Sensory Processing and ADHD - How to help your clients succeed in life with Sensory Processing and Attentional Differences (November 21, 2025)

Friday, November 21, 2025

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

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Though research on sensory processing is limited, literature suggests that there is an increased prevalence of sensory processing differences including sensory sensitivity in individuals with ADHD compared to neuro-typicals (Panagiotidi et al., 2020; Adra et al., 2021). It appears that many ADHDers experience hypo-registration and hyper-registration of stimuli daily, causing challenges in their daily function and mental health.

This one-day workshop will help occupational therapists support clients with ADHD by deepening their understanding of sensory processing differences and learning to apply research-based strategies and accommodations. Through research-backed knowledge in the occupational therapy field regarding strategies for sensory challenges, this workshop aims to educate attendees on how sensory challenges often manifest, and what strategies, accommodations and modifications can be made to improve daily comfort and function. Participants will learn what sensory processing is and how we can tailor our environments and behavior in a way that meets our sensory needs. Participants will gain reflection skills to implement relevant sensory strategies to improve productivity and increase comfort in their daily lives. The workshop first describes the various “stimuli” we experience daily by highlighting our 8 senses. Following this, the presenter will introduce Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing (Dunn, W., 1997, 2014) which classifies sensory responses into four quadrants based on their sensory registration and self-regulation strategies. Participants will learn to identify their patterns within these quadrants and how they can tailor their environments and routines to better align with their sensory preferences, thus increasing productivity and reducing overstimulation and discomfort. Strategies for managing sensory challenges are multifaceted, combining practical approaches with mindfulness-based emotional regulation techniques to increase tolerance to stimulating environments.

Preliminary workshop agenda

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between Sensory Processing Disorder and ADHD, including common manifestations in daily life.
2. Identify personal sensory preferences and challenges using reflective frameworks.
3. Apply strategies such as pacing (via the Stimulation Battery) and mindfulness-based emotional regulation to enhance comfort and productivity in daily routines.
4. Modify home and work environments to align with sensory preferences and reduce overstimulation.
5. Differentiate between low-stimulation and high-stimulation environments to support effective daily planning and prevent sensory overload.

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians, Students in occupational therapy programs, Occupational therapist educators who wish to support clients with ADHD by deepening their understanding of sensory processing differences and learning to apply research-based strategies and accommodations. 

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, Sensory Integration & Processing

Workshop level

Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)

Please note: Participants with more than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 0-2 years of experience.

Presenter

Krysta Longridge, MScOT

Krysta is the founder of Mindful Mountains, an Occupational Therapy Clinic that specializes in working with Adults with ADHD. She has a Master of Sciences in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film with an extended minor in Communications. Krysta’s experience in physical, neurological, and mental health have allowed for a holistic approach to wellness. Her desire is to empower individuals to thrive through an improved understanding of their bodies, brain, and abilities.

Registration fees

Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by September 24, 2025

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after September 24, 2025

Registration deadline: November 21, 2025 at 10:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)

Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.

*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.

Included in your registration fee:

Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

Cancellation/refund policy

All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by November 5, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after November 5, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by November 5, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, 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 October 10, 2025, if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until October 24, 2025. 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. 

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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.  

Please note that workshop is offered in English.