The Links aims to empower the clinician towards understanding the differences and the links, or overlaps, between Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Neuromotor Development (ND), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Disorders (ADHD/ADD).  The Links course provides background information on the mentioned disorders, the symptoms, differential diagnoses, clinical reasoning, intervention options and support to families. 

The Links aims to share knowledge and experience, to encourage the clinician towards effective clinical reasoning, and to encourage practical options of intervention and support to families. The Links include independent coursework, individually and in small groups, towards effective clinical reasoning and intervention options.  Group discussions and tasks for independent study enable the clinician to understand and to process information with plenty of opportunities to discuss topics and to ask questions.   

Learning Objectives:

The Links course presented by CoordiKids aims to empower clinicians towards effective therapy intervention outcomes by

• Understanding the effect of SPD in functional tasks,
• Understanding the effect that SPD related issues have on other conditions such as autism, attention deficits and anxiety,
• Identifying possible underlying issues of behaviour and reactions seen in children,
• Considering differential diagnoses,
• Identifying effective goal setting while considering the individual client’s needs, family needs and possibilities of intervention.

The Links Course Content

• 15 hours live Zoom live-stream
• 6 – 8 hours to complete tasks for independent study (approximately 1 hour per week - the task should be completed after each Module to prepare for the next Module of live presentation)

Module 1: Neurology – 2 hours

• Neuromotor Development, including integration of primitive reflexes. Righting reflexes and equilibrium reactions. 
• Neurological structures affecting functions such as alertness, protection reactions, mood regulation, sensory discrimination, balance, posture, collaboration, motor execution, body in space and fight / fright responses. 

Task for independent study: Research specific brain structures (Limbic system, Cerebellum, Thalamus & Hypothalamus, Basal Ganglia, Amygdala & Vestibular Nucleii) – the attendees will be divided in 5 groups, each preparing a neurological structure, pathways to and from this structure, and functions affected by it.    Attendees share the research with fellow attendees during short presentations when attending Module 2.

Module 2: Sensory Processing Disorder – 2 hours

• Discuss outcome of Task in Module 1, each group presents a summary of the research on brain structures. 
• Sensory Processing Disorder including sensory modulation, sensory motor functions (praxis and posture) and sensory discrimination.  Discussion on assessments, intervention, and support to families. 

Task for independent study: Each attendee identifies his or her personal sensory needs according to a free assessment.  Each attendee uses a template provided to develop a personal sensory lifestyle. 

Module 3: SPD and ASD – 2 hours

• Discuss task of Module 2
• Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • General functioning and Sensory Modulation
  • General functioning and praxis, sensory motor skills
  • Assessments used to identify underlying issues
  • Helpful observations
  • Intervention, support to families.

Task for independent study: Attendees will be divided in 5 groups to prepare a case study of a child seen in therapy.  Suggestions and recommendations should be made for future intervention:

• Assessments and differential diagnoses
• Intervention options
• Support to family and classroom

Module 4: SPD and ADHD / ADD – 2 hours

• Discuss task of Module 3
• Sensory Processing Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder / Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Functional challenges of ADHD and ADD
  • Assessments and differential diagnoses
  • Intervention options
  • Support to family and classroom

Task for independent study:  Attendees will be divided in 5 groups.  Each group should identify a specific child (might be a pseudo-child) with ADHD or ADD,

• describe the main concerns and challenges, 
• prepare a list of activities to be used in the home and
• classroom environment to support the child. 

Module 5: SPD and Anxiety – 2 hours

• Discuss task of Module 4
• Anxiety
  • Neurological factors
  • Link with sensory modulation
  • Link with sensory postural disorders, including praxis
  • Psychological factors
• Intervention options

Task for independent study: Each attendee should complete a free Anxiety Scale with 1 child, age between 8 and 12 years. The scale is available in 20 languages, including Turkish.  

Module 6: Sensory Lifestyle – 2 hours

• Discuss task of Module 5
• Discuss each clinician’s personal lifestyle as identified in Module 2
• Discuss adaptations to the personal sensory lifestyle
• Identify sensory needs in clients
• Develop a sensory lifestyle for individual clients

Task for Independent study: Attendees revise Modules 1 – 6 to prepare questions and comments to be discussed at Module 7. 

Module 7: Closing – 2 hours

• The secret to an effective therapy plan, including a template to use for all clients.
  • Therapy goals,
  • Number of sessions,
  • Measurement of progress,
  • End of therapy.
• Effective Home courses to compliment therapy.
• Group discussion, Q&A

Marga J Grey, MSc OT

Course Developer at CoordiKids, Author and Presenter

Marga J Grey, MSc OT is fascinated by children’s development and challenges.  She has devoted her adult life as an occupational therapist on understanding and supporting children with various challenges, including developmental delays, learning disorders, attention disorders and has supported children on the Autism spectrum, children recovering from acquired brain injury and children with sensory processing disorder, including dyspraxia, over many decades.  She is qualified in Sensory Integration and has used these techniques in combination with neurodevelopmental principles, motor development, perceptual and cognitive functioning to help children towards reaching their personal goals and to develop optimally.  Marga values the expertise of other disciplines, and of occupational therapists with different areas of expertise.  She collaborates with all to ensure that her therapy is optimal in meeting the needs of the individual client. 

REGISTERATION LINK.

Technical requirements

• Please be sure that you have downloaded the latest version of the ZOOM program to your computer. (https://zoom.us/download)  We strongly recommend you use a wired internet connection rather than wireless.
• For a full list of technical details, visit:  https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux
• Check your system's compatibility by joining a test Zoom meeting: www.zoom.us/test

Questions about this workshop?