Supporting Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Growth in Autistic Children: Navigating Neuroplasticity, Gut-Brain Connection, and Sensorimotor Techniques

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Varleisha Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS Related seminars and products

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Varleisha D. Lyons (formerly Gibbs), PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, is an occupational therapist and author with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorders and neurological disorders. She developed and founded Delaware’s first occupational therapy program and became the first black indigenous American woman to serve as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. 

Varleisha continues to lecture and provides training on sensory processing strategies and self-regulation to practitioners, parents, and teachers throughout the country and internationally. As co-author of Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, she has provided families with strategies to understand and care for their children. Dr. Lyons is the developer of the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program and author of the best-selling book, Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Exercises and Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (PESI Publishing & Media). She is the co-author of Trauma Treatment in ACTION: Over 85 Activities to Move Clients Toward Healing, Growth and Improved Functioning (PESI Publishing & Media). Her areas of expertise include neuroanatomy, self-regulation strategies across the lifespan, health inequities, and trauma responsive approaches.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this presentation belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. Varleisha D. Lyons PhD, OTR/L is employed by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This work is independent of her role and not affiliated with AOTA, Inc.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Varleisha Lyons maintains a private practice and is the founder and CEO of Wasut Sanctuary & Education, LLC. She receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Lyons receives a speaking honorarium, recording and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Varleisha Lyons is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus. She serves as a board member of the National Association for Hearing and Speech Action.

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Objectives

• Implement and skillfully embrace a strength-based sensorimotor approach when working with autistic individuals  
• Gain insights into the neuro mechanisms associated with the diagnosis of Autism and the brain-gut connection  
• Implement the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness Approaches a support tool for both families and individuals with Autism 
• Cultivate a supportive environment through contextual sensory intervention approach 

Outline

Strength-based Sensorimotor Approaches and Autism Care 

• Advocacy initiatives  
• Empowerment rather than eradication of individual characteristics 
• Bridging the gap from treatment to acceptance 

The Neurobiology of Autism 

• Peripheral and central nervous overview 
• The sensory system: Why clients flap 
• Intersection of trauma and autism 
• Gap between the age of concern and age of diagnosis  

Improve Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Function 

Self-Regulation and Mindfulness Intervention Program 

• Strength-based sensorimotor techniques 
• From “Safety and Self-Reservation” to “Reciprocal Mindfulness” 
• The brain-gut connection to manage challenging behaviors 
• Apply rhythm, heavy work, auditory, and praxis  
• Strategies to regulate the vagal response  
• A.C.T.I.O.N from Trauma Interventions    
• Body scanning, inversion, and more  
• Supportive environmental strategies 

Target Audience

• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Teachers/School-Based Personnel
• School Administrators
• School Social Workers
• Physicians
• School Counselors
• School Psychologists
• School Guidance Counselors
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Licensed Professional Counselors
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants