Barriers to Engagement in Learning & What You Can Do About Them

Credit

Speaker

Justin Lyons, MS, OTR/L Related seminars and products

---

Justin Lyons, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and professional life coach specializing in motivation, executive functioning, and social-emotional development. As founder of Special Connects, he designs innovative social and fitness programs that blend movement, play, and sensory-motor experiences to build connection and confidence. Certified as an ADHD Clinical Services Provider and Clinical Primitive Reflex Specialist, Justin brings a dynamic, neuroscience-informed approach to therapy—integrating evidence-based practice with humor, creativity, and a passion for helping clients thrive.
  

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Justin Lyons is the owner of Special Connects, LLC. He is an independent contractor with the New York Department of Education. Justin Lyons receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Justin Lyons has no relevant non-financial relationships.

 

Additional Info

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.

Visit our FAQ page at www.pesi.com/faq or contact us at www.pesi.com/info

You will have access to this product for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Objectives

1. Identify environmental barriers (e.g., seating, sensory input, classroom setup) that impact student attention, participation, and occupational performance.
2. Apply Universal Design and low-cost sensory, movement, and executive-function strategies to improve engagement in school-based settings.
3. Analyze how social-emotional supports and growth mindset tools can enhance participation, confidence, and equitable access to learning.

Outline

Get Set for Success

• Common barriers for bright, busy students
• The role of attention, executive function, and social-emotional participation
• Universal Design for Learning as a guiding framework

Physical & Environmental Design

• “Day in the life” of a busy body in school
• Flexible seating: when, how, and for whom it works
• Movement integration and sensory supports that boost attention
• Executive-function scaffolds: visual schedules, checklists, timers
• Evidence-base, limitations and risks

Social-Emotional & Growth Mindset Supports

• Peer dynamics, self-esteem, and social pressures in adolescents
• Strategies: growth mindset scripts, team building, collaborative activities
• Creating a supportive classroom culture

Integrating Supports for Lasting Impact

• Combine environmental, movement, sensory, executive-function, and social-emotional tools
• Practical, low-cost approaches for daily classroom use
• Planning and reflection for individualized adaptation

Experiential Activity: Brain Break Boot Camp!

Target Audience

• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• School Based Professionals
• Educators
• School Administrators
• Speech-Language Pathologists,
• Early Intervention Specialists
• Child Life Specialists
• School Psychologists
• Special Education Teachers
• Classroom Teachers (General and Elementary Education)
• Educational Consultants, Behavior Analysts,
• Pediatricians and Pediatric Specialists
• School Counselors
• Social Workers
• Physical Therapists