Diana Henry - Sensory Tools for Pre-Teens and Teens

Founder and President of Henry Occupational Therapy Services
www.ateachabout.com

Diana was energetic and intune with her audience. 

Diana referenced the American Journal of Physiology
Stating people from Ages 11 to 14 looses brain connectivity. This makes it hard to think clearly therefore making it harder to make good decisions. However the brain does prepare for complex problem solving at this time. But while the changes are happening, the age group could suffer from moodiness and irresponsibility.

So they do have an excuse, weather you choose to believe it or not.

Diana has come up with some exercises that even teens would find to be fun. The exercises promote movement, calmness and improve stability.

During the conference, Diana had the audience up and moving. It was fun.

Diana used her power point presentation to discuss changes in other places such as the Hypothalamus and the hormones it produces. She discussed the Oxytocin which affects the teens during romantic situations and makes it harder to make logical decisions.

As we all know Puberty is not easy, but the influx of hormones make it difficult to handle stress and pressure. Diana discusses the troubles the teen age brain can have when you add drugs and alcohol with the developing teenage brain.

Again Diana provided short exercises to the audience to help teens increase flexibility and strength. It also gave propriocpetive input, improves posture and balance, and promotes calmness and relaxation. Diana's choice items to exercise with was the ball and stretch band.

Everybody looked like they were having fun.

Diana referenced the Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology to discuss team building through physical challenges - this promotes self-worth, athletic competence, good physical appearance and social acceptance.
Suggested www.humankinetics.com

Diana touched upon sensory disorders with Asperger's and reference AJOT - As people with Asperger's suffer with more sensory issues their performance of academic and social skills decrease.

Diana touched on auditory and visual issues and provided suggestion such as using a special fluorescent alternative from Home Depot: S40-0865-T12-30 SAV.

She also suggested the use of hand fidgets as "Concentration Tools"
She introduced to her audience Juggling as visual tool and aroma therapy.

She also suggested to make the teen in your life happy- Provide and hang out space.  http://www.kompan.com/sw29440.asp This area should include sensory items that would provide vestibular and proprioceptive input.

http://www.freespirit.com/

Diana referenced time magazine with 7 Rules to Parents - from a psychology professor -

Diana suggested teens interested in animals could get involved with volunteer dog training for the community. They could help train dogs to be assistive to people with physical disabilities.

Diana stated the Sensory needs don't go way even adults need sensory Strategies.

Diana presented herself as an educated and knowledgeable Occupational Therapist and the conference was worth attending.

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