Category Archives: Providers

Sensory Integration with Nikki Branch, OT

We are hearing a lot about sensory integration problems and the discipline that is handling sensory integration problems most is Occupational Therapy. It may seem strange to have children going to occupational therapy, but Nikki will explain to us that this is about the normal tasks that occupy a persons time. LOL Anyway, here is a brief introduction, from 2010, to OT for sensory integration.

We loved Nikki, who was a graduate of Baylor and a member of what was then the fastest growing church in Austin. She worked for Milestones, but has moved away since then. However, some of what she said, related to 2010 is exactly what needs to be considered today in 2021, that we can not speak about. you will hear it, carefully said, and you will know.

WHAT I DO

From my doctor mom and preschool educator perspective lots of sensory experiences, at the child’s level is a great idea. Dr. Montessori based much of her work on sensory education. Children’s task in the first years is to explore their environment, but modern environments are often too restrictive. For instance, a child can investigate a crib or a playpen only so much. They want to feel the carpet and the grass. They wan to bang the pots and the cabinet doors. They want to feel the difference between the velvet cushion and the satin one. The Montessori classroom offers these experiences in an organized manner. Also, as a grandmother of children who had problems, I offered a lot of swinging, rocking, and dancing to one child. Another needed extra time to draw circles and boxes and learn how to use a pencil. As an educator, I have seen children with differing problems. Some great OTs really helped families who were mystified about their children’s troubles.

Please chime in and tell us what is going on for you parents and your professionals now. We love to hear from you.

Dr. Swank Overcomes Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities with Individualized Approach

Dr. Linda Swank argues for the individual approach in overcoming dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Back in 2009, Dr. Swank of the Swank Enrichment Center in Austin on Bee Caves Road shares with us how they help children with academic problems, especially “dyslexia.” With her PhD in speech and language as a grounding, she developed a unique approach to helping children. Rather than rely on statistical testing and labeling, they work individually with the child and parents. The individualized approach avoids the labeling. It avoids the varieties of definitional problems that “dyslexia” presents. It avoids the denominationalism that special educators and doctors and therapists find themselves in. It addresses the presenting academic problems. Many have overcome their problems with the center’s approach.

While her methods may be controversial, I would say the proof is in the pudding. Her method is much in contrast to what the public schools do and much in contrast to what the College of Education at The University of Texas now teaches about dyslexia. However, the Swank Center has been in Austin for decades and has helped many children and worried parents. There is little value, in my view, in building a “dyslexia orthodoxy.” Rather, helping individual children is out aim. Differing approaches should be very much welcomed, in my view, in order that more children might be helped, after finding the right approach for them.

COMING TOPICS

Please note that this is a rerun, and announces that next week we will have a doctor/researcher to address the controversial aspects of immunizations. That episode will NOT air next week. That doctor/researcher was Andrew Wakefield and may be accessed by searching the website or the list of podcasts on the podcast host. If you find a search page full of old or false news that he was discredited, and nothing on a reversal of same, then doubt your search engine. He was a dramatically respected world class researcher before he ran aground of pharmaceutical companies’ profiteering. The center he founded in Austin lives on, as does he, entirely exonerated, if bewildered at the persecution. Listen to our interview of him, and consider for yourself if he seems like a decent level headed scientist… or something else.

We do hope to soon run an episode on the labeling issue that Dr. Swank brings up. Let us know if you want an explanation of the statistical analyses that Dr. Swank brings up.

GET IN TOUCH

We really enjoyed having Dr. Swank and she evidently really enjoyed being with us. Notice that heartfelt agreement at the end. It is unfortante that we haven’t heard from her since. Don’t be like that! Let us hear from you. What issues do you want addressed? Please leave your comments and requests. Most of all, sign up, letting us know that you are a Lioness, part of our tribe. Let us pray for you. Contribute to the cause!

Swank Enrichment Center

Dr. John Ensign Give Recos for Preventing Colds and Flu

Dr. John Ensign, DO gives recos for preventing colds and flus. This was originally recorded in 2011, before the Wuhan virus outbreak. Still, you might find value in it. Bonus rerun, to go with current issue.

Irlen or Scotopic Syndrome — Easily Remediated, so Check it Early

We interviewed Dr. Carole Zuccone Ed.D from Houston about scotopic syndrome that Professor Helen Irlen discovered. It is now scientifically proven. It is inexpensive to screen for. It is easy to remediate. You will enjoy the interview. Gosh, this could help lots of students! Ask me how I know.

One early clue is that your child wants less light when they are readying than you think is normal. I remember my mother coming in the room and turning on the lamp. “How can you see?” And then my eyes would hurt. Now, this is not the end all, but just a clue.

Find out more at :
www.Irlen.com
www.zuccone-irlen.com

and for me, in Austin, check out www.orgstrat.net