Dr. Kelly Mahler
Occupational Therapist, Author, Autism Consultant, International Speaker and Educator
Dr. Kelly Mahler
Occupational Therapist, Author, Autism Consultant, International Speaker and Educator
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ABOUT DR. KELLY MAHLER
Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L, earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA.
She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years, serving school-aged children and adults.
Kelly is the winner of multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award & a Mom’s Choice Gold Medal.
She is an adjunct faculty member at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA and at Misericordia University, Dallas, PA.
Kelly is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma & autism.
Kelly is an international speaker and presents frequently on topics related to the ten resources she has authored including The Interoception Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Framework for Developing Mindful Self-Regulation–used in over 25 countries.
She is also the author of:
[Book]: My Interoception Workbook: A Guide for Adolescents, Teens and Adults. Self-Published (2019).
[Book]: The Interoception Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Mindful Self-Regulation. Self-Published (2019). Winner of Mom’s Choice Award.
[Book]: Interoception: The Eighth Sensory System. Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2016)
[Book]: Sensory Issues and High-Functioning Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders—2nd Edition: Practical Solutions for Making Sense of the World. Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2014). Bronze Winner of the 2015 National Parenting Publications Awards
[Book]: Destination Friendship: Developing Friendship Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders. Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2012).
[Book]: Hygiene and Related Behaviors: A Fun Curriculum with a Focus on Social Understanding: For Individuals with Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders. Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2011).
[Assessment]: The Comprehensive Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-3rd Edition. Self-Published (2021).
[Assessment]: The Comprehensive Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness. Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2016).
ABOUT DR. KELLY MAHLER'S PRESENTATION:
Interoception, The Eighth Sense: Impact on Self-Regulation & Mental Health
In this presentation, you will learn about:
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How interoception is the neurobiological foundation of self-care, regulation and mental well-being makes it a vital consideration in helping an autistic child or adult to all thrive.
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How interoception science helps us carers, parents and professionals to provide meaningful supports that honour and validate each person’s unique inner experience
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How interoception helps an autistic person understand how they feel and what their body needs for regulation (and thus thriving).
Interoception is an important sensory system that helps us to feel internal body signals like a full bladder, empty stomach, tense muscles or racing heart.
Research shows that our ability to clearly notice and interpret these internal body signals enables us to accurately identify and regulate our body’s needs:
Are we overwhelmed?
Hungry?
In pain?
Needing the bathroom?
Autistic people commonly experience interoceptive differences, making this science a vital consideration in helping them thrive.
In this session, you will learn what the latest research tells us about interoception as well as how this sense influences areas such as self-regulation and emotional well-being.
Several evidence-based strategies for supporting interoception growth will be shared.
Who is this presentation for?
This presentation will be of interest autistics people, parents/caregivers as well as professionals/educators.