Sensory Processing: A Key Component to Reaching Children with ASD and AS

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder are more frequently seen in our society, according to The Autism Society of America’s website (www.autism-society.org). It is reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an autism prevalence report (2007) which concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to one in every 150 American children and almost one in 94 boys. Helping children with ASD reach their full potential is becoming an issue that is paramount in many families and in classrooms across the country. At times children with Asperger Syndrome may not be eligible for help with sensory issues because they may use intellectual skills to mask (for a period of time) the fact that they have sensory needs; sometimes the two challenges are seen as one and the same. Children within each category need individualized help to become their best. You can be the pivotal point in their developmental program. This one-day seminar will explore sensory integration/sensory processing and how it applies to this unique set of challenges. Investigate the messages children give us through communication in the only way they may have available to them…their actions. Learn to look at behavior as a form of communication that may ring out “loud and clear” to those who are able to decipher sensory-based action, since many children are attempting to give clues to help us realize what we can do to make sense of a very stressful world. Initiate change that will allow children to function to their highest potential and begin to demonstrate the unique gifts they have to offer to all of us.

- Brief review of sensory integration/sensory processing theory as it applies to ASD

- Discuss a variety of program models

- Explore visual communication strategies

- Understand how to use Foundational Skills Inventory to determine areas of need for the child/student

- Learn how to facilitate communication with families and caregivers by exploring the implications of neurolinguistic programming/neuroassociative conditioning

- Share the importance of a team approach with family as an integral part of the team

- Begin to determine the best sensory diet and how it facilitates continued sensory input

- Work with your own case histories and brainstorm programs with speaker

- Explore current and updated research on ASD and AS

Course Director

CATHERINE CHEMIN SCHNEIDER,OTR, is a Registered/Certified Occupational Therapist with over 35 years of experience. For 13 years she worked exclusively with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, is a Dale Carnegie Graduate, and is listed in the publication of Who’s Who of American Women. Ms. Schneider is President and CEO of The Positive Difference, LLC, an organization committed to making a positive difference in perception of any situation. Ms. Schneider has worked in clinical settings and extensively in schools. She is a business, educational and personal consultant/advisor. She has done numerous local and national seminars and

is the author of Sensory Secrets…How to “Jump-Start” Learning in Children which contains information that parallels the information presented in How to Jump-Start Learning for Children with Sensory Dysfunction and Bridging The Gap…Theory and Strategies for Children with Sensory Dysfunction Seminars. (If you have not attended either seminar and need to understand sensory motor processing before attending this

advanced seminar please contact The Concerned Group, Inc. (800) 447-4332 to order and read the book before attending this seminar.) Ms. Schneider along with Carol Poltorak, M.S. has written the adult sequel to Sensory Secrets, which is currently under publication.

Ms. Schneider’s experience, energetic speaking style (sprinkled with humor) delights audiences throughout the United States. Visit her website at www.sensorysecrets.com.

*Catherine Chemin Schneider has collaborated with Mrs. Patricia Knebler,  M.A.T., Masters in the Art of Teaching, Certification in Learning Disabilities, Cognitive Impairment, Autism, and Educator of children with ASD to present powerful, practical insight into working with children on the spectrum.