STAR In the News and Press Releases

2023

Article: {đŸ”„SENSORY HEALTH MAKES ITS WAY INTO THE WASHINGTON POST đŸ”„} 
According to Dr. Virginia Spielmann, initiatives like sensory-friendly hours hold potential benefits beyond those with sensory processing disorders. Sensory differences, which might not be classified as disorders but still impact emotional well-being, mental health, and overall lifestyles due to the overwhelming sensory input in today's world, are often overlooked. Recognizing and accommodating such sensory needs could lead to significant lifestyle improvements. Spielmann's work with clients underscores the connection between sensory experiences and mental health, urging more attention to a wider range of senses beyond the conventional five. She hopes that Walmart's effort to create an inclusive space encourages other establishments to consider how they can support various sensory differences and foster a more accommodating environment.
Be sure to check out the section on đ‘ș𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 đ‘¶đ’–đ’“ 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 to hear more from Dr. Spielmann.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/08/03/sensory-friendly-store-hours-disorders/ 

Podcast & Article: Assessing Sensory Processing Challenges with Dr. Schoen and Dr. Spielmann. Learn to identify sensory challenges to address these barriers to effective care in teens and adolescent. The Carlat Report for Child Psychiatry

https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/4318-addressing-sensory-processing-challenges

https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/4232-assessing-sensory-processing-challenges

2022

Podcast: Have you ever wondered why we get hangry or car sick? It happens when our sensory system gets dysregulated. For some people, this happens all the time and can be debilitating to their life. On today’s episode, occupational therapist Virginia Spielmann breaks down the challenges of navigating our world for people with sensory processing disorder. Plus, retired army vet Terry Lashley shares his tips for parenting a neurodivergent child. 

https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life/episodes/7eb4d3ba-60a1-4d95-aa59-af38011de319

Article: For those living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD, formerly called Sensory Integration Disorder), the sensations that come with moving through the world can oftentimes feel so extreme that common sensory experiences may feel overwhelming and even threatening, interfering with their daily life.

https://zoella.co.uk/2022/04/16/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sensory-processing-disorder-spd/

Article: In this interview, we speak to Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L and Executive Director of STAR Institute for Sensory Processing to find out what she has been working on currently. At SensorNet, we are keen to bring you the most up-to-date developments across the field of SI and we are always looking to report news, events and information which you can take and translate across your own practice and services.

https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/news?p=feature-interview-virginia-spielmann

2021

TEDx: Are you comfortable right now? How do your clothes feel against your skin? How does food feel inside of your mouth? Sensory integration is something we take for granted – but it’s a complex neurological process that describes how your brain processes information from your senses. It tells you when your heart's beating fast or when your stomach's churning, but it also explains why some people prefer working in a bustling coffee shop and others alone in a dark room. Occupational therapist Virginia Spielmann helps people with disordered sensory processing navigate the inputs that cause them distress. But we all have unique sensory profiles and preferences. "If you want to flourish," Spielmann says, "if you want to be happier, healthier, joyful, more productive, more loving, you owe it to yourself to start noticing your sensory needs."

https://www.ted.com/talks/your_sensory_health_matters_here_s_why

Podcast: Redefining the Autism Narrative Part I & II, with Kieran Rose and Virginia Spielmann. This week we are redefining the autism narrative with returning guest, Occupational Therapist Virginia Spielmann, the Executive Director of the STAR Institute in Colorado who is also an Expert Training Leader in the Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based (DIR) Model who recently completed her PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development at Fielding University. Joining us is Kieran Rose, an autistic self-advocate, published author, speaker, consultant, trainer, researcher, and neurodivergent educator who offers a regular online learning about understanding autistic experiences three times per year for the public, as well as training for organizations.

https://affectautism.com/2021/08/07/redefining/

https://affectautism.com/2021/08/08/narrative/ 

Radio Interview: Executive Director, Virginia Spielmann, discusses Sensory Processing Disorder and Star Institute’s mission: To impact quality of life by developing and promoting best practices for sensory health and wellness through treatment, education, and research. Vincentia Ferrari describes the School Readiness Program.

https://omny.fm/shows/life-in-colorado/lic-february-7-2021-star-institute 

2020

Mandi Darr tells the story of two of her children who have Sensory Processing Disorder; Virginia Spielmann, executive director, STAR Institute helps us understand this disorder; and John McConkey with Landscape Structures talks about the architecture of inclusive playgrounds.

https://omny.fm/shows/life-in-colorado/lic-october-18-coping-with-sensory-processing-diso

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