JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Aurora Lambert, 5, has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder.

What You Need To Know

  • A new sensory clinic has opened at SUNY Jamestown

  • The clinic helps children and families in need of a number of services

  • OT students also work in the clinic  as part of their studies

The challenges of the disorders keep her parents Felicia and Patrick on their toes.

"She is a handful. It's very hard. Not knowing what's going to set her off from day to day is really hard for us," said Felicia Lambert, Aurora's mother.

To help Aurora, the Lamberts enrolled her in the new Explore and Soar Pediatric Sensory Clinic at SUNY Jamestown Community College, part of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.

"And it makes things so much easier. Her responses to what I have to say, what I tell her to do, are almost right where they need to be," said Patrick Lambert, Aurora's father.

Clinic leaders and others recently cut the ribbon on the center, made possible through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

"Having a clinic has been a dream of mine for 20 years," said Sarah Tranum, professor and director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at SUNY JCC.

The clinic looks to address a growing need for behavioral and sensory services, especially in rural communities.

"[It helps] children that have been drug exposed or exposed early in life and their families and how it impacts their ability to function in their day to day life," said Tranum.

Occupational therapy students work in the clinic as part of their studies.

"It's a win-win. It's invaluable experience for them, but it's free for the families in the community that have been refereed to us or are seeking additional services to help their kids and families be as successful as possible," said Tranum.

The Lamberts say they are grateful for what the program has done for Aurora.

"It's easier to approach her using the tools we're given, easier to get her to regulate her emotions down. We can take her now out in public 'cause she doesn't run from us, and I 100% [attribute] that to this program," said Felicia.

"This program has been a godsend. Every tool that they have given us, every part of this program that they've helped us with, has changed Aurora to be a much better kid," said Patrick.

Clinic leaders add they hope their facility serves as a model for other OT programs across the state and nation.