Integrated Play Group and Sensory Integration Workshop

This seminar introduces a program that combines Sensory Integration therapy and the Integrated Play Groups model to address the unique, social, play, and sensory needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and related social-communication needs. This combined program offers many benefits by maximizing children's developmental potential as well as intrinsic desire to play, socialize, and form relationships with peers and siblings.
Presenter:
Rebecca Berry, MS, PT, Developmental Pathways for Kids Clinic Director
Becky has been an active pediatric physical therapist on the mid-peninsula since 1985, most recently as cofounder of Developmental Pathways for Kids in 1997. She received her Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California.
Who should attend?
Educators, therapists, and other practitioners who work with children with autism spectrum disorders and related special needs will want to attend. During the workshop, attendees will learn how to maximize children's developmental potential, using their intrinsic desire to play, socialize and form meaningful relationships with peers and siblings.
Topics:
* The nature of peer relations, play development and sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorders
* The playgroup model and sensory integration theory
* Assessment methods of children's social, communication, play and sensory-motor development
* Supportive peer play and sensory integration environments and programs
Participants will:
* Gain an understanding of theories on the nature of peer relations, play development and sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)
* Gain knowledge of the principles of sensory integration therapy
* Develop working knowledge and practice in observing play variations in children with ASD while learning practical methods for assessing the symbolic and social dimensions of play (including communicative function/means and play preferences)
* Gain practice in the use of assessment and evaluation tools while learning how to set meaningful goals and objectives