Sensory Processing ~ Making Connections

Love, Respected & Dearly Missed

Bonnie Hanschu, was nationally recognized as one of the leading professionals
who have enhanced the quality of life for persons with severe developmental
disabilities through the use of sensory approaches. She developed an organized
approach that synthesized sensory, neurobehavioral, and cognitive
considerations to get results with people who have challenging behaviors such
as self-stim/injury, defensiveness, or hyperactivity. Hailed by many as "an
integrated approach that finally makes sense", it is now being used with success
in regular and special school settings as well as various treatment programs for
children and adults across the United States.

Bonnie was a former director of the Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies in
Phoenix, AZ, a private, non-profit school and treatment program for autistic
children founded by Lorna Jean King. She had over 30 years of experience as a
clinician and educator and developed and directed a variety of treatment and
residential programs for profoundly disabled individuals served in institutions.

Her publications include the popular Sensory Integration Inventory for
Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and the companion User's Guide,
co-authored, with Dr. Judith Reisman, and the chapter on sensory issues for the
new AOTA text on adults with developmental disabilities. In addition, before
her untimely death she was working on the Ready Assessment which has been
completed and is now being presented by Laura at the Evaluation and
Treatment courses.
In private practice since March of 1993, she provided consultation to school
districts, state and county agencies, large treatment facilities, and private non-
profit organizations and taught numerous courses on the application of sensory
approaches to professionals, parents, and direct contact staff.

Some of the factors cited for making her courses "the best ever" for many past
course participants included Bonnie’s extensive knowledge, ability to make
complex subject matter understandable, practical suggestions, sense of humor,
and familiarity with multiple settings and individuals. Because of the profound
difference this information has made with so many people we needed to
continue to present this information and try to keep it current with recent brain
science. People who attended her courses and continue to see Laura present
leave energized and have told us about the “huge” positive changes they have
seen in their most severe as well as mild students and clients. We hope that you
all keep coming and keep her legacy alive.
Our teacher, mentor
and friend.