(WC Koscinski 065720 2026) Interoception in Practice The Missing Link for Function, Behavior and Self-Regulation

Course overview

Neuro-affirming strategies for feeding, communication, toileting struggles, meltdowns and missed body cues For years, support for children with ADHD, autism, and emotional-behavioral differences has centered on shaping behavior, reinforcing what is seen as appropriate and trying to reduce what is not. But when behavior is the only lens, we miss the deeper why behind it. What if a childs outburst was hunger or sensory overload? What if a meltdown was really a nervous system in fight-or-flight? What if refusal was not defiance at all, but a body struggling to recognize or express its own internal signals? This training moves beyond behavior-only models to help you work with children, not on them. You will discover how to integrate comfort, preferences, and communication supports so you can co-regulate, widen their window of tolerance, and guide them into a state where learning, participation, and connection naturally grow, without the constant battles that leave everyone exhausted. You will gain practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to: *Spot red flags quickly when behavior-based tools are not working and uncover what is really driving dysregulation *Incorporate strengths, preferences, and communication supports into treatment plans for better buy-in and participation *Co-regulate with kids and self-regulate as a clinician to model calm and set sessions up for success *Use emotional check-ins, theory of mind activities, and language-building supports to help kids understand and express what they feel *Address post-COVID dysregulation with sensory, emotional, and communication-based strategies *Partner with kids and families to turn challenges into opportunities for connection and growth Through case studies, interactive skill-building activities, and ready-to-use activities, you will leave with a complete toolkit to start every session strong and finally see progress where behavior-only approaches have fallen short. I have packed this course with the tools I wish I had had early in my career so you can skip years of trial and error and help your clients thrive in school, therapy, and daily life. Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS Attendees Will Walk Away Ready To *Spot interoceptive red flags in minutes from toileting struggles and feeding refusals to shutdowns, and emotional outbursts *Confidently screen, document, and write functional, measurable goals that justify skilled intervention *Teach clients to recognize hunger, thirst, pain, fatigue, and emotions using simple, evidence-based body awareness activities *Integrate interoception work seamlessly into gait training, dysphagia/feeding therapy, toileting programs, communication goals, and ADL sessions *Coach caregivers, teachers, and staff with clear language, handouts, and strategies to support carryover at home, school, and in community settings *Create individualized regulation plans and sensory diets that work for both under- and over-responsive clients across the lifespan *Apply research-backed strategies to reduce meltdowns, improve participation, enhance safety, and optimize functional outcomes