Description: Course Description
Managing sensory processing challenges is crucial to the success of development. Sensory integration has become an area of focus for many different reasons, including environmental factors resulting in global sensorial challenges impacting language, motor, and social communication. Children with sensory processing disorder and traumatic experiences benefit from sensory treatment strategies impacting physical and neurological outcomes. By attending this course, you will take away practical concepts, effective treatment strategies, and everyday solutions for improved outcomes.
This relevant course emphasizes how creativity is the key to implementing practical solutions for children with sensory-related trauma challenges. The purpose of this course is to introduce key elements and concepts on how to best meet the needs tailored to children with sensory challenges despite traumatic childhood events. This course will provide tips, tools, and tidbits on applying creative strategies to achieve desired outcomes. We will discover and discuss effective strategies through direct interaction. In addition, we will explore the critical dos and don’ts of therapeutic activities for children experiencing sensory-related challenges. This course is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists working with children with sensory-related challenges and childhood trauma experiences.
About Your Instructor
Paula L. Simpson, OTR/L, MHA, ASDCS has been a licensed occupational therapist for over 23 years working with the pediatric and geriatric population in various settings. These settings include early intervention, outpatient, skilled nursing, rehab, acute care, and LTAC environments. Paula is the founder of Bridges of Possibilities, a pediatric therapy clinic that specializes in occupational, physical, and speech therapy services for children with special abilities. She is also the founder of the My Kid Counts, INC, a not-for-profit organization that provides resources and training for families of children with special abilities throughout Northwest, Indiana. Paula is also the founder of camp HYPE-Helping Young People Excel summer camp focused on building skills for children with special abilities. Paula is the author of the book entitled, Sensory Integration, “Now That Makes Sense!” featured in the Autism Digest and Atlanta Georgia’s Trendsetter Magazine. Paula is a columnist for the Autism Digest. She has a combined holistic and nurturing approach to help children/adults maximize their functional independence and achieve developmental outcomes. She enjoys volunteering in community outreach activities, performing professional training, and speaking engagements.
Paula obtained a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Chicago State University. She was also awarded a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix. Paula is a certified autism disorder clinical specialist (ASDCS). Paula is a Certified Advanced Brain Technology provider from “The Listening Program.” Paula is also a DIR-Floor-time Provider and a certified CPR instructor. Paula is the owner of We Rock The Spectrum-Merrillville, coming soon.