When a seven-year-old boy with Asperger’s visited Burpengary Occupational Therapist, Deb Bone, he brought with him a history of behavioural problems, learning difficulties, and motor coordination issues. Having also been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), his constant search for stimulation was getting him into trouble, much to the chagrin of both his parents and himself.
After numerous therapy sessions, coupled with the use of sensory aids such as compression clothing and textured items, this young boy’s life improved dramatically. Empowered by his newly-controlled sensory system, the idea of a ‘Sensory Superhero’ became entrenched.
Deb and her business partner, Jenna Schade, have taken this concept on board, recently launching their business, Sensory Super Heroes, which provides therapy, strategies, and physical aids to kids with SPD.
Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition that affects one in 20 children. It’s a neurological dysfunction whereby a person struggles to cope with either an overload of sensory input or continually seeks sensory stimulation. Be it through movement, touch, smell, sight, sound, or taste, people with the disorder can be so adversely affected that it impinges on everyday life.
As an Occupational Therapist of 25 years both here and in America, Deb has seen first-hand the difficulties people with SPD, notably children, suffer, and feels it is her and Jenna’s mission to accommodate the needs of those with SPD, which often goes hand in hand with ASD, Autism and ADHD.
“Basically, I got sick of seeing the parents, kids, and teachers struggling and not having any knowledge, training or resources to deal with the everyday needs of these kids,” says Deb. “The system here in Australia just isn’t working, and one of our aims is to help those on the spectrum or with sensory issues to make everyday life more enjoyable.”.
From selling specialised products at their headquarters in Burpengary, visiting schools in the area for consultations to give advice on how to restructure classrooms, product demonstrations, and presenting at Sensory expos and markets, this pair has already made positive impacts on many families in the area. Deb affectionately names each one of her clients a Superhero, understanding that once their internal engine has been super-tuned and they feel better, they can then navigate this world a lot easier.
“If someone with SPD knows their own sensory profile, embraces who they are, and isn’t afraid of being adaptable and forward thinking, then the empowered individual can be ready for anything. Their powers are limitless once they have weapons in their arsenal to create change,” says Deb.
Contact details:
Website: http://www.sensorysuperheroes.com
Facebook: Sensory Super Heroes
Ph: 0431 310 604