SPD

[Guest guest]

I found this online. I think this relates to us in many ways. Here is a website and some info that I copied. I highlighted what seems to be most pertinent.http://www.sinetwork.org/contact.htmlHere is also an free online study. I have not yet taken it buy plan to when I have time. http://www.sinetwork.org/researchstudy.htmlPlease comment and tell me if you think I am off on this. Q. What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

A: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex disorder

of the brain that affects developing children and adults who were not treated

in childhood. Children with SPD misinterpret everyday sensory information, such

as touch, sound, and movement. Some feel bombarded by sensory information;

others seek out intense sensory experiences or have other problems. This can

lead to behavioral problems, difficulties with coordination, and other issues.

Symptoms of SPD, like those of most disorders, occur

within a broad spectrum of severity. While most of us have occasional

difficulties processing sensory information, for children and adults with SPD,

these difficulties are chronic, and they disrupt everyday life. Click here to

read about SPD Red Flags. (http://www.spdfoundation.net/redflags).

: Are children entitled to Sensory Processing Disorder

therapy in school by law?

A: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

guarantees a free and appropriate public education with peers, to the maximum

extent appropriate, to all eligible children with disabilities (ages 3-21) who

need special education and related services in order to learn in school.

Children with disabilities can receive occupational therapy (OT) if they

qualify for special education. In addition, a school team, including the

parents, must decide if the therapy is necessary. (Some school districts will

provide OT in other instances, e.g., to give teachers suggestions before

referring a child to special education, called a pre-referral.)

There are no provisions in state or federal law that

specify how OT, once recommended by the team, must be provided. This includes

the service model, frequency of intervention, and the frame of reference.

In due process hearings and the courts, the issue of

theory base or frame of reference has been referred to as a methodology

decision. One of the latest court decisions regarding methodology centered

around individual instruction for a student with dyslexia using the

Ortho-Gillingham method (E.S. v. Independent Sch. Dist. No. 196). The district

court disallowed the parent's request for this kind of reading instruction,

stating that schools have discretion over methodology decisions as long as the

program provides a free and appropriate public education.

Therapists who recommend school-based sensory integration

therapy must show how the student needs this kind of occupational therapy in

order to benefit from participation in the curriculum and specific school

activities. Important issues to address (in jargon-free language)

include: