Physicians Recognition Dinner

SUCCESS STORIES: PHYSICIANS RECOGNITION DINNER

Jane Shook’s Presentation to Honor 14 Physicians In Attendance
“I want to recognize each of you as a significant contributor in the field of treating sensory processing dysfunction.

“You have gone beyond the ordinary expectations of traditional modern medicine to: research, develop new paradigms, use cutting-edge treatment protocols, and use new applications of time-proven solutions. You have done this in order to address the needs facing our culture with the epidemic rise of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities and other sensory issues.

“I applaud you for rising to the challenge of addressing these complex and controversial biomedical issues with courage, compassion, and perseverance. Tonight, you are being honored for your courage to think outside the box in spite of resistance you may have encountered to confront the existing paradigms.

“On the table in front of you is a gift; a small memento of this evening. It represents you as an outstanding practitioner among your colleagues, serving a challenging population.

“I chose this gift – a Swiss army knife with a labyrinth design as symbolic of the parts you play in this healing journey. You support many families and individuals with hope and direction. Like the labyrinth this is a confusing journey. It has many twists and turns; not a straight path.

“Like this knife you are offering cutting edge treatment options to address root issues, not just covering over symptoms. As with this knife, your treatments do not usually stand alone, but are a significant part of a treatment team. Some of you represent scissors – cutting away destructive elements that interfere with healing. Others are like the screw driver -adjusting systems needing balance. Sometimes you represent the knife sheath, creating a safe place where the pieces come together during healing and recovery stabilization.

“Whatever your role, we express our thanks to you this evening. We hope you have had fun and been encouraged.

“I have been privileged to spend one-on-one time with several of you.

“I want to thank you for taking the time to know me and my unique therapy services.

“You have broadened my understanding that has changed how I do therapy. Your information has helped me educate my clients I refer to you. Clients, who understand why they are being referred and how it relates to their issues, are more open to new treatment. Greater compliance results in better outcomes overall.

“Many of my clients have received biomedical services from one or more of you as part of their healing journey. Invited to this event are a very select group of practitioners across a broad range of specialties.

“I asked several families to send a personal message of thanks, honoring your services. I don’t have time to present each one in full, but these are representative of what I received.

“Brian came to me last year at age 7 with sensory regulation deficits resulting from encephalopathy. I referred him to two specialists for auditory processing deficits and executive function issues. He was already receiving physical therapy with a sensory integration approach. After a year of biomedical treatments he is now ready for speech therapy.

“In his mother’s words, “Our current treatment journey for our son began 9 months ago in yet another doctor’s office. We soon knew that this would be a different experience, because we were surrounded with a group of professionals who were working together from different practices. They saw what we saw in our son: his potential. We were encouraged by how the teams of practitioners consider that we, his parents, were a significant part of his healing journey. We watched as different treatment options resulted in more positive outcomes than we’d seen in the past. Thank you for believing in our son and in believing in us as his parents.”

“Many others who have benefited from this team approach are represented by:

• Philip was diagnosed with autism at age 3 years. He received biomedical and therapeutic interventions. Now at 16, he is verbal and attends a private school for special needs where he is academically successful but still is challenged with social skills.
• Pat is a 60 year-old woman with depression, anxiety, sensory processing, and memory challenges from executive function deficits. Following biomedical interventions with speech and occupational therapy, she is managing her anxiety and depression with fewer and less severe episodes and her executive function issues are improving.

“I share these stories to express the gratitude of these families for the hope you have given them.

• Max was non-verbal when diagnosed at age 2 ½ years with autism, sensory deficits, cognitive and language delays. After numerous therapies and treatment, he is now 9 years-old, main-streamed in a public school class and achieving on par with his peers with only minor language and sensory regulation deficits remaining.
• Hogan was a 6 year old who was having significant learning issues with auditory processing roots. Now at 16 years of age he is an honor student in a preparatory school with no remnants of learning problems.

“In this room tonight are some of the best medical minds in the sensory processing arena from our nation. But you are more than great minds. You are committed to serving people out of your passion with compassion for their healing journey.

• was a-verbal until age 4. She is now 13 with a formal diagnosis of autism. She still suffers intellectual, communication, behavioral, and social deficits. Her mom writes, ‘Intense early and on-going intervention has been a hallmark of my approach to the disorder. I consider the expertise of our doctors to be a vital part of my child’s treatment plan. They are great listeners and highly compassionate. They fully understand the difficult journey that the patient and family must undergo. They instill hope.’

“These stories are representative of the comments I have heard about each one of you.

“I share them to encourage you to stay the course.

“Know you are making a difference in people’s lives.

“It is our hope that you see yourselves as we see you, part of a team of professionals for the benefit of our patients.

“Together we are stronger than we are isolated. Together we benefit the patients and their families with higher quality services.”