Pediatric Rehabilitation Assessment and Consultation Services (PRACS) 49th Street Community Health Centre Bay A, 4755 - 49th

Street Red Deer, AB, T4N 1T6 Phone: (403) 314-5240 Fax: (403) 314-5230

O.T. Notes
Tips and Strategies from your Occupational Therapist.

Volume 3, Issue 3

November, 2010

How to make a referral to Occupational Therapy:

Teacher to complete
referral package

What is Sensory Integration Anyway?

Every day, we receive a great deal of information from our senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, movement). Our brains must organize this information so that we may function in everyday situations. Through the maturation process, many of us have developed an amazing ability to process and respond to many different senses at once. But.what happens if one or more of our senses are not being interpreted properly? This is referred to as a Disorder of Sensory Integration. Difficulties with sensory integration may result in learning, motor or behavioral difficulties. Common Signs of a Sensory Integration Disorder: Over and/or under sensitive to touch, movements, sights or sounds Unusually high and/or low activity level Attention difficulties Coordination difficulties Delays in academic achievement or activities of daily living Poor organization Poor self-concept

Parent to complete
referral package and consent form

School coordinator/
Director of Student Services to ensure all documentation is completed and signed

Completed referral
package to be sent to the PRACS Intake Resource Coordinator by mail or fax. *** Services are funded by Student Health Partnerships***

What Help is Available? The best approach is a collaborative one. Qualified Occupational, Physical or SpeechLanguage Therapists, should meet with parents, school personnel and/or other caregivers, to create a specific plan to help meet the individual sensory needs of the child.

Did You Know?

In-services can be requested and presented at your school! Our therapy team has developed presentations on a variety of topics including: Printing

Its Time to Move! (A Movement Break Idea)

Some students need additional stimulation to help them process information and regulate their level of alertness. This can be accomplished by regular incorporation of specific physical activities throughout the school day. Here are some examples of ways to build movement into learning activities: Seat Exchange- Each time a student answers a question correctly, they can move to a different seat in the room. The person whose seat they choose moves to their seat. Spelling Bee Have students work in small groups to spell the letters using their bodies to form the letters. Practice words off spelling lists. Hot Potato- Have students sit in a circle. Have a ball to toss around the circle to answer questions.

Fine Motor Sensory

Integration

Assistive
Technology

Classroom
Strategies Contact PRACS Intake Coordinator for more information!