Webinar | Unveiling the Interaction: The Second Brain, Epigenetics, & Sensory Processing

Unveiling the Interaction between the Second Brain, Epigenetics, and Sensory Processing of Autistic Children

Facilitator

Varleisha D. Lyons (formerly Gibbs), PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS
Varleisha 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. Currently, she is the Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice Access and Belonging at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

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.

Description

Join sought after occupational therapist, Varleisha Gibbs, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, as she walks you through the second brain and the enteric nervous system. By understanding this unique gut ecosystem, along with the intersection of epigenetics, you’ll leave with a better understanding of how the gut intersects with behavior.

Dr. Gibbs demonstrates hands-on evidence-based approaches and methods to properly select interventions to help autistic children who struggle with self-regulation, emotional regulation, and sensory processing skills. Through current neurology research, new evidence on brain-gut connection along with video case scenarios, you’ll learn to:

- Connect behavior to the enteric nervous system to better understand the cross talk between the brain-gut and relation to symptomatology
- Consider epigenetics and its impact on development of the enteric nervous system
- Apply hands on strategies to support optimal performance and interaction
- Address concerns of hyperactivity, aggressiveness, self-stimulatory, sensory avoidance, and inattentiveness through self-regulation approaches

Active learning strategies will include a video neuroanatomical review and case examples!

Objectives

1. Evaluate the neurology of the second brain, known as the enteric nervous system, and the various senses including interoception for treating autistic clients.
2. Utilize the latest research on epigenetics to inform autism treatment.
3. Investigate environment impacts the gut ecosystem and the impact on sensory processing.
4. Determine how self-regulation, and mindfulness, strategies and can improve brain-gut crosstalk and overall function.

Outline

Introduction to the Second Brain and Connection to Autism
Research on the enteric nervous system
Understanding the Brain-Gut connection and behavioral presentations
Current evidence-based practices
Connection to epigenetics; how behavior is passed to offspring

Self-Regulation & Mindfulness program and ACTION from Trauma Approach:

• Assessment Tools
- Screen areas of strength and areas revealing potential for growth
- Assess interoception and other areas of sensory processing
- Investigate epigenetics and familial influences
- Contextual Sensory Intervention (CSI); Investigating the environment

• Treatment Planning
- Address interoception through sensory based and mindfulness activities
- Make a safe-space through modifying the environment and context to identify opportunities to improve upon self-regulation
- Daily schedules and methods to organize interventions
- Sensorimotor strategies to address the individual needs of children and families: Case examples

Limitations of Research and Potential Risk

Credit

Educators, Teachers & School Professionals - Educators
This course consists of 1.5 self-study clock hours. Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from this self-study activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.

Credit may be available for this webinar and may vary by country or institution. Please verify eligibility with PESI.

Target Audience

- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals

For further information, please visit PESI website.