On-Demand

Sensory Boot Camp: Understanding Sensory Processing and Evaluative Observations

Learn how sensory processing shapes daily life and participation. This OT-focused PD builds foundational skills for assessment and clinical reasoning, showing how to evaluate sensory needs and support clients’ health and occupational performance.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of sensory processing and integration and learn how to identify when and how challenges with sensory processing impact function and participation. The course will also help clinicians strengthen their clinical reasoning by improving their ability to assess an individual’s sensory processing through clinical observation and caregiver report. It will lay the groundwork for clinicians to begin integrating this lens into their practice.

Cost
$147

*Our eCourses are hosted online on the Thinkific platform.  Clicking the arrow above will redirect you to our course page in Thinkific.  There you will be able to see the complete course description, learning objectives, policies, etc.  It is also where you will complete checkout and enrollment.

Course Overview

In this course, you will…
  • Define sensory processing and describe prevalence to set scope
  • Name and characterize each sensory system and typical red flags
  • Link sensory patterns to participation limits and daily function
  • Differentiate classifications: modulation vs. discrimination vs. SBMD vs. multi-sensory
  • Perform targeted clinical observations for SMD, SDD, SBMD, and multi-sensory profiles
  • Translate observations into simple plans: goals, activity selection/sequence, environment tweaks, safety/pacing
  • Apply reasoning to real cases—choose interventions, measure response, and coach caregivers/teachers for carryover

Who should take this course...

For occupational therapists, a deep understanding of sensory processing is no longer optional—it’s essential for effectively evaluating and supporting every child’s participation. This course invites clinicians to take a closer look at how sensory processing shapes daily participation—including its influence on behavior, motor performance, attention, and emotional regulation—and explains why assessing an individual’s ability to process and integrate sensory information should be central to every pediatric evaluation.

Course Outline

Section 1: Introduction of Speaker + Learning Objectives

Section 2: Define Sensory Processing and Prevalence of Sensory Processing Dysfunction

Section 3: Define the Sensory Systems

Section 4: Impact of Sensory Processing on Daily Function

Section 5: Classifications of Sensory Processing

Section 6: Clinical Observations related to Sensory Modulation Dysfunction

Section 7: Clinical Observations related to Sensory Discrimination Dysfunction

Section 8: Clinical Observations related to Sensory Based-Motor Dysfunction

Section 9: Clinical Observations related to Multi-Sensory Processing

Section 10: Case Studies

Continuing Education (CE) Info​

The Therapeutic Edge is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity ID #0000013970. This distance-learning, independent format is offered at 0.25 CEUs, Introductory Level, OT Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Meet Your Instructor

Jessica Presnell, MS, OTR/L

Jessica Presnell is a pediatric occupational therapist and mother of two with a decade of experience helping children thrive. She specializes in sensory integration and child development, drawing on her extensive training in sensory processing, visual-motor skills, and primitive reflex integration. Jessica earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2014 and is certified in Ayres Sensory Integration.

You may contact her through:  jessica@sensiblyrooted.com.

Disclosures

Jessica has an affiliate partnership with The Therapeutic Edge Collective. She will receive a percentage payment when participants enroll in this course.

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