A person standing next to a presentation setup, with a large monitor displaying a slide titled 'Unlocking Potential: Integrating Primitive Reflexes for Learning.' A laptop is on the desk showing the same presentation. A model of a brain is also on the desk.
Child sitting on an exercise ball with an adult crouching, smiling at each other in a playroom with padded walls.
Text reading "Sensory Smart SNAs: A Powerful One Day Workshop" with an illustration of a person holding a large exercise ball.

SENSORY SMART SCHOOLS

Workshop Title:     Sensory Smart Schools

Facilitator:

Áine Farrell, M.Ed. (Hons) Sensory Informed Neurodevelopmental and Auditory Integration Therapist.

Goals

  1. Enhance Understanding of Sensory Integration: Build on existing knowledge of sensory integration to help staff interpret sensory-based behaviours accurately.

  2. Assess and Address Regulatory Needs: Equip Staff with the skills to assess the regulatory needs of each child and effectively set up a daily Sensory Diet Checklist.

  3. mplement Advanced Sensory and Developmental Strategies: Introduce advanced sensory regulation and development strategies to improve educational and therapeutic outcomes for children with autism and complex needs.

Workshop Content:

1.  Understanding the Eight Senses

·       Objective: Refresh and expand knowledge on sensory systems and overload indicators.

·       Activities:

o    Presentation of the Eight Senses: Cover both typical and atypical responses (hyper and hypo).

o    Review and discussion of educational posters from www.missjamieot.com to reinforce sensory concepts.

2.  Sensory Profiles

·       Objective: Proficiently profile children into categories such as Sensory Seekers, Avoiders, Sensors, or Bystanders using Winnie Dunn's framework.

·       Activities:

o    Hands-on training with tools for sensory profiling.

o    Case studies and role-playing to practice profiling techniques.

3.  Strategies for Regulation

·       Objective: Review and enhance the use of sensory regulation strategies within the school setting.

·       Activities:

o    Evaluation of current strategies and resources.

o    Practical sessions on gym ball exercises, scooter board activities, swings, and goal-oriented games for various age groups.

o    Workshop activities based on passive strategies like Limb Squeezing, The Wilbarger Protocol, and Back Cupping, focusing on their application for children with complex needs.

4.  Sensory Motor Integration

·       Objective: To layer work sensory regulation with motor skills development activities to eventually move towards organising a sensory circuit.

·       Activities:

o    List the skills needed by the children to participate in a circuit of activities.

o    Training on how to tailor these circuits to the needs of children with complex needs.

5.  Advanced Regulation and Development Strategies for Special Education Settings.

·       Objective: Introduce Staff and teachers to advanced neurodevelopmental and therapeutic strategies to be integrated into daily routines (sensory diet checklists.).

·       Activities:

o    Demonstrations and hands-on practice of techniques such as Face Massage, Body Tapping, Hand Massage, Hand Isometrics, Foot Massage, and Rocking.

o    Discussion on how these strategies can promote neural growth and development, referencing resources from Rhythmic Movement Therapy (www.rhythmicmovement.org) and Cecelia Koester( Movement Based Learning- https://breakthroughsinternational.org/movement- based-learning-about/)

This workshop is designed to be interactive, with a strong focus on practical application to ensure that staff can effectively apply these strategies in their daily interactions with children with sensory dysregulation challenges.

Approaches: Interactive PowerPoint Presentation/ Q and A / Case Study/ Hands-On-Activities/ Action Planning/ Reflection.

Option 1: Full-Day In-Service Training for SNAs and Teachers
This is a full-day training session that can be designed for SNAs alone or for both SNA's and teachers, with a focus on understanding Sensory Integration Theory and developing practical, classroom-ready strategies to support sensory regulation.

For smaller schools, I recommend pairing with one or two others to enhance the collaborative learning experience and share the cost.

The training includes:

  • Staffroom posters that visually reinforce key sensory concepts

  • A structured approach to understanding the Eight Sensory Systems

  • Practical tools for interpreting sensory-based behaviours and creating personalised Sensory Diet Checklists

A flyer outlining the workshop is attached and can be circulated to SNAs in advance.

Fee: €550 for the full day (including all materials and resources).
I am happy to remain on-site beyond 3 p.m. if staff wish to discuss specific student needs in more detail.