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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. |