I would like to have my 8-year-old son evaluated by an occupational therapist for sensory integration issues. Any recommendations for someone in or near Eagan? I may also seek some help teaching him to manage some anger issues he has--recommendations for that kind of therapist too?
Thank you all for your recommendations. We are currently on the waiting list at two places near our home. I had no idea there would be such a long waiting list! I wish I had started this process months ago. After speaking to an OT on the phone it sounds as if he may also need some "feeding therapy" for a very strong gag reflux that he has. I am optimistic that occupational therapy will help him control some of his behaviors. Several people recommended The Therapy Place in Bloomington, but I am concerned that would be too far to drive if he ends up in weekly therapy, especially once school and all of our activities resume. Since he is in school from 9 to 3:45 we would end up in rush hour traffic. Thanks again for the support.
The Alexader Center in Eden Prairie is the best place to start. It may be a drive for you but they specialize in ONLY kids in all of these areas. Also, I had my son evaluated for sensory issues at capable kids in chanhassen and went through 3 years of OT. It did WONDERS for him.
Another option would be The Childrens Therapy Center in Eagan. I am actually a PT at Gillette and have some kids who go to OT there for sensory issues. I have also heard great things about the Therapy Place in Bloomington. Courage Center in Burnsville as previously mentioned also treats kids with sensory issues. Good Luck!!
We were recommended to The Therapy Place in Edina
###-###-#### and then when they called to make an appointment, they told me there was one close to my house. In fact, right down the street from my work. There was a waiting list, so we did not get in until after school started, but we have been going for almost a year now. We changed therapists when ours moved to Wisconsin, but we are very happy with it.
Our doctor would not give us a referral because she did not see his behaviors on bad enough to need it. It was like I was being punished for being a good parent for the first 6 years, and now that we had a significant change in environment (ie school), I felt we needed more professional help. It's frustrating, but parents just have to stick to their own beliefs and do what they feel is right for their kids.
Have you read "Raising a Sensory Smart Child?" That is my favorite resource right now. If you have any others, I would love to hear. I'm always looking for input, hoping to stay a step ahead. (Okay, not possible, but it makes me feel better.)
Talk to the OT about anger management as well. It's all related in some ways. Sensory kids get more frustrated with situations where they are not in control.
If you're open to something beyond the regular medical arena where they only prescribe medication, I highly recommend a chiropractic clinic in Eagan called Synapse. Dr Patrick is a neurologist and Dr Meaghan is a nutritionist. Together they work to find total body answers to lifes problems. As a chiropractor/neurologist they think how the body works together - not just one avenue. It's a very different concept and you might find answers there that don't require medication. Their phone number is ###-###-####. Tell them D. godman recommended you.
All the best to you,
D.
I took my girls to a private facility in Bloomington called "The Therapy Place." Received professional evaluation, kind staff, excellent treatment.
My daughter has sensory disorders, and she goes to OT in Woodbury at Children's. I think you do need a referral from her regular Dr tho. They are next to Woodwinds Hospital.
My son goes to the Family Achievement Center in Woodbury. He has not been formally diagnosed with a sensory integration disorder, but is receiving OT for behaviors. It has been a bit of a roller coaster. He still has very difficult moments and we still get quite frustrated at times. Good luck to you! It is a difficult and very draining battle.
I work for the courage center and they have a great pediatric clinic in burnsville? Not sure if that is too far. If you google it, you will also come up with a lot of pediatric therapy clinics that may be closer. St. Paul Children's also has therapy as well. Good luck.
Shelley
