In January the CNY Chapter of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation’s Parent Connections Group hosted its first meeting. The founders and co-hosts of the CNY chapter, Caryn Daher and Michele Hawthorne, have organized a support group to reach out to other parents who have children with sensory processing issues.
The SPD Foundation’s research suggests that one in every 20 children experiences symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder that significantly impact their ability to participate fully in everyday life. Symptoms of SPD, like those of most disorders, occur within a broad spectrum of severity. Examples of these symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following: extreme sensitivity to physical contact, lights and sound, food, clothing, temperature and more. Children with sensory processing difficulties may display impaired posture and motor skills that appear as klutzy behavior while other children might be constantly seeking stimulation. This support group is for the entire spectrum. Often children with other developmental disorders such as ADHD and Autism show significant issues with sensory processing as well.
Daher and Hawthorne are optimistic that the group will reach out to any and all parents whose children have sensory processing issues no matter what the diagnosis. This support group is also for parents who question whether their child is receiving the proper treatment or attention to their specific needs. Attending meetings can help parents explore their options and receive information that direct them to the proper professionals in this field. They hope the support group will be a resource for information and emotional support to the families. CNY SPD Parent Connections plans to host guest speakers who specialize in Sensory Processing to present at several of their meetings.
Meetings will be held the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Please see their website www.cnyspdparents.com for specific location and other information. SPD-Parent Connections are run by parents and provide a forum for them to share personal experiences related to SPD.
The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation and its Parent Connections Hosts are dedicated to the research, education and validation of sensory processing disorder. Advice of a qualified clinical professional should always be sought for diagnosis and treatment. For more information on the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation please visit www.spdfoundation.net.
Mar
02
SPD Parent Connections opens a local CNY Chapter
Caryn Daher 03/02/09
CATEGORY: General Education