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SENSORY INTEGRATION EDUCATION DAY
Using sensory integration to Understand and Intervene with children who
have sensory needs
Valerie Cribbin and Helen Lynch,
Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University
College, Cork
Friday 24th October 2014
Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, Cork
AIMS
This one day workshop aims to present an overview of Sensory Integration theory and
practice, with a specific focus on current research and critical review of evidence for sensory
integration therapy. The content will include basic concepts of SENSORY INTEGRATION,
and of the theory, assessment and treatment of Sensory Integrative dysfunction/ SENSORY
PROCESSING DISORDERS(SPD). Strategies to help parents and other professionals
understand sensory processing disorders will be discussed and challenges in implementing
sensory integration interventions in current service contexts explored. Practical suggestions
for using sensory integration principles to guide home and centre-based interventions will be
explored. This workshop is designed for experienced students (preferably year 4) and for
Occupational Therapists who are unfamiliar with sensory integration. It is also designed for
those who have a basic understanding of sensory integration intervention and would like to
update their knowledge on this area of practice. On completion of the course, participants
will be able to understand the principles of Sensory Integration and relate the theory to their
work with children and adults in a range of settings.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the basic concept of sensory integration as a theory and intervention
approach
2. Describe typical functioning of the sensory systems and neuro-anatomy of the central
nervous system
3. Understand the effect of Sensory Integration dysfunction in relation to activity/
occupation and participation for different conditions
4. Understand the role of the qualified therapist in the assessment of SPD
5. Describe sensory integration interventions and differentiate between different types
of sensory-based interventions.
6. Explain the evidence-base for sensory integration and be familiar with current
debates on effectiveness and outcomes.
7. Be aware of the precautions to be adhered to when using this approach.
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8. Identify ways of implementing best practice in the use of this frame of reference
within current service structures and resource provision.
9. Understand the importance of gaining further knowledge and skills in this theory and
treatment approach by attending recognised courses.
Programme Outline for One Day Workshop
AM 1:
Introduction to sensory-motor development and sensory integration theory
Sensory integration and Sensory Processing overview
Beginning from an Evidence-Based Practice approach
Break
Challenges of working with clients who have sensory problems- identifying difficulties
through developing awareness
Exploring sensory-based difficulties in children and adults
Lunch
PM1
Ideal world practice: Sensory Integration frame of reference applied: from screening to
outcomes
Overview of principles and challenges of assessment and intervention
Clinical Reasoning for direct intervention, indirect intervention and consultancy in Sensory
Integration: understanding when it is NOT SI: sensory-based interventions
PM 2
Real world practice- Helping families to understand/ working with families in different
environments/ role of routines
Service context- changing practice and implementing change in contemporary Ireland
Sensory Integration: What is the evidence? Dealing with ambiguity from research- a look at
current debates and critiquing the evidence.
This course is presented by Valerie Cribbin and Helen Lynch (see profiles overleaf)
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WORKSHOP EDUCATORS- PROFILES:
Valerie Cribbin, Dip COT
Valerie’s clinical interest is in sensory integration theory and practice within paediatric
occupational therapy, including its application to DCD, ASD and CAMH. As a founding
member of the Sensory Integration Network, UK and Ireland, Valerie attended many
courses.
Through her participation in co-authoring a parents’ guide to sensory integration and for
many years was Editor of the regular newsletter of the SI Network, Valerie has gained much
insight and knowledge on this topic. She became a lecturer with the Network, her role being
recognised by both Liverpool and Cardiff Universities, and she taught with others on their
Module on Clinical Reasoning and Analysis over several years. While acting as the regional
coordinator of the courses held in Ireland and hosting many overseas lecturers, she has
established professional networks in the UK, USA, and Australia. She has been invited to
and attended many international conferences on paediatrics and research into sensory
processing difficulties. She currently works in private practice and also provides supervision
and training for therapists. She is a former chair and director of AOTI.
Dr. Helen Lynch is a member of the faculty at University College Cork. Helen’s research
and clinical interests are in the area of infancy, play, early intervention, DCD and sensory
integration. Helen became involved in the S.I.Network UK and Ireland in the early 1990’s
with Valerie’s support, and both worked together from 1998 to 2011 in producing many of the
Newsletters for the members of the Network. Helen became Chairperson of the S.I.Network
in 2002, and in 2003 took on the role of Module leader for the Sensory Integration module 2clinical reasoning and assessment. She was honorary lecturer consequently with the
University of Liverpool and Cardiff University until 2011. She also became the first
Chairperson of the S.I.Network’s Research Committee from 2009 to 2011. She has been
involved in marking for SI 2 modules with Cardiff University and is now a marker for Ulster.
She remains involved in education in the area of sensory integration, with a particular
interest in its application in early intervention and in children with DCD.
Valerie and Helen are co-authors of the book: Sensory Integration Information Booklet-a
resource for parents and therapists (Cribbin, Lynch, Bagshawe & Chadwick, 2003). Sensory
Integration Network, U.K. and Ireland.
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