WELCOME to the first edition of "The SPD Companion"!

I want to thank you for joining me on this journey. Since this is the first newsletter, I would like to take some time to give you some basic information about what you can expect from "The SPD Companion".

It is my goal and vision to use this newsletter to connect with you on a more "personal" level. You will receive my newsletter on the first Thursday of every month at bare minimum. As I come across exciting and valuable tid bits or resources, I may also make "surprise visits" to your mailbox in between.

Every issue of "The SPD Companion" will focus on one MAIN topic. Since everyone is at different points in their knowledge base, and at different stages of dealing with lives affected by SPD, it will be a challenge to offer that ONE topic that applies to everyone.

It may be brand new knowledge to some, and older information to others. If it is brand new and useful... fantastic. If it is old news, consider yourself respected by me for having sought out and learned this information already. Information about SPD is almost always aggressively learned.

In either case, bear in mind, the world of SPD is constantly changing and evolving, and it is my MISSION to find that "newness" to each and every topic. There is so much information and treatment methods to learn and do... it can be SO overwhelming.

I want to take that "overwhelmingness" of it all away, and replace it with patience and hope! Although there are many ways to accomplish this, I will start with ONE...

Your greatest hope will come from a proper diagnosis and treatment! You will find this by working closely with an OT. (For those of you who already have a great OT, hold on tight to them and be so very thankful that you have made it past this hurdle!)

So, let's get started with our first topic...

Finding The Best Occupational Therapy Services

Keep in mind, you are going to want to ask for a SIPT certified (pronounced "sipped") OT if at all possible. They have been additionally trained to diagnose (and usually to treat as well) kids with SPD. If they are too far away, you can go to them for the initial evaluation, then find treatment closer to home. A proper diagnosis is CRITICAL. You may also want to ask if they accept your insurance; but be prepared, not many do (YET!).

Generally, a "SIPT certified" therapist is best. But, keep in mind many OT's have worked with, and are quite knowledgable about (even specialize in) how to diagnose and treat kids with SPD even though they are not "certified",and can be just as wonderful as a SIPT certified OT. (For example, they may have learned from a SIPT certified OT but never had the time or money to pay for getting "certified" themselves).

Just remember, it is up to you to find the OT that is the best fit for YOU, YOUR child, and YOUR family! Don't be shy about asking as many questions as possible to ensure the proper "fit".

The BEST way to find a SIPT Certified OT is through www.wpspublish.com's database! They offer... "The only Sensory Integration Course approved by Dr. A. Jean Ayres and the Ayres/Baker Trust. This set of 4 sensory integration workshops is the only SI certification program endorsed by the publishers of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT)." And, on their website they keep a HUGE database of therapists (with names, addresses, and phone numbers) who took the course and are SIPT certified.

Just click on the link below and it will bring you to the page with drop down menus to choose country or state. It is both a National AND International database!!

Additional information for finding local OT's and the questions to ask can be found within the Finding OT Services article.

If you do not find the resources you need there, below you will find a link to a list of all Occupational Therapy Associations for every US state. Once you click on YOUR state, look through their website, find sections that may have a therapist database, and/or simply make a phone call or email them via their contact information and ask for what you need.

If you are in a country outside the United States or Canada and it is not part of the database at www.wpspublish.com, we have another resource for you. Go to the SPD Parent SHARE Host Directory and/or the SPD Parent SHARE Host Support Groups to find a Host in your state or country that can direct you to local resources.

So, use some or all of the information I have given you and you should find the resources you need. If you still need further assistance feel free to contact me with specific questions.