The Whole Child: The S.A.N.E. System of Pediatric Assessment and Treatment

Anne Buckley-Reen, OTR/RYT
and/or Debra Dickson, RPT

 Course Description:                                                                                                            COURSE CALENDAR & REGISTRATION INFO

What's the difference between success and frustration in treatment? S.A.N.E.
Learn successful treatment strategies utilizing the S.A.N.E. Approach (Sleep, Activities, Nutrition and Environment). This course combines an understanding of the sensory-motor and biochemical connections that impact developmental disorders. Therapists will learn to understand problem behavior in children from a neurological perspective and gain the tools necessary to prioritize treatment and measure outcomes. This course will address the child from birth through teen who is demonstrating delays including PDD, Autism, LD, failure to thrive, depression, hyperactivity, sensory processing and language disorders. Strategies for even the most difficult cases will be provided. Attendees will receive a comprehensive companion manual and reference to the oral presentation and video case studies.

Learning Objectives:

Following this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the role of sleep disorders in self-regulation and immune function.
  2. Understand the role of sleep, stress, nutrition and various exercise programs on sensory processing and behavior.
  3. Describe the effect of stress chemicals on attention, communication and behavior.
  4. List the various types of metabolic dysfunctions and their impact on sensory processing, language development behavior, learning and motor development.
  5. Describe basic nutritional guidelines for children to enhance brain function, language and motor development.
  6. Identify signs of biochemical imbalance that may be contributing to language, motor and general developmental delay.
  7. Identify visual-vestibular deficits associated with autism, language delays, motor planning deficits and developmental delays.
  8. Identify sensory and metabolic issues that may be contributing factors in Central Auditory Processing Disorders, auditory attention, listening skills and receptive language.
  9. Learn specific strategies that can be incorporated into therapy sessions to enhance outcomes.
  10. Prioritize treatment approaches for maximum effectiveness.

“These have been termed the SANE strategies because they WORK. When all four aspects of a child's functioning are considered in relation to each other and combined with our clinical assessments, we have the tools for a truly successful plan. Our goal is to help each child to function and to feel their very best."

Course Schedule:

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Day 1

9:00-10:15

The “Big Picture”:
      The Hierarchy of Development
      Why we must look at the “Whole Child”

Sleep:
      Stages of Sleep
      Impact on Immune Function. Behavior and Memory
      Physiological Importance
      Sleep Disturbances
      Sleep Strategies

Stress:
      Types of Stress
      Physiological Significance
      Physical and Emotional Sources
      Influence on GI, Immune Function, Language and Arousal

10:15-10:30

Break

10:30-12:00

Nutrition:
      Metabolism
      Nutritional Deficiencies that Impact Motor Planning, Attention and Language
      Relationship Between Nutrition and Function of Immune, Endocrine and
           Neurological Systems
      Biochemistry of the Cerebellum and Lower Brain Centers that Support
           Development
      Nutritional Guidelines for Children to Enhance Brain Function

12:00 - 1:00

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 - 2:30

Common Biochemical Disorders
      Neurotoxins - Research on the Role of Environmental Toxins that Impact             Processing
      Relationship between Allergies, Self-regulation and Sensory Processing Disorders

2:30 - 2:45

Break

2:45 - 4:30

A Biochemical Understanding of:

  •  Attention and Arousal Problems
  •  Behavior Issues
  •  Learning Disabilities
  •  Motor Delays
  •  Language and Auditory Processing Disorders

Day 2

9:00 - 10:15

Activities:
      The Physiologic Impact of Therapeutic Sound and Touch –
      On development, Self-regulation, Learning, Communication and Health

10:15 - 10:30

Break

10:30 - 12:00

Activities (Continued):
      The Power of Movement: Physical, Physiological, Neurochemical –
           The Relationship Between the Vestibular System and Development
      Relationship Between Tactile and Visual Maturity, Impact on Autism,
           Language Malfunction and Sensory Seeking Behaviors
      The Power of Environment
      Implementing Programs in School and at Home

12:00 - 1:00

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 - 2:30

Assessment:
      Gathering Information and Data
      Assessment Tools
      Nutrition Inventory
      The Developmental Profile
      Clinical Observation
      Parent/Teacher Interview
      Interpreting the Data

2:30 - 2:45

Break

2:45 - 4:30

Intervention
      Prioritizing Treatment
      Sharing the Information
      Gaining Compliance
      Celebrate Success!

Target Audience:

This course is designed to challenge physical, occupational and speech therapists as well as teachers to analyze their treatment approach and develop effective treatment strategies.

Course Level:

Basic to Intermediate.