Minaz Chauthani
M.S. OTR/L, OT
Minaz Chauthani is an Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience supporting regulation, learning, and functional participation across medical and educational settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy and Human Development from the University of Southern California in 1992 and later returned to advance her training, earning a post-professional Master’s degree from San José State University in 2006 with an emphasis on MTSS and occupational therapy in school systems. She became certified in Jean Ayres Sensory Integration® in 2000.
Minaz began her career in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, working with adults with neurological injuries, where she developed a deep appreciation for neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to adapt and re-map. Her work in schools is further shaped by her personal experience living with a hearing impairment, which strengthens her empathy and collaborative approach with students, educational teams, and families.
She brings a neuroscience-informed, educator-friendly perspective that emphasizes regulation as the neurological foundation for language development and academic outcomes in reading, writing, and math. When not working, Minaz enjoys learning to golf, reading, spending time with her dog, and connecting with friends—embracing balance, growth, and lifelong learning.
Minaz began her career in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, working with adults with neurological injuries, where she developed a deep appreciation for neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to adapt and re-map. Her work in schools is further shaped by her personal experience living with a hearing impairment, which strengthens her empathy and collaborative approach with students, educational teams, and families.
She brings a neuroscience-informed, educator-friendly perspective that emphasizes regulation as the neurological foundation for language development and academic outcomes in reading, writing, and math. When not working, Minaz enjoys learning to golf, reading, spending time with her dog, and connecting with friends—embracing balance, growth, and lifelong learning.
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Foundations of Sensory Processing & Its Effect on Learning
This two-part professional learning series examines how subconscious and conscious sensory integration within the central nervous system impacts regulation, access to instruction, and academic outcomes. Using a sensory integration framework, participants will explore how foundational systems support higher-level learning and why reading, writing, math, and language are byproducts of an integrated and regulated nervous system.
Part 1: The Foundation – Subconscious Sensory Integration Part 1 focuses on the foundational sensory systems: tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive. These systems operate below conscious awareness and form the neurological base for regulation, postural control, body awareness, and emotional stability.
When these systems are underdeveloped or inefficiently integrated, students may struggle with attention, impulse control, endurance, or emotional regulation — limiting access to learning.
Using the home metaphor: • The foundation = tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive integration • The pillars = regulation and stability • Academic skills are built on top
Without a stable foundation, academic interventions alone are often insufficient. Part 1 Objectives Participants will be able to:
- Describe the role of foundational sensory systems in subconscious CNS integration.
- Explain how sensory integration impacts readiness for learning.
- Recognize classroom behaviors that may reflect foundational sensory challenges. Part 2: The Roof – Conscious Integration & Academic Access Part 2 examines conscious-level integration of the visual and auditory systems and their critical role in modern academic learning. These systems are often more visible in evaluations, particularly in reading, written expression, listening, and executive functioning tasks.
Part 2: Participants will explore how visual and auditory processing depend upon a stable sensory foundation and directly influence academic performance.
Using the home metaphor: • The roof = visual and auditory integration • The landscape = reading, writing, math, language, and executive functioning outcomes
Attending both sessions is strongly encouraged to gain the full framework and deepen understanding of the neurological factors that may limit educational access. Part 2 Objectives Participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of visual and auditory integration in academic learning.
- Analyze how higher-level challenges may reflect foundational sensory needs.
- Apply the layered framework (foundation → pillars → roof → landscape) when evaluating barriers to learning.