Introduction:
How can I understand and address some of the sensory processing differences I see in autistic children and adults? How can I extend my knowledge and skills in working in this area?
Recent research has found that up to 95% of autistic children have significant sensory processing difficulties. This has been recognised in the diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for autism and in the International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD-11). NICE guidelines also recognise the significant sensory differencess in autistic children and adults. Increasingly, teachers and professionals working with autistic children and adults are expected to understand the sensory processing differences faced by with autistic individuals, as well as the ability to implement simple strategies and alter the environment to accommodate the individual’s sensory needs. Additionally, for establishments that are seeking Autism Accreditation, ‘Sensory Issues’ is one of the core standards.
“Exactly what I was hoping for – very thought provoking and helpful for our ASC accreditation work.”
Lorna, Deputy Head Teacher
Aims:
The aim of this three day online advanced course is to provide participants, who have a foundational understanding of sensory processing, with the skills needed to apply that understanding to the everyday difficulties that autistic individuals experience in different settings. This course will further develop participant’s knowledge base including the neuroscience of sensory processing, and the ability to apply this knowledge to set up more complex strategies, both for individuals as well as whole school/curriculum (and other setting) strategies. This course provides an extension to the knowledge gained on the course ‘Introduction to Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorder’.
“To actually find out why neurologically the strategies work, I had many lightbulb moments during this and felt this really helped in understanding the whole area of sensory processing and sensory responses. I can honestly say hands down one of the most valuable training courses I have ever attended in 20 years of working with SEND.”
Catherine, Learning Suppport Assistant
Who should attend:
Teachers, teaching assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, school nurses, nursery nurses, psychologists, social workers, play therapists, social care staff, parents and other individuals seeking to gain a better understanding of autism and sensory processing disorder.
“Understanding the neuroscience has been really helpful to tie together my knowledge of sensory processing, I now have the understanding of why and how information is processed.”
Charanjit, Clinical team manager, CAMHS service
Course delivery:
All training courses are delivered by Julia Dyer who holds advanced qualifications in sensory integration.
The course will be delivered using Zoom but recreating, as much as possible, all the positive aspects of an onsite course including learning together in small groups. One of my core beliefs is that for genuine understanding and learning to occur you, as the learner, need to be actively engaged in the learning process. To find out more see here
Learning objectives:
At the end of this sensory processing and autism course, you will be able to:
- Describe the range of sensory processing differences observed in autism
- Explain how sensory processing differences in autism impact on an individual’s emotional and behavioural responses
- Outline the neuroscience foundations involved in arousal, regulation and sensory processing
- Modify an individual’s environment to accommodate their sensory needs in different settings
- Design individualised sensory strategies to enable autistic individuals to participate more fully in their individual different settings
- Propose whole school/setting strategies to address the sensory needs of autistic individuals
For more detailed information download the course programme here
Course Requirement:
This day builds on the knowledge gained on the introductory course, ‘Introduction to Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorder’. It is recommended that participants have either attended that course or have a similar level of knowledge.
“I thought all the content was fantastic and very informative. I particularly liked the A SECRET model and we will be using this within our school.”
Rebecca, Class Teacher