Sensory Integration and Its Impact on Sense of Self

Helping kids understand their body, emotions, and the use of surf therapy to tie it all together

Speaker: Naomi Matanick, OTR/L

Tuesday, March 7, 2023 • 6:00 p.m. PST
 

In-Person at our Learning Center in Pasadena
(Please RSVP as space is limited)
540 S. Marengo Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

What is sensory integration? It's a big word for explaining what you and I experience every day. Sensory Integration is the way our senses receive and process the people and places around us. The nervous system does not always play fair. What happens when noises feel too loud, smells are too strong, or touch is uncomfortable? Often when the body is not processing and integrating sensations appropriately, this can lead to difficulties with physical and emotional regulation. This can look like emotional breakdowns, difficulty feeling comfortable in one's body, and difficulties with motor skills or higher-level cognition such as attention and executive function. These are just some of the ways the body may respond. Yet, our brains and bodies are magnificent and malleable. This talk will provide knowledge on the sensory systems, how we can regulate ourselves and co-regulate with our children, and tools which can support this process.

About the Speaker

Naomi Matanick, OTR/L a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration therapy, surf therapy, and childhood and infant development. Kids are amazing and dynamic individuals. Yet, they have a lot to conquer. In her years of experience, she has served infants to early adolescents in a variety of areas including sensory processing, physical and emotional regulation, organization of behavior and attention, acquisition of vital motor milestones, motor coordination development, and oral-motor therapy for feeding. Her mission is for each caregiver and child to feel understood and empowered as they are equipped with life-long tools. Her passion is to see children feel joy as they playfully develop a strong identity and sense of self through the skills and knowledge they have obtained.