CE Course 4 — Special Topics in Sensory Integration Intervention 

May 29 - June 26, 2024

The Special Topics in Sensory Integration Intervention course, also referred to as Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), is designed for participants who have already acquired the foundational knowledge discussed in the theory, evaluation, and intervention courses. This advanced course will cover a range of special topics such as using sensory integration for children with autism, sensory integration and early intervention, and the use of sensory integration theory in a school-based setting. The focus of this course is to provide participants with a clinical reasoning model that emphasizes the use of quantitative and qualitative assessment data for the implementation of evidence based intervention programs. 

Learning Objectives:  

Following the course, participants will be able to:

● Differentiate the diagnostic criteria of ASD and how they relate to sensory processing and integration theory and research

● Categorize the key early indicators of ASD and how they relate to sensory processing and integration

● Justify how sensory processing and integration difficulties in individuals with ASD affect functional performance, participation, and well-being

● Appraise the most appropriate assessment tools to utilize with individuals with ASD and how key findings relate to sensory processing and integration

● Interpret observations and objective assessment data and how they relate to common patterns of sensory processing and integration difficulties

● Interpret assessment data to implement sensory based interventions in different contexts

● Differentiate the impact of sensory processing on the family, the development of relationships, social- emotional, motor, and functional abilities of the young child

● Defend the importance of family-centered care and cultural humility in the treatment of young children and their families

● Differentiate sensory processing difficulties in a variety of diagnoses in children under 3 years of age

● Categorize sensory processing difficulties for persons identified with autism spectrum disorder

● Defend how sensory processing difficulties impact persons in a variety of settings, including home, school, and community

● Model the theory of sensory integration to the assessment and treatment of young children, persons identified with autism spectrum disorder, and persons in a variety of community settings

● Defend the use of sensory informed environmental modifications and sensory strategies to support persons with sensory processing difficulties

Course Outline:  

Module 1: Introduction to Special Topics in Sensory Integration Intervention 

Module 2: Sensory integration for individuals on the autism spectrum: Introduction 

Module 3: The assessment process of individuals on the autism spectrum: The Reasoning in Action Model (RAM) 

Module 4: General SI Intervention Principles applied to individuals on the autism spectrum 

Module 5: SI Intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum I: Specialized Environments 

Module 6: SI Intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum II: Community and natural environments 

Module 7: Sensory Integration Applied to Early Intervention 

Module 8: Identification and Evaluation of Sensory Integration in Early Intervention 

Module 9: Sensory Integration Intervention Applied to Early Intervention 

Module 10: Identification and Treatment of Arousal, Modulation, and Self-Regulation Problems in Infants and Toddlers 

Module 11: Identification and Treatment of Motor Planning Disorders in Infants and Toddlers 

Module 12: SI in Community Settings: School based 

Module 13: SI in Community Settings: Assessment and Intervention 

Module 14: SI in Community Settings: Environmental Modifications and Strategies

Instructors*: Janet Gunter OTD, OTR/L, SWC and Linsey Grunes OTD, OTR/L 

*Subject to change

Financial Disclosure: Presenters are receiving financial compensation from USC Chan for this course. Non-Financial Disclosure: No non-financial relationships to the content of this course. 

Cancellation Policy: A refund, less $50 administrative fee, will be made if a cancellation notice is received 10 business days prior to the workshop date. Cancellation by instructor/USC will result in full refund.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Theoretical Foundations of Sensory Integration (CE Course 1), Sensory Integration Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning (CE Course 2) and Sensory Integration Treatment (CE Course 3). 

Audience: This course is designed for OTs as an advanced level course. Physical therapists and speech and language pathologists may also take the course.

Special Needs Requests: If you require ADA accommodations, please email details of request(s) to [email protected] at least four weeks prior to the course date so that arrangements can be made.

 CEU Credit: This course is 28 contact hours (2.8 CEUs). Participants must login and logout of the online platform to access course material. Participants must complete course activities, quizzes, exams, and a post-test and course evaluation in order to receive a certificate of attendance. Certificates will be available 2-3 weeks after the close of the course.

USC Chan is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 5376. This distance learning-independent activity is offered at 2.8 CEUs, Advance, OT Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.