Irena Woodward
Irena is a paediatric occupational therapist, provider of Interactive Metronome Program and iLs (Integrated Listening Systems) Practitioner.
Irena is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with special interest in Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, anxiety and oppositional behaviours in children and adolescents. In recent years Irena expanded her work and interest to adults with sensory processing disorders, anxiety and dysfunction of autonomic nervous system.
She was introduced to Occupational Therapy soon after her son was diagnosed with Autism and has been working in the field since 2004, constantly widening her knowledge and improving her skills. She is combining evidence-based approaches into her practice to best meet individual needs and preferences of her clients. After attending a Vestibular Activation workshop by Mary Kawar, a leading researcher and program developer for children and adults with learning disabilities, the Astronaut Program has become a frequently used tool at Family Connections Sydney to help children develop vestibular and ocular motor abilities to improve their reading and coordination skills.
Irena completed certification in Relationship Development Intervention Program (RDI®). The RDI® program has formed a strong framework for Irena’s therapy approach and her model of practice. It has widened the scope of her work and emphasized the importance of family as a unit and the therapeutic role parents play in their child’s treatment. Irena worked as a Certified RDI® Consultant until 2015, when she ceased her certification to focus on her role as an Occupational Therapist and mentor. She presented at the 25th Occupational Therapy National Conference in Adelaide on a role the RDI® Program could have in Occupational Therapy Practice.
Irena introduced Interactive Metronome Program (IM) to her practice and became a Certified Provider, completing Paediatric Best Practices Course with Dillen Hartley. Irena is also a provider of the IM-Home Program.
She completed Level 1 of Advanced Intensive Mentorship in Diagnosis and Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorders at Star Center in Denver, Colorado with Dr Lucy Miller and Dr Sarah A. Schoen. Irena became an Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) Practitioner and has used the program in her practice with great results.
Irena is a Clinical Educator for University of Sydney. She frequently presents to schools and runs information and parenting programs. She strives to provide her clients and their families with effective and high quality therapy services. She combines her knowledge with different models of evidence based practice to provide the best fit for each individual client.
Irena completed Sensory Integration Competency Training and Visual-Vestibular Treatment Intensive Mentorship at Spiral Foundation in Boston, MA with Teresa May-Benson. She became a provider of Safe and Sound Protocol and completed the SIVA (Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments) Train the Trainer course.
She has completed training for SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) with inclusion of treatment for parents of children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (AFRID) and parents of highly dependent adult children (‘Failure to Launch’).
Irena is passionate in educating parents, teachers and carers on the effects Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders and other challenges can have on an individual’s learning abilities, emotional regulation, attention and behaviour. She would like to shift focus from child’s behaviour to foundational challenges which need to be addressed to facilitate behavioural changes and child’s emotional and functional growth.
Consultant Profile
JOB ROLE
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)
Member of OT Australia
Certified Provider of the Interactive Metronome Program
Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) Practitioner
Member of the Sensory Processing Foundation
SIVA Qualified Trainer
SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE
Preschool Screening
Comprehensive OT Assessments
Targeted Evaluations
Home/School/Community Consultations and Treatment
Collaboration with Families and other Professionals
Individual OT treatment sessions, duos and small groups
Sensory Based Therapy: Sensory Modulation; Motor Skill Development; School Readiness
In-service School/Community Groups