September 18, 2026 – IN-PERSON ONLY – Regulation & Connection: Sensory & Nervous System Considerations in Pediatric Intervention

September 18, 2026 | 09:30 AM-12:45 PM CST

This event will take place IN PERSON in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Spots are limited!

Location:
1905 Ascension Blvd
Arlington, TX 76006
First Rate Building

Effective pediatric therapy requires more than addressing skills. It requires understanding how a child’s sensory processing and nervous system regulation influence behavior, engagement, motor performance, and communication.
This course equips pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists with a practical, neuro-informed framework for interpreting and supporting regulation across settings. Participants will explore both external and internal sensory systems, including interoception, and examine how sensory modulation, discrimination, and praxis impact functional performance and participation.
Therapists will also gain insight into the role of the autonomic nervous system, including stress responses such as fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, and how these states affect a child’s ability to engage in therapy.
Emphasis is placed on clinical application, helping therapists:

• Reframe behavior through a regulation lens
• Use co-regulation, interaction style, and environmental supports to improve engagement
• Integrate strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches into practice

Participants will leave with actionable strategies to better support regulation, enhance participation, and improve outcomes across pediatric therapy settings.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the role of sensory processing and the autonomic nervous system (including fight, flight, freeze, fawn) in shaping pediatric behavior, engagement, and participation in therapy.
2. Analyze how differences in sensory modulation, discrimination, praxis, and interoception influence motor performance, communication, and functional outcomes across pediatric populations.
3. Apply neuro-informed strategies (e.g., co-regulation, environmental modifications, and interaction style adjustments) to support regulation and improve engagement during therapy sessions.
4. Integrate strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches into clinical decision-making to enhance participation and promote meaningful outcomes in pediatric therapy.

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.