Beyond Techniques: Integrating Sensory Processing, Regulation, Occupation and Clinical Reasoning in Clinical Practice 

Description

This two-day interactive workshop is designed for occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists seeking to strengthen their clinical reasoning through an integrated, relationship-based approach to pediatric practice. Participants will explore the intersection of sensory modulation, Polyvagal Theory, DIR®, visual-vestibular integration, and functional participation, with a strong emphasis on translating theory into meaningful intervention. 

Rather than focusing on isolated techniques, this workshop demonstrates how sleeping, feeding, learning, and academic performance emerge from the dynamic interaction between regulation, sensory processing, motor planning, relationships, and the environment. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and collaborative case discussions on dyspraxia and ADHD, participants will deepen their ability to analyze complex presentations, make informed clinical decisions, and design interventions that support meaningful participation in everyday life. 

Outline / Agenda:

Day 1: 

8.30 to 10.00 am  Sensory Modulation and Polyvagal Theory 

10.00 to 10.30    Morning Break 

10.30 to 12.00pm  Sensory Modulation and Polyvagal Theory 

12.00 to 12.30    Lunch 

12.30 to 2.00     Sleeping and Feeding as an occupation, the DIR way 

2.00 to 2.15      Afternoon Break 

2.15 to 3.30      Clinical case integration with critical thinking (Dyspraxia case presentation with group reasoning / discussion) 

Day 2:  

8.30 to 10.00am   Visual-Vestibular Integration 

10.00 to 10.30am  Morning Break 

10.30 to 12.00pm  Visual-Vestibular Integration 

12.00 to 12.30pm  Lunch 

12.30 to 2.00pm   Academic Function as occupation; keeping it functional 

2.00 to 2.15pm    Afternoon Break 

2.15 to 3.30pm    Clinical case integration with critical thinking (ADHD case presentation with group reasoning / discussion) 

Learning Objectives

Day 1 

1. Sensory Modulation and Polyvagal Theory (Morning Session 1 and 2) 

Learning Objective: 

• Explain how sensory modulation and autonomic nervous system states interact to influence regulation, behavior, participation, and therapeutic engagement.  

• Apply principles of sensory modulation and Polyvagal Theory to develop individualized, regulation-based intervention strategies for children with complex developmental needs.  

3. Sleeping and Feeding as Occupations: The DIR® Way 

Learning Objective: 

• Analyze sleep and feeding as co-regulated occupations by integrating developmental, sensory, relational, and neurophysiological perspectives into intervention planning.  

4. Clinical Case Integration: Dyspraxia 

Learning Objective: 

• Synthesize assessment findings to formulate a differential clinical reasoning process and intervention plan for a child presenting with dyspraxia.  

Day 2 

5. Visual-Vestibular Integration (Morning Session 5 and 6) 

Learning Objective: 

• Describe the role of visual-vestibular integration in postural control, visual attention, motor coordination, and functional participation.  

• Design intervention strategies that integrate visual, vestibular, and motor systems to improve functional performance across home, school, and community environments.  

7. Academic Function as Occupation: Keeping It Functional 

Learning Objective: 

• Integrate sensory, motor, cognitive, and executive functioning principles to support meaningful participation in academic occupations.  

8. Clinical Case Integration: ADHD 

Learning Objective: 

• Apply evidence-informed clinical reasoning to develop individualized intervention recommendations for a child with ADHD, considering regulation, executive functioning, participation, and environmental supports. 

Details

Presenter: Maude Le Roux, OTR/L, SIPT, ADHD-RSP, DIR Champion and Expert Training Leader 

Bio: Maude Le Roux is a global trainer in multiple methodologies and a mentor to therapists from multidisciplinary teams. She opened her practice, A Total Approach in Glen Mills, PA, USA in 2001. Maude started her training career in 2007 and opened her online academy in 2019. She has designed the Developmental Pathways Model (DPM), which she applies to her own unique assessment and intervention protocol for major diagnosis such as Dyspraxia, ADHD and Executive Functions, Autism, Reading and Writing Disorders, and Trauma and Attachment. Maude served 9 years on the Board of Directors for ATTACh and currently serves on their Advisory Board. She also serves on the Advisory Board for LSWorks (Neuralign program). She is a co-author of two books and more recently wrote a chapter on Trauma and the Body in “Healing Connections” which launched in September 2024. Maude received an award for “Continued child advocacy” through the ATTACh organization in September 2024. She also received the Champion Award through ICDL in November 2024. Maude has a “whole child” approach to care and intervention and equipping the child, while empowering the parent is at the core of who she is as a clinician and trainer. 

Target Audience: This is a closed group. If you are interested, this same course could be hosted by you and modified according to your needs 

Educational Level: Intermediate to Advanced 

Instructional Methods: PowerPoint, Group Discussion, Video 

Contact Hours: 11 hours, 30 minutes