(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Bright lights, loud sounds, certain aromas, colors and textures can be problematic for people with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Learn its effects and ways to help loved ones cope in a workshop at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch on Thursday, February 8. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with SPD are at a disadvantage if they’re uninformed. The workshop will define SPD, explain various types, highlight indicators, offer ways to offset possible adverse reactions and suggest treatment options.

The presenters are Dr. Elke van Hooydonk, Senior Occupational Therapist, and Dr. Patricia Faller, Pediatric Occupational Therapist of Children’s Specialized Hospital, Toms River, proponents of the Ayres Sensory Integration^®  (ASI) autism therapy model and collaborators with masters in the field including Dr. Zoe Mailloux and Dr. Roseann Schaaf.

European-trained Dr. Elke van Hooydonk conducted occupational therapy for children and young adults in Belgium and Switzerland for eight years before joining Children’s Specialized Hospital 22 years ago. She provides clinical guidance for therapists in numerous disciplines.

Dr. Patricia Faller, an alumna of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, participated in the randomized controlled trial that gauged the effectiveness of ASI and the Data Driven Decision Making model. She has a 31-year history in pediatric occupational therapy in school, outpatient and early intervention settings as well as in private practice.

Please register at https://bit.ly/OclTrSPD for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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