About the Course
This session aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of sensory processing and its crucial role in integrated child development within a school and classroom setting. Using current research, the course will explain the science behind sensory processing and sensory overload. Participants will learn to address individual student needs while creating a neurodiversity-affirming classroom environment by focusing on a common sensory experience for all learners. Leaders will discuss how a proactive approach to meeting sensory needs and creating a relationally and sensory safe space promotes prosocial behaviors in students and enhances overall classroom management.
Objectives
Participants will explain sensory processing and its role in child development, including the effect of sensory dysregulation on peer relationships and the importance of sensory integration.
Participants will identify and address individual and group sensory needs in the school setting, including sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviors, signs of a sensory-based "meltdown," the use of sensory supports to promote peer interactions and relational bandwidth.
Participants will differentiate between co- and self- regulation in the school setting and implement strategies for calming an overloaded child.
About your Instructors
Adrienne Gaither, OTR, C-SIPT, NDT, PACT Accredited Provider
Adrienne Gaither, OTR, has been a pediatric occupational therapist for over 25 years. She received her degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and began her pediatric therapy career, eventually gaining experience in every setting available for the provision of children’s occupational therapy services. Adrienne has had the opportunity to serve as a member of ACN’s team since 2009. She holds specialty pediatric certification in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and has completed advanced training in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for children as well as in the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) feeding approach. Locally, Adrienne had the privilege of serving on the planning team for the development of Morgan’s Wonderland; in particular, contributing recommendations for the Sensory Village portion of the park. In addition to her work with ACN, Adrienne is a part-time Program Director and Sensory Consultant with Kinetic Kids, Inc., a local non-profit agency providing sports and recreation activities for children and teenagers with special needs. When she is not working, Adrienne enjoys life with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs, running, singing, and traveling.
Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Gaither receives a salary from Autism Community Network.
Kathryn Benson, MPA
Kathryn “Katie'' Benson has a Bachelor's degree from Florida State University and a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in NonProfit Management from the University of Texas Arlington. She spent 14 years total in the public education setting as a special educator and district leader. While with the public school system, Katie specialized in working with neurodivergent students, and opened two new autism units, including one focused on addressing neurodiverse needs in a general education setting. In the past, she has worked with other nonprofits in San Antonio to create and improve programming for neurodiverse populations and children and adolescents with other developmental differences. Katie joined the programs team at Autism Community Network (ACN) in the summer of 2023. Since that time, her role has grown to include hands-on involvement in ACN educational and camp programs, as well as planning and executing ACN’s quarterly family events. She enjoys working with the incredible staff at ACN to create a relational and sensory safe “home away from home” for the autism community in San Antonio.
Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Benson receives a salary from Autism Community Network.