Sensory Integration Interventions Through a Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens

This self-paced recorded course explores how to support sensory needs in children without trying to change who they are. Instead, you’ll learn how to use sensory integration interventions in ways that honor neurodivergent identity, prioritize autonomy, and focus on participation and quality of life. Designed and taught by an occupational therapist, this course bridges traditional sensory integration frameworks with the neurodiversity movement. You’ll move beyond compliance-based approaches and discover how to collaborate with clients to create meaningful, respectful, and regulation-supportive environments.

In this course, you will: Review sensory processing and sensory integration concepts through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming perspective. Learn how to recognize sensory needs without pathologizing behaviors. Explore practical sensory strategies that support
self-regulation, engagement, and daily participation at home, school, and in the community. Reflect on your own clinical reasoning, language, and assumptions about behavior, “readiness,” and “appropriate” responses. Learn ways to partner with clients and families to
co-create sensory plans that protect dignity and honor lived experience. Explore how and interdisciplinary approach from OT, PT, and SLP
can integrate sensory-informed, autonomy-supportive approaches in various settings.
By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident using sensory integration in a way that aligns with your values: client-centered,
collaborative, and deeply affirming of neurodivergent identities.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how the sensory systems are understood using Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) theory and Dunn’s Model of Sensory Integration.
2. Analyze sensory integration frameworks and intervention strategies that promote participation without pathologizing neurological differences.
3. Design client-centered, strength-based sensory sessions that differentiate between regulating, skill-building, and environmental strategies.
4. Design individualized, strengths-based sensory interventions plans that promote regulation, communication, and functional participation across environments in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
5. Explain the process of sensory input and output as it relates to the development of the child and promotes occupational engagement.

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.