Topics covered in this course include: typical development of sensory processing skills, assessment of sensory processing development, indicators of common disabilities related to sensory processing, service planning to address needs in sensory processing development, and evidence-based intervention strategies.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe terminology, components, and typical aspects of sensory processing development in young children.
- Identify indicators and characteristics of common disability conditions related to sensory processing dysfunction.
- Discuss tools and practices appropriate for evaluation and assessment of sensory processing development.
- Develop functional, relationship-based outcomes based on the needs identified through an assessment of sensory processing development.
- Describe appropriate, evidence-based intervention practices that may be used to address developmental needs in sensory processing.
Topics Covered
Topic 1: Development of Sensory Processing Skills
- The seven sensory systems
- Motor performance: body awareness, discrimination, bilateral coordination, and praxis
- Sensory regulation: arousal and self-regulation
- Sensorimotor milestones in the first three years
Topic 2: Red Flags, Common Disabilities, and Referrals
- Sensory processing disorder
- Red flags and reasons for concern within each sensory system and related to motor performance and praxis
- When to refer for evaluation of sensory processing development
- Impact of specific disabilities on sensory processing skill development
Topic 3: Essentials of Assessment of Sensory Processing
- Personnel qualified to assess sensory processing development
- Review of relationship-based, authentic assessment
- Formal and informal tools and practices to assess sensory processing development
- Family-friendly reporting
- Interpretation of assessment results for service planning (IFSP)
Topic 4: Outcomes, Services, and Coordination
- Determining functional and relationship-based child and family outcomes
- Writing complete, functional outcome statements to address sensory processing concerns
- Natural environment service options for activities that support sensory processing development
Topic 5: Intervention Strategies to Work With Children and Their Families
- Promotion-level resources to support sensory development in all young children
- Prevention-level resources and strategies to support sensory processing development in young children at-risk for delays or disabilities
- Elements of intervention and treatment for sensory processing disorders
- Criteria for selecting personnel qualified to provide intervention services for sensory processing needs