Two Training Programs:

Fidelity to Ayres Sensory Integration Intervention
&
Goal Attainment Scaling as a Meaningful Outcome Measure for Sensory Integration:  A Training Program

OBJECTIVES: Participants will be able to:

1.  Describe GAS theory and methodology and its application

     to outcome measurement in sensory integration.

2.  Describe the psychometric properties of GAS and its

     strengths and weaknesses related to its application as an
     outcome in sensory integration intervention.

3.   Demonstrate the ability to write appropriate, reliable, and
      functional GAS outcome goals.

4.   Implement GAS methodology as a functional outcome for
      sensory integration-based treatment.

 SCHEDULE:*  (6.5 contact hours)

8:00    Registration
8:30    Introduction to GAS  - History of development of   GAS  - GAS Model
10:00  BREAK
10:15  Characteristics of GAS Objectives - Identifying issues to be measured  - Understanding 
             the  ICF  - Common problems in scaling Goals
12:00  LUNCH on your own
1:00    Examples of Goals  - Peer review of technical     qualities of goals  - Practice writing goals
             from cases
2:45  BREAK
3:00  Conducting initial interviews  - Conducting follow-  up interviews and measuring progress
4:30  Adjourn

* Topic times may vary; contact hours do not.

TUITION

Faculty:

Teresa A. May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L - Dr. May-Benson is the Director of Research and Education of the Spiral Foundation at OTA-Watertown as well as a practicing occupational therapist.  She is a well-known lecturer and researcher on sensory integration theory and intervention.  She has authored a number of book chapters and articles on praxis and sensory    integration, and completed her doctoral dissertation on ideational praxis.  Dr. May-Benson has a diverse background as a clinical practitioner having worked in private and public school settings as well as private practice.  She is active in conducting research related to sensory integration through the non-profit Spiral Foundation’s Sensory Processing Research Center.  She has collaborated with well-known researchers such as Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, Dr. Shelly Lane and Dr. Roseann Schaaf.  In her role of educator, she serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Indianapolis.  She has a special interest in, and extensive experience with autism, particularly older students and adults.  Dr. May-Benson received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her master’s degree from Boston University with a concentration in sensory integration and school system therapy.  She was a Maternal and Child Health Fellow in the Doctoral Program in Therapeutic Studies at Boston University.  She has received the Virginia Scardinia Award of Excellence from AOTA and the Catherine Trombley award from the Massachusetts Occupational Therapy Association for her work in ideational praxis.

Jane A. Koomar, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA - Dr. Koomar is the owner and co-founder of OTA-Watertown and the President of the Board of the Spiral Foundation.  She completed her PhD in developmental psychology at Boston University where she was also an assistant professor in occupational therapy. In 1984 she studied with Dr. Jean Ayres, who developed the theory of sensory integration. Dr. Koomar has served as the chairperson of the Sensory Integration Special Interest Section and is currently a member of the Mental Health Special Interest Section, both part of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She is the author of several book chapters on sensory integration dysfunction and intervention and has taught numerous courses on these topics.

Sarah Sawyer, MA, OTR/L - Ms. Sawyer is the Clinical Director at OTA-Watertown, and is responsible for overseeing all therapeutic activities. She has extensive clinical experience working with children and families. Ms. Sawyer began her career in the United Kingdom working with children, adolescents and adults with Sensory Processing Dysfunction (SPD) across home, school and clinic-based settings. In 2003 Ms. Sawyer was awarded the Elizabeth Casson Trust Scholarship from Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK, to attend Tufts University to complete her post-professional masters. Her thesis focused on therapists' clinical reasoning. Ms. Sawyer has broad experience evaluating and treating individuals with SPD and has specialized training in Listening Therapies, Trauma and Visual Vestibular difficulties. She has a particular interest in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and has specialized training in DIR® Floortime Approach. As well as overseeing the day-to-day running of the clinic, Ms. Sawyer regularly trains and presents to educational facilities and other professionals broadening understanding of Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Sensory Integration Therapy.