Self-Regulation: Keeping the Body, Mind & Emotions Regulated in Children with Autism, ADHD or Sensory Differences

CPD

Speaker

Maria Slavin, MS, OTR/L Related seminars and products

In-Sync and Social Inc

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Maria Slavin, MS, OTR/L/ has over 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist specializing in the treatment of behavioral health diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

In 2013, Maria founded In-Sync and Social, a private therapy practice, using a combined sensory and behavioral approach to social emotional learning for children and adults. Throughout her career, she has worked in many settings, including pediatric hospitals, public & private schools, early intervention programs, and within leadership of behavioral health organizations. Maria is a trusted clinical and educational consultant both locally in the Philadelphia area and as a speaker at the national level on neuroscience and self-regulation. She has served as an adjunct instructor at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and Temple University. Her expertise has helped numerous families, professionals, and organizations.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Maria Slavin maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Temple University. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Maria Slavin has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Additional Info

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.

Objectives

1. Assess sensory symptoms to determine appropriate interventions to improve social participation.
2. Evaluate sensory processing strategies to improve self-regulation skills in young clients.
3. Utilise cognitive-behavioural interventions and strategies to manage symptoms of ADHD and autism.
4. Select between role play, video modeling, and other creative interventions to promote self-management skills.
5. Choose co-regulation strategies between adults and kids to promote social connection.
6. Utilise the latest research in neuroscience to assess the function of children’s behaviour.

Outline

How Self-Regulation Affects a Child’s Physical, Mental, and Emotional Wellbeing

• Emotions, behaviour, and the brain
• Impact on academics, social skills, relationships
• Correlation with sensory processing disorder, ADHD, autism, giftedness, anxiety, and related conditions
• Behaviour and sensory assessment tools to pinpoint the underlying causes
• Limitations of research and potential risks

Sensory Processing Strategies

• Set kids up for success by meeting the underlying needs
• Hidden senses: vestibular, proprioceptive, interoceptive
• Characteristics of sensory modulation difficulties
• Create a sensory lifestyle
• Strategies across various settings for over-responsivity, under responsivity, and mixed responsiveness
• Develop sensory boxes, sensory schedules & plans, and sensory-friendly spaces
• Strategies for difficult routines such as meals and bedtime

ADHD & Autism Approaches

• Recruiting the higher-level areas of the brain
• Levels of autism
• Working with attention, emotions, and other executive functions
• Communication strategies that promote social engagement
• Strategies for picky eating and poor sleep habits
• Behavioural strategies for minimising difficult behaviours and shaping desired behaviours/Positive Behaviour Support approach
• Strategies for smooth transitions
• Calming Strategies
• Environmental strategies and adaptations
• Case studies highlighting why we see certain behaviours and reflecting successful intervention

Self-Management Strategies

• The key to ending power struggles
• Role play and video modeling techniques
• Communication strategies that provide emotional control
• Mindfulness and nervous system co-regulation strategies for kids and the adults interacting with them
• Visual schedules, social stories, visual timers
• Self-monitoring forms and apps
• Self-regulation toolkits/strategy lists

Tying It All Together

• One size does NOT fit all
• From assessment to intervention
• A systematic approach to strategy selection
• Case studies and group problem-solving

Target Audience

• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Educators
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Counsellors
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants