What is the Sensory Learning Program? click here

The Sensory Learning Program is a multi-sensory approach to developmental learning that simultaneously stimulates the visual, auditory and vestibular systems with light, sound and motion. The Program challenges the primary sensory systems to work together and better adapt to multi-sensory input, the foundation of all sensory processing.

The Program is a 30-day intervention. It consists of one - 1 hour, or two - 30 minute sessions each day for 12 consecutive days, including holidays, at our center. Each session is an individual sensory experience simultaneously engaging visual, auditory, and vestibular systems to work in an integrated way. The repetitive sensory activation of each session builds on the session before. After 12 days of sessions, the individual returns home with a portable light instrument to continue the program with a 20 minute session each morning and evening for the next 18 days.

Preceding the intervention, an evaluation is made in which a listening profile and visual field are taken. these "perceptions maps" help provide a baseline that is used during the course of the Program to track improvement in sensory processing

The Sensory Learning Program is a foundational intervention. We encourage parents of children with sensory issues to explore the Program as one of the first interventions provided. The reason for this is twofold. First, the benefits of the Sensory Learning Program are significant on their own. But equally important, because the Sensory Learning Program works on the ground-level sensory perception of the child, where the process of learning begins, it often improves the effectiveness of other therapies that follow.

What is unique about this intervention?

•Minimal Motivation Required:
Because children are engaged by the multi-sensory input of the Sensory Learning Program, minimal motivation is required.

•Simultaneous Multi-Sensory Stimulation:
The Sensory Learning Program simultaneously stimulates the visual, auditory and vestibular systems with light, sound and motion, challenging these three sensory systems to work together and adapt to multi-sensory input.

•Input vs. Output:
The Sensory Learning Program focuses on the input of light, sound and motion, not on a particular output we want the child to perform.

•Non-Cognitive vs. Cognitive:
The Sensory Learning Program works on an elemental level from the "bottom-up", challenging the sensory systems to adapt to multi-sensory input, as opposed to working from the "top-down", providing complex directions the child is expected to execute or perform.

•Foundational Intervention:
Because the Sensory Learning Program focuses on improving sensory connections, it serves as a foundational intervention in two ways:

1.Sensory connections are the foundation for all sensory processing. Because the Sensory Learning Program focuses on improving sensory connections, we believe the Sensory Learning Program should be one of the first interventions explored for individuals with sensory dysfunction and integration challenges.

2. The Sensory Learning Program can provide a solid sensory foundation that often enhances other therapies that follow, such as OT, PT, ABA, and Speech Therapy.