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.

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

Anna Knox

Instructor

Anna Knox, MSOT, OTR/L (she/her)

Salem State University/Emerson Health

Anna Knox is a Visiting Instructor for Salem State University as well as a practicing pediatric occupational therapist in a hospital-based outpatient clinic in Massachusetts. Anna has a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Salem State University where she conducted her graduate research on barriers and supports co-leisure of young children and their caregivers using an occupational justice lens. She has been working closely with children and families for over 10 years with specialty training and certifications in Sensory Processing & Integration, Pediatric Pelvic Dysfunction, Trauma-responsive practices, Early Intervention, Listening Therapies, and DIR/Floortime. Anna has lectured to students, families, and professionals on topics including trauma-responsive practice, pediatric toileting, sensory integration, relationship-based interventions, and occupational justice. She has worked with a diverse pediatric population from birth through age 18 and their families in the home, school, community, and clinic setting. Guided by values in strength-based and family-centered practice, Anna strives to support her clients to develop joyful engagement throughout all areas of life.

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 the Education Program Manager.

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.