Courses for Teachers and Professionals

Introduction to Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorder

Date of Next Course: Tuesday 19 May 2009

Location: Oasis Room, St James' Church, Clitheroe, Lancashire

Course Tutor: Julia Dyer MCSP BSc (Hons), Independent Children's Physiotherapist, Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner

Introduction:

Some children don't behave as we expect them to - not because they won't, but because they can't. Inefficient processing of sensory messages that come from their body and environment often cause this unexpected behaviour. These children may withdraw from physical contact, refuse to participate in typical classroom and playground activities, or respond in an unusual way to ordinary sensations such as touch, movement, sights and sounds.

Some of these children may have a medical diagnosis such as autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder, but many children will have no such diagnosis.

Aims:

The aim of this one day course is to provide teachers and health professionals with an understanding of sensory processing disorder and the everyday difficulties the children experience at school and at home. Practical support strategies will be explored from both an educational and therapy perspective.

Audience:

This course is suitable for SENCOs, class teachers and staff supporting children with sensory processing problems in schools.

The course is suitable for health care professionals working with children with sensory processing disorder (eg physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, school nurses, nursery nurses, psychologists)

Outcomes of the course:

At the end of the course participants will be able to:

Define and understand the terms ‘sensory integration ’ and ‘sensory processing disorder’
Describe the functions of the main sensory systems
Recognise indicators of sensory processing disorder in children
Understand how sensory processing disorder impacts on the child's work and behaviour
Develop a practical understanding of the problems the child encounters
Develop strategies and programmes to assist the child in school and at home

For more detailed information download the course programme here