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Overview

In this module, you will learn about the eight senses and how our bodies use the information gathered by these senses to participate in daily activities. The module will also focus on the sensory differences that are often experienced by people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and explore how the sensory differences may impact their day-to-day behavior and function.

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

  • What's Included
  • 32 pages
  • Pre/post-assessments
  • Optional $10 certficate
  1. Identify the eight senses and how they contribute to everyday functioning
  2. Describe sensory processing disorder
  3. Identify common sensory differences in people with autism spectrum disorder
  4. Explain how sensory processing differences might affect persons with autism spectrum disorder in terms of behavior, learning, and performance

Module Authors

Jan Rogers, MS, OTR/L, ATP

Jan Rogers is currently the Program Director of the OCALI Assistive Technology Center. She is an occupational therapist and is also a RESNA certified ATP who has worked in a variety of agencies serving the needs of individuals with disabilities. She has taught assistive technology courses at The Ohio State University and currently teaches in the on-line AT certification program at Bowling Green State University. Additionally, she is a frequent presenter at local, state and national conferences on the topic of assistive technology.

Julie Short, M.A.

Julie Short is a regional autism consultant at OCALI. She coordinates and provides regional and statewide PD, consultation services and technical assistance to improve outcomes for those with ASD. Short has participated on the National Community of Practice of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is a member of the National Autism Leadership Collaborative and Statewide Autism/Low Incidence Collaborative. Short has co-developed online electronic book studies for autism focused professional learning communities. She is an adjunct professor at Shawnee State University. Prior to OCALI, Short taught elementary and middle school, teaching both general education and special education.

Kelly Mahler

Kelly Mahler earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University. She has been an occupational therapist for 18 years, serving school-aged children and adults. She is winner of the 2019 AOTA Emerging and Innovative Practice Award. Kelly is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College. She is co-investigator on several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, sensory processing, trauma and autism. Kelly is an international speaker and presents frequently on topics related to the eight resources she has authored including the most recent work: The Interoception Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Framework for Developing Mindful Self-Regulation - winner of Mom's Choice Award.

Module Contributors

Easter Seals

Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. For more information, please click here to visit their website.

Modules on this site are always free. If you would like proof of completion, you can purchase a certificate when you have successfully completed this module. The certificate will provide contact hours for this module.

Graduate credit for courses is available through OCALI's partnership with Ashland University. Access information about course options and semester dates in the Search.

Continuing education credit from providers such as ASHA and NASW is in progress. For questions contact ceu_info@ocali.org.

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