About the Toolkit
Purpose:
This tool draws on existing sensory integration theory and the clinical expertise of current practitioners in this field.
Our aim is to normalize the spectrum of sensory preferences in everyday life. We hope that you will explore the many relationship pairings that may reflect the interaction between you and your child and make use of the resources suggested in a way that best fits your family.
We understand that relationships are complicated and that you may see bits and pieces of yourself and your child in different sensory type descriptions. We hope that you will look for the predominant patterns in identifying your sensory types and spend some time exploring different combinations and activities.
Should you have questions about the resources provided or if you identify links to external pages that are no longer functional, please notify us.
For general information about sensory processing please visit our FAQs.
Development:
In Summer 2016, Harbor Children’s Therapy submitted a Graduate Project proposal to the University of Washington’s Master of Occupational Therapy Program. This proposal requested student involvement in the design of a resource for families with children receiving services for sensory processing challenges. The tool would function by exploring the sensory preferences of caregivers and their children to provide focused activity and environmental suggestions with the ultimate objective of normalizing sensory preferences in daily life.
UW students Annie Brandjord, Lauren Eykholt and Hilary Figgs, faculty supervisor Dr. Janet Powell, and website developer Grant Butler partnered with HCT to design and develop this specialized toolkit. The students gathered information through a scoping review of current research in the field of sensory processing, and conducted a needs assessment drawing on input from HCT staff, clinic families, and observations from leaders in the field.
The tool was launched in beta testing in April 2017 with a small group of parents and caregivers at the HCT clinic. Their experiences and feedback were vital in the completion of this tool.
About Harbor Children's Therapy
Harbor Children’s Therapy (HCT) is a private, therapist-owned occupational and physical therapy clinic in Gig Harbor, Washington. HCT provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment for children age birth through 21 and their families. They offer specialized treatment in neurodevelopmental pediatrics and sensory integration at their clinic and provide consultation in both public and private school environments.
The owner of HCT, Lois Kramer, is a licensed occupational therapist and brings over 40 years of experience to the clinic.
HCT is committed to providing dependable, high quality, cutting-edge therapy to the Western Washington Community. Their goal is to help children reach their full developmental potential in the home, in school, and in social interactions.
About the Makers
The online sensory toolkit was developed by students at the University of Washington pursuing a Master’s degree in occupational therapy in partnership with Harbor Children’s Therapy.
Annie Brandjord, OTS, is a Seattle native and received her B.A. from the University of Oregon in International Studies and French. She has a background in public health and research and a keen interest in baking, trail running, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Lauren Eykholt, OTS is a Seattle native and received her B.A. in Public Health and Psychology from University of Washington. She has experience working with children on social development and her interests outside of school include art and hiking.
Hilary Figgs, OTS was raised on Whidbey Island and received her B.A. in Humanities from Western Washington University. She has worked in infant and maternal health and international development. In her spare time, she enjoys houseplants, biking, and drawing.
Janet M. Powell, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA served as faculty advisor for this project. She is the Head of the Division of Occupational Therapy at the University of Washington with experience working as an OT in pediatrics and adult neurorehabilitation.