressing Pediatric Feeding Disorder

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) plays a vital role in promoting
the role of occupational therapy in the assessment and treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorder. Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to address the complex interplay of physical, sensory, and psychosocial factors involved in feeding disorders. Through education, advocacy, and research, AOTA supports occupational therapists in providing evidence-based interventions to improve feeding outcomes for children.

Key Initiatives by AOTA:

  • Educational Resources: AOTA offers comprehensive resources and continuing education opportunities for occupational therapists to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in pediatric feeding.
  • Advocacy: AOTA advocates for policies and practices that support early identification and intervention for PFD, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Research: AOTA promotes research in the field of pediatric feeding, encouraging the development of innovative assessment tools and intervention strategies.

Feeding Matters: A Leading Voice in Pediatric Feeding Disorder Advocacy

Feeding Matters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding
and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. Founded by parents of children with PFDs
Feeding Matters aims to provide support, education, and resources to families and
professionals alike. The organization works tirelessly to create a world where children
with feeding disorders thrive.

Key Contributions by Feeding Matters:

  • Educational Programs: Feeding Matters offers a range of educational programs for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to increase awareness and understanding of PFD.
  • Support Networks: The organization provides support groups and resources for families, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
  • Research and Advocacy: Feeding Matters collaborates with researchers and advocates for policy changes to improve the diagnosis and treatment of PFD. For example, they have worked effectively to develop the Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire (ICFQ) – an age-specific tool designed to identify potential feeding concerns and facilitate discussion among the child’s healthcare team. It was designed by a group of internationally esteemed contributing authors including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physicians, dietitians, and more.

Collaborative Efforts: AOTA and Feeding Matters

The collaboration between AOTA and Feeding Matters has been instrumental in raising
awareness and improving the diagnosis and treatment of PFD. By combining the
expertise and resources of both organizations, they have made significant strides in
addressing the challenges faced by children with feeding disorders.
Joint Initiatives:

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: AOTA and Feeding Matters have launched joint campaigns to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the signs and symptoms of PFD, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.
  • Interdisciplinary Conferences: Both organizations co-host conferences and workshops that bring together experts from various fields, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nutrition, and psychology, to share knowledge and best practices.
  • Research Collaboration: AOTA and Feeding Matters support and fund research projects aimed at developing innovative approaches to the assessment and treatment of PFD.

The collaborative efforts of AOTA and Feeding Matters have significantly advanced the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. By promoting education, advocacy, and research, these organizations ensure that children with PFD receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive. Continued collaboration and support from the broader healthcare community are essential to furthering these efforts and improving outcomes for children and families affected by feeding disorders.

Check out these important feeding resources that Therapro offers for your personal
library.

Gust Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired

Webber® Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards

A Fresh Approach to Teaching Essential Life Skills

Unlocking Independence With The Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion & Photo Sequencing Cards

The Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion and Webber® Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards offer a fresh approach to teaching essential life skills and help you unlock your student’s potential for independence with self-care activities and routines that are vital for everyday life (i.e., activities of daily living).

Webber® Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards for teaching life skills

Discover a vibrant and innovative way to teach essential life skills with Webber® Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards. Created by Occupational Therapist Dani Kinsley, the Photo Sequencing cards can be used with students from preschool through adulthood. Dive into 20 self-care tasks each meticulously broken down into 6 steps, offering a total of 120 daily activity cards. Real-life photos, accompanied by written and verbal prompts, make learning engaging and relatable. Customize lessons effortlessly to the needs of the learner with Basic Directions, Expanded Directions, and Extension Questions for each photo card.

Beyond the basics like Brushing Teeth and Getting Dressed, this tool addresses more specialized target skills such as Straight/Curly Hair Care, Sneezing and Using a tissue, and Basic First Aid. 

Companion Excellence: Webber Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion

Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion

Enhance the power of the Webber Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards with the Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion. Packed with 188 pages, this invaluable resource aids in creating personalized lesson plans. Track progress with Data Sheets, implement effective strategies with Tip Sheets, and enjoy clear suggestions for enriching learning through How-to visuals. 

At Therapro, our commitment to discovering impactful products is unwavering. We continuously seek tools that benefit therapists, teachers, families, and caregivers. Teaching essential life skills (ADLs) systematically and practically elevates the learning experience, catering to a diverse age range with varying skill levels.  The Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion paired with the Photo Sequencing Cards will unlock your student’s potential for independence!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT, Retired