October 31, 2008

Unusual Causes and Answers for Pet Behavior Problems

In our debut show we look at possible causes and solutions for some of your dog and cats behavior issues. This weeks discussion and advice comes not from where you would expect it, veterinarians or animal trainers - but from the experiences and techniques of Occupational Therapists! My guests are Diana Henry and Deanna Sava, the authors of Sensory Tools for Pets: Animals and People Helping Each Other. They offer little known insights about the roots of pets behavior problems and suggestions for what to do that will surprise you and make total sense.

Episode Segments:

Troubling Behaviors Dee & Diana explain what a occupational therapist does, and how they can apply what works for humans on pets. The also share examples of pets who are too sensitive or over-responsive and what can be done to treat them.
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Deep Pressure Dee & Diana talk more about over sensitive and over responsive animals, and ways to treat them. They also help listeners with questions on overly aggressive cats, pets who need to take medication.
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Under-Responsive Pets Dee & Diana discuss animals who are not sensitive enough or under-responsive, as well as where you can go for training if you have a pet experiencing any of the problems that were discussed today. Plus - more calls from listeners.
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Links to Related Websites:

Look While You Listen Click here to view the photos Susan and her guests are discussing.

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Diana Henry Diana Henry, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, has specialized in the area of sensory integration and sensory processing for over 30 years. She is the president of Henry Occupational Therapy Services, Inc., studied with Lorna Jean King beginning in 1975, and then together founded what is now called the Children's Center in Arizona . Diana opened her clinic specializing in sensory integration (SI) in 1984 and developed programs for various Arizona schools. She earned the 1997 Outstanding Occupational Therapist Award from the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association. She received her B.S. in OT from Tufts University , and her M.S. in sensory integration from Rush University . Diana has taught at Arizona State University , nationally to school districts, associations/clinics and internationally in Canada, England, France , Germany , Netherlands, Sweden , Brazil , Scotland and Ireland . Diana and her husband have produced numerous handbooks, videos and dvds to help therapists, educators and parents understand the impact of sensory processing on motor coordination, functional performance, behavior and social participation. In 2008, Diana was awarded the American Occupational Therapy Recognition of Achievement Award for developing The Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) with Heather Miller Kuhaneck and Tara Glennon. In February 2000, Diana and her husband Rick embarked on ATEACHABOUT. Living full time in their RV has given them the flexibility to address individual community needs and develop sensory safe environments for all children and adults. Their 'sensory' workshops, individualized for specific communities, are available for administrators, educators, school psychologists, physicians, other health professionals, OTs, PTs, SLPs, parents and caregivers. In 2007, ATEACHABOUT was featured in a PBS documentary: The Boomer Century. Click Here to visit her website

Deanna Iris Sava Deanna Iris Sava, MS, OTR/L , received her Bachelor's degree in Communications in 1984 from Dominican University , River Forest , IL . In 1993, she obtained her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Rush University, IL She worked on an adult inpatient physical rehabilitation unit for three years, and has worked in pediatrics in the school setting since 1996. She is certified in sensory integration, therapeutic listening, and assistive technology. She is active on several pediatric occupational therapy listservs and has published extensively. Deanna has her own website, OT Exchange, which offers free resources to anyone who supports children with special needs and their families. She is the proud "human mom" to two beautiful cats, Chloe and Aries. Click Here to visit her website