Sensory processing disorder is like a traffic jam in the brain.
Typically, our brain takes in and processes all the information about our environment that our senses provide. After our brain processes the information, it allows us to respond in the appropriate way.
But when a child’s brain is affected by sensory processing disorder, the brain is not able to arrange and correctly process information from the senses, making it challenging to respond appropriately. This disorder makes it difficult for children to complete routine childhood activities.
Children in foster care or the adoption system have often experienced chaotic or disrupted early childhoods. This early adversity can contribute to the development of sensory processing delays or disorder.
Care providers at the University of Minnesota Health Adoption Medicine Clinic routinely screen children for signs of sensory processing issues. Our team includes Adoption Medicine Physicians Judith Eckerle, MD, and Cynthia Howard, MD, Occupational Therapist Megan Bresnahan and Physical Therapist Susan Jacobsen. Together, they evaluate a child’s global development skills (referring to “norms” for children from specific countries and backgrounds), will educate parents on the findings and may recommend activities to complete at home or services to consider.
Here are five things you can expect from the screening process at our Adoption Medicine Clinic.
The AMC has been a trusted partner for over 25 years. We help children in foster care and children who join their family through adoption make a smooth transition into family life. We create ongoing success and enable them to overcome medical and developmental challenges caused by early adversity.
Please contact us to find out how to prevent and overcome long-term medical, developmental and mental health challenges for your child. Let the AMC be your trusted partner, helping you meet the needs of your child so they can reach their potential for a happy, healthy future.
Our physicians are available to speak to your family about our services or answer any specific questions.