Description

Sensory issues and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are complex developments in the lives of children and adults.   The text, websites and videos have excellent information on what they would like us to know how they live with others and teaching tips which will benefit teachers.

"Does your child exhibit...

Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to touch or movement?  A child with SPD may be a "sensory avoider," withdrawing from touch, refusing to wear certain clothing, avoiding active games--or he may be a "sensory straggler," needing a jump start to get moving.

Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to sensations of sound, sight, taste, or smell? She may cover her ears or eyes, be a picky eater, or seem oblivious to sensory cues.

Cravings for sensation? The "sensory craver" never gets enough of certain sensations, e.g., messy play, spicy food, noisy action, and perpetual movement.

Poor sensory discrimination? The "sensory jumbler" may not sense the difference between objects or experiences--unaware of what she's holding unless she looks, and unable to sense when she's falling or how to catch herself.

Unusually high or low activity level? The child may be constantly on the go--wearing out everyone around him--or move slowly and tire easily, showing little interest in the world.

Problems with posture or motor coordination? The "sensory slumper" may slouch and move awkwardly, and the "sensory fumbler" may be clumsy or accident-prone.

These are often the first clues to Sensory Processing Differences--a common but frequently misdiagnosed problem in which the central nervous system misinterprets messages from the senses. The Out-of-Sync Child offers comprehensive, clear information for parents, teachers, and professionals--and a drug-free treatment approach for children.

This revised edition includes expanded information about SPD "look-alikes," including Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and autism; about diagnosis and treatments; and about other topics.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• recognize important signs of sensory issues. describe sensory processing in the five senses, plus vestibular, proprioceptive and tactical senses that influence student behavior and learning. apply specific strategies, techniques and adaptations to help in improving learning for young people who have sensory issues, such as changes in classroom environment, time of day, pre-warning of events, structure and use of technology.
• recognize important signs of sensory issues.
• describe sensory processing in the five senses, plus vestibular, proprioceptive and tactical senses that influence student behavior and learning.
• apply specific strategies, techniques and adaptations to help in improving learning for young people who have sensory issues, such as changes in classroom environment, time of day, pre-warning of events, structure and use of technology.

Text:

Kranowitz, C. (revised 2016).  The Out-of-Sync Child. NY: Perigee Book

The following assignments and projects are required for this course = 30 hrs.  This course is self-paced however feel free to email the instructor anytime during the course if you have any questions or concerns.

• Read text including prologue (341 pages)
• Watch videos and read articles on web
• Write reflections (5) (1 page)
• Research articles reviews from the Internet (2) - (write a half page review)
• Essay - (overall what you have interacted with) (1 – 2 pages)

Course assignments and activities are designed to enhance students’ education and develop their skills in research, critical analysis, and academic writing. 

Online registration URL closes @ 5:00 p.m. on July 19, 2023.