Making Sense of Neurodiversity and Children’s Sensory Needs

Course Number: ABIO2110

When: Available July 21, 2021 – July 21, 2026

Where: Audio available once you register under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: This session discussed the topic of sensory needs in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to implement sensory regulation into therapy sessions to best serve the child. This session also explored how to identify sensory differences in your students and how to target sensory regulation despite limited resources.

Who This Course Is Good For:

Any ASHA member, CCC holder, or other professional that is licensed or credentialed to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology or preparing to earn ASHA CEUs.
Any speech-language pathologist (SLP) who wants to learn more about sensory processing.
A professional who works with pediatric clients.
Any professional who works with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Any professional who is not familiar with the terms neurodiversity and sensory regulation.
Any professional that does not currently work with any pediatric clients or plans to in the near future.

Presenters:

Venita Litvack, M.A, CCC-SLP

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in south Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

Jessie Ginsburg, M.A, CCC-SLP

Jessie is a Sensory IntegrationⓇ trained speech-language pathologist, creator of ASD from the Inside Out, and founder of Pediatric Therapy Playhouse, a top-rated speech & language clinic in Los Angeles. Through her national publications and talks, and her internationally-acclaimed Inside Out course, Jessie inspires a new way of thinking about the SLP’s role in treating young autistic children.

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series.

Venita Litvack has the following relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose: member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Jessie Ginsburg has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: CEO of Pediatric Therapy Playhouse, the creator of Inside Out online courses, and she will be compensated for this webinar.

Jessie Ginsburg has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Define what sensory processing is.
Explain the importance of sensory processing in therapy sessions.
Identify 3 ways to help kids with sensory differences in a neurodiversity-affirming way.
Describe 3 ways SLPs can address the sensory needs of their students.
Explain 3 ways to target sensory regulation with limited access to therapy equipment, a sensory gym, or Occupational Therapists (OTs).

Agenda

10 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
14 min	Description and definition of sensory processing
8 min	Discussion of why sensory processing is important to address in therapy sessions
6 min	Discussion of how to identify sensory differences in neurodiverse children
12 min	Discussion of how to address sensory needs in a variety of ways
10 min	Discussion of ways to target sensory regulation with limited resources