Learning Journeys


course logos on green background

Are you ready to elevate your practice? DFX’s Learning Journeys is an extension of our mission using an accessible online platform. We aim to support clinicians, educators, and parents wherever they may be on their unique journey, by providing continuing education opportunities that not only empower individuals but also elevate pediatric practice. Read on to learn about our offerings!

The SpIRiT:

Enhancing Clinical Reasoning to Elevate Practice: An Introduction to The SpIRiT© (Sensory processing/ Integration Reasoning interactive Tool) 

2023: Our cohort version of The SpIRiT course launched in August 2023 and is well underway; enrollment is closed. This updated version of the course provides additional support for participants as they learn how to utilize The SpIRiT process in everyday practice through interactive learning opportunities via live, online cohort meetings. 

Watch for SpIRiT Courses in 2024: Self-paced and Fall Cohort: A self-paced version of The SpIRiT course will be available in February of 2024 and the next cohort will run in the Fall of 2024. In the meantime, if you have a group of learners (5 or more) that would like to take The SpIRiT together as a private cohort, please reach out to learningjourneys@developmentalfx.org and we can discuss further details.

The STEPPSI:

2023: Enrollment is open now for The STEPPSI course using a self-paced format. Participants will have the opportunity to work through the pre-recorded lecture videos and integrated learning activities at their own pace. Please see the course page for additional details.

2024: The next STEPPSI cohort will take place in February 2024. More details will be available later this year. In the meantime, if you have a group of learners (5 or more) that would like to take The STEPPSI together as a private cohort, please reach out to learningjourneys@developmentalfx.org and we can discuss further details.

Create an in-person learning journey for your clinic or school: We also are excited to share that we have resumed in-person course offerings. If you have a group of clinicians who would like to host Tracy Stackhouse for a continuing education opportunity, please contact learningjourneys@developmentalfx.org to receive additional information. 

On the horizon – The DFX Learning Journeys Community: We are incredibly excited about the upcoming launch of our Learning Journeys Community. This community will serve as a landing pad for therapists committed to ongoing continuing education and elevated therapeutic practice. More details coming soon.

Thank you all for your ongoing participation and support. We appreciate being part of each and every one of your learning journeys. Read on for more detailed course descriptions. 

 

DFX’s Tracy Stackhouse leads the SpIRiT course to expand your understanding of the neuroscience that underpins the work we do, and gain practical strategies that provide the scaffolding for clinical reasoning.

The SpIRiT© (Sensory processing/Integration Reasoning interactive Tool) is a mindful clinical reasoning tool for ensuring best practice in pediatric occupational therapy. The SpIRiT introduces a clinical reasoning framework for combining sensory, affective, and motor (SAM) processing into a relationship-based, sensory integrative model of intervention. This introduction course to The SpIRiT©  will focus on integrating SENSORY processing with motor and affective processing. It will also highlight the importance of reflective clinical reasoning as a way of practice. This online course will consist of pre-recorded videos, integration of knowledge activities, and resources to support learners as they embark on their learning journey at their own pace – PLUS weekly live sessions with your instructor, Tracy Stackhouse!

STEPPSI logo

The STEPPSI course includes a series of pre-recorded lectures to support further integration and understanding of how to utilize the STEPPSI protocols in everyday practiceThis online course consists of pre-recorded videos, integration of knowledge activities, and resources to support learners as they embark on their learning journey. In addition, the registrants may have the opportunity to participate in group reflective workshops with Tracy Stackhouse. 

This course presents a clinical reasoning model for treating children who have unusual and challenging behaviors involving a lack of modulation of sensation. The understanding of treatment for individuals with sensory modulation difficulties (SM) are becoming better identified in the greater body of sensory integration theory. This course will provide an overview of the theoretical foundations of SM from occupational therapy literature and related neuroscience research. A model for planning, implementation, and monitoring treatment will be presented: Sensation, Task, Environment, Predictability, Playfulness, Self-Monitoring, and Interactions or the STEPPSI. 

The STEPPSIⓒ is a principle-based model that breaks down treatment into easily understandable components. The STEPPSIⓒ is an evidence-based model originally devised in the late 1990-s and now updated for a new generation of therapists and for educators and parents. Participants should have foundation knowledge in sensory integration (Ayres SI (ASIⓇ) in particular) theory and treatment.