Connection Course Series: The Sensory Connection
Tentative Schedule

Day 1 – Foundations of SI, Sensory Systems/Neuroanatomy, Horse, and Evals (3 hours)

0:00 – 0:15 | Welcome & Introductions

  • Brief overview of course goals

  • Outline of both days

  • Introduction of Faculty (slide and verbal) and Participants (via Chat)

  • Icebreaker: "One word that describes how you feel  when you are outside vs. sitting in a Zoom meeting” Type in Chat

0:15 – 0:45 | Foundations of Sensory Integration in Context

  • Core SI theory + why it matters in this setting

  • Case Study Video with successful outcome on function/participation

0:45 – 1:15 | Neuroscience Primer

  • Key brain systems (vestibular, proprioception, etc.)

  • Neurotransmitters

  • Breakout: Apply neuro knowledge to why your therapy may be successful in supporting your clients (HANDOUT NEEDED)

1:15 – 1:25 | Break

1:25 – 1:55 | Movement Experience 

  • Each group assigned a system to review and explain findings after breakout, use manual as a reference point for group work

  • Groups meet to expand on systems by describing and reviewing related to case examples.  Can use maybe 3-4 videos everyone watches and then each group dissects with their lens?  

1:55 – 2:25 | Role of the Horse: Why Movement Matters

  • Characteristics of equine movement

  • How movement impacts sensory systems

  • Short video clips with guided observations (need TEACHER NOTES)

2:25 – 2:55 | Evaluation Planning

  • What belongs in a good evaluation

  • Breakout- Think/Pair/Share: Create a 3-part eval plan based on a brief case

  • Share back and discuss differences in approach

2:55 – 3:00 | Wrap-Up

  • What we covered today

  • What to expect in Day 2

  • Quick reflection: What was most useful?

DAY 2 – Intervention, Safety, and Evidence (3 hours)

0:00-0:10  Recap and Questions

  • 3-minute recap from volunteers

  • Check-in: What’s still unclear from Day 1?

  0:10 – 0:55 | Intervention Strategies

  • Positions and their impact on sensory input

  • Using gait, transitions, direction, and the equine environment for treatment goals

  • Considerations for seekers vs. avoiders

  • Environment and routine supports

 0:55 – 1:15 | Treatment Teams – Training for Sensory Profiles

  • Considerations for clients with sensory modulation challenges

  • Breakout #1: Train your team: sensory-seeking vs. over-responsive child

  • Groups outline how to explain needs to team members (OT, horse handler, volunteer)

1:15 – 1:25 | Break (gather near missed during break sent from participant to instructor)
 1:25 – 1:55 | Case Study Rotation (Experiential)

  • 3 mini case studies (1 per group):

    • Sensory-seeking with impulsivity

    • Over-responsive with high anxiety

    • Motor planning + postural issues

      Breakout #2: What would you prioritize? What movement patterns and horse choices would support this? 

1:55 – 2:10 | Safety and Clinical Reasoning

  • Review of safety essentials and overlooked risks

  • Thinking through contraindications

  • Anonymous near-miss sharing via chat

2:10 – 2:45 | Evidence & Final Case Design

  • Brief on evidence resources

  • Documentation, and billing tips

  • Breakout #3: Random assignment to one case, outline 4-session plan (goals + intervention activities focusing on equine movement)

2:45 – 3:00 | Closing

  • Present treatment outlines in small groups (brief)

  • Instructor wraps with summary, resources, and AHA/AHCB info