How Your Child's Sensory Health Affects Their Learning

Understanding the hidden sensory foundations of attention, behaviour and academic success

Learning isn't just about intelligence.

For a child to pay attention, sit still, write, read, follow instructions and complete homework, their brain must first be able to process and organise sensory information effectively. When these sensory foundations aren't working efficiently, learning can become frustrating—not because a child isn't capable, but because their nervous system is working much harder than it should.

In this practical and engaging course, paediatric occupational therapists Liani Austin and Yumna Razak explore the vital connection between sensory processing and learning, helping parents, teachers and therapists better understand the "why" behind many everyday learning challenges.

Rather than focusing only on academic performance, this course looks beneath the surface to explore how a child's sensory health influences attention, regulation, movement, participation and ultimately their ability to succeed in the classroom and at home.

Throughout the course you'll discover why two children can respond so differently to the same classroom environment, why homework can become a daily battle, and how simple changes can make a significant difference to learning success.

Throughout this course we'll explore:

• Why sensory processing is the foundation for successful learning.
• Common challenges children experience in the classroom that may have a sensory basis.
• The difference between sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking, and how each presents differently.
• How sensory processing influences attention, behaviour, emotional regulation and participation.
• Why homework is often harder than it needs to be—and practical strategies to make it more successful.
• Creating calmer, more organised and successful morning routines.
• Practical sensory-informed strategies that can be implemented immediately at home and in the classroom.

Rather than asking, "Why won't they learn?", this course encourages us to ask, "What does this child's nervous system need in order to learn?"

By understanding the sensory foundations of learning, we can move beyond managing behaviours and begin supporting children in ways that help them feel more regulated, more confident and better equipped to reach their potential.

Whether you're a parent trying to make homework less stressful, a teacher supporting a busy classroom, or a therapist wanting to better explain sensory processing to families, this course will provide practical knowledge that can be applied immediately.

Who should attend?

• Parents and caregivers
• Teachers
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech-Language Therapists
• Educational Psychologists
• Remedial Teachers
• Learning Support Educators
• Anyone supporting children with learning challenges

Presented by

Liani Austin – Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Yumna Razak – Paediatric Occupational Therapist