Online

Thursday, September 19 & Friday, September 20, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

What time is this for me?

Occupational therapists need to be knowledgeable of emerging trends in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and feel confident with implementing strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming best practices when working with neurodivergent people and their families.

This two-day interactive workshop explores the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) evidence-based interventions framework to co-create therapy plans with neurodivergent individuals that promote occupational participation. These occupations will be explored in depth through a combination of teaching, video presentations, demonstrations, ongoing interactions with workshop participants, case studies and/or small group work that will explore the lived experiences of neurodivergent children, youth and adults who present with sensory processing differences* (including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions). 

There will be a strong focus on the use of strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches throughout this workshop.  The following occupations will be addressed to best promote the occupational participation of neurodivergent children, youth and adults: eating, sleep, personal hygiene, play, school, and leisure. Participants will have a chance to consider systemic and individual barriers to occupational participation for neurodivergent individuals, and will discuss how to address these barriers.  

*Please note that the presenter’s clinical experience is primarily with persons on the autism spectrum and that the case studies/videos used will focus on autism and co-occurring conditions).

Preliminary workshop agenda

Day 1

Day 2

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Explain why occupational therapists need to practice using strengths-based, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming evidence-based approaches by addressing, supporting and advocating for inclusion and identity across the lifespan.
2. Utilize the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) strategies framework to support neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults in engaging and participating in eating, sleep and personal hygiene occupations.
3. Utilize the presenter’s BEST strategies framework to support neurodivergent children and adolescents in engaging and participating in meaningful play and school occupations.
4. Utilize the presenter’s BEST strategies framework to support neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults in engaging and participating in meaningful leisure occupations

Target audience

Occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants and other health professionals who work with neurodivergent children, youth and adults who present with sensory processing differences* (including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions).

This workshop builds on the content discussed in the workshop “A comprehensive introduction to sensory processing and autism: Towards the development of a strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy practice” also presented by Moira Peña. Participants of this workshop are expected to be familiar with the core values of strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approaches.

Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

Client age group

Young children (0-4 years old), Children (5-12 years old), Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old)

Areas of practice

Cognitive, Mental health

Workshop level

Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area) 

Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with previous knowledge and experience in neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Presenter

Moira Peña, BScOT, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Moira Peña is an occupational therapist who is passionate about equipping occupational therapy practitioners and other health care and education professionals with neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based practice knowledge & skills that best support autistic people. Moira is the owner of Moira Peña Sensory Workshops and also works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, Ontario with children and youth on the autism spectrum.  Moira is an Expert Hub Team member of the ECHO Ontario Autism Program which aims to further develop paediatricians’, school psychologists’, teachers’ & allied health professionals’ skills to screen, diagnose (if applicable) and best address the needs of autistic children and their families.

Moira holds credentials from the STAR (Sensory Therapies and Research) Institute for Sensory Processing and is a certified Solution-Focused Healthcare Facilitator & Coach (C-SFHCF). She is a published author and researcher in The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and is the creator & host of Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit. Moira is also an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.

Registration fees

Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by June 19, 2024

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after June 19, 2024

Registration deadline: September 19, 2024 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)

Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.

*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.  

Included in your registration fee:

Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

Cancellation/refund policy

All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by September 4, 2024 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. All cancellation/refund requests between September 5 and 11, 2024 will be given a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after September 11, 2024. Substitutions and transfers requests received by September 11, 2024 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration. 

CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before August 9, 2024 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until August 23, 2024. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

  Professional Development FAQs