Building a Sensory Toolbox: Promoting Sensory Comfort and Wellness

Have you ever wondered why you feel more comfortable in certain environments or around certain people? Do you sometimes get the impression that the world you perceive is different than those around you? Have you felt disconnected with your body and can’t understand why? Is your world too loud, too bright, or just too busy? The way our sensory systems perceive our world impacts who we are, how we interact with others and our choices in life.

This book guides the reader through self-exploration of sensory systems and describes how differences in one’s perception can affect overall health and well-being. Strategies that have been gathered over 4 decades of practice are shared so that you can build your own sensory toolbox to meet your sensory needs.

We all have sensory differences! Understanding your personal sensory differences opens the door to greater understanding of the sensory differences and preferences of others.

Tracy Lapreziosa, MA Psych, BS, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapist with over 40 years of experience serving individuals and families in the Pottstown area of Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Elizabethtown College and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University. Tracy also completed a post-graduate certificate in School-Based Therapy through MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.Throughout her career, Tracy has worked across a wide range of settings, including acute care, rehabilitation, home care, early intervention, school-based services, and employment training. Early in her professional training, she recognized how sensory differences in her own life had shaped her identity and influenced her personal and professional path.A potentially life-threatening health scare prompted a deeper exploration of the mind-body connection, leading her to study sensory processing, the power of breath, and deep progressive relaxation practices. These personal experiences profoundly shaped her therapeutic approach, impacting her work with clients of all ages and abilities. Tracy integrates sensory exploration and self-regulation strategies to support recovery, skill development, and overall well-being.In July 2017, Tracy joined the Networks for Training and Development team, where she provides training and consultation focused on environmental modification, accommodations, assistive technology, sensory processing, and wellness-based approaches. Her work is grounded in the belief that greater self-understanding and sensory awareness empower individuals to access increased independence, comfort, and wellness in their daily lives.

Rosa McAllister is co-founder of Networks for Training and Development, where she currently acts as Organizational Advisor, historian, staff mentor, and Board liaison to Networks' various Non-Profit Incubator projects. Rosa has extensive experience in adaptive and assistive technology, has taught various courses in this area, and has helped many people live fuller lives. Rosa also has advanced training and much experience in developing non-profits, organizational design and management, Board development, and strategic planning and has assisted hundreds of non-profit organizations and community groups in many locations. Additionally, Rosa is a Licensed Massage Therapist with advanced training in many energy and body work modalities. Her specialty is assisting those living with grief, anxiety, trauma, pain, and end-of-life issues. Rosa lives in Maui, HI where she is involved with many local groups focusing on sustainability, healthy living, and increasing the "aloha spirit".

Diane received a Bachelors degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, and a Masters in Information Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Her expertise is in Instructional Design, and she is passionate about making technology accessible for all. In her role as Director of Technology Services at Networks, Diane assists staff members with the formatting, design, and preparation off manuscripts for publication. Diane assists Networks with its overall technology needs and services, while working to ensure universal design of the technology used at Networks, as well as assisting our customers in accessing and utilizing the various technologies available to them through alternative software, accommodations, and built-in accessibility features. Diane continues to conduct training in various topic areas seeking out new information in the areas of universal design