D. Treating Sensory Modulation Disorders:
The STEP SI - a Tool for Effective Clinical Reasoning
Presented by Julia Wilbarger, PhD, OTR/L and
Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR
February 24-25, 2017
13 contact hours
Introductory - Intermediate Levels
Audience: Occupational and Physical Therapists, interested others
Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR
February 24-25, 2017
13 contact hours
Introductory - Intermediate Levels
Audience: Occupational and Physical Therapists, interested others
This workshop presents an up-dated clinical reasoning model for treating children who have unusual and challenging behaviors involving difficulties with sensory modulation and overall dysregulation. The understanding of treatment for individuals with sensory modulation disruptions (SMD) is becoming better identified in the greater body of sensory integration theory. This course will provide an overview of the theoretical foundations of SMD from occupational therapy literature and related neuroscience research. A model for planning, implementation, and monitoring treatment will be presented: Sensation, Task, Environment, Predictability, Self-Monitoring, and Interactions (S.T.E.P.S. I.). The STEPSI is a principle-based fidelity to treatment model, the first in the field of sensory integration! The model breaks down treatment into easily understandable components. Participants should have foundation knowledge in sensory integration theory and treatment.
Objectives: Participants will be able to:
Schedule* 13 Contact Hours
Day 1
8:30 Introduction and overview
9:15 Coming to an understanding of Sensory Modulation
10:30 Break
10:45 Neuroscience Concepts related to SMD
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Clinical reasoning process
1:30 Identification of SMD: Strategies for assessment
2:30 Break
2:45 The STEPSI: What it is and how it works
4:30 Adjourn
Day 2
8:30 Utilizing the STEPSI as a clinical tool
10:15 Break
10:30 Case Study: Treatment, Planning, & Implementation
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Small group case planning and discussion
2:30 Break
2:45 STEPSI beyond the clinic
4:00 Questions and Wrap-up
4:30 Adjourn
*Topic times may vary; contact hours do not.
Objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Discuss the construct of sensory modulation disorders from existing OT literature and related neuroscience research, updated for 2016!
- Define the key features of pediatric occupational therapy treatment for children with sensory modulation disorders.
- Design a treatment plan for a child with a sensory modulation disorder that comprehensively addresses their needs from an evidence informed, comprehensive and best practice perspective.
Schedule* 13 Contact Hours
Day 1
8:30 Introduction and overview
9:15 Coming to an understanding of Sensory Modulation
10:30 Break
10:45 Neuroscience Concepts related to SMD
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Clinical reasoning process
1:30 Identification of SMD: Strategies for assessment
2:30 Break
2:45 The STEPSI: What it is and how it works
4:30 Adjourn
Day 2
8:30 Utilizing the STEPSI as a clinical tool
10:15 Break
10:30 Case Study: Treatment, Planning, & Implementation
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Small group case planning and discussion
2:30 Break
2:45 STEPSI beyond the clinic
4:00 Questions and Wrap-up
4:30 Adjourn
*Topic times may vary; contact hours do not.
Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, a Colorado native, is president and co-founder of Developmental FX. She is a leading pediatric occupational therapist (OT) involved in clinical treatment, research, mentoring, and training regarding OT intervention for persons with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially Fragile X Syndrome and autism. She received her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy from Colorado State University and a a master’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Denver. She received her NDT training with Lois Bly. She is SIPT Certified (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test). and was the clinical specialist in sensory integration at The Children’s Hospital in Denver as well as the OT for the Fragile X Research and Treatment Center. Tracy continued her clinical and research work with Dr. Randi Hagerman at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute during its start-up year. Tracy has written several book chapters on sensory integration and neurodevelopmental disorders, and teaches and consults nationally and internationally on sensory integration, Fragile X and related topics. Tracy and her husband have two wonderful children. You can visit Tracy at the Developmental FX website.
Julia Wilbarger, PhD, OTR, received a BS in Physiological Psychology from UC Berkeley, an MS in OT from Boston University, and a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Denver, Colorado. She has worked as an OT in early intervention with high risk and developmentally delayed infants and toddlers in diverse settings. She is certified in the administration of the SIPT and trained in NDT. She served as a clinical specialist in sensory integration at The Children's Hospital, Denver. She is currently an associate professor at Dominican University.
