Objectives:
Outline the role of the sensory systems of children and adolescents and how these systems influence self-regulation
Explore how trauma impacts these sensory systems
Introduce sensory strategies that can be used to improve self-regulation in children and adolescents
Outcomes:
To gain a basic understanding of the sensory systems of children and adolescents
To begin to recognize signs of poor sensory processing skills
To be able to apply sensory strategies for children and adolescents in their home to improve self-regulation
To understand the role of occupational therapy and when to seek professional services
Activities:
1. Small group discussion and worksheet about our own sensory sensitivities in the areas of touch, taste, smell, vision, hearing, vestibular, and proprioception
2. Large group visualization activity on how trauma impacts self-regulation
3. Small group discussion and worksheet on foster children and observations of their sensory systems
4. Small group practice and exploration of sensory materials and activities to help with self-regulation at home