Have you ever felt that tag in the back of your shirt or pants and couldn’t stand the feeling so badly you had to cut it out immediately? Or how about the smell of a candle that made you so queasy you had to leave the room? These are typical sensory experiences many adults/people have that affect their everyday lives. For some people, they are able to deal with it and move on, but for others with a sensory processing disorder, this can change the entire course of their day, sending them into sensory overload and an inability to regulate their bodies/emotions and functionally participate in work, play, and social interaction. So now imagine being a kid struggling with these sensory experiences!
This class will outline the multiple sensory systems in our body, some you may be familiar with, others that may be new to you. We will discuss how they affect our bodies, and how a child both typically developing, and/or with developmental disabilities may react to various sensory input. This is a resource class for parents/caregivers and will educate on learning through the senses, developing skills through sensory play, when to seek a professional opinion, and ideas for play. Class will include take home materials outlining what was discussed in class, as well as an activity to accompany what was learned that you can do at home with your little one to address those specific needs!
+ $15 per person
+ best for parents of kids aged 3-5
+ pre-registration required
+ workshop leader: Ilana Segal
About Ilana:
hello! i’m ilana segal i’m a resident of philadelphia, and live in the graduate hospital area of the city. i have been working as an occupational therapist for 7 years now, and have been working in early intervention for about 6 years. i have worked at various schools in the area working with children with various diagnoses including down syndrome, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, prader willi, add, adhd, odd, and currently 85% of my caseload is comprised of children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. i provide therapy services both in school and in the home targeting areas of fine motor skills, self-regulation, overall strengthening, attention/focus, and use of sensory integration interventions. i specialize in working with children birth-5 years old, and seriously enjoy what i do. i get excited to go into work everyday, and see what new skills my kids will acquire. some of my best days are when i hear parents tell me how happy they are to have their child say hi to them, or call them mommy, daddy, or even just acknowledge their presence, for the first time ever, and i know everything i do is for a reason.