Processing with Our Senses
with Pamela Olson, MOT, OTR/L
Episode 17, Season 3 | April 5, 2023
Show Notes
When you hear a sound, how do you respond? You might choose to ignore it or investigate its source. This process of using our senses to interpret a situation and respond in a purposeful way is called sensory integration. When these systems don’t synthesize, whether due to a diagnosis like autism or ADHD or to a skills deficit, it can lead to a whole host of learning and behavioral challenges. Studies have found that 1 in every 6 children has sensory processing issues that make it more difficult for them to thrive in school. In today’s podcast episode, we sit down with CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services Occupational Therapist, Pamela Olson, MOT, OTR/L, to learn how best to support our child’s sensory skills development and what to do when things don’t seem quite right.
Guest Info
Pamela Olson, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist at CHC
Pamela has over ten years of working with children and adolescents with varying needs, across clinic, home, and school environments in the Bay Area. She has maintained her license through extensive continuing education in sensory integration, motor skill development, cognitive skills and processes, and use of alternative therapeutic modalities (i.e. yoga and mindfulness). She is trained and certified in the USC Sensory Integration Certificate Program, as well as a variety of therapeutic techniques including Integrated Listening System (iLs), Therapeutic Listening, Therapressure protocol, and S.O.S. Approach to Feeding. Pamela’s occupational therapy sessions are grounded in her view of each individual as a whole person – mind, body, and spirit. She works with clients in order to enable them to discover their potential and flow through occupations with a greater sense of accomplishment.
In addition to being an occupational therapist, Pamela has over 200 hours of training in the teachings of yoga, and is recognized as a 200-RYT (registered yoga teacher). She enjoys spending her free time exploring new (and known) areas, spending time with family and friends, and training her up-and-coming therapy dog, Jetty.
Resources
Learn about CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services
Learn about CHC’s Evaluations
Articles:
Differently Wired. A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child With Confidence and Hope
Understanding Sensory Integration
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Downloadable resource:
Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorders Fact Sheet
From CHC Experts:
Is This Normal? Top 5 Things to Know About Your Young Child’s Development
