A Must See: In The Clinic With Dr. A. Jean Ayers

By: by Tiffani Lawton, RN


Reprinted from "OUR Journey THRU Autism," a blog featuring professional experts and warrior parents to help you on your journey thru autism. Subscribe today at http://www.ourjourneythruautism.com.


I was given an incredible opportunity to review In The Clinic With Dr. A. Jean Ayers, hosted by the SPD Foundation.

What a fantastic online program! It was like having an opportunity to actually meet Dr. Ayers. This online webinar series embeds live interviews with Dr. Ayers from the 1980s, thanks to Lucy Jane Miller, PhD. This programming brings the founder of sensory processing disorder right into your very own living room!

The series is broken down into 10 bite sized components averaging about 4-7 minutes each which allows the viewer to pause and return at a later time. This is very important for SPD families who have countless interruptions.

The program covers the following:

1. Our Heritage: Introduction to Dr. A Jean Ayres
   "Meet" Dr. Ayres as she lectures and shares her theories that launched the field of Sensory Processing Disorder/Sensory Integration.
2. Dr Ayres’ Evolution of Tests and Subtypes of the Disorder
   Listen to Dr. Ayres' lecture on the importance of sensory processing abilities. Learn about the early history of Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Delve into the history of Ayres published tests. Watch how Ayres' theories evolved and how subtypes emerged.
3. Dr. Ayres’ Principles and Tenets
   Listen to Ayres' discuss the three basic principles of SPD in detail.
   a) There are many types of Sensory Processing Disorders;
   b) The sensory systems are interdependent;
   c) The adaptive response is essential to sensory integration.
4. Definitions Subtypes: Then and Now
   Watch as Ayres' discusses syndromes and the importance of differential diagnosis. Learn about the new nosology developed by the SPD Foundation.
5. Sensory Modulation Disorder
   Dive into the first SPD Pattern: Sensory Modulation Disorder, also called SMD. Learn how regulation problems present. Learn about the blocks that prevent meaningful sensory messages. Examine the subtypes of SMD such as Sensory Over-Responsive (SOR), Sensory Under-Responsive (SUR), Sensory Seeking / Craving (SS/C).
6. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder
   Review the second SPD Pattern: Sensory-Based Movement Disorder, also called SBMD. Learn about core muscle stability, trouble moving around, motor planning and sequencing as well as execution of tasks. Examine the subtypes of SBMD, including Postural Disorder and Dyspraxia.
7. Sensory Discrimination Disorder
   Explore the third SPD Pattern: Sensory Discrimination Disorder also called SDD. Learn about modulating responses to input and difficulty interpreting input.
8. Dr. Ayres Expands Her Treatment To Other Disorders
   Observe Ayres' growth of theory expansion using occupational therapists with an SI approach for children with auditory processing issues. See her theories related to learning disabilities.
9. Dr. Ayres Embraced Functional Outcomes
   Learn about functional outcomes and how they are critical to success. Learn 5 crucial themes of parental priorities. Discover the role of organization in function.
10. Conclusion: Help and Hope
    

Wrap up with Dr. Ayres as she discusses the frequency of sensory processing disorders in learning disabilities and its importance in academic success. She highlights the importance of early identification.

Clearly, this program is a comprehensive must see for families and professionals alike! Click HERE to sign up!


Reprinted with the express permission of OUR Journey THRU Autism as originally published on their Website.

OUR Journey THRU Autism is a blog featuring professional experts and warrior parents to help you on your journey thru autism. Subscribe today at http://www.ourjourneythruautism.com