At STAR Center, we believe that every contact is an educational opportunity to promote understanding of sensory issues and effective strategies for handling them.
That’s why treatment at STAR Center is family-centered. Parents and therapists become partners who assume different but essential roles. As parents, you are the experts on your child and identify priorities; as therapists we have expertise in therapeutic technique and measuring progress toward your goals. Together, you and the therapist collaborate to develop the best possible treatment for your child.
Parent Coaching and Education
The STAR Center treatment model is grounded in parent education. We have found that helping parents understand SPD and intervention principles is the most important ingredient of successful treatment. Reframing what appear to be “bad” behaviors into sensory needs when applicable can make a huge difference in children’s ability to relate and engage with others.
We teach parents how to consider the situation in the moment and choose among various options to develop a sensory lifestyle for their child, rather than focusing on simple “sensory diets” constructed by a professional for a parent.
Parent education takes place during every therapeutic session at STAR Center. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, nanny, or a therapist who comes with a child from another center, you will learn as you participate in sessions with your children.
In addition to this “built-in” education, dedicated parent-only education sessions are incorporated into every child’s treatment program to:
- make sure our treatment is based on your self-identified family priorities,
- provide feedback on what has been learned,
- answer your questions,
- develop take-home strategies for your household and school,
- provide advanced information about and solutions for sensory challenges.
