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Sensory processing refers to the ability of our nervous system to receive, organise and understand sensory input.  It assists us to figure out how to respond to environmental demands based on sensory information from our environment (ie auditory and/or visual input) and from our bodies (ie touch, movement receptors). Sensory processing difficulties can arise when sensory input either from the environment or from one’s body is poorly detected, modulated, or interpreted and/or to which atypical responses are observed.

Visual perceptual skills are those skills that enable a child to make sense of and interpret what they are seeing; including:

• Visual Sensing for orientation, arousal, regulation and visual attention
• Visual Perception for recognition, discrimination, memory and pattern coding
• Visual Processing for motor planning, sequencing and control

These skills are fundamental for success in activities such as reading, writing, organising materials, mapping/navigating our world and problem-solving. The functional impact for individuals that experience difficulties with perceiving and responding efficiently/effectively to visual stimuli can affect activities of daily living, academic achievement, behaviour or social participation.

This workshop will examine visual perception from a theoretical, neuroscience and occupational performance perspective. Workshop participants will be able to identify aspects of sensory processing disorder that involves poor registration of visual sense inputs and use sensory processing theory to explain these disorders. Participants will also be able to design strategic interventions using both cognitive and sensory based approaches to support participation across tasks and environments.

Workshop Aims/objectives – workshop participants will gain an understating of:

• Description and function of the visual sensory system
• Methods to assess sensory information processing from the visual sense, and understand its impact on occupational performance within everyday life

• Use an occupational performance framework to understand the strengths and challenges which children experience as they participate in daily occupations which require the efficient and effective processing of visual sensory information
• Design strategic interventions that provide tools for children/teens to develop their sensory processing capabilities and enhance their participation across environments

This two day workshop is suitable for occupational therapists.

Videoconferencing/Online Format – Zi Mei Events is committed to provide high quality professional development, opportunities for participants. Due to the content and multi-day format of this workshop we have decided that a face to face presentation is the best option for this particular workshop. Unfortunately the ability to link to this workshop via an online format or to record this workshop is NOT an option

About the Presenter – Associate Professor Chris Chapparo PhD, MA, DipOT

Dr Chapparo is widely recognised on an international level for her contributions to occupational therapy through teaching, research and community service activities. Dr Chapparo has co-authored the Occupational Performance Model (Australia).  Dr Chapparo has interests in cognition, management of sensory/ motor problems in children and adults and occupational therapy theory.

Dr Chapparo is a founding member of Sensory Integration International and the Australian SI Faculty and she is a neurodevelopmental therapy instructor.  Her research interests lie in the areas of children’s information processing and social participation.

 Further workshop enquiries can be directed to Zi Mei Events on info@zimei.com.au  or (07) 3358 3689