Sensory intelligence and occupational therapy Level 2: Application to adolescents and adults with mental illness (June 2026)
Includes a Live Web Event on 06/11/2026 at 11:00 AM (EDT)
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You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $160
- Members and Associates - $125
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $100
- New Practitioner - $125
- OTA - $125
- Regular Price after 04/02/2026 2:59 AM
- Non-member - $210
- Members and Associates - $175
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $150
- New Practitioner - $175
- OTA - $175
Online workshop
May 28 to June 10, 2026 (on your own)
Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Occupational therapists in Canada must facilitate clients’ use of their strengths and resources to sustain occupational participation
(ACOTRO et al., 2024). Occupational therapists can use sensory modulation interventions successfully to assist people with various mental illnesses to regulate emotional and physiological arousal
(Kandlur et al., 2023),
while keeping their clients’ occupation at the centre of practice. Sensory modulation is an effective approach for the self-management of anxiety
(Wallis et al., 2018), depression
(Canbeyli, 2022), adult ADHD symptoms
(Adamou et al., 2021), and sensory processing challenges in autism spectrum disorder
(Lin et al., 2019), as well as other mental illnesses.
The beginner-level workshop “Sensory intelligence and occupational therapy - Co-creating sensory self-regulation strategies for mental health with adolescents and adults (Level 1)” provided an overview of sensory modulation concepts, assessments,
and applications for self-regulation in mental health and illness. This intermediate-level workshop is intended for occupational therapy professionals who previously attended the beginner-level workshop and who are seeking an opportunity to deepen
their understanding and apply their prior knowledge to clients with mental illness.
Five diagnoses that are commonly seen in community and return-to-work mental health settings were chosen: ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and PTSD. For each, the typical symptoms and functional difficulties will be reviewed, what
and how to assess, and how to assist such a client to self-regulate their emotions and arousal levels sustainably for optimal participation in their daily occupations. Workshop participants will participate actively by completing a pre-workshop assignment
and readings on a case study, and work in small groups to present their findings on a case study with a specific diagnosis, and an occupational therapy plan to other participants, while the workshop facilitators will provide examples, guidance, facilitate
discussion and answer questions. Workshop participants are also asked to bring for discussion a case study inspired by their own practice.
Please note: This workshop is presented by the Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting and will discuss two sensory processing assessments developed by Sensory Intelligence (one free and one paid). It is not necessary to purchase or use
these assessments to benefit from the information presented in this workshop.
Preliminary agenda
May 28 to June 10, 2026
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Approximately 2 hours
|
Pre-workshop reading and assignment
Review key research articles and prepare for case studies (one case study assigned to each participant) Bring a case study inspired by your own practice for discussion, around one of the following: 1) Autism 2) ADHD 3) Anxiety 4) Depression |
Thursday, June 11, 2026
| 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) | Introduction and context of the workshop
Review of assessments Review of sensory modulation interventions: sensory snacks, sensory diets, sensory ergonomics Expansion using occupational models Diagnostic applications for breakout groups |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) |
Example case study: PTSD
Problems and symptoms Assessments and results Sensory modulation intervention Expansion using occupational models |
| 12:00 - 12:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) | Break |
| 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) |
Case study #1
Breakout case study groups: 1) autism, 2) ADHD, 3) anxiety, 4) depression Discuss case study assessment according to the template Presentations of case studies assessment |
| 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) |
Case study #2
Breakout case study groups: Participants' own case studies Discuss case study symptoms, assessment, interventions, and goals Presentations of case studies assessment |
| 2:15 - 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) |
Summary and closure
Next steps for me? |
Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Identify which symptoms and occupational barriers may be present.
- Identify what assessments to complete with regards to the sensory modulation and why.
- Consider elements of occupational models in assessment and intervention.
- Consider sensory snacks, diet, and ergonomics and how to help your client choose and implement them.
- Understand how the sensory modulation interventions fit into the total occupational therapy plan and goals.
Target audience
Occupational therapist clinicians and occupational therapist educators who wish to support the occupational participation of people with various mental illnesses by implementing sensory modulation interventions to regulate their emotional and physiological
arousal.
Prior to registering for this workshop, participants must have completed the CAOT workshop "Sensory intelligence and occupational therapy - A practical guide to co-create sensory self-regulation for mental health strategies with adolescents and adults" (offered in April 2024, November 2024, and March 2026) or equivalent knowledge and experience related to sensory processing, sensory assessments, and sensory modulation concepts and applications for self-regulation.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old)
Areas of practice
Autism/Neurodiversity, Mental Health, Return to Work, Sensory Integration & Processing, Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces
Workshop level
Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area)
Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with some experience and who have previously attended the workshop "Sensory intelligence and occupational therapy - A practical guide to co-create sensory self-regulation for mental health strategies with adolescents and adults" offered through CAOT.
Presenters
Tia Steyn, Reg. OT (BC)
Tia Steyn Consulting, located in Vernon, British Columbia, is led by Tia Steyn, an occupational therapist with a 25-year career spanning public, private, military, and academic sectors in South Africa and Canada. Her expertise now focuses on mental
health. Since 2017, she has specialized in sensory modulation for adults, recognizing its significant impact in helping clients manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives. Tia offers personalized approaches for individuals to help them achieve
their goals. she holds a B. Occupational Therapy from Stellenbosch University, a PG Dip in Hand Therapy from the University of Pretoria, and license with COTBC (College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia) as Martha Steyn. She is a
member of CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) and holds certifications in various therapeutic techniques and professional development.
Dr. Annemarie Lombard
Dr. Annemarie Lombard, Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting, is a registered Occupational Therapist with Health Professions Council of South Africa with a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy (University of Cape Town) with 33 years of international
experience in sensory integration and sensory processing. She authored "Sensory Intelligence: Why It Matters More Than IQ and EQ" in 2007 and a chapter on Sensory Play to "Rethinking Learning through Play" in 2020 and has made substantial contributions
to academia, reviewing articles, and sharing her insights through various media outlets. Passionate about expanding sensory processing's applications, her focus shifted towards making sensory modulation more accessible in schools, families, and
workplaces, since early 2000. She emphasizes the role of Occupational Therapists in promoting mental health and rehabilitation. She designed a CPD-accredited adult/adolescent sensory processing course, training over 500 practitioners since 2012.
Registration fees
| Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by April 1, 2026 | Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after April 1, 2026 | |
|
CAOT Members and Associates |
$130 |
$180 |
|
CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members |
$105 |
$155 |
|
Non-member* |
$165 |
$215 |
Registration deadline: June 11, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.
Pending sufficient space, CAOT offers late registration for workshops at the regular rate plus a $50 administration fee until 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time) two days prior to the workshop start date to ensure registrants receive access to the workshop
login details and materials in the reminder email.
*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See
“Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Registration fee includes:
- Access to the online workshop platform
- Access to the workshop recording for 14 days following the live session
- An electronic copy of the presentation slide handouts
- Opportunities to network with other occupational therapists with an interest in this topic
- An electronic certificate of attendance
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received prior to May 13, 2026 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after May 13, 2026 . Substitutions and transfers requests received by May 13, 2026 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop due to personal or family health issues, please reach out to
education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the
same workshop if currently open for registration.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before April 17, 2026 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves
the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until May 1, 2026. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop
due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop
is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.
This workshop is offered in English.
Tia Steyn
Tia Steyn Consulting, located in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, is led by Tia Steyn, an occupational therapist with a 25-year career spanning public, private, military, and academic sectors in South Africa and Canada. Her expertise now focuses on mental health and wellness. Since 2017, she has specialized in sensory modulation for adults, recognizing its significant impact in helping clients manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives. Tia conducts assessments and interventions that consider the individual, activity, and environment, offering personalized approaches for both individuals and organizations to help them achieve their goals. Her qualifications include a B. Occupational Therapy from Stellenbosch University, a PG Dip in Hand Therapy from the University of Pretoria, and licenses with COTBC (College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia) as Martha Steyn. She is also a member of CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) and holds certifications in various therapeutic techniques and professional development.
Annemarie Lombard
Dr. Annemarie Lombard, Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting, earned her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town in 2012. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and has 33 years of national and international experience in sensory integration and sensory processing. As a renowned thought leader in Sensory Intelligence, she authored "Sensory Intelligence: Why It Matters More Than IQ and EQ" in 2007 and contributed a chapter on Sensory Play to the textbook "Rethinking Learning through Play" in 2020. Dr. Lombard has also made substantial contributions to academia, reviewing articles, and sharing her insights through various media outlets. Passionate about expanding sensory processing's applications, her focus shifted towards making sensory modulation more accessible in schools, families, and workplaces, since early 2000. Dr. Lombard emphasizes the role of Occupational Therapists in promoting mental health and rehabilitation. She designed a CPD-accredited adult/adolescent sensory processing course, training over 500 practitioners since 2012.
