Sensory Integration Across the Lifespan:
Elementary School Years (Ages 6-12)

A Conversation with Michelle Denison-Darragh, MS, OTR/L

  • Moderated by Robyn Carreras, MS, OTR/L
  • Level: Introductory
  • Access: All parts of the course, including assignments, must be completed within a 7 week viewing window.
  • Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hour or 0.1 AOTA CEUs

  • AOTA Areas: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery: Evaluation, Intervention and Outcomes. Foundational Knowledge: Human Body, Development, and Behavior.

  • Audience: OT, PT, SLP, OTA, PTA, Educator, Parent

  • Completion Requirements: To earn contact hours or AOTA CEUs for this course participants must view the talk in its entirety, and successfully complete the accompanying quiz.

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Course overview

This enlightening talk covers the key sensory and motor milestones for children aged 6-12, highlighting how these milestones influence children's ability to engage and succeed in school and daily activities.

Michelle and Robyn explore variations in sensory processing among children and discuss effective intervention strategies for promoting sensory-friendly practices within educational settings. Through an in-depth case study, they demonstrate practical approaches for supporting sensory development, emphasizing the crucial role of educators and caregivers in fostering a supportive environment.

This session also explores ways to create sensory-friendly classrooms, implement sensory breaks, and utilize tools like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys to aid children with sensory processing difficulties. This discussion aims to equip parents, teachers, and therapists with the knowledge and tools needed to support sensory integration during the elementary school years.

References are provided.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this series participants will be able to:
Describe the foundational principles of sensory integration across different stages of the lifespan.
identify common sensory processing challenges and variations experienced by individuals from early childhood to old age.
Define effective strategies and interventions for supporting sensory integration in diverse populations across the lifespan.
Michelle Denison-Darragh, MS, OTR/L
Guest Speaker

Michelle is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist practicing in a public school in Massachusetts. She studied Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College where she graduated Summa cum Laude and was a member of the all-discipline national honor society Phi Kappa Phi, as well as Pi Theta Epsilon (for occupational therapy students), and Alpha Eta (for allied health professions). Michelle is SIPT Certified and has completed additional training related to sensory integration, neurodiversity affirming approaches, cultural aspects in education, racism in healthcare, listening therapies, trauma-informed care, and sensory-enhanced yoga. She has a passion for working with children and their families to develop their sense of curiosity, confidence, and ability to follow their passions.

Robyn A Carreras, MS, OTR/L
Moderator

Robyn is a seasoned occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience specializing in sensory integration therapy. As the moderator for the SPIRAL Foundation’s Live Talk Series, Robyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in facilitating discussions on sensory integration. Her passion for advocacy and education in the field of occupational therapy makes her an invaluable asset to this series.

Disclosure: Robyn is a paid member of SPIRAL staff, she is compensated for these talks as part of her regular duties. Guest speakers generously donate their time and are not compensated.
ADA/Section 504: If you require special accommodations, please contact courses@thespiralfoundation.org
Cancellation Policies: Available here

Continuing Education: Occupational Therapy Practitioners/ Occupational Therapy Assistants: SPIRAL Foundation is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA

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