CPD offering delivered through Occupational Therapy Australia - Neurodiversity Affirming Exploration of Sensory Preferences
This is an updated and extended version of the workshop presented to the OTA Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Special Interest Group in 2025.
Supporting clients to explore and understand their sensory needs and experiences are key in building self-understanding and self-compassion and facilitates creating supportive strategies for navigating the world.
We all experience the world through our senses, but for many neurodivergent people their sensory experiences are more extreme. Sensory differences are a core feature of some types of neurodivergence, or they can be present without another diagnosis. Being curious about sensory factors that may be impacting occupational participation is useful regardless of diagnosis or neurotype.
In supporting an individual’s sensory exploration, it is essential that we understand the strengths and limitations of the tools we can use and consider when adaptations may be needed to ensure the process is accessible to the person we are working with.
By understanding how to apply principles of neurodiversity affirming practice to the exploration of sensory experiences, occupational therapists will have new tools to support participation and engagement for neurodivergent clients.
This webinar will explore:
A brief review of sensory processing patterns and systems, as well as useful metaphors such as sensory jars and buckets
Application of neurodiversity affirming practice principles to sensory assessment
Flags that might indicate the need for sensory assessment
What to consider before starting an assessment
Examples of screening tools and standardised assessments, with a discussion of adaptions and limitations
Utilising sensory assessment information to support occupational engagement
How we can support people’s sensory processing in our practice
Cautions around exposure practices
The session will be mostly didactic content delivery, with some discussion and time for questions. Independent application of learning and ongoing personal reflection is encouraged.
Learning Objectives:
Understand and apply concepts of neurodiversity affirming practice to the exploration of sensory preferences with clients.
Understand when to use formal assessments and when to use other strategies and resources.
Reflect on the strengths and limitations of current screening tools and assessments, considering potential adaptations.
Utilise resources and strategies for translating sensory knowledge into practical tools for supporting occupational engagement.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
For occupational therapists at any stage of their career with an interest in neurodiversity affirming practice and sensory processing. Foundational knowledge of sensory processing systems and patterns will be assumed. Familiarity with terms related to neurodiversity (https://neuroqueer.com/neurodiversity-terms-and-definitions/) and neurodiversity affirming practice (https://www.livedexperienceeducator.com/blog/neurodiversityaffirmingpractice) is recommended.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
DATE:
Wednesday 25th March 2026 - live online, plus recording access for 12 weeks
TIME:
12:30pm | NSW | ACT | VIC | TAS |
12:00pm | SA |
11:30am | QLD |
11:00am | NT |
9:30am | WA |
EARLY BIRD FEES: Register on or before 11th February 2026
OTA Member: $54
Student New Graduate: $49
Non Member: $70
STANDARD FEES: Book on or after 12th February 2026
OTA Member: $60
Student New Graduate: $54
Non Member: $78
Example of one of my sensory kits
Image description: a photo of a sensory kit with cards, soft toy, shells, rocks, essential oils, a peg, a ball and a poem.