Course Description
This professional development course explores new insights into autism through the lens of the "intense world" theory. Participants will engage with contemporary perspectives on autism, including challenges related to sensory overload, emotional intensity, and the societal pressures of masking.
The course focuses on supporting neurodiverse individuals in educational and social contexts, emphasizing authentic self-expression and meaningful participation. Through interactive discussions, participants will gain practical tools to enhance their ability to support autistic clients while fostering inclusive environments.
Learning Objectives
1. Learners will critically evaluate contemporary theories of autism, including the “intense world” theory, to deepen their understanding of sensory processing, emotional experiences, and social engagement within the context of school-based occupational therapy practice.
2. Learners will analyze evidence-based insights to develop occupation-centered strategies that support neurodiverse experiences and promote authentic self-expression, minimizing the need for masking in educational settings.
3. Learners will identify approaches grounded in current autism research and theories to enhance meaningful participation in academic and social environments while respecting the autonomy and dignity of autistic individuals.
Contact Hours
This course is 1.5 hour in length. (0.15 AOTA CEUs)
OTSchoolhouse.com is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development, #0252.
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
As an AOTA-Approved provider of professional development, OTSchoolhouse.com courses are accepted by NBCOT® at a rate of 1.25 NBCOT PDUs per each hour of course content.
NBCOT® is a registered trademark of The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
Register for this course and future courses inside the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative for as little as $120
Agenda
0-5 minutes
Introduction
5-15 minutes
Understanding the "Intense World" Theory
15-30 minutes
Implications for Sensory Processing
30-45 minutes
Emotional Experiences and Social Engagement
45-60 minutes
Occupation-Based Strategies
60-75 minutes
Supporting Authentic Self-Expression
75-85 minutes
Aligning with Current Research
85-90 minutes
Questions and Answers
Your Instructor
Karen Park, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC
Karen Park, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC is currently a doctoral capstone coordinator at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and holds Advanced Practice certification in Swallowing Assessment, Evaluation, and Intervention within the state of California.
She graduated with her master’s and doctorate degrees in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She has extensive experience in pediatric practice in a variety of service settings including early intervention, clinic, school, hospital and outpatient children’s mental health. As a 2nd generation, neurodivergent, Korean American woman, and child of immigrants, embracing her racial identity in academic spaces has been a journey, but also significantly influences how she shows up as an educator. Dr. Park is deeply invested in representation and inclusion in all areas of OT, engaging in trauma-informed pedagogy, and cultivating neurodiverse-affirming academic spaces.
Registration
To access this course and others, become a member of the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative.
OTS Collab is an online community dedicated to providing school-based OT practitioners with highly valuable professional development and interactive support to implement learned strategies. In OTS Collab, we learn together, support and encourage one another, and celebrate our achievements as a collective whole.
Click here to learn more about the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative and register in our dedicated community of school-based OT practitioners.
Instructional Methods
A combination of speaker presentation with a slide deck and both synchronous & asynchronous Q+A with the presenter.
Target Audience
& Educational Level
This is an intermediate level course intended for occupational therapy practitioners working in school systems or with a goal to better understand supporting autistic students in school systems
Course Completion Requirements
To receive a certificate for this course, you must watch the recorded course in its entirety. Then, you will need to take a learning assessment test and earn a score 75% or higher. If you pass, a certificate will be automatically generated and sent to your email.
Special Needs Requests
This course will include closed captioning and a transcript may be available upon request. You may also rewatch the course or sections of the course as needed. Additional accommodations may be requested by reaching out to us via email.
Financial & Non-financial Disclosures
Speaker Disclosure
Karen is receiving an honorarium for this course
Sponsor Disclosure
The OTS Collaborative Community is a product of the OT Schoolhouse.
Content Disclosure
This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Terms and Conditions
Schoolhouse Education, LLC will keep a record of your completed CE courses. When applicable, transcript services may include reporting to professional associations and/or state licensure boards. While Schoolhouse Education, LLC will make all reasonable efforts to offer CE credit for its courses, it is not responsible for state or national, or regulatory current policies or changes in CE requirements that may make courses ineligible for CE credits.
Participant Agreement
By registering for or attending any event or activity associated with the Schoolhouse Education, LLC and OT Schoolhouse, I agree to the following:
Professional Development/Information Disclaimer
The material presented in this course is not intended to represent the only or the best methods appropriate for the occupational therapy and/or medical condition or professional development issues being discussed but rather is intended to present the opinions of the presenters, which may be helpful to other health care professionals at arriving at their own conclusions and consequent application. Attendees participating in this professional development education program do so with full knowledge that they waive any claim they may have against the A-Z School-Based OT Course, Schoolhouse Education, LLC, and OT School House and its staff or representatives for reliance on any information presented during these educational activities.
Waiver of Liability Agreement
I release Schoolhouse Education, LLC, OT Schoolhouse, and its staff, presenters, and any other individuals or entities associated with this course from any and all liability connected with my participation, as well as from any liability related to changes to the schedule, events or activities. I acknowledge and agree that I am participating on my own choice and assume all risk in connection thereof and that in the event that a need for emergency medical service arises, I authorize and consent to such services being provided at my own expense.
Cancelation & Refund Policy
In the event that Schoolhouse Education, LLC must cancel the event for any reason, participants will be offered a credit toward the rescheduled event. OT Schoolhouse Collaborative subscribers may cancel their subscription at any time.