Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) October 07, 2014 -- In recognition of National Sensory Awareness Month, which takes place in October, the STAR (Sensory Therapies And Research) Center and Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation are excited to announce initiatives to generate awareness about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), what’s being done to help families and how people can help.
Sensory Processing Disorder acts like a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to understand and respond to sensation. People with SPD misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound and movement and it can impact daily activities that most people take for granted.
Help support these families by participating in National Sensory Awareness Month.
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1. SPD Spin Challenge
The STAR Center has issued a SPD Spin Challenge to develop better understanding about SPD and what it’s like to live with SPD on daily basis. Donations will be used to fund research for treatment for SPD.
How it Works
Spin for approximately 10 seconds (e.g., on your feet, in your office chair, on a playground, roll down a hill), then balance on one foot as long as you can. You as the participant, donate $10 if you do the challenge, or donate more if you do not. Then you challenge others to do the SPD Spin Challenge and share your experience on social media.
To view videos of people doing the SPD Spin Challenge and to find out more, visit http://www.spdfoundation.net/spdspinchallenge.
Some important information:
The Spin Challenge is for fun and educational purposes only. It should not be done by those who have negative responses to movment stimulation e.g. get severely disoriented or ill. Most people have a temporary disruption of equilibrium but in a short span of time, things go back to normal. Individuals with sensory challenges may have severe or unusual responses to movement. The movement (vestibular) system is one of the body’s eight senses and contributes to balance and to the sense of spatial orientation. We hope to generate awareness of what children with SPD deal with on a daily level. Please conduct the SPD Spin Challenge only in a healthy and safe setting and manner.
“For children with SPD, sensory challenges can be debilitating and affect normal activities of living,” said Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, founder of STAR Center and the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. “More awareness means early intervention, services and hope for the future of our children.”
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2. New Membership Benefits
The SPD Foundation is highlighting new membership benefits to coincide with National Sensory Awareness Month. The value of multiple benefits far exceed the membership fee and include:
- a discount at flaghouse.com on any of their 8,000 items,
- free access to SPD University’s new Signature Lecture Series featuring prominent speakers such as Carol Stock Kranowitz, Dr. Susan Bazyk, Dr. Kay Toomey and more
- 10% discount on all online training programs,
- free subscription to ‘Sensory Focus’ magazine
- the knowledge you are helping to raise awareness about SPD
Find out more at http://www.spdfoundation.net/members.html
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3. Sensation Celebrations
Join the SPD Foundation in organizing, supporting or attending an event in recognition of National Sensory Awareness Month. The awareness campaigns exemplify the determination, dedication and triumph that families raising children with SPD face every day.
While October is National Sensory Awareness month, many people may want to do a summer walk event or combine it with a special event like a birthday party or Bar Mitzvah. Many of the Foundation’s generous supporters have asked their guests or participants for a donation in lieu of a gift for these types of events, which in turn educates friends and family about SPD. It doesn't matter what time of year you plan your event, just be creative and have fun with whatever you choose to do.
Planning an awareness event is easy with all the tips and tools provided on the SPD Foundation’s website. Visit the Sensation Celebration organizer page for planning tips and check out past events on the main Sensation Celebration page for some great ideas. Please let the SPD Foundation know it will be promoted on the website. Contact the SPD Foundation with questions and provide details of your event. For more information visit http://www.spdfoundation.net/celebration2014.
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About Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation
The Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Foundation, a Colorado 501(c)(3), is the world leader in research, education, and awareness for Sensory Processing Disorder, a neurological condition that disrupts the daily lives of more than 4 million Americans. The SPD Foundation offers educational programs, conducts SPD research, and provides resources for parents worldwide. Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, widely recognized as a leader in SPD research worldwide, founded the SPD Foundation in 1979. The SPD Foundation provides hope and help to individuals and families living with SPD. For more information, visit SPDFoundation.net or call 303-794-1182.
About STAR Center
STAR Center, a Colorado 501(c)(3), is the premier treatment center for children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder, feeding disorders, and other sensory conditions associated with ADHD, autism, and other developmental disorders. STAR Center offers intensive ³burst² treatment that research shows is effective in treating sensory issues. Parents are involved throughout the process so families can learn to create sensory lifestyles and continue to see progress after the formal treatment program ends. Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, founder of STAR Center and Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, is widely recognized as the leader in Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) research worldwide.
Karen Harolds, Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, http://www.spdfoundation.net, +1 303-794-1182, [email protected]
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