Course Goals:

The purpose of this intermediate-level course is to provide (1) an overview of research on sensory processing in ASD; (2) assessments of sensory processing; and (3) a review of the evidence related to sensory integration, sensory-based interventions, and comprehensive interventions that incorporate sensory processing knowledge. The content of this course is considered “intermediate”; that is, the learner should have a basic knowledge of ASD and children’s occupations, and an understanding of pediatric intervention approaches. The target audience for this practice-specific course includes occupational therapists who work with children with ASD, and can include those working across differing settings including home and/or school. We will use a case example throughout the course to exemplify the many aspects of sensory processing, including how sensory processing impacts childhood occupations, how assessment findings may be used for intervention planning, and specific intervention approaches to positively impact child participation.

Professional Objectives:

1. Explain sensory processing patterns and prevalence of sensory processing differences among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 
   
2. Examine how sensory processing may relate to core features of ASD and impact participation in everyday activities in those with ASD. 
3. Describe the assessment tools available to practitioners to measure sensory processing in ASD. 
   
4. Evaluate the evidence related to various sensory-focused interventions, including sensory integration and comprehensive intervention approaches that incorporate sensory processing knowledge. 
5. Apply knowledge of sensory processing pattern evaluation and sensory-related interventions to case studies.