Join my Hybrid (self-paced with 2 LIVE sessions)
Level 2 Online Course!
May 18th- September 6th, 2024
Autism & Sensory Processing:
BEST* Strategies for Feeding, Play, Sleep, Self-Care, Leisure & School!
Become Confident in Your Knowledge & Effective in your Work with Children & Youth on the Autism Spectrum
Ok, Tell me this...
Are you done with second guessing yourself & feeling unsure as to whether the information you are giving & strategies you are recommending are evidence-based & effective?
Let me know if this sounds familiar...
- You are unsure as to how sensory processing is related to effectively supporting autistic people in feeding, play, sleep, self-care, leisure & school occupations
- You want to understand what using a neurodiversity-affirming approach in your practice really means
- You are struggling with how to best assess & address picky eating challenges & are looking for actionable & evidence-based intervention strategies
- You would like to be more informed as to the changes that have been taking place in the autism early intervention field particularly in relation to play
- You are unsure as to whether your approach to play is in sync with neurodiversity-affirming practices.
- You struggle to come up with recommendations that don't involve costly equipment
- You want to feel more confident in explaining sensory processing & specific sensory-based interventions to teachers & families
- You want to better understand self-regulation & how to best support students within the school context
- You'd like to add to your 'therapy toolbox' of evidence-based yet practical strategies that you can recommend in the classroom when working within a tiered model
- You'd like to learn about specific sensory-based strategies that support engagement & participation in feeding, play, sleep, self-care (dressing & personal hygiene) &. school occupations while maintaining a neurodiversity-affirming stance
- You want to have recommended resources at the ready & truly know that what you are recommending is considered to be current autism best practice.
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You go through periods of feeling overwhelmed, burnt out & unsure as to whether your recommendations are making a difference & want to feel inspired in your work once again!
if that sounds about right, then KEEP on Reading
What This Course Can Help You With:
Bring you Clarity
Gain a clear understanding of Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) that support participation of autistic children & youth in feeding, play, sleep, self-care, leisure & school occupations
Grow your skills
Learn how to use my BEST* (Body, Emotional, Sensory & Thinking) Strategies Framework to guide your clinical thinking while also adding practical strategies & resources to your therapy toolbox
Make an Impact
Confidently explain sensory processing & its relationship to autism & how Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) can support autistic children & their families in different contexts
I know that self-doubt can creep in but it doesn't have to be that way.
Imagine how it would feel to...
… finally feel confident, inspired & excited by your therapy toolbox of best autism practices & neurodiversity-affirming strategies & resources
… really know that you are well informed as to the evidence supporting the use of sensory-based interventions (SBIs) in feeding, play, sleep, self-care, leisure & school occupations
… regain your passion for your work through a better understanding of how to effectively support autistic children & youth through the use of my evidence-based BEST Strategies Framework
It's time to evolve your practice!
INTRODUCING My Autism & Sensory Processing Level 2 Course
BEST Strategies for Picky Eating, Play, Sleep, Self-Care, Leisure & School
A 10 Module hybrid online (self-paced + 2 hours of Case Studies Review &/or LIVE Q&A) course where you will learn the latest developments in the field of autism & sensory processing in relation to picky eating, play, sleep, self-care, leisure & school occupations. You will also be able to use my evidence-based BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory & Thinking) Strategies Framework to help guide your clinical reasoning & learn how to positively impact meaningful engagement & participation in these occupations when working with & supporting autistic people & their families
Over 1000 occupational therapy Practitioners have taken my courses &
The results speak for themselves...
“I am an occupational therapist and was very interested in Moira’s virtual workshop on Autism & Sensory Processing: Concepts, Evidence & BEST Strategies. I am grateful for Moira sharing her knowledge and practical recommendations! It was honestly very helpful for my practice and I have a better understanding of how to approach my clients’ sensory-related challenges by using BEST strategies. You can tell that Moira has a passion for her work, which translated into her teaching. 100% recommended.”
Lisseth reano
occupational therapist
“I participated in Moira’s workshop on Sensory Processing and Sensory-Based Interventions for Children. Moira presented as extremely knowledgeable and passionate. I got the opportunity to learn about the implementation of core concepts of solution-focused communication with parents and caregivers, select and implement specific evidence-based intervention strategies for meaningful occupations, and many others! Moira responded to all questions without hesitation and included practical examples that all participants can relate to in their own work. Moira is truly an exceptional presenter with such a beautiful soul and spirit which was shown throughout the workshop. Truly an inspiration!“
Christine abi-khaled
occupational therapist
“As a new OT grad (UBC Class 2023), I think this Level 2 course is exactly what I needed to boost my confidence and knowledge in this area of practice, especially because pediatrics is not something that is covered in depth in OT school. I’ve enjoyed the modules and the course is organized very nicely and easy to follow. I really like how Moira provided specific BEST strategies for each module. She has created a very well organized and comprehensive online course on Autism and BEST Strategies!’
leeza Pertsev
occupational therapist
“I was so excited to take Moira’s level 2 course as an experienced OT in paediatrics to further my skill set and knowledge base on evidence based and neurodiversity-affirming sensory based interventions. The format works well for practicing clinicians to complete the learning modules at our own pace with the valued added live check-ins as a group. Moira is an engaging presenter and I benefited from both her personal case study examples as well as her grounding and framing each module on the latest available research. I feel that my own toolkit and confidence have grown as the course unfolds. I look forward to future courses and would definitely recommend this one!”
Nicole captain
occupational therapist
Read what occupational therapy practitioners are saying about some of the content in Module 8!
Are you ready to become confident & effective with your work with children & youth on the autism spectrum?
let's delve into the details
A Bit on Each of the 10 Modules...
MODULE ONE (1.0 hours)
Quick Hits: Sensory Processing & Autism
- Defining evidence-based practice
- Applying a neurodiversity-affirming (NDA) lens to your practice
- Defining sensory processing, the 8 sensory systems & 3 most common sensory profiles
- Research foundations of my BEST* (Body, Emotional, Sensory & Thinking) Strategies Framework
MODULE Two (1.0 hours)
BEST Strategies for Picky Eating Part 1
- Differentiating between picky eating vs. extreme picky eating (EPE) & Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Reasons why autistic children/youth experience feeding challenges
- Understand what needs to be included in a comprehensive feeding assessment & therapy plan
MODULE Three (1.0 hours)
BEST Strategies for Picky Eating Part 2
- Use my evidence-based BEST* Strategies Framework to support autistic children & youth &. their families in addressing extreme picky eating (EPE) & taking steps towards expanding their food repertoire
MODULE four (1.0 hours)
BEST Strategies for Play
- A review of best autism practices related to play with a focus on early intervention (0-3 years old) that are considered to be in alignment with the neurodiversity paradigm
MODULE five (1.o hour)
BEST Strategies for
Self-Care
- Understand factors that impact participation in self-care tasks such as dressing & personal hygiene
- Use my BEST* Strategies Framework to effectively address common challenges with ADLs
MODULE six (0.5 hours)
BEST Strategies
for Leisure
- A review of the research supporting the development of neurodiversity-affirming leisure interventions
- Apply my BEST Strategies Framework to support joyful participation & quality of life in autistic children & youth
MODULE seven (1.0 hours)
BEST Strategies
for Sleep
- Understand why autistic childrenyouth experience sleep differences
- Become knowledgeable about best autism practices to address sleep challenges
- Understand how to support sleep autonomy through personalized sleep routines
MODULE eight (1.5 hours)
BEST Strategies For School Part 1
- Implement practical BEST* (BODY) evidence-based strategies that support self-regulation & participation in daily school occupations
MODULE nine (1 hour)
BEST Strategies for School Part 2
- Implement BEST* (EMOTIONAL, SENSORY & THINKING) evidence-based strategies that support self-regulation & participation in school occupations
BONUS MODULE 10 (1 hour)
Principles of Solution- Focused Communication (SFC)
- Understand the benefits of shifting our approach to using solution-focused communication (SFC) principles in our sessions
- Understand how to embed SFC principles into your conversations
- Learn key SFC questions you should ALWAYS ask to help guide the assessment & therapy process with your clients & families
What is Included in this Course?
1.2 AOTA Continued Education Units
This hybrid (distance learning with Live components) Intermediate Level Hybrid online course is registered for 1.2 hours AOTA CEUs (10 hours of self-paced learning + 2 hours of LIVE training= 12 Professional Development contact hours)
Access to the course's content & replay of video modules for 4 consecutive months PLUS all PPT slides, handouts, references & resources
2 Live 1 hour group Zoom Q&As & Case Studies' Review Sessions
First Zoom Live session takes place on Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 1-2 p.m EST
Second Zoom Live session takes place on Friday, August 9th, 2024 at 1-2 p.m EST
Access to my PDF Document with ALL the Answers to My Most Frequently Asked Questions!
BONUS Module on Solution- Focused Communication (SFC) principles that will enable you to better serve your clients & families!
Are you ready to join?
“I found the course so informative and interesting. I feel like you have validated some of my practice related to sensory issues and certainly have inspired me to use new assessment and treatment tools. It was the perfect mix of research and practical strategies. I very much appreciate having had the opportunity to attend this course and sincerely thank you.”
KaREN RANDALL
occupational therapist
“Thank you for the great workshop on sensory-based interventions for children Moira! I learned a lot from the workshop regarding helping children with sensory processing differences engage in school, play, and self-care occupations. I appreciated how the workshop included evidence-based assessments and interventions that occupational therapists can use in both a hospital and clinic setting. Thanks again!”
Fernanda lara peralta
occupational therapist
“This Level 2 course has validated for me the need to affirm neurodiversity principles and support sensory needs to promote regulation. This course has also helped me to feel confident in spending extra time with sensory regulation and building trust and connection with the clients I work with. I plan to utilize many of the resources provided to educate families on how to best support their child!“
Danielle BECK
occupational therapist
Portland, OR
“Thank you for providing this course! I have used many of the strategies and resources from the Level 2 course course already to help families with changing the sleep environment, educate parents on feeding strategies, and encourage movement for regulation. I have been doing a lot more sensory based strategies for emotional regulation and the families that I work with have noticed a difference. I always use a visual schedule as a tool for keeping the session on track, but, since taking this course, I have also been making visuals for morning and bed time routines that have gotten a lot of positive feedback from parents. “
Olivia Myers
occupational therapist
Portland, OR
My happiness guarantee
100% Risk Free
I want you to feel fully satisfied with your investment in this professional development activity.
Full refunds will be given if requested before the course begins or within the first 24 hours of the first 2 course modules (May 18th-May 19th, 2024) being delivered.
MEET YOUR presenter
Hi there, I'm Moira!
I’m an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children, youth & adults on the autism spectrum & others who experience sensory processing differences.
I’m also a Certified Solution Focused Health Care Coach (SFHCC), a published author & researcher in The Journal of Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders & the creator & host of Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit.
And what means so much to me- & I’m most grateful for- is having the amazing opportunity to teach & connect with wonderful occupational therapists (& others!) who are committed to learning about best practices when it comes to our work with autistic children/youth & others who experience significant sensory processing differences.
I so look forward to meeting you!
“Moira is a very knowledgeable and engaging presenter, this was superb. The updated evidence, research links and references were excellent. The course was very well structured and informative. I appreciated the BEST strategies and recommendations and sharing of new tools and equipment. I also appreciated that the information was intended to be practical with strategies that could be implemented right away. Ever since the workshop, I have been using Moira’s tools and materials with so many of the families I work with! I’m looking forward to staying connected to such a passionate and resourceful therapist.”
amelia Raj
occupational therapist
“This course was a perfect mix of evidence based information and practical strategies for intervention. As a “seasoned” therapist, it gave me the opportunity to learn about more recent approaches and it provided a strong overview of the sensory systems and latest information in each area. Moira is an engaging speaker who is able to pull from her past clinical experience as well as current research to answer questions. It was a pleasure to take your workshop and I hope you offer more in the near future. Thank you”
Lizette Alexander
occupational therapist
have a question?
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an 10 module online hybrid (self-paced online with 2 Q&A LIVE zoom sessions) course for a total of 12 hours of continuing education contact hours.
Modules 1-2 will be made available on Saturday May 18th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m EST and will be available for 24 hours (this 24 hour period is the refund/cancellation window given to all participants).
Modules 3-10 will then be made available on Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m EST
All participants will be given the details to access all 10 modules & all resources to play & replay at any time during the 4 consecutive month access period (May 19th- September 6th, 2024).
There will be two 1.0 hours Q&A & Case Studies’ Review Live Zoom sessions with the presenter.
The first Zoom Q&A session will take place on Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 1-2 p.m EST when will be going over any questions you may have related to Modules 1-5 & discuss specific de-identified cases that participants or I will bring to the session.
The second Zoom Q&A session will take place on Friday, August 9th, 2024 at 1-2 p.m EST when will be going over any questions you may have related to Modules 6-10 & discuss specific de-identified cases that participants or I will bring to the session.
Special 2024 Offer: Purchase the BEST STRATEGIES BUNDLE option (Level 1 & Level 2 Hybrid Online Courses together for $769 CAD) & gain continued access to both Level 1 & Level 2 courses for a 7 month period from Saturday, February 10th to Friday, September 6th, 2024!
The learning outcomes for this PD activity are the following:
1.Formulate 3 reasons why occupational therapy practitioners need to practice using strengths-based, trauma informed & neurodiversity-affirming (NDA) approaches to best support autistic & other children & youth & their families
2.Utilize one key strategy included under each of the headings of the presenter’s BEST* (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) Strategies Framework to support autistic children & youth in participating in each of the following childhood occupations: feeding, play, sleep, self-care (personal hygiene), leisure & school occupations
3.Examine how one key strategy included under each of the headings of the presenter’s BEST* Strategies can specifically support self-regulation in the school context
4.Analyze the importance of considering neurobiological correlates of stress when addressing challenging or interfering behaviours in the classroom and learn to differentiate between stressed behaviours and misbehaviours
If you are an occupational therapy practitioner seeking AOTA CEUs, you will need to complete 3 quick post self-assessment questions as well as a multiple choice quiz that will help you in consolidating the new knowledge that you would have gained from this course. To receive 1.2 AOTA CEUs, a participant will need to receive a 70% in this quiz.
You will be given access to the first 2 modules on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 9 a.m EST for 24 hours. Once this refund/cancellation fee period is over, access to all 10 modules will be given from Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at 9 a.m. EST for a period of 3 consecutive months until Friday, September 6th, 2024 at 6 p.m EST.
You will be able to play & replay all of the modules & resources at any time during this 3 month access period.
Special 2024 Offer: Purchase the BEST STRATEGIES BUNDLE option (Level 1 & Level 2 Hybrid Online Courses together for $769 CAD) & gain continued access to both Level 1 & Level 2 courses for a 7 month period from Saturday, February 10th to Friday, September 6th, 2024!
This course has been developed using paediatric literature and research. Therefore, this course is appropriate for occupational therapy practitioners (& other health care professionals) working with kids & youth on the autism spectrum from 0 to age 21. Having said that, there is a large focus in this course on learning from the adult autistic lived experience so references to adult-based research are made throughout all 10 modules as well.
Please note that this course builds from my Level 1 Course: Autism & Sensory Processing: Concepts, Evidence & BEST* Strategies where the focus is on gaining an in-depth understanding of sensory-processing, neurodiversity-affirming (NDA) approaches & my BEST* Strategies Framework. Please note that attendance to the Level 1 Course is NOT REQUIRED, simply recommended.
For occupational therapy practitioners seeking 1.2 AOTA CEUs: This course’s 10 Learning Modules + 2 Live Zoom Q&A sessions meets the needs of occupational therapy practitioners and other health care professionals working with children and youth on the autism spectrum seeking an in-depth Intermediate Educational Level professional development activity.
Other neurodivergent populations include: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gifted children & youth, developmental delay (DD), Fragile X and other syndromes, schizophrenia & bipolar disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), prematurity, trauma and anxiety (AOTA Practice Guidelines for Children and Youth with Challenges in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing, 2018).
The research literature shows that up to 80% of neurodivergent children & youth who do not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant sensory processing differences that affect their ability to engage & participate in meaningful daily tasks or occupations. Therefore, the content discussed in this course and BEST* strategies does apply to other neurodivergent populations who experience sensory processing differences.
Do keep in mind that my clinical experience is primarily with children, youth & adults who are on the autism spectrum. The case studies & videos will focus on autism but all of my content can be applied to all children & youth who experience sensory processing differences.
While the target audience for this course course are occupational therapy praticitioners (OTs & OTAs) other health care and education professionals have taken my courses and are most welcomed to register!
I’ve had Speech-Language Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Board Certified Behaviour Therapists, Behaviour Therapists, Pediatricians, Dietitians, Early Childhood Educators, Teachers and Education Assistants attend my courses in the past and I’ve received great feedback from them.
No matter what your professional background is, this course will equip you with concrete and actionable evidence based sensory-based interventions (SBIs) that you will be able to implement in your sessions when supporting autistic children & youth in feeding (picky eating), play, sleep, self-care (personal hygiene), leisure and school occupations
Please note that all participants will be provided with a Certificate of Completion for a total of 12 professional development contact hours.
AOTA occupational therapy practitioners seeking AOTA CEUs will be able to receive 1.2 AOTA CEUs provided that they meet the necessary accreditation requirements (completion of a pre and post self-assessment question and 70% on a multiple choice quiz).
Of course! Many people have joined my courses from different time zones in the past. All 10 modules, resources & (if you are not able to attend LIVE) the recordings of the two Zoom Live Q&A & Case Review sessions will be made available on an ongoing basis from Sunday, May 19th, 2024 to Friday, September 6th, 2024.
Special 2024 Offer: Purchase the BEST STRATEGIES BUNDLE option (Level 1 & Level 2 Hybrid Online Courses together for $769 CAD) & gain continued access to both Level 1 & Level 2 courses for a 7 month period from Saturday, February 10th to Friday, September 6th, 2024!
Yes, I want you to be fully satisfied with your investment.
Full refunds will be given if requested before the launch date or within the first 24 hours of the first 2 modules (Saturday, May 18th, 2024 9 a.m EST to Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at 9 a.m EST) being delivered.
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to Moira Pena at [email protected] or [email protected]
All cancellation/refund requests will be given in full provided they are requested within the above-specified timeline.
The full Cancellation Policy reads as follows:
Moira Pena Consulting Services reserves the right to modify the course’s tittle, description, preliminary agenda, registration dates and information on the course’s webpage. Moira Pena reserves the right to modify, change the timing of the schedule, change the technology platform used in the course and/or cancel the course due to unexpected presenter’s circumstances such as the presenter no longer being able to offer the course, technical difficulties, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of Moira Pena Consulting Services by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the course is cancelled by Moira Pena Consulting Services, participants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Moira Pena Consulting Services will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by participants as a result of any such changes.
YES! I am an AOTA approved provider of professional development and this Intermediate PD activity is approved for 1.2 AOTA CEUs (or 12 contact hours).
I will also be providing a Certificate of Completion for all participants. This certificate will state the number or clock hours of course content (total of 12) and, if applicable, 1.2 AOTA CEUs.
Of course! Just email me at [email protected] or [email protected] & I will send you a registration form that will enable your employer to register you or your team by sending a cheque or making a direct deposit. I will provide you with a business receipt for your records.
Please note that if you’d rather use e-transfer, the email to make the e-transfer payment to is [email protected]
Yes, if your organization would like to register a group, please email me at [email protected] or [email protected]. The discount will be as follows:
3 participants: 15% off, 4-6 participants: 20% off and for 7 and more participants: 30% off.
You can email me at [email protected] or [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram @moirapena_ot
Always happy to connect & answer any questions!
No questions, I'm ready for this!
Yes, you CAN become knowledgeable, confident & effective in your work with children & youth on the autism spectrum!
“The breadth and depth of information in this course were excellent. I appreciated the evidence and neuroscience updates which support and confirm our practice. I added several useful resources to my toolbox, especially related to feeding and sleep. I also really enjoyed learning about solution focused communication, and I look forward to reflecting on how I can better implement it into my practice. I left the course excited because of Moira’s enthusiasm and all of the materials and resources presented that I could use within my practice.“
christopher tuplin
occupational therapist
“I wanted to say thank you so much for a wonderful course. It was jammed packed with information and resources. I had tried to be part of your course originally but it was full, then a spot opened and I am thrilled that I took the leap! There were definitely some items that I knew before but not one topic that I didn’t learn something else to add to my tool box or could way to use techniques/communication/ assessment, etc., in a different manner. The resources, Instagram links and articles were amazing. I can’t say enough about your course- well thought out and excellently prepared. All in all, you ROCK….. adding you to my ‘OT Crushes’!”
Marlene Morse
occupational therapist
“Thank you so much for this Level 2 course Moira! As a “newbie” to this area of practice, I have learned so much! I enjoyed your way of presenting the material with a focus on treatment strategies that you have found most helpful. I also appreciated your openness and honesty around the things that you perhaps did not do well in the past and how you recognized this and learned from it. There were so many great takeaways from your course! I absolutely adored the course, only wishing there was a Level 3 or more courses with you!”
Samantha Maas-Crowell
occupational therapist
“I loved your course especially all of the up to date research on sensory processing and ASD! I am still listening to your wonderful course and always learning something new each time I listen. It was amazing to have been part of the online discussions with OTs, SLPs and other service providers from all around the globe. A dynamic and interactive learning platform that was both academic and practical. By completing your course I can confirm that I have learned so much and grown as therapist. Thanks to your course, I am currently using many new sensory based approaches and strategies in my practice with autistic adults with more confidence knowing about the results and research backing my interventions!
Andrea McFeely
senior occupational therapist
ireland
ready to get started?
YES, SIGN ME UP!
LEVEL 2 AUTISM & SENSORY PROCESSING HYBRID ONLINE COURSE:
BEST STRATEGIES FOR FEEDING, PLAY, SLEEP, SELF-CARE, LEISURE & SCHOOL!
Option 1: Self-Paced 10 Module Online Course + 2 Live Q&A Zoom Sessions : $497 CAD
Option 2: Purchase the course BUNDLE option (Level 1 & Level 2 Hybrid Online Courses together for $769 CAD) & SAVE $125 CAD off the total price! You will also receive continued access to both courses for a 7 month period beginning Saturday, February 10th until Friday, September 6th, 2024!
*Read all about the Level 1 course here!
Please note that e-transfers are accepted at [email protected]