Module 3 Sensory Processing Disorder Advocacy Plan

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

What inspires and excites you most about your advocacy plan and being an advocate?

The thing that I am most excited about with my advocacy plan is to find a way to share some of the information that I have learned.  The biggest thing that I have learned so far this semester is how clueless people are about my topic, sensory processing disorder.  I am excited to see how other professionals and parents respond to this information.  Half of the problem with the disorder is that many people do not know anything about it.  Many people just assume that these children are “bad seeds” or are a “problem child.”  I probably would think the same thing with children like this had I not had the opportunity to get to know a child like this and learn from my work and research with him. I am interested to see how educating people around me will change the way that children with this disorder are treated.

What challenges and/or anxieties do you feel related to engaging in the advocacy efforts you have targeted?

I am nervous to see how people, especially parents respond to this information.  I do not want parents to freak out if they suspect this might be something their child has a problem with.  My goal here is to inform and to give resources for parents to use.  I am anxious at creating and delivering the presentation to both co-workers and parents.  The topic is something that I am passionate about but I do not know if others who have not dealt with children with the disorder will be interested in the topic. 

What do you believe will be most effective in helping you overcome any challenging emotions you may be feeling with regard to presenting and implementing your Advocacy Action Plan?

I think that getting all the information in order will help me to feel better and more prepared for the presentation.  Having a list of resources to pass out for both the parents and teachers I will be working with will be a great aid as well.  Also, any input or ideas for classmates would be greatly appreciated too!

How can you encourage others in their advocacy efforts, and how can others encourage you?

I think that asking question is the best way to encourage others.  I know that others often ask questions that I would not have thought of in the first place and like the feedback I can get.  Others can encourage me by doing the same!  I would like to see areas that I can improve upon and how others could see the improvement to happen!