Overview

This course presents a clinical reasoning model for supporting children who experience unique behaviors related to differences in sensory modulation and present with additional needs to understand their sensory, social, and emotional worlds.

The understanding of treatment for individuals with sensory modulation difficulties are becoming better identified in the greater body of sensory integration theory. This course will provide an overview of the theoretical foundations of sensory modulation 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-Regulation, and Interactions or the S.T.E.P.P.S.I.

The STEPPSIⓒ is a principle-based, evidence-based model that breaks down treatment into easily understandable components. It was originally devised in the late 1990s, and has now been updated for a new generation of therapists, educators, and parents.

Details

COHORT MODEL: 

The cohort version of the STEPPSI© course provides participants with an interactive learning opportunity that supports further integration and understanding of how to use this tool in everyday practice. Evidence tells us engaging with material through interactive learning with colleagues helps us to better understand, remember, and implement the content!

DATES: 

January 26th - April 2nd, 2026

The course has been divided into 3 sections. The first pre-recorded lecture will be released on January 26th, 2026.

Our live Cohort Meetings will be:

  • February 19th -12pm - 1:30pm Mountain Time 
  • March 12th- 12pm - 1:30pm Mountain Time
  • April 2nd- 12pm - 2pm Mountain Time


ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING: 

This course consists of pre-recorded lectures that participants will take at a guided pace, integration of learning activities, a case study assignment to support application in everyday practice. 

In addition to the coursework outlined above, there will be three, live virtual group meetings. While not a requirement for course completion, attendance is highly encouraged. The cohort meetings will encompass opportunities for Q&A, reflective learning activities, and elaboration of course topics.

You will also have access to the Learning Journeys Community while enrolled in the course to collaborate with colleagues as you learn.

TARGET AUDIENCE: 

The STEPPSI© is an interdisciplinary tool that was designed within the field of occupational therapy and relies on occupational therapy theories, including particularly sensory integration. The primary audience for this course is therefore occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, although any clinician working to support participation and engagement may find value in this approach. 

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL/PREREQUISITES:

Introductory. There are no prerequisites for this course. Participants would benefit from having foundational knowledge of sensory integration (Ayres SI (ASIⓇ) in particular) theory and treatment principles.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: 

Pre-recorded lecture videos, course slides, case studies, community discussion board

CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION: 

Developmental FX is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID #0000006421 . This distance learning course will be offered at 1.6 AOTA CEUs, beginner educational level, in the OT service delivery category. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: 

In order to earn continuing education credit for this course, it must be completed in entirety. This includes: watching all of the pre-recorded videos, receiving passing scores (60% or higher) on integration of knowledge quizzes, completion of the case study assignment, and a passing score (60% or higher) on the post-evaluation. At this time, the learner must complete a PD activity in entirety in order to receive credit and associated CEUs. No partial credit will be awarded.

ADA/ Section 504: 

If you require accommodations or have a request related to accessibility, please email [email protected] for assistance.



DFX Learning Journeys is an AOTA Approved Provider. Course Approval ID#0000006421 for this course.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define clinical reasoning and summarize why it is important in everyday practice

  • Identify the core underpinnings encompassed within the STEPPSI© process.

  • Recognize how the STEPPSI© process aligns with Ayres Sensory Integration.

  • Demonstrate the ability to generate a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan based upon the STEPPSI©.

  • Implement the STEPPSI© process to create comprehensive treatment plans across practice settings.

FAQ

  • What is the STEPPSI©?

    The STEPPSI© is both a model for clinical reasoning and a fidelity tool, and has been used in clinical practice to support direct services and consultation, and in research. Clinicians can therefore immediately adopt and use this tool in everyday practice. Through this course, we focus on the STEPPSI© as a framework for planning, implementation, and monitoring treatment. We walk through the words associated with each letter of the "STEPPSI" mnemonic: Sensation, Task, Environment, Predictability, Playfulness, Self-Regulation, and Interactions. Each of these elements contributes to a holistic clinical reasoning process of planning, delivering, and monitoring intervention with children with neurodevelopmental differences.

  • How will taking this course benefit me and my practice?

    Using the STEPPSI model will supercharge your understanding of regulation, enhance the way you approach every interaction with the children you treat, and support you to become a more holistic practitioner. The cohort model also helps build a network of colleagues to deepen your reasoning in community.

  • Are there any prerequisites for taking this course?

    There are no required prerequisites. Participants will get the most out of this course if they come with a foundational knowledge in sensory integration theory and treatment.

  • Should I take the STEPPSI© or SpIRiT© course first?

    While there is no wrong way to engage in our courses or utilize the associated clinical reasoning tools, we would gently recommend taking this STEPPSI course first and the SpIRiT course second. The STEPPSI tool focuses on sensory modulation challenges and allows learners to focus on deepening reasoning related to treatment in that particular area. The SpIRiT will then allow you to deepen reasoning related to multiple sensory, affective, and motor functions. The tools integrate together, though, so however you choose to approach learning will support your practice!

  • How long will I have access to the online course materials?

    Learners will have access to the pre-recorded course videos and associated learning materials for 120 days (~4 months) from the date of enrollment.

  • Do you offer any discounts?

    If you have taken a previous course with us, either the STEPPSI and you want to retake it, or our SpIRiT course, there are discounts available for enrollment in this cohort. Email us or watch your inbox for the discount code. Note that only one type of discount can be applied to your registration fee.

  • Who can I contact if I have more questions?

    We're happy to answer any questions you might have. Please email us at [email protected]

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    For cohort-based learning experiences, cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] 72 hours prior to the start of a cohort learning experience in order to receive a full refund (with the exception of a $25 administrative fee). Please note that participants will be made aware of their ability to access recordings of the live cohort meetings upon registration if applicable for the course. DFX Learning Journeys reserves the right to cancel an event with due cause. If a cancellation should occur, participants will be refunded in full and made aware of the cancellation as soon as possible using the provided contact information.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to The STEPPSI: A Tool for Effective Clinical Reasoning

    2. Course Overview and Course Schedule

    3. Copyright Guidelines

    4. STEPPSI Course Slides

    5. STEPPSI Selected References

    6. Section 1: Handout Packet: Larger Slides

    1. Chapter 1 Preview

    2. Before You Begin: Case Study Prep

    3. Chapter 1: Introduction to the STEPPSI and Why Clinical Reasoning Is Important

    4. TQEs Chapter 1

    5. Chapter 1: Integration of Knowledge Quiz

    6. Chapter 1: Pause and Practice

    1. Chapter 2 Preview

    2. Chapter 2: Sensory Modulation & Regulation in the Context of Broader SI Capacities

    3. TQEs Chapter 2

    4. Chapter 2: Integration of Knowledge Quiz

    1. Chapter 3 Preview

    2. Chapter 3a: Coming to an Understanding of Sensory Modulation & Regulation

    3. TQEs Chapter 3A

    4. Chapter 3b: Neuroscience Concepts of Sensory Modulation & Regulation*

    5. TQEs Chapter 3B

    6. Chapter 3: Pause and Practice

    1. Section 2: Handout Packet

    1. Chapter 4 Preview

    2. Chapter 4: Clinical Reasoning Process

    3. Chapter 4: Pause and Practice

    4. TQEs Chapter 4

About this course

  • $550.00
  • 53 lessons
  • 14.5 hours of video content

Meet Your Instructors

Director of Innovation & Co-Founder, Occupational Therapist Tracy Stackhouse

Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR, is the Director of Innovation & Co-Founder of Developmental FX. She is a leading pediatric occupational therapist (OT) involved in clinical treatment, research, mentoring, and training regarding OT intervention for persons with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially Fragile X Syndrome and autism. Tracy has a master’s degree in developmental psychology/neuroscience. She is the lead author for the SpIRiT & S.T.E.P.S.I. Clinical Reasoning Tools which are leading-edge evidence-based models in pediatric OT. Tracy is a member of the National Fragile X Foundation Clinical Research Consortium, the Scientific And Clinical Advisory Committee, and the NFXF Advisory Council and an expert advisor to the CDC and RTI Fragile X Priorities Panel.

MHS (OT) Dave Jereb

Dave is an occupational therapist and director of MoveAbout Therapy Services, a paediatric occupational therapy service in the Hills District of Sydney and on the Central Coast of NSW. He has a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Occupational Therapy) and a Masters of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Sydney. Dave has worked in multidisciplinary teams in Sydney and Chicago. He is known for having expertise in working with children with challenging behaviours, sensory processing challenges, regulatory difficulties and difficulties in engaging and relating, including autism spectrum disorders. Dave is the co-author of the MoveAbout Activity Cards, a resource that provides children and families with physical activities to support attention and regulation. He has presented workshops entitled ‘A Dynamic Approach to Regulation & Behaviour’ and ‘Connecting with Kids with ASD’. His professional mission is to inspire, support and challenge paediatric OTs throughout Australia. Dave and the MoveAbout team mentor OTs at all levels, providing support in their career and development. From new grads through therapists seeking to develop their niche and move into leadership positions, as well as practice owners looking to discover how best to nurture and inspire their team.
Generosity is a Gift of Spirit! With immense gratitude, we thank Colm Mac Con Iomaire for generously allowing us to utilize his music throughout the courses shared here. It is our hope to share his music and create a special moment of joy and celebration of true artistry and the Irish spirit as inspiration! https://www.colmmacconiomaire.com/