Since we had our last workshop in October we have been asked to do many presentations on SPD. I am continually amazed and thrilled to see how things have changed, and in such a short time frame. Two years ago, SPD was just a little “buzz” word and now people are searching for information and research, confirming that “Yes, SPD is very real”.
The question that arises in most of our presentations is “How do we know if it is behaviour or SPD?”. Dr. Lucy Miller (www.spdfoundation.net, U.S.) and Diane Henry O.T. (www.ateachabout.com) both say it so nicely: “Let’s not guess; let’s properly assess”.
They go on to say that using the SPM ( Sensory Processing Measure www.sensoryprocessingmeasure.com) will allow you to see if there are social concerns, sensory concerns, and/or praxis concerns. On top of that Dr. Miller explains that giving any child a sensory diet will benefit all children. After applying this sensory regulation you will see those with SPD settle and attend; those with ADHD may not. It is through proper evaluation and assessment that you will know, but always remember that increasing movement benefits all.
We are very excited to be in the midst of planning our next workshop on April 24 at Mayfield School in Edmonton. More details will be listed shortly, but we have confirmed Kathy Mulka O.T. (Unlimited Potentials) and Diane Hinves, Chartered Psychologist, presenting “Is it Anxiety, SPD, or both?”.
For children with SPD, often the sensory creates anxieties, and when as we address sensory, we find that the child also needs support to reduce the anxieties. Diane Hinves is an educational psychologist who has worked with many professionals involved with SPD and many children who have this disorder; she and Kathy Mulka frequently work together. We are excited to have Diane and Kathy bringing more understanding to the complexities of this disorder.
We have had some of you write really wishing there was a place you could go, to be able to communicate more with each other. Our time is spent so much on education and advocating and applying resources to the site, that we do not have the manpower to run a support group. Having said that, I have found other groups that you may want to check to see if they are of benefit to you. One is a mom in Edmonton who has children of her own with SPD and is an author of two books on this topic. She also runs a blog (www.lilywolfwords.ca). You might also be interested in Carrie Fannin’s work (www.sensoryplanet.com). Carrie is a strong supporter of SPD and works with the SPD Foundation (U.S.). Her goal is to support and educate all those who are in contact with SPD children.
There are two promotions from Dr. Miller’s foundation you may be interested in: one is their conference on March 5 and 6 (http://www.spdfoundation.net/ symposiumcolorado/index.html) and the other is an exciting one hour learning opportunity in the comfort of your home, school or office, for $25.00, with Jean Ayres and Dr.Lucy Miller (http://www.spdfoundation.net/elearn/index.html).
I have just finished reading Winnie Dunn’s Living Sensaationally. What I loved about this book is that she educates all of us that we are sensory beings. For those of us with children, students, and/or patients with SPD it is wonderful to read about what gifts this disorder may bring. I highly recommend this book (http://www.amazon.ca/Living-Sensationally-Winnie-Dunn/dp/1843108712).
Keep warm and keep our SPD kiddos out in the heavy snow and tobogganing - both such great proprioception tools, calming and FREE!
Cheers
Lori Fankhanel
President, SPD Canada