The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.

Summary:

Sensory Processing, Autism and Identity

At the heart of re-indigenization is healing. Join in conversation with Dr. Sandra Yellowhorse as we explore indigenous perspectives on disability, education, and neurodiversity. Dr. Yellowhorse, an expert in indigenous inclusive education and educational philosophy, will share her research on recovering ancestral stories of disability from the Diné people, offering unique insights into how they perceive uniqueness.

Discover the profound connection between indigenous ancestral knowledge, land-based pedagogy, and the importance of connecting to land, place, and community through ancestral wisdom and stories. Dr. Yellowhorse will delve into the wisdom of the body and the transformative potential of embracing diversity in how people engage with their environments, including sensory-based behaviors that transcend neuronormative expectations.

This enlightening discussion will provide alternative frameworks rooted in indigenous knowledge, offering fresh perspectives on understanding disability, education, and neurodiversity. By fostering the right relations with the natural world, we can reshape our approach to these topics.

Join us to gain valuable insights from Dr. Sandra Yellowhorse and explore how indigenous wisdom can reshape our understanding of disability, education, and neurodiversity.

After participating in this session, attendees should be able to:

• Integrate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into their practice to better support neurodivergent families .
• Identify new, expanded understanding of cultural humility and supports for indigenous populations in alignment with AOTA's guidelines on cultural competence and diversity
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of using inclusive language and acceptance in creating healthy environments for individuals with autism within Indigenous communities.
• List practical strategies for incorporating holistic models into Western approaches, practices, services, and supports for neurodivergent populations.
• Analyze the risks of deficit-based research and stereotyping in the context of health issues faced by specific populations, such as Indigenous Peoples, and will explore ways to promote allyship, cultural continuity, and sensory-friendly cultural events.

Presented and recorded at the Virtual Summit: Sensory Health in Autism June 12-14, 2024

Level: Introductory

Length: 1 hour

Timeframe for access: Once you first choose to "Launch" this course, you will have 45 days to access the content as often as you like. Your 45-day window for access will not begin until you first click the "Launch" button.

Presenter s:

Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L (she/her)

Executive Director

Virginia is a well-travelled speaker, coach and educator on topics including sensory integration, DIR/ Floortime, child development and infant mental health. She has conducted trainings in Kenya, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the USA and leads workshops at international conferences.

Virginia is a founder and former Clinical Director of SPOT (Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy) Interdisciplinary Children's Therapy Center in Hong Kong, where she led a large and widely respected inter-disciplinary team.

Virginia obtained her BSc in Occupational Therapy in Oxford England (2002) and her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University, Milwaukee (2018). She is a DIR/ Floortime Training Leader and Expert and clinical consultant for the Interdisciplinary Council for Development and Learning (ICDL). Her extensive pediatric experience includes children on the autism spectrum, as well as those with Sensory Processing Disorder, infant mental health issues, adoption, developmental trauma.

Virginia has considerable post-graduate training, she is certified on the SIPT and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Infant and Early Childhood Development with an emphasis on mental health, with Fielding Graduate University, in Santa Barbara. She is a published author and contributed to the STAR Frame of Reference as part of the 4th Edition of Frames of Reference for Pediatric Occupational Therapy, alongside Dr. Miller and Dr. Schoen.

Presenter Disclosure:

• Financial: Virginia Spielmann serves as Executive Director for STAR Institute.
• There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to dis close.

Sandra Yellowhorse, PhD

Educator
New Zealand

Sandra is Kinyaa'aanii (Towering House People) born for the French of the Diné Nation (Navajo). She is disability justice scholar, Indigenous researcher and parent of a neurodiverse young person, who is her life’s joy. She received her PhD in Education from Waipapa Taumata Rau/The University of Auckland with Te Puna Wānanga the School of Māori and Indigenous Education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her dissertation, Looking from Niłtsabii’aad: A Diné Perspective of Disability and Ontologies of Being, was written for her daughter, as a gift and a promise. Sandra wanted her to always know that their ancestors understood the inherent diversity in the world and valued all people and life as part of a greater whole. These teachings have much to offer our children and young people in all their diverse ways of being.

Sandra currently works in the fields of Critical Indigenous Disability Studies and Indigenous Inclusive Education. She works in solidarity with other Indigenous scholars exploring ‘disability’ and autism within their cultural identities. By advancing these narratives, she seeks to unravel understandings of ‘disability’ outside of Western biomedical and social constructs. Sandra is passionate about Indigenous voice and worldbuilding. She aspires to help build new systems based on ancestral wisdoms found in Indigenous cultures around the world and uplift these teachings rooted in love, relationality, reciprocal accountability, care, belonging and community.

Presenter Disclosure:

• Financial: Sandra is the creator of, received research funding for, is the intellectual property holder for and received an honorarium for his presentation.
• Non-Financial: Sandra has family members who are autistic.
• There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Instructional Methods:

Interview

Level:

Introductory

Who should attend:

Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, educators, child development specialists, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, and other individuals seeking a better understanding of Sensory Processing in Autism.

Cancellation Policy:

Because this program is recorded and accessible at your convenience, cancellations are not typically accepted. Please contact education@sensoryheatlh.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Do you have a disability that would require special accommodation?

Please contact us at education@sensoryhealth.org and describe how we can help accommodate your needs.

The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.