Over the past couple of months I have been focusing a lot on continuing education related to sensory processing. I came across Julia Harper’s online courses on sensory processing and was hooked immediately! Julia is a knowledgeable and dynamic speaker. She provides so much physiology to back her treatment, it makes me excited! I have completed part 1 (modulation) and part 2 (self-regulation) of her courses and I know I won’t stop there. Here are a few of the basics that I have learned:

• There are four different types of sensory processing disorders:
  • Modulation – expressed behaviourally
  • Self-Regulation – expressed with inconsistent behaviour and skills
  • Postural & Discrimination – expressed with poor quality and/or quantity of skills
  • Integration & Praxis – expressed with skill refinement deficits
• The type of sensory processing disorder is determined by where the breakdown occurs. That is, where the sensory information gets stuck and is not processed appropriately (lower brainstem, upper brainstem & cerebellum, midbrain & cortex).

I would highly recommend any Occupational Therapist working with children take Julia Harper’s courses. They are a good value for your money, especially since they are online and you don’t have to pay for flights and hotels!

The website is: Therapeeds