The education programs of the Spiral Foundation serve the greater Boston area as well as national and international audiences. We serve as a resource for parents, teachers and other professionals who work with children with sensory integration difficulties, and for adults who deal with these issues themselves. Our hope is that through providing explanations and sharing resources, understanding of dysfunction in sensory integration will grow.

Professional Conferences
The Spiral Foundation sponsors annual professional workshops and symposia on a variety of subjects related to sensory integration. Past courses have included nutrition and behavior, The Out-Of-Sync Child, the psychobiology of sensory processing in early development, "From Eyesight to Insight: Visual Vestibular Assessment and Treatment," and treatment of trauma and attachment disorders.  We also sponsor on-site hands-on intensive intervention trainings which prepare therapists for working with children with sensory integration needs.  See our Professional Education page for more details and registration information on our currently offered courses.

Evening Lecture Series and Parent/ Teacher/ Paraprofessional Education Programs

The Spiral Foundation sponsors an annual Evening Lecture series presented by the experienced occupational and speech therapists from OTA-Watertown.  A wide range of topics are presented and vary annually, but have included sensory integration overviews, Yikes Bikes!, sensory integration and listening programs, and working with adopted children and children with trauma and attachment issues.  These low cost overviews provide practical information for parents, teachers and paraprofessionals.  In addition we offer more in-depth educational programs for parents and educators.  We currently are offering a four week, “Parent Speak” evening program which will provide practical strategies to promote communication, play and speech in young children with autism spectrum disorder.  See our Parent Education page for more details and registration information.

Lectures for School and Community Groups
Our experienced sensory integration therapists provide an overview of sensory integration for teachers, PTOs, or parent advisory councils, accompanied by a screening of When Our Senses Don't Make Sense. We also offer lectures on a variety of other topics, including sensory diet at home and at school, motor planning, and more.  To schedule an overview for your group contact us at courses@thespiralfoundation.org.

Teacher Education Workshops
The Spiral Foundation presents teacher training workshops through local universities, including a three-weekend workshop for both continuing education and masters degree credit at Lesley University.  To schedule a workshop for your group contact us at courses@thespiralfoundation.org.