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State of the Bay

Sensory Processing Disorder Inches Toward the Mainstream

Do you know a child who is undone by loud noises and crowds?  Or one who is impossibly picky about the texture of his food?  These children might be diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).  What is SPD and why is it controversial?  Host David Onek and guests to examine the unorthodox treatments for SPD and UCSF's new use of brain imaging to help diagnose it.

Guests:

Julia Wilbarger, Ph.D, OTL/R - Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Dominion University.  Her mother Patricia she created the Wilbarger Therapressure Protocol.  With Patricia, Julia runs the Avanti Educational Workshops on Sensory Defensiveness and designed an overnight camp for children with Sensory Processing Disorder called Camp Avanti.

Patricia Oetter, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA -  Private consultant for occupational therapy and sensory issues based in San Ramon.  Patti runs workshops on the treatment of Sensory Processing Disorders and has co-authored books on sensory issues, most notably M.O.R.E.:  Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions and Out of the Mouths of Babes:  Discovering the Developmental Significance of the Mouth.

Cassie Britton  - Child Development Specialist and Program Director at The Little School and co-founder of Sensory Social Playgroups.  Additionally, she provides consulting and in-home support services.  She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Child Development and Family Studies.

Producer:  Wendy Holcombe

Resources:

M.O.R.E.:  Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions by Patricia Oetter, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA and Eileen Richter, OTR.

Out of the Mouths of Babes:  Discovering the Developmental Significance of the Mouth by Patricia Oetter, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA;  Sheila Frick, OTR;  Ron Frick;  and Eileen Richter, M.Ph., OTR, FAOTA.

Avanti Sensory Defensiveness Workshop run by Patricia and Julia Wilbarger.

Camp Avanti

Sensory Social Playgroups and Consulting

SPD Foundation