Program Outline

This "hybrid" intensive training course will support the clinician to gain an advanced understanding of sensory processing and integration theory, the STAR frame of reference adapted for the schools, evaluation, and various strategies of intervention. The clinician will learn to apply clinical reasoning through lectures, video treatment observation and analysis with experienced STAR faculty. The course will end with an opportunity for each clinician to develop an action plan to take back to their own practice.

13 hours of recorded course content will be made available online no later than 3 weeks in advance and is a required prerequisite for attending the live-streamed portion of the program. You may select the option during registration to request immediate access to the online modules.

For the course agenda, please click here

Online Content:

Introduction: Background information on sensory processing from Dr. Lucy Jane Miller

Frame of Reference: Even when the primary focus of intervention is sensory, the STAR Frame of Reference advocates for a continuous assessment of regulation, and relationships, in the context of mutable environments, social-emotional development, and attention.

PROCESS for schools: Introduction to the STAR Treatment Model: The integration of basic principles of sensory integration intervention based on Ayres' original theory and advanced treatment using our clinical reasoning methodology.

Research: An overview of SPD research from STAR Institute and the SPD Scientific Work Group as well as applicable research to school setting.

Subtypes of SPD: A complete introduction and overview of each of the Subtypes of SPD

• Sensory Modulation Disorder
• Sensory Discrimination Disorder
• Praxis
• Posture

Relationship: What therapist will do to facilitate, cultivate, strengthen strong, healthy therapist/child, child/teacher, therapist/teacher relationships to support desired outcomes.

Regulation: Foundational to development, regulation will be defined and explored.

Live Content:

• Differential Diagnoses of Subtypes: What do the different subtypes of SPD look like in the academic setting? What are the sensory principles of treatment for each?
• Assessment: How to review existing data, interview and observe, complete clinical evaluation, formulate a hypothesis, and synthesize and analyze.
  

• Write-ups: How to write a participation focused evaluation that connects what was seen in the evaluation to the concerns in the classroom.
• IEP Process: Use of Goal Attainment Scaling to develop goals, outline service delivery, define accommodations, and develop a data collection system to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• A SECRET: Become skilled in the use of this problem-solving tool that helps explain the complexity of OT clinical reasoning to other providers.
• Treatment: How to develop a customized approach for specific sensory challenges your student experiences.
• Appreciative inquiry: Follow a process for facilitating positive change in your own environment.
  

Presenter

Amanda Newchok, MS, OTR/L

Instructor

Amanda Newchok graduated from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT in 2000.  She went on to receive a Masters of Science in Health Care Management at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ. She quickly developed her deep love for the pediatric area of practice early in her career. She has worked in varied settings including private school, public school, private practice, and Early Intervention. Throughout these therapeutic environments, Amanda has placed an emphasis on treating the whole child and highlighting the importance of collaboration as part of a team. She is especially devoted to articulating the importance of occupational therapy practice and concepts to families and colleagues. Amanda has treated children of all ages with varied forms of cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities and conditions using various frames of reference, and specializes in developing sensory-based supports for individuals with varied sensory, behavioral, and social emotional needs. She is proud of her occupation and the positive impact she has made on so many families.

Amanda has advanced training in a variety of sensory-based treatment interventions including Listening with the Whole Body, the Alert Program, myofascial release, and oral motor/respiratory stimulation and is co-creator of a sensory regulation framework for individuals with self-regulation challenges. Amanda has received her Level 1 Professional Certification from the Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute.  She is also an instructor for the STAR Institute teaching their School-based Intensive course. Amanda is the co-creator and co-author of a self-regulation framework referenced in peer-reviewed journal research articles. This framework is being presented at the 2022 AOTA national convention.

Presenter Disclosures:
Presenter receives a fee from STAR Institute for presentations of courses.
There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Cost
The full tuition for this program is $640. This includes both the pre-recorded and live sections.

Who Should Attend
This intensive training program is designed for occupational therapy practitioners at all levels to enhance diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills. Courses will typically be limited to 30 participants so each person can receive individualized training.

Attendance Policy

Participants are required to complete all pre-requisite online course modules and attend each of the live-streamed sessions in real time to receive Certificate of Completion for the program. Participants may miss up to 1 session of 4-day course to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion and full CEUs. The course instructor(s) must be informed of any absences ahead of time. Emergencies or unplanned absences will be handled at discretion of the course instructor(s) and Director of Education.

Video recordings are typically available to all participants for up to 1 week after the recorded sessions, however this is not guaranteed due to potential technical issues. If video recordings are available, this may be reviewed in the case of a planned or unplanned absence. Additional assignments may be requested to verify competency.

Learning Objectives

The objective of STAR Institute's Sensory Processing Intensive for School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners is to provide participants with a basic comprehension of sensory processing theory and the ability to:

• Explain how the three areas of sensory, relationships, and regulation can support students in each of the three tiers of RTI
• Use a variety of assessment tools to evaluate children with disordered sensory processing in a school setting
• Utilize a multifaceted approach to sensory processing and integration that includes consultation, accommodations and modifications, and remedial direct support services
• Synthesize information in an OT assessment, write IEP’s, and collaborate effectively with student’s team
• Practice clinical reasoning tools for intervention developed by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and Dr. Sarah A. Schoen
• Analyze client session videos through clinical reasoning, and discuss treatment planning

Continuing Education

 

Cancellation Policy

We require a minimum of 15 participants to run this program. Thus, it is sometimes necessary to change the dates a session is offered or to cancel a session. Participants are contacted at the earliest opportunity in the event of a scheduling change or cancellation. However, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone a scheduled session up to 5 weeks before the beginning date of each course.

In the event this program must be cancelled due to illness, fire, strikes, war, acts of God, terrorism or other causes that would prevent the program from taking place, STAR Institute will attempt to reschedule the program. If the program is unable to be rescheduled, STAR Institute will refund all tuition fees paid. If at that time the pre-requisite online modules have already been completed, a partial refund of $440 will be issued for the live-streamed portion of the program.

Registrations cancelled earlier than 30 days prior to the start date of the session may receive a refund of all tuition fees paid. If at that time the pre-requisite online modules have already been completed, a partial refund of $440 will be issued for the live-streamed portion of the program. Registrations cancelled less than 30 days prior to the start date for the session will be deferred to a future course sponsored by STAR Institute.