Bridging the Gap?Theory and Practical Strategies to "Jump Start" Learning in Children with Sensory Dysfunction

An essential one-day seminar on Sensory Motor Processing/Sensory Integration for Physicians, Psychologists, Social Workers, Therapists, Educators, Facilitators and other professionals working with children

All learning is actually rooted in complex neurology. On the surface, using sensory systems in daily life might seem to be a simple concept. However, the fast-paced world in which we live offers fewer opportunities for sensory development. Increased difficulty with learning, poor attention span, hyperactivity, tactile deficits, eating challenges, increased diagnosis of children with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome and general inability for children to be their best are on the rise. The need for movement and the quantity and type of stimulation to the sensory systems differs among children. The differing needs are based on a range of factors including gender, sensory preference, level of introversion/extroversion and thinking style. Nevertheless, there are general principles related to moving the body through space and to stimulation of the sensory systems that are critical to performance. Children from infancy onward can benefit immensely from their professional caregivers', parents' and teachers' understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)/Disorder of Sensory Integration (DSI) and the need for facilitation and intervention to help develop a firm foundation for learning.

This high energy and exciting program will aid in understanding and applying the principles of sensory processing to assist in the application of the material to meet your individual needs. The Foundational Skills Inventory is highlighted as a tool to help "pinpoint" areas of concern and can be done with minimal effort by parents and/or team members who know or have observed the child. This document immediately starts working for you to assist in formulating goals. After attending this program, you will be able to understand and apply this information (based on your level of expertise) and will use it to motivate others to become more aware of SPD/DSI and the possibility of documenting small increments of progress that may have been missed in the past.

• Recognize the implications; use and become motivated with the concept of sensory motor processing/sensory integration to improve all areas of life
• Examine and become empowered with the practical understanding of trade words to describe the systems and processes
• Develop a deeper understanding of the implications of genetics, physiology, neurology and psychology regarding the brain/body connection
• Discover strategies blending with theory using a systems approach
• Explore enrichment programs for babies, pre-school children, grade school children and teenagers
• Determine ways to enrich the classroom environment
• Increase power and efficiency in the workplace and in your own personal life
• Use the Foundational Skills Inventory to effectively formulate achievable goals at your level of understanding/expertise
• Discover how to help neurotypical children develop a foundation that will affect learning by enhancing the sensory systems, without necessitating formulized sensory integration therapy
• Investigate how nutrition, sleep and internal chemistry affect sensory function
• Examine how the vestibular, somatosensory, proprioceptive and perceptual systems all play a role in sensory function

• Colored pens or pencils
• A pair of shoelaces (or wear shoes that tie)
• A small box of raisins
• Two balls -- one lightweight (ex: Wiffle®) and one that bounces (ex: tennis)
• Two to four 3x5 index cards
• One or two letter (8.5x11) sheets of unlined paper
• Pair of small scissors
• Dark color medium or wide point marker
• Small roll of clear tape
• A crunchy, sweet or sour snack (optional)

• Administrators
• Case Managers
• Child Care Facilitators
• Counselors
• Day Care Workers
• Early Childhood Staff
• General Education and Pre-school Teachers
• Neonatal Nurses
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Pediatric Nurses
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Physicians
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• School Psychologists
• School-Based Therapists
• Social Workers
• Special Education Teachers
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Pediatricians
• Physical Therapists

"A highly gifted speaker, knowledgeable of material, passionate of her topic, a highly efficient and effective learning experience." - William E. Van Eerden, MD, Holland, Michigan

"It was a great workshop! I learned lots of new and helpful information." - Tracy Makin, Educator, Sarasota, Florida

This course is available as an in-house program. With CCE in-houses, you choose the topic, dates, and facility.  CCE will provide the speaker, course content customized to your needs, CE credit, course materials, and an advertisement to post in your facility.

For more information, check out our website: www.CrossCountryEducation.com or call  (615) 238-9239.