Join My Hybrid (self-paced with live Q &A sessions) Online Course!
January 13th- April 7th, 2023
Autism & Sensory Processing:
Concepts, Evidence & BEST Strategies
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 find the field of Sensory Processing & Integration confusing & complicated
- You are unsure as to whether there is research that supports using a sensory lens in your practice
- You are unclear as to how autism & sensory processing are related.
- You would like to be more informed as to the changes that have been taking place in the autism field
- You dread being put on the spot to answer the question: is it sensory or is it behaviour?
- You want to understand what using a neurodiversity-affirming lens in your practice really means
- You are unsure as to how to choose the most appropriate assessments & outcome measures & are unclear as to what the scores really mean
- You struggle to come up with recommendations that don't involve costly equipment
- You are an occupational therapy practitioner, a speech-language pathologist or another allied health or education professional who is being asked questions about sensory processing & you want to provide accurate & updated information
- You are unsure as to where to begin when planning your treatment plans, intervention sessions & report writing
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You go through periods of feeling overwhelmed, burnt out & discouraged with your work with children and youth on the autism spectrum
if that sounds about right, then KEEP on Reading
What This Course Can Help You With:
Bring you Clarity
You will gain a clear understanding of Autism, Sensory Processing & Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) that support function and participation
Grow your skills
You will learn how to use the BEST Strategies Framework to guide your clinical thinking while adding lots of new strategies & resources to your therapy toolbox
Make an Impact
You will be able to problem solve effectively & collaborate with families to implement practical evidence-based SBIs that address meaningful daily activities or occupations
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 toolbox of neurodiversity-affirming strategies & resources
… really know that you are well informed as to the evidence supporting the use of Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) when working with autistic people
… truly understand what sensory processing means, select & interpret appropriatet sensory processing assessments & implement evidence-based outcome measures
It's time to evolve your practice!
INTRODUCING My Autism & Sensory Processing Level 1 Course
Autism & Sensory Processing:
Concepts, Evidence & BEST Strategies
An 8 Module hybrid online (self-paced + 2 hours of LIVE Q&A) course where you will learn the latest developments in the field of autism & sensory Processing. You will also be introduced to my BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory & Thinking) Strategies Framework to help guide your clinical reasoning & learn how to positively impact meaningful daily activity participation when working with autistic people & their families
Over 600 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
“Moira has created a very well organized and comprehensive online course on Autism and Sensory Processing. She is a gifted presenter who generously shares her knowledge with confidence. Her passion for her work is evident. As an occupational therapist who has worked in the area of pediatrics for 25 years, I appreciated her insights on current shifts in practice. I gained new knowledge that I was able to incorporate immediately into my practice. Evidence-based information was imbedded into every module. After completing this course I feel more confident in my ability to support clients with sensory processing challenges. In my opinion, this course is essential for occupational therapists and other health professionals who work with autistic children.”
Julie bially
occupational therapist
“Thank you Moira for this online course! It was such amazing information! You are very knowledgeable and I really appreciated how you broke down the information and explained it so well so it was easy to follow. I really appreciated the theoretical foundations and the BEST strategies as I am now able to implement these into my sessions for the purposes of helping my clients with co-regulation and self-regulation so that they can be ready to learn and communicate.”
CINDY GONCALVES-ADDARIO
speech-language PATHOLOGIST
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 8 Modules...
MODULE ONE (1.5 hours)
The 8 Sensory Systems
- Defining sensory processing & integration
- An in-depth introduction to the 8 sensory systems & how sensory processing differences impact behaviours
- Latest research background on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) & its relationship with autism
MODULE Two (1 hour)
Understanding Autism & New Perspectives
- A review of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Gender differences & common co-occurring conditions
- New ways of thinking about autism
- The paradigm shift towards adopting neurodiversity-affirming practices in our work to best support autistic people
MODULE Three (1 hour)
Sensory Processing & Integration Essential Concepts & Theory
- Sensory Processing & Integration terminology & theory that help guide clinical reasoning
- Differentiating between Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) vs Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs)
- LIved experience narratives detailing how sensory processing differences impact daily function & participation
MODULE four (1 hour)
Sensory Processing & Integration Assessments
- Defining Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
- An Introduction to recommended sensory processing & integration assessments
- Solution-focused principles & questions to ask to help guide the assessment process with families
MODULE five (0.5 hours)
Evidence-based
Outcome Measures
- Introduction & Implementation of recommended evidence-based outcome measures to best support meaningful goals
MODULE six (1 hour)
My BEST Strategies Framework-Part 1
- A review of AOTA’s Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for working with autistic children and youth
- Foundations of my BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory & Thinking) Strategies Framework
- Interfering/Challenging behaviours: Is it sensory or behaviour?
MODULE Seven (1 hour)
My BEST Strategies Framework-Part 2
- Identifying & collaborating with families to implement practical BODY & EMOTIONAL evidence-based strategies that support function & participation in meaningful daily activities or occupations
MODULE eight (1 hour)
My BEST Strategies Framework-Part 3
- Identifying & collaborating with families to implement SENSORY & THINKING evidence based strategies that support function & participation in meaningful daily activities or occupations
What is Included in this Course?
1.0 AOTA Continued Education Units!
This hybrid (distance learning with Live components) online course is registered for 1.0 hours AOTA CEUs (8 hours of self-paced learning + 2 hours of LIVE training= 10 contact hours)
Access to the course's content & replay of video modules for 3 consecutive months (includes all PPT slides, handouts, references & resources)
2 Live 1 hour group Zoom trainings & Q&A
First Zoom Live session takes place on February 24th, 2023 at 2 p.m EST
Second Zoom Live session takes place on April 7th, 2023 at 2 p.m EST
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
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 3 course modules (January. 13th, 2023) 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 had the amazing opportunity to teach & connect with over 1000 occupational therapy practitioners & other health care & education professionals who have already attended my courses!
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 8 module AOTA approved online hybrid (self-paced online with 2 Q&A LIVE zoom sessions) course for a total of 10 hours of continuing education contact hours and/or 1.0 AOTA CEUs
Modules 1-3 will be made available on Friday, January 13th, 2023 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 4-8 will then be made available on Saturday, January 14th, 2022 at 9:00 a.m EST
All participants will be given the details to access all 8 modules to play & replay the modules & resources at any time during the 3 consecutive month access period (January 13th- April 7th, 2023).
There will be two Q&A Live Zoom sessions with the presenter:
The first Zoom Q&A session will take place on Friday, February 24th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m EST when will be going over any questions you may have related to Modules 1-4 & discuss your own de-identified cases.
The second Zoom Q&A session will take place on Friday, April 7th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m EST when will be going over any questions you may have related to Modules 4-8 &. discuss your own de-identified cases.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define sensory processing differences (SPD), identify the 8 sensory systems and state prevalence of SPD in children & youth on the autism spectrum
- Recognize 3 differences between Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) and Sensory-based Interventions (SBIs)
- List the 3 components of evidence-based practice (EBP)
- Identify 2 neurodiversity affirming occupational therapy practices
- Distinguish whether the source of interfering/challenging behaviours is sensory or behaviour
- Select 2 assessments and 2 outcome measures that meet individualized occupational performance and participation goals.
- List 2 specific BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) that support function and participation in children and youth on the autism spectrum
- If you are an occupational therapy practitioners seeking AOTA CEUs, please note that you will need to complete a pre and post self-assessment question as well as a multiple choice quiz that will help you in consolidating the new knowledge that you will have gained from this course. To receive 1.0 AOTA CEUs, a participant will need to receive a 70% in this quiz.
You will be given access to the first 3 modules on Friday, January 13th, 2023 at 9 a.m EST for 24 hours. Once this refund/cancellation fee period is over, access to all 8 modules will be given from Saturday, January 24th, 2023 at 9 a.m. EST for a period of 3 consecutive months until Friday, April 7th, 2023 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.
This course has been developed using paediatric literature and research. Therefore, this course is appropriate for occupational therapy practitioners and 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 8 modules as well.
For occupational therapy practitioners seeking AOTA CEUs: This course’s 8 Learning Modules + 2 Live Zoom Q&A sessions meet the needs of occupational therapy practitioners and other health care professionals working with children and youth on the autism spectrum seeking an in-depth Introductory Educational Level professional development activity.
Other neurodivergent populations include: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gifted children & youth, developmental delay (DD), gragile X & other syndromes, schizophrenia & bipolar disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), prematurity, trauma & 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 optimally engage in meaningful daily tasks or occupations and, therefore, the content discussed in this course and BEST strategies will apply to other neurodivergent populations.
Do keep in mind that my clinical experience is primarily with kids and youth 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 challenges.
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 had 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 will be able to implement in your sessions or classroom settings right away.
Please note that all participants will be provided with a Certificate of Completion for.a total of 10 professional development contact hours. Occupational therapy practitioners seeking AOTA CEUs will be able receive 1.0 AOTA CEUs provided that they meet the necessary accreditation requirements (completion of a pre and post self-assessment question and multiple choice quiz).
Of course! Many people have joined my courses from different time zones in the past. All 8 modules, resources & (if you are not able to attend LIVE) the recordings of the two Zoom Live Q&A sessions will be made available on an ongoing basis from January 13th, 2023 until April 7th, 2023.
Yes, I want you to be fully satisfied with your investment.
Full refunds will be given if requested before the first course date or within the first 24 hours of the first 3 modules (January 13th, 2023 ) being delivered.
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to Moira Pena at [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 will notify participants on or before June 3rd, 2022 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient registration. 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 PD activity has been approved for 1.0 AOTA CEUs (10 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 10) and, if applicable, 1.0 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.
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
“I really enjoyed your Level 1 online course! The content was thorough, practical and well-organized and the evidence was clearly indicated which is always helpful to guide and inform our practices. I really valued the flexibility of viewing the modules at my own pace and schedule, and the live sessions were wonderful to discuss the course content, brainstorm together, and network. The course was validating for my current practice as an OT, but also a great reminder for other information as well as learning some new strategies that I can incorporate into my practice. It definitely met my expectations and I have already recommended it to several other colleagues.”
jennifer kinny
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!
AUTISM & SENSORY PROCESSING LEVEL 1 Hybrid Online Course:
SENSORY PROCESSING & AUTISM:
CONCEPTS, EVIDENCE & BEST STRATEGIES
Self-Paced Online Course + 2 Live Q&A Zoom Sessions : $397 CAD
Please note that e-transfers are accepted at [email protected]