Activ is offering sensory assessment services with two new, highly experienced Occupational Therapists joining our Allied Health team. Together bringing over 50 years’ of knowledge and experience from working in the Disability sector.
The Specialist Assessment Service we are launching is initially focusing on Sensory Assessments for people of all ages from 7 to 70! A Sensory Assessment and therapy interventions can support a person to identify and manage sensory processing difficulties that may be impacting their performance and participation in daily activities. A thorough Sensory Assessment helps everyone to understand a person’s sensory preferences and their response to the environment. This information is then used to guide therapy and intervention, ultimately focused on improving function, quality of life, and minimising negative emotions and responses.
Some examples of how sensory challenges may present include;
- Struggling with transitions and changes, including new environments or routines.
- Sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells.
- Seeking sensory stimulation, such as fidgeting, tapping, or constantly moving.
- Struggles with organisation and planning.
- Difficulty filtering our irrelevant sensory information, leading to difficulty focusing on tasks.
- Trouble sleeping or relaxing because of overstimulation or environmental factors.
Meet Lara:
Lara Jansen has 25 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, gained at the former Disability Services Commission and Department of Communities. She has extensive experience working in senior roles in early childhood development and behaviour support teams.
“I’m keen to be involved in sensory assessments at Activ. Understanding a customer’s sensory needs and preferences allows the team around that person to understand and plan for sensory supports which ultimately improves the quality of life for the person,” she says.
Lara says it is not just the customer who is part of the assessment process, with family and supports also involved.
“It’s important sensory needs are embedded in daily routines and any adaptations are made that are interfering with the person’s daily functioning. I also believe in the importance of educating carers and families on how calming or stimulating environments allow customers to regulate at times of dysregulation.”
Meet Liz:
Liz Omaidi has extensive experience as an Occupational Therapist in the disability sector. Her career includes experience working in early childhood settings, adult mental health facilities, government and private practice. Her roles have included working as an Occupational Therapist, senior and supervisory roles, consulting and training in the industry.
Liz says she thrives to work in best practice early intervention and focuses on supporting children and families to achieve functional goals alongside a collaborative team.
“This helps the child feel safe, secure and in control as much as possible in their own environments and their own skin – increasing understanding, awareness, capacity and independence.”
Liz also has a strong background in sensory processing, seeing it as part of the bigger picture.
“I look at how it contributes alongside other factors in a more functional outlook rather than pure sensory integration. Sensory processing isn’t isolated, other areas such as emotional regulation, functional independence, executive functioning , coping with transitions, sleep, eating, and self care are also important when working with children and their families.”
“Everyone processes sensory information differently, it’s when it impacts on someone’s comfort, security and participation or function that a closer look into their sensory processing is warranted.”
If you are interested in booking a Sensory Assessment in Perth or the South-West, please contact our team at hello@activ.asn.au for more information.