Q: What is Sensory Processing Dysfunction?

A: Sensory Processing Dysfunction(SPD) - It is a neurological disorder, manifested by difficulty in integrating and processing sensory information, received from the outside environment or their bodies. This results in "sensory seeking" or "sensory avoiding" patterns or "Dyspraxia," a motor planning problem.

Q: How can I tell if my child has SPD?

A: Some children have sensory-motor coordination problems such as being sloppy or messy or having difficulty with transitions (doesn't easily "mainstream with the rest of his group"). Some children are fearful in space (on the swings, seesaw, or heights); in several cases they might ignore the danger and become unaware of it. A child with SPD may have a very short attention span and become easily distracted. Most of the children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction have learning disabilities and neuro-developmental delays. SPD can be present in any of the senses, as explained below.

• An acute awareness of background noises. In severe cases children might shutdown their environment and act like deaf children. (Hearing)
• Fascination and keeping busy with lights, fans, water. (Vision)
• Spinning items, taking things apart; these children may seem destructive. (Vestibular/ Proprioceptive)
• Hand flapping, moving fingers in front of face and repetitive movements. (Dyspraxia)
• Parent or teacher complains of unusually high or low activity level. Little or extreme awareness of pain or temperature. The child may strongly react or ignore stimuli on face, hands, feet, and/or any part of his body. A child may refuse to wear certain clothes or insist on wearing long sleeves or pants so that the skin is always covered. Avoidance and ignorance of physical contact with people and with certain "textures," such as certain textured food, sand, and finger paints. (Touch)
• Picky eaters (Taste)

Q: What kind of child qualifies to the Atlantis Program?

A: We call ourselves advocates of the SPD. We help children with all Neuro-developmental disorders such as: Autism, PDD, ADD, ADHD, Speech Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Seizures, etc...

Q: How can you help my child?

A: We educate and bring awareness to the need of the treatment, step-by-step, coaching to help the child achieve complete independence, provide referral services, provide respite and coaching services for parents and families.

Q: Why should I join ACI?

A: Experience working with a new modality in an inclusive environment amongst family, physicians, therapists, educators, etc.

• Meetings with renowned researchers and scientists.
• Work with pioneer physicians in a holistic environment.
• Availability of CME and other courses.
• Personal growth and achievement.

Annual Gala

Celebrate the achievement and growth of our children.

Become a part of our future expansion and international projects.

Q: How may I qualify to become a member?

A: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." — M. Gandhi

To bring the change we envision into reality, we will be interviewing prospective members with the following qualities: Open-minded, patient, creative, persevering, team player, motivated, reliable, responsible, willing to learn.

Q: What type of membership might I have?

A: You can choose from:

• Active
• Associate
• Honoree
• Student
• Volunteer

Q: Are there any dues to become a member?

A: Annual membership fees
Active members $75
Associate members $50
Students $20

Q: Are there any job opportunities in this field?

A: Yes, we do provide job opportunities, in order to gain community service hours; we train students aspiring in this field. We also train anyone from high school students to the parents of the disabled children.

Q: What if I don't live anywhere near your facilities?

A: We provide phone consultations, and if you are interested in the program, we have a facility that can support accommodation.

ACI is a non-profit organization whose services are totally dependent on membership fees and community donations.

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