Winneshiek Medical Center to host camp for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses. A person with Sensory Processing Disorder finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other impacts may result if the disorder is not treated effectively.

Winneshiek Medical Center is holding a new camp this summer for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade called "Sensational Kids Camp."  The camp will meet from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Mondays from June 23rd through July 28th at the medical center. The registration deadline for the camp is Monday, June 16th.

The camp focuses on helping children with SPD who find it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses.  The six-session camp will explore the six senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch and movement and will give the child tools to understand and balance their senses input in their daily lives.

The camp is led by WMC occupational therapist Ali Roemhild.  "The goal of therapy is to foster appropriate responses to sensation in an active, meaningful, and fun way so the child is able to behave in a more functional manner," states Roemhild.  "Effective occupational therapy enables children with Sensory Processing Disorder to take part in the normal activities of childhood, such as playing with friends, enjoying school, eating, dressing, and sleeping."

The fee for this class is $75 per student and includes printed sensory resources as well as an end of camp summary of successful sensory strategies to the child. More information for parents and caregivers on SPD and the Sensational Kids Camp is available by calling WMC Rehab & Sports Medicine at 563-387-3031, or visiting www.winmedical.org/sensory-integration-therapy