FOUNDATIONS IN SENSORY INTEGRATION
One Day workshop for Occupational Therapists
This is a HSE funded workshop.
Date:
Thursday 5th November, 2015
Location:
Sandymount Clinic, Dublin
Aims of the course
This one day workshop/course is a beginner’s course in sensory integration (SI). It
aims to present an overview of Sensory Integration theory and practice, with a
specific focus on current research and critical review of evidence for sensory
integration therapy. The content will include basic concepts of SENSORY
INTEGRATION, and of the theory, assessment and treatment of Sensory Integrative
dysfunction/ SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS (SPD).
Strategies to help parents and other professionals understand sensory processing
disorders will be discussed and challenges in implementing sensory integration
interventions in current service contexts explored. Practical suggestions for using
sensory integration principles to guide home and centre-based interventions will be
explored.
Target Audience
This workshop is designed for Occupational Therapists who are unfamiliar with
sensory integration or those who have a basic understanding of sensory integration
intervention and would like to update their knowledge on this area of practice. On
completion of the course, participants will be able to understand the principles of
Sensory Integration and relate the theory to their work with children and adults in a
range of settings.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the basic concept of sensory integration as a theory and
intervention approach
2. Describe typical functioning of the sensory systems and neuro-anatomy of the
central nervous system
3. Understand the effect of Sensory Integration dysfunction in relation to activity/
occupation and participation for different conditions
4. Understand the role of the qualified therapist in the assessment of SPD
5. Describe sensory integration interventions and differentiate between different
types of sensory-based interventions.
6. Explain the evidence-base for sensory integration and be familiar with current
debates on effectiveness and outcomes.
7. Be aware of the precautions to be adhered to when using this approach.
8. Identify ways of implementing best practice in the use of this frame of
reference within current service structures and resource provision.
9. Understand the importance of gaining further knowledge and skills in this
theory and treatment approach by attending recognised courses.
Workshop content
The workshop is delivered in four sessions across the day.
Session 1:
Introduction to sensory-motor development and sensory integration theory
Sensory integration and Sensory Processing overview
Beginning from an Evidence-Based Practice approach
Session 2:
Challenges of working with clients who have sensory problems- identifying difficulties
through developing awareness
Exploring sensory-based difficulties in children and adults
Session 3
Ideal world practice: Sensory Integration frame of reference applied: from screening
to outcomes
Overview of principles and challenges of assessment and intervention
Clinical Reasoning for direct intervention, indirect intervention and consultancy in
Sensory Integration: understanding when it is NOT SI: sensory-based interventions
Session 4:
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), 403414
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