Supporting Self-Care Skills During Stressful Times Using a Sensory Perspective

Presented by Paula Aquilla, B. Sc., OT Occupational Therapist

The Autism Society WNY and Autism Services, Inc. have decided to hold our fall workshop http://friendsofasi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10-17-20WorkshopFinalVersion.pdf using a virtual platform instead of an in-person event to ensure the health and safety of our attendees due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Online registration is required.  Go to http://friendsofasi.org/autism-center-for-learning/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page to register.  Please note that there will be no mail-in registration for this event.  Online registration and payment through PayPal will be available until October 14, 2020.
Materials (i.e. registration links, handouts, etc.) will be e-mailed to attendees prior to the workshop.

About the Speaker

Paula Aquilla loves her work as a mom, an Occupational Therapist, and as an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto, and has practiced in a variety of clinical, home, and community settings since 1986.

Paula founded the Yes I Can! Nursery School and summer camps, and the I Love My Baby Program in Toronto. She was also the founding executive director of Giant Steps. Paula is now the director of Aquilla Occupational Therapy; a family-oriented practice that works with both children and adults with ASD. Paula is proud to serve her community in Toronto, and is passionate about collaborating with First Nations Communities across Canada. Paula has taught workshops about sensory processing and development in many countries and has been a guest lecturer for the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Humber College.

Paula is published in the field of as a co-author of Building Bridges through Sensory Integration (1998), and The Sensory Detective (2016), and is a contributor to the book Children, Youth, and Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. Paula has also contributed to magazines and special interest newsletters in Canada, the US, and UK. She is the technical editor for the SI Focus Magazine. Paula brings warmth and enthusiasm in her work with children and adults on the spectrum and their families.

When we view those with ASD from a sensory perspective, it helps us to understand potential underlying reasons for challenging behavior. Using this “sensory lens” you can understand how to better support function and regulation in those with ASD. Learn how the environment, our relationships and our activities support regulation during stressful times. This presentation will address sensory strategies which contribute to a calm, organized, nervous system that can actually thrive in today’s world.

Workshop will focus on:

• What is sensory processing?
• What is a sensory lens?
• How does stress affect our nervous system?
• What does the research say about the effects of stress?
• How your environment, relationships, and activities can support the nervous system during stress?
• How can you teach those with ASD to assess and self-regulate their own sensory status?
• How to develop self-care skills in individuals with ASD and in the parents and professionals who support them?

This workshop will include ample time for discussion and questions.

It is applicable to caregivers of individuals of all ages, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), SLPs, OTs/COTAs, PTs/PTAs teachers, administrators, mental health professionals, and any other professionals/paraprofessionals working with those with ASD.

Cost and CEU credit information

Parent/Individual with ASD is $10 per person

Speech-Language Pathologists/Audiologists is $30 per person, .35 ASHA CEUs

OTs & COTAs is $30 per person, 3.0 NYS Continuing Competency Hour for OTs/OTAs. Please note that these hours may be used towards completing AOTA continuing competency requirements, but are not offered through an AOTA approved provider.

PTs & PTAs is $30 per person, .3 NYS Approved PT Board CEUs

Other Professionals, Paraprofessionals, and Students are $20 per person.  No CEUs awarded.