SENSORY INTEGRATION APPLIED
One Day workshop for Occupational Therapists
This is a HSE funded workshop.
Date:
Friday 6th November, 2015
Location:
Sandymount Clinic, Dublin
Aims of the course
This one-day course aims to develop participants’ skills in evaluation and clinical
reasoning, and designing interventions based on a sensory integration framework. It
is not a beginners course but works as a follow-on course for those who have
already completed further education in sensory integration or for those who need a
refresher course in the basics of SI.
It builds on the theory of Sensory Integration from the Theory module to enable
participants to apply this knowledge in the evaluation and clinical reasoning process
in the context of their specific client group and in the context of information obtained
through clinical observation, questionnaires, interviews, and standardized
assessment. Interpretation of this information is promoted through analysis and
clinical reasoning. Therapists will be supported to explore intervention choices in
utilizing the sensory integration environment to design interventions.
Target Audience
Designed for OTs who have already completed the first formal post-graduate module
in Sensory Integration theory and practice and wish to learn more how to apply it in
practice.
Workshop aim
To develop therapists’ clinical reasoning in relation to the assessment and
therapeutic intervention process based on a sensory integration theoretical
framework
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the evidence-base for sensory integration and be familiar with current
debates on effectiveness and outcomes
2. Describe sensory integration interventions and differentiate between different
types of sensory-based interventions.
3. Critically analyse the application of sensory integration evaluation procedures
with a specific client group
4. Understand the role of clinical reasoning and evaluation in sensory integration
5. Critically analyse the use of standard approaches to clinical observation
(structured and unstructured) when working with children with sensory
processing difficulties.
6. Plan intervention programmes for children with sensory integrative
dysfunction
7. Identify ways of implementing best practice in the use of this frame of
reference within current service structures and resource provision.
8. Understand the importance of gaining further knowledge and skills in this
theory and treatment approach by attending recognised courses.
Session 1:
Revisit and review sensory integration theory- current state of play:



models of practice
evidence-base and current best practice knowledge
Sensory integration versus Sensory Based Interventions
Session 2:
Providing SI assessment:



Review principles and challenges of assessment
Exploring sensory-based difficulties in children and adults- from sensory
profiling to assessment to identifying goals for intervention
Review the use of structured and unstructured Clinical Observations
Session 3
Providing SI interventions:




Review of principles and challenges of intervention
Clinical Reasoning for direct intervention, indirect intervention and
consultancy in Sensory Integration
focusing on ADAPTIVE RESPONSES, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFORDANCES,
use of fidelity measure to guide intervention
Session 4:
Regrouping:


Real world practice- Helping families to understand/ working with families in
different environments/ role of routines
Service context- changing practice and implementing change in contemporary
Ireland

Sensory Integration: What is the evidence? Dealing with ambiguity from
research- a look at current debates and critiquing the evidence.
Workshop Facilitators
Valerie Cribbin, Dip COT: Valerie’s clinical interest is in sensory integration
theory and practice within paediatric occupational therapy, including its application
to DCD, ASD and CAMH. Valerie is a founding member of the Sensory Integration
Network, UK and Ireland. She is co-author on a parents’ guide to sensory
integration and for many years was Editor of the regular newsletter of the SI
Network. Through her involvement, Valerie has gained much insight and
knowledge on this topic. She became a lecturer with the Network, her role being
recognised by both Liverpool and Cardiff Universities, and she taught with others
on their Module on Clinical Reasoning and Analysis over several years.
Dr. Helen Lynch is a member of the faculty at University College Cork. Helen’s
research and clinical interests are in the area of infancy, play, early intervention,
DCD and sensory integration. Helen became involved in the S.I.Network UK and
Ireland in the early 1990’s with Valerie’s support, and both worked together from
1998 to 2011 in producing many of the Newsletters for the members of the
Network. Helen became Chairperson of the S.I.Network in 2002, and in 2003 took
on the role of Module leader for the Sensory Integration module 2-clinical
reasoning and assessment.
Pre-reading
CHAPTER: Parham, D. & Mailloux, Z (2015) Sensory Integration. In J. Case-Smith
and J. O’Brien (Eds.). Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents (7th
Ed) (pp. 258-303). London: Elsevier
ARTICLES: May-Benson, T., & Koomar, J. (2010). Systematic review of the research
evidence examining the effectiveness of interventions using a sensory
integrative approach for children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy,
64(3), 403-414
Parham, L., Smith-Roley, S., May-Benson, T., Koomar, J., Brett-Green, B., Burke, J.,
Schaaf, R. (2007). Development of a fidelity measure for research on the
effectiveness of the Ayres Sensory Integration intervention. American
Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(2), 133-142.
Core text: Bundy, A.C., Lane, S.J. & Murray, E.A. (2002) Sensory Integration Theory
and Practice (2nd ed. Pp. 5- 21), Philadelphia, F.A. Davis.
Application Process
Fee:
The fee to attend the workshop is 20 euros. Please note
that lunch will not be provided.
How to apply:
Online applications only via www.aoti.ie under News and
Events.
Please note that applying for a place does not guarantee
you a place at the workshop. We will confirm with those
who are allocated a place at the workshop. In the event
that you do not secure a place at the workshop your fee
will be refunded.
Please note we reserve the right to close applications
prior to the stated closing date once places are
allocated to suitable applicants.
Closing Date:
Closing Date for Applications: 15th October, 2015 at
5pm
Additional
information:
Participants may be required to complete some prereading for this course.
Further Questions to Grainne Wall AOTI
cpdadmin@aoti.ie // 01 8748136