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

Putting Big Three Together as Part of Client-Centered Care | Presented by Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L

This course provides participants with a brief overview of the inter-connectedness of the sensory integration process-regulation-relationship. It includes an overview of function and dysfunction within the sensory integration process; physiological arousal and regulation; and the role of relational health. The importance of these three client factors and their relation to developmental trajectory, overall health and wellness will be established. 

Sensory 101 | Presented by Mim Ochsenbein, MSW, OTR/L

It is well accepted that disordered sensory processing has profound impacts on development, mental health, and daily function. But the story goes deeper than that. With eight recognized sensory systems and 13 known subtypes of disordered sensory processing, the permutations are mind boggling! This short (1 ½ hour), introductory level course will describe each system, each subtype, and how these presentations are expressed in children and adults. It will also discuss the role and implication of disordered sensory processing as a co-occurring condition with other common developmental and mental health diagnoses (eg Autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc.). The bi-directional nature of sensory processing, regulation, and relationship will also be discussed as a context for intervention approaches.

Learning Objectives:

As a result of this session participants will be able to:

- Identify the main functions of each of the 8 discussed sensory systems.

- Define the different subtypes of the SPD Nosology.

- Identify the functional impacts of the SPD subtypes on individuals.

Regulation 101 | Presented by Mim Ochsenbein, MSW, OTR/L

This brief, interactive discussion focuses on increasing understanding of the interconnected nature of sensory processing, regulation, and sense of safety. A discussion of concepts will be supported by interactive discussion, reflection, and opportunities to develop strategies for individual use in the home.

Learning Objectives:

As a result of this session participants will be able to:

- Explain the importance of regulation in engagement, participation and function.

- Classify 5 types of regulation.

- Explain the developmental nature of regulation throughout the lifespan.

- Compare the different sensory subtypes impact on regulation.

- Describe at least 3 regulation strategies that can be applied in clinical practice or in natural environments (home, school, workplace, community).

Relationship 101 | Presented by Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L

Attachment and relationships are inherently sensory processes. Attachment has been described as one of the most important constructs related to human well-being and childhood attachment, and it is a proven predictor of health in later life. But why does it matter to occupational therapists and what is it really?

The workshop will provide an overview of:

· Relational health and attachment theory

· The impact of attachment on occupational well-being

· Building and nurturing therapeutic relationships with clients and parents

· Enhancing occupational outcomes through attachment-informed interventions

· Integrating attachment theory into sensory integration therapy

Learning Objectives:

As a result of this session participants will be able to:

- Explain the importance of relationships for occupational health, participation and function.

- Define healthy attachment and primary maladaptive attachment patterns.

- Analyze how attachment can promote or derail emotional regulation.

- Explain the importance of interdependence alongside independence as a priority for occupational therapy.

Presenters:

Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L

Executive Director (she/her)

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). Virginia obtained her PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development (with an emphasis on mental health) from Fielding Graduate University in 2021.

Virginia 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 supporting autistic children and their families, as well as children with Sensory Processing Disorder, infant mental health issues, from adopted families and those who have experienced developmental trauma.

Presenter Disclosures:

· Virginia is the Executive Director of STAR Institute.

· There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Mim Ochsenbein, MSW, OTR/L,

Education Director (she/her)

Mim Ochsenbein, MSW, OTR/L has been a practicing pediatric occupational therapist for over 25 years. She received her BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1996 and her MSW from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2012. She has received advanced training in sensory integration (SIPT certification, STAR ProCert1, STAR ProCert2), listening therapy (Therapeutic Listening, iLs), feeding therapy (SOS), DIR, mental health (DC:0-5 Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood), and infant massage (CIMI). Her work in occupational therapy with children and youth has occurred in a variety of settings including early intervention, school based, clinic based, mental health and private practice. As a social worker, she provided case management, program development, and program management. Mim has taught both university level (California State-Dominguez Hills) and professional continuing education courses since 2013, spoken internationally, and has co-authored works for professional publications. She has been in her current role at STAR Institute since 2017 at the invitation of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, FAOTA, OTR.

Presenter Disclosures:

· Mim Ochsenbein is the Education Director of STAR Institute.

· There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Who should attend:

Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, special education teachers, and other individuals seeking a better understanding of disordered sensory processing (SPD).

Instructional Methods:

PowerPoint Lectures

Continuing Education Credits:

- Putting the Big Three Together as Part of Client-Centered Care - 0.1 AOTA CEUs

- Sensory 101 - 0.15 AOTA CEUs

- Regulation 101 - 0.15 AOTA CEUs

- Relationship 101 - 0.1 AOTA CEUs

Course Completion Requirements:

Upon full completion of the course video, participants must complete and pass a quiz with at least 80% accuracy to receive a certificate of completion.

Cancellation Policy:

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

Do you have a disability that would require special accommodation?

Please contact us ateducation@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.