Join my Hybrid (self-paced with 2 LIVE Q &A sessions) Online Course!
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 to January 9th, 2026
Autism & Sensory Processing:
Concepts, Evidence & BEST Strategies
Become Confident in Your Knowledge & Effective in your Work with Autistic Children & Youth
Ok, Tell me this...
Are you tired of second guessing yourself & wondering whether the information you are providing & strategies you are recommending are up to date, 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 want to finally understand how a person's sensory profile affects their behaviours & what to do about it
- You are unsure as to whether the strategies you are recommending are in alingment with current autism best practices
- 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 & evidence-based 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 OT, OTA, COTA, SLP or another autism professional who is constantly being asked questions about "sensory'"& you want to provide accurate & updated information
- You are unsure as to where to begin when planning your therapy plans & intervention sessions
- You go through periods of feeling overwhelmed, burnt out & discouraged with your work with autistic children and youth & want to feel inspired by your work 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 autism, sensory processing & Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) that support participation in daily tasks or occupations
Grow your skills
Learn how to use my evidence-based BEST Strategies Approach to guide your clinical thinking while adding lots of practical strategies to your therapy toolbox
Make an Impact
Problem solve effectively & confidently collaborate with families & other professionals to implement actionable, evidence-based strategies that align with current autism best practices
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 new knowledge & toolbox of evidence-based, strengths-based & neurodiversity-affirming strategies & resources
… really know that you are well informed as to the evidence supporting the use of Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) in your work with autistic children & their families
… feel confident in selecting & interpreting recommended sensory processing assessments & implementing evidence-based outcome measures that allow for interdisciplinary collaboration
It's time to transform your practice!
INTRODUCING My Autism & Sensory Processing Level 1 Course
Autism & Sensory Processing:
Concepts, Evidence & BEST Strategies
This is 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 Approach to help guide your clinical reasoning & learn how to positively support participation in daily activities or occupations when working with autistic children & youth & their families
Over 1000 occupational therapy Practitioners (& others!) have taken my courses &
The results speak for themselves...
“I cannot speak highly enough about this course. As a relatively new graduate, I was in search of a course to expand my knowledge on how to support my client’s sensory-based needs. This course provides excellent evidenced-based information in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. I thoroughly enjoyed watching all the videos, and further appreciated that Moira explained the science behind sensory processing and recommended strategies. Moira also provided several additional resources, and most importantly is kind and approachable for any questions one might have. This course also maintains a neurodiversity-affirming lens, which is essential for practitioners providing support to autistic individuals and their families.“
Eve pervin
occupational therapist
“I would absolutely recommend Moira’s courses for any clinicians both new and experienced looking to gain tangible skills in the area of sensory processing. I really enjoyed the structure of Moira’s course being a go at your own pace but with the added live coaching sessions. As a mom of two young ones, and business owner, I appreciated how flexible it was for me to learn and then have the opportunity to chat directly with Moira and the other participants to further solidify my learning. The course provided a wide range of information from evidence-based assessment tools to treatment strategies and report writing support. Her modules were very easy to follow and well laid out and she is a very engaging presenter. Her neurodiversity affirming lens was wonderful to learn from as someone who has taken a break from Peds work for the past few years. I look forward to integrating all the tangible ideas she shared into my own OT practice moving forward. Not to mention the wealth of resources she referenced and provided links to which will help support me even further.”
Joanne Leitch
occupational therapist &
Clinic owner
“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 in 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 dive into the 8 sensory systems & their link to our physical & mental health (& our behaviours!)
- Latest research background on Sensory Processing Disorder/Differences (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 embedding neurodiversity-affirming practices in our work to best support autistic people
MODULE Three (1 hour)
Sensory Processing & Integration Essential Concepts & Theory
- Clarifying theory & terminology to help guide clinical reasoning
- Differentiating between Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) vs Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs)
- Understanding the impact of sensory processing differences on children, their families & their lived experience
MODULE four (1 hour)
Sensory Processing & Integration Assessments
- Defining Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
- An Introduction to recommended sensory processing & integration assessments
- Solution-focused communication core 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
- A review of GAS goals & how to get started
MODULE six (1 hour)
My BEST Strategies Approach-Part 1
- A review of AOTA’s Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for supporting autistic children and youth & others experiencing sensory processing differences
- Introduction to my BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory & Thinking) Strategies Approach
- Interfering/Challenging behaviours: Is it sensory or behaviour? Or what else?
MODULE Seven (1 hour)
My BEST Strategies Approach-Part 2
- Identifying & collaborating with families to implement practical BODY & EMOTIONAL evidence-based & neurodiversity-affirming strategies that support 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 & neurodiversity-affirming strategies that support participation in meaningful daily activities or occupations
What is Included in this Course?
1.0 AOTA Continued Education Units!
This blended/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 Group Coaching Live session takes place on
Friday, November 21st, 2025
12-1 p.m EST
Second Zoom Live Group Coaching session takes place on Friday, January 9th, 2026
12-1 p.m EST
Are you ready to join?
“As someone whose brain often gets overwhelmed and overloaded with information during standard professional development trainings, this course was incredible for me! The hybrid-online format allowed me the flexibility to navigate through the material at my own pace, pausing, reflecting, and revisiting the content as needed. The course materials, including numerous additional handouts and resources, were well-organized and valuable for future use. The practicality of the course content was amazing, as it was immediately applicable to my school based practice. The Q&A sessions provided a great space to ask questions and connect with both Moira and fellow participants. This course is an amazing foundation for any clinician working with autistic children.”
jessica fawcett
occupational therapist
“This course was a delight to do! Lots of insights and great resources! The most important perspective is the autistic people getting their voices heard throughout the entire course! Professionals recognizing their flaws and growing by side of the autistic community is priceless! Strategies, explanation of the tools, all really well done, even for someone like me who is not an OT. Thank you for teaching me to better understand myself and my son.
GISELI BIGNARDI
AUTISTIC ADVOCATE & PARENT
“I highly recommend this course for anyone in the field looking to gain a deeper understanding of sensory challenges. Moira’s expertise and guidance throughout the course were exceptional and instrumental in helping me better understand these complex topics. This course has been an incredibly valuable learning experience, not only for understanding and supporting individuals with autism but also for its applicability to the adult population. The strategies and insights shared have given me a deeper understanding of sensory processing challenges and how they impact individuals on the autism spectrum. What sets this course apart is Moira’s ability to bridge theory with practical applications, making it accessible and relevant to a wide range of learners. It’s an investment in knowledge that pays dividends in providing more effective support and care to individuals of all ages.”
Rohit malik
occupational therapist
“Moira has a fabulous way of presenting very important information in a meaningful and accessible way. I really appreciated her wealth of knowledge and resources. Her slides, videos, graphics helped make an online course engaging and wonderful to learn from. Taking this course also helped boost my confidence and reinforced how much I love working with kids! Moira, it has truly been a pleasure learning from you. Thank you for adding to my knowledge and course was a delight to do!”
Mira Miller
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 (October 11-12th, 2025) 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 wonderful OTs, OTAs, COTAs, SLPs, CDA’s (& other health care professionals!) who are committed to learning about evidence-based & neurodiversity-affirming best practices when it comes to our work with autistic/youth & others who experience significant sensory processing differences.
You can read more about me here. You can also read what my participants are saying about my courses here. I so look forward to meeting you!
“As a relatively new graduate, I was in need of an evidence-based approach to sensory processing for clients on the autism spectrum. That is exactly what I found with Moira’s course. On top of that, Moira also provided education in a client-centred, neurodiversity-affirming approach, which I greatly appreciated. This course provided me with a plethora of practical resources to use in my practice. I especially appreciated the live sessions where we could discuss topics as a group and ask questions. I believe this course is invaluable for any therapist wanting to gain knowledge, tools, and confidence in their work with autistic individuals.“
danielle baumann
occupational therapist
“I cannot overstate the impact this course had on my understanding of sensory processing and my ability to support individuals on the autism spectrum. It provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge, evidence-based strategies, and a newfound confidence in my therapy approach. The course was thoughtfully structured, with a clear progression of topics that built upon one another. Moira’s expertise was evident in her clear explanations and insightful examples. The course also provided a wealth of additional resources that I was able to incorporate immediately into my practice. This course would be invaluable for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of autism and sensory processing.”
Karen Lee
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 Saturday, October 11th, 2025 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 Sunday, October 12th, 2025 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 (October 11th, 2025- January 9th, 2026).
There will be two Q&A Live Zoom sessions with the presenter:
The first Zoom Q&A group coaching session will take place on Friday, November 21st, 2025 at 12-1 p.m EST when will be going over any questions you may have & discuss your own de-identified cases.
The second Zoom Q&A group coaching session will take place on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 12-1p.m EST when will be going over any questions you may have related to Modules 4-8 &. discuss your own de-identified cases.
Special Fall 2025/Winter 2026 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, October 11th to Friday, May 8th, 2026!
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 evidence-based Sensory-Based Interventions (SBIs) from the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) Strategies Approach that support autistic children and youth’s participation in daily tasks or occupations
- If you are an occupational therapy practitioners seeking AOTA CEUs, please note that you will need to complete 1 quick post self-assessment evaluation 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 Saturday, October 11th, 2025 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 Sunday, October 12th, 2025 at 9 a.m. EST for a period of 3 consecutive months until Friday, January 9th, 2026 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 2025 FALL 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, October 10th, 2025 to Friday, January 9th, 2026!
This course has been developed using paediatric literature and research. Therefore, this course is appropriate for occupational therapists, occupational ttherapy assistants 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 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 Approach 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 or COTAs) 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, Paediatricians, 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 1 post self-assessment question and a multiple choice quiz requiring a score of 70% to pass).
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 Saturday, October 5th, 2024 until January 9th, 2025.
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 (from Saturday, October 10th, 2025 at 9 a.m EST to Sunday, October 11th, 2025 at 9a.m EST) being delivered.
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to Moira Pena at moirapenaot@gmail.com
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 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.
Please also note the following disclosures:
Financial: Moira is the owner of Moira Pena Consulting Services which provides professional development courses for occupational therapy practitioners and other health care and education professionals. She receives financial compensation from this company.
Non- Financial: Moira continuously collaborates on different projects with parents of children on the autism spectrum as well as colleagues who identify as autistic advocates.
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). If you are seeking AOTA CEUs, please email me at moirapenaot@gmail.com to let me know as I need to follow a specific process in order for you to receive 1.0 AOTA CEUs. 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 moirapenaot@gmail.com & 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 moirapenaot@gmail.com
Yes, if your organization would like to register a group, please email me at moirapenaot@gmail.com. The discount will be as follows:
3 participants: 15% off, 4+ participants: 20% off
You can email me at moirapenaot@gmail.com 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!
“I completed this course after listening to Moira speak at another conference. Her genuineness, knowledge, and passion towards providing strength based, neuro-affirming intervention based on the most up to date evidence makes her so engaging to listen too. I loved the hybrid learning model to the course where I was able to complete the modules at my own pace but then had the opportunity to participate in interactive discussion groups where there was opportunity to apply learned information into everyday / practical situations. The course material and resources shared within the course have been a great asset to me in my everyday practice and have been something I continue to reference. Thank you, Moira, for your ongoing leadership and willingness so share your knowledge and experiences with others.”
Jennifer Israel
occupational therapist
“Moira’s Autism & Sensory Processing: Concepts, Evidence & BEST Strategies course contains foundational learning as well as the latest evidence on supporting children and adults with sensory processing differences. A strengths-based neurodiversity affirming and trauma-informed approach is central to the whole course. Moira centres Autistic people’s voices and experiences in examples and all assessment/intervention principles. I love the clarity of her BEST model and can directly apply it to my work as a school-based occupational therapist. Her practical strategies have increased my confidence for starting a new school year with effective skills and tools. Thank you Moira for offering this much needed course!”
Carla giddings
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!
LEVEL 1 AUTISM & SENSORY PROCESSING HYBRID ONLINE COURSE:
CONCEPTS, EVIDENCE & BEST STRATEGIES
Option 1: Self-Paced 8 Module Online Course + 2 Live Q&A Zoom Group Coaching Sessions: $397 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, October 11th, 2025 until Friday, January 9th, 2026!
*Read all about the Level 2 Course here!
Please note that e-transfers are accepted at moirapenaot@gmail.com