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

Level: Introductory

Length: 6 hours

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:
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 master's 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:

• Financial: The presenter is the Executive Director of the STAR Institute, and this presentation was created as a part of her salaried position.

• Non-financial: Nothing to disclose

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Who should attend:

Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, special education teachers, and other individuals seeking a better understanding of child development.

Key Insights:

• Why play is crucial for human development and well-being.

• Defining play and its diverse forms across age groups and cultures.

• Exploring how play promotes sensory integration, emotional regulation, and relationship building.

• Understanding the neurobiological basis of play and its impact on brain circuitry and stress recovery.

• Learning practical techniques for using play as a therapeutic tool, including pretend play and emotional processing.

• Addressing ethical considerations and celebrating the inherent joy of play for its own sake.

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By the end of this series, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the importance of play in therapeutic practices and how it can reshape best practices. Whether you're a therapist, educator, caregiver, or simply someone interested in harnessing the power of play for personal growth and well-being, this series will equip you with the knowledge and skills to incorporate play into your professional and personal life effectively. Get ready to play, learn, and transform!

Course Outline:

Part 1. Why Play?

Discover the ultimate occupation as means and end: play. Play is crucial for human development and well-being throughout life. Explore the diverse forms of play across age groups and cultures, and learn how play promotes sensory integration, emotional regulation, and relationship building. Learn how to be an effective play partner and engage in a 30-minute Q&A session.

As a result of this course, participants will be able to:

• Summarize the fundamental importance of play in childhood occupational participation.

• Identify the role of play-based interventions in addressing client-centered goals.

• Identify the connection between play and achieving desired outcomes in occupational therapy practice.

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Continuing Education Credits:

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Part 2. Play & Brain Circuitry

Understand the neurobiological basis of play and its impact on brain circuitry and stress recovery. Gain insights into how play can reshape therapeutic approaches and learn practical techniques for using play as a therapeutic tool. Discuss how play supports engagement in meaningful occupation. Participate in interactive activities to understand how play can be used as a therapeutic tool. Engage in a 30-minute Q&A session.

As a result of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between play and brain circuitry.

• Discuss how play-based interventions can impact cognitive functioning and emotional regulation.

• Explain the role of play in promoting social interactions within the context of family, school, and other environments.

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Continuing Education Credits:

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Part 3. Pretend Play

Address ethical considerations surrounding play and celebrate the inherent joy of play for its own sake. Learn about the psychological development aspects of pretend play, including symbolic and abstract thought, emotional processing, and ethical development. Discuss optimization of play for play's sake as an occupation-centered approach and engage in a 30-minute Q&A session.

As a result of this course, participants will be able to:

• List the psychological and emotional aspects of pretend play.

• Recognize the impact of pretend play on psychological development and ethical decision-making.

• Identify how play-based interventions can support childhood occupational participation in attachment co-occupations, family occupations, the therapeutic process, and school-related activities.

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Continuing Education Credits:

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Course Completion Requirements:

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

Individuals who do not meet both requirements will not receive AOTA or ASHA CEUs. No partial credit will be provided.

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.