Practical Strategies Treating Complex Pediatric Feeding

Practical Strategies for Treating Complex Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Treating the Whole Child: Children with complex feeding aversions/disorders in hospital, school and private practice settings present a challenge for clinicians. In this course, clinicians will learn a successful, comprehensive evaluation of complex problems, including those encountered by children with structural issues, cardiac issues, prematurity, Autism, syndromes, GI issues, sensory integration disorders, and Downs Syndrome. Day two will focus on a holistic treatment approach for common feeding disorders that are characteristic of many of these children, including tube dependency, lack of autonomy, rigid eating patterns, inability to regulate their own hunger/satiety and difficulty transitioning to table foods. In addition to innovative, effective treatment techniques, participants will learn how to determine what intensity of therapy is warranted. Many case studies with videos will be used to illustrate the complex nature of these children.

The Cardiac Patient: Reaching Full Potential Safely

Patients, in each setting, are sicker than ever before. This requires that therapists in settings, where patients were traditionally considered “stable,” now be aware of acute comorbidities, precautions and contraindications, as well as to make decisions quickly and independently to preserve the patient’s safety and help them reach their full potential. This course delivers clinically relevant and immediately applicable knowledge to inform such decisions for practitioners in any setting, from acute care to rehab, outpatient or home care. Through lecture, case discussion and small group labs, participants will review cardiovascular anatomy and physiology with a clinical background. A key focus will be on medical and surgical issues that impact the patient’s examination, evaluation and interventions, as well as the patient’s prognosis and outcomes. Through case analysis and clinical problem-solving participants will be given an opportunity to decide which impairments are significant and how they can alter their interventions to take the dysfunction into consideration. Clinical monitoring and parameters for safe exercise given a cardiac impairment will be explored.

Treating the Acute Care and ICU Patient

Assessment and treatment of acutely ill patients safely requires integrating the patient history with current lab values, diagnostic test results, and an understanding of how their current medications affect status. Therapists need to identify signs of patient instability and know how to modify or to terminate treatment when necessary and how to mobilize them safely and early. This course provides therapists with that knowledge with a goal of preventing or reversing the deconditioning often seen in the acute care and ICU setting. Case studies will be used for clinical problem solving in order to improve functional outcomes with multiple diagnoses commonly seen.

Mealtime Miseries: Management of Complex Feeding Issues

Carol and Elizabeth share their 30 years of combined clinical practice and expertise in this unique feeding course. Together they have developed the TRansdisciplinary Effective Assessment and Treatment (TR-eatTM) model. This model melds medical management, skill building and behavioral interventions to create a distinctive treatment method with outstanding outcomes for children with complex feeding problems. This dynamic course will cover innovative strategies, using video case examples, to address oral aversion, food refusal, poor transition onto solid foods, texture grading, learning to chew, self feeding and feeding difficulties related to autism and picky eaters. This course is packed with practical solutions and extensive written handouts that will empower you with new treatment methods for your most complex patients. These interventions are systematic and evidence based with research supporting outcomes. This course is appropriate for clinicians with all levels of experience.

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment of Shoulder Complex

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment of the Shoulder Complex: An Evidence Based Approach: This intensive lab course will focus on an evidence based approach to examination and treatment of the shoulder complex, and will address the multitude of conditions and syndromes that cause shoulder pain and impact overall function including impingement conditions, rotator cuff tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis, subacromial bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder pain, arthritis, overuse syndromes, scapular syndromes, shoulder instability, thoracic outlet syndrome and radiculitis/peripheral nerve entrapment. Differential diagnosis of this region including cervico-thoracic contribution to the shoulder conditions will be discussed. Best practices for diagnostic accuracy will integrate manual examination methods and clinical special tests. Treatment strategies will be based on impairments and classifications. The treatment approach will be unique and integrates the best evidence in a clinically relevant manner.

Praxis: Evaluation and Treatment of the Clumsy Child

Many school-age children struggle with motor skills that their peers have long mastered. These "clumsy" children may exhibit difficulties with writing, activities of daily living, as well as issues with play and sports. This lab course will provide practical and effective intervention strategies for these children. Underlying etiologies of clumsiness (developmental incoordination disorders) as well as newer concepts of motor control and motor development will be discussed in relationship to other neurophysiologic concepts. This course will discuss evaluation tools to isolate the roots of the problem and treatment techniques and suggestions for the classroom utilizing an integrated approach. Functional outcomes and clinical effectiveness will be emphasized.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Treatment Intensive

This course is designed for physical and occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals working with patients suffering from balance and vestibular disorders. Treating patients with vestibular disorders can be daunting. Recognizing and assessing them can also be challenging, but once the process is completed, you need to be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This course will present vestibular treatments as a system of exercises and movements that the clinician learns to select, grade, and develop a continuum for the individual patient. It will emphasize treatments of vestibular disorders of childhood, adults and the elderly. Childhood paroxysmal vertigo, multiple canal BPPV, Meniere’s disease, ototoxicity, bilateral disorders, malde debarquement, migraine associated vertigo, traumatic vertigo, acoustic neuroma, central vertigo, and disequilibrium of aging will be covered. The course is interactive, with lab sessions to practice treatment techniques, and will offer exercises for problem solving. These experiences will help to develop competencies and promote effective clinical outcomes.

Practical Intervention Strategies for Children with ASD

Practical Intervention Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Evidence Based Approach: With the increasing number of children with ASD it is essential that therapists keep current on the latest research and interventions to incorporate new knowledge and techniques into their clinical practice. This course will assist practitioners in identifying, selecting and prioritizing intervention strategies to best support functional participation and successful engagement in developmentally appropriate tasks. Case analysis and group problem-solving will highlight strategies that can be used immediately in treatment of children with ASD.

Creative School Based Strategies

Creative School Based Strategies: Integrative Services and Best Practice Interventions This interactive course will guide participants in evidence-based best-practice methods for the implementation of integrated related services in schools that are aligned with IDEA 2004. In addition, learn practical, effective strategies to manage your caseloads.Topics include IEP development, Response-to-Intervention, Positive Behavior Supports, classroom-based evaluation and interventions, and methods for ensuring accountability and high quality services. The course will focus on students in grades pre-K-12.

NDT and MFR for Children with Neurological Disabilities

Why can't this child play with his toy, verbally communicate his needs or get up from the floor unaided? Understanding the primary and secondary impairments and their detrimental impact on posture and movement is essential to developing a treatment plan to help promote sustainable functional skills in this population. This course utilizes an integrated NDT/MFR approach to assess and treat children in order to increase functional skills in the context of OT/SLP/PT goals. Lecture, video, lab and patient demos will be utilized in order to help therapists plan effective treatments.

Mobilizing the Medically Complex Acute Care Patient

Movbilizing the Medically Complex Acute Care Patient: An Evidence Based Approach: Therapists are often challenged when presented with complex acute care patients who may have cardiovascular and/or pulmonary dysfunction or complications in addition to other medical conditions. Mobilizing these complex patients safely requires integration of the implications of lab values, diagnostic test results, patient history, medications and equipment. Signs of patient instability and when and how to modify or terminate treatment will be discussed. This course provides therapists with the knowledge, problem solving skills, and all the red flags for assessing mobility as well as the tools to develop safe and appropriate intervention programs for patients in acute care no matter their diagnosis.

Geriatric Neurology: Falls Prevention and Balance

This course explores up-to-date, clinically relevant interventions for improving balance in geriatric and neurologic patients. A key focus is learning to select and use the most appropriate tools for assessing balance/risk of falls and evaluating function. Participants will examine the relationship between cognition, the sensory system and balance control problems and will apply motor control interventions and motor learning concepts to specific conditions. Learning to differentiate between normal aging and pathology informs the development of effective evidence-based treatment strategies to improve functional balance and optimize the environment for patients with balance problems, including the elderly, those with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and medically complex conditions.

Geriatric Neurology in the Medically Complex Client

Learn evaluation and treatment protocols most appropriate for medically complex older persons with neurological dysfunction. This course will focus on clinical decision making to prioritize key exam findings and develop appropriate treatment strategies in light of complex presentations and co-morbidities. Modifying functional mobility training and therapeutic exercise will be discussed. Evidence-based information on specific neurological assessment and treatment of older clients with Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, balance and gait disorders, neuro-sensory pathologies, and pain problems will be provided. An evaluative model for looking at neurological dysfunction from a complex medical perspective across the spectrum of care will be addressed. The major pathologies that will be highlighted include Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Vascular Accidents, and the neurological manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. A focus on balance and falls, functional mobility, evaluation of numerous causes of dizziness and physical changes, and treatment interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of falls will also be included.

ICU and Acute Care Update

Therapists working with patients in ICU face a complex challenge. These patients have limited mobility due to life support, monitoring equipment, multiple medical problems and muscle weakness. For selected patients in ICU, early mobility and walking enhances functional outcomes by optimizing cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular status. Early mobility can lead to an increase in the patient’s quality of life and higher functional capability. It can also potentially reduce length of hospital stay with overall reduced costs. The content of this course will guide clinicians through the process of managing adult ICU patients. Case reports will be presented to demonstrate how the early mobility and walking program in ICU can positively impact the recovery of selected patients.

The AEIOU Systematic Approach to Pediatric Feeding

This course teaches a step by step approach to getting children to explore food and enjoy eating. The AEIOU approach - acceptance, exposure, independence, observation and understanding - offers a new and highly successful method for integrated treatment of children with challenging feeding issues and uses sensory, oral motor, biomedical and environmental strategies. The five factors in this holistic approach emphasize active participation, independence and shared control. This course will arm participants with the knowledge and practical information to achieve functional outcomes for complex etiologies, improve quality of mealtime, manage tube/supplement dependency, treat sensory aversions, and more. This course is presented in a dynamic learning environment, using case studies and videos to engage and instruct participants.

Clinical Applications of Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga

This seminar will arm you with new tools to enhance our therapy outcomes. Learn to apply and modify Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi into your therapeutic regime whether you are working in acute care, rehab, OPD or home care with patients of all abilities. The workshop focuses on techniques to facilitate core stabilization, muscle re-education, postural alignment, symmetry, mobility, and movement awareness. Learn to incorporate and modify these effective techniques for patients with: -neurologic dysfunction -orthopedic dysfunction -medical complexities -pulmonary conditions -myofascial pain -osteoporosis -arthritis

Best Practices in Home Health Care

As society ages and medical treatments advance, many older adults are living at home with complex medical problems. Home health care has become more complicated and requires specialized, advanced skills. Do you have the skills to provide your patients with the safest and best possible care? This course is designed to provide physical and occupational therapists with the most up-to-date, evidenced-based techniques for assessment and treatment of the medically complex geriatric home care patient. The course format is lecture with discussion of the most recent Medicare changes, research, tests and tools. Participants will also learn how to access the best current evidence using the internet to make best practice decisions for their patients. Case studies and audiovisuals will be incorporated to facilitate an active learning environment.

Stable to the Core: Restoring Function for Low Back Patient

Core Stabilization is a nationally recognized clinical method to restore function to the patient with back pain. Drawing on up-to-date, evidence-based treatment involving dynamic training, course participants will combine techniques of PNF, NDT and exercise physiology to help patients reach their maximal potential outcome by taking core stabilization to its highest level: using it in function, hobbies, sports, ADL’s and work.

Integrating NDT, SI and Motor Learning Perspectives

Are the goals you are setting for the children you treat, realistic? Is the treatment approach the most effective to achieve the outcome you want? This workshop will enhance critical thinking skills to enable therapists to use a systematic approach to treating children with developmental challenges. Focus will be on problem solving to gain function for children with motor control, sensory processing and behavioral compromise. The unique approach will help therapists set realistic measurable goals, set priorities and determine frequency of treatment and exit criteria.

Socially Speaking for Young Children w/Autism &Special Needs

Readiness to learn appropriate social skills can be an area of challenge for toddlers and young children who have special needs, especially those with autism spectrum disorders. This workshop will teach participants how to develop and implement a behavior management plan to target specific social skills, and to shape specific play skills. Learn to shift from a crisis intervention paradigm to one that methodically improves the child's self-regulation and communication. Learn to use data collection, specific goal planning and progress monitoring, and cognitive based language lessons to reshape behavior. Learn tools and strategies to facilitate communication for social skills, such as expressing feelings, problem solving, and using humor. Use assistive technology (AT) and multi-sensory learning experiences to facilitate thematic learning, manage behavior, and increase motivation. Develop empathy, a sense of humor, and resilience in the children you serve.

The SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants

Focused on bottle feeding, this course provides immediately applicable practical information to help clinicians better identify and treat the factors that impact successful oral feeding of preterm and ill term infants. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach both in the NICU and after discharge to early intervention through the first six months—the course emphasizes strategies to facilitate infant abilities and develop caregiver feeding skills. The objective is to identify feeding readiness and provide intervention strategies from a framework of normal development. A holistic approach integrating the medical fragility of these infants is emphasized, using the BROSS approach and the SOFFI Method© .

Building the Brain: A Neuro Approach Assessment & Treatment

This integrative workshop will provide you with a scientific and theoretical framework for assessment and treatment of adults and children with neurological challenges. This course draws on the expansive brain-behavioral sciences to energize and empower any practice, by providing a scientific framework for assessment, priority setting, prognosis and intervention. Whether acute and medically fragile, behavioral, developmental or chronic, these concepts and tools will be easily incorporated into your treatment setting. The focus will be on evidence based interventions to improve outcomes.

Treatment of Children w/Sensory Emotional & Motor Challenges

Treatment of Children with Sensory, Emotional and Motor Challenges: Getting the Beat with Music, Rhythm and Sequencing The focus of this course is to learn effective treatment strategies that are designed to help individuals with sensory processing disorders (SPED) lead full and productive lives. This intensive conference will provide clinicians with dynamic state of the art intervention strategies that support integration of sensation. Presentation of current neurobiology of the vestibular system’s central role in sub-cortical and cortical intercommunication and related research are reviewed. Assessment strategies and intervention methods that are intended to: -Improve sensory modulation -Enhance vestibular function and postural skills Optimize social readiness -Synchronize the organization and sequencing of motor skills and behavior as needed for optimal function in time and space

Sensory Integration and Self Regulation

Sensory Integration and Self Regulation in Early Intervention and Preschool: This workshop is designed to integrate current thinking about sensory integration with ideas of behavioral organization and family centered care for the young child. Participants will learn a new framework for understanding individual differences in sensory based self-regulation based on sensory integration theory. How this model can be integrated across discipline boundaries to help foster goodness-of-fit during play and therapeutic interactions will be highlighted. Clinical reasoning and intervention with different types of sensory integration problems will be focused on and applicable to children of all ages.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

This evidence-based course will train clinicians in the practical management of vestibular disorders. The course will include instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical management, pathology, detailed bedside examination and treatment skills. The material will be presented in a lecture, lab and video case study format. Competence in the performance of a comprehensive office / bedside examination and treatment skills will be addressed in a lab format. The seminar is intended to enhance the clinician’s ability to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of VRT for vestibular disorders. Practical application of VRT to a variety of practice settings (outpatient, acute care, SNF, ER) will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on the management of BPPV variants and vestibular hypofunction.

Treatment Infants,Children & Teens w Brachial Plexus Injury

This seminar addresses all aspects of conservative and surgical management of Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury over the course of infancy, childhood, and teen years. The number of infants with OBPI has been increasing posing new challenges to therapists working with this population. Participants in this seminar will be presented with a detailed overview of the anatomy of the initial nerve injury and the muscular and bony sequelae that often results in lifelong neuromuscular and orthopedic challenges. Participants will gain a detailed understanding of surgical interventions, non-surgical medical interventions, and radiological tests enabling them to make appropriate medical referrals. Participants will learn comprehensive examination and intervention strategies for each stage of recovery throughout infancy, childhood, and teen years. This will include video taped demonstrations of specific examination tools and intervention strategies including traditional interventions as well as the use of state-of-the art technology. Strategies for family support and intervention will be discussed as well.

Best practices: Treatment of Patients w Neurologic Disorders

The past 15 years has provided a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding the evaluation and treatment of persons with neurological diagnoses. How does a busy clinician keep up with the evidence? This course will get you up to speed in only 2 days! Diagnoses will include stroke, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and TBI. Outcome measures will be reviewed including “real life” information such as clinical feasibility and recommendations for different clinical settings. The evidence of upper and lower extremity treatments will be presented including: constraint induced therapy, task specific training, locomotor training, circuit training and different types of exercise. The use of technologies will be reviewed including electrical stimulation, virtual reality, robotics and brain stimulation. Strategies to deal with spasticity will also be presented including rehabilitation interventions following botox injections. Translation to the clinic will be highlighted including treatment protocols, frequency and duration. Foundational strategies including neuroplasticity, motor learning and fitness training will be emphasized. Screening for and preventing falls for persons with neurological diagnoses will also be presented. The role of online resources, systematic reviews and metaanalyses will be presented and attendees will be given an updated reference list including websites that are helpful for keeping up with the evidence.

Practical Strategies for Treating Complex Feeding Disorders

Children with complex feeding aversions/disorders in hospital, school and private practice settings present a challenge for clinicians. In this course, clinicians will learn a successful, comprehensive evaluation of complex problems, including those encountered by children with structural issues, cardiac issues, prematurity, Autism, syndromes, GI issues, sensory integration disorders, and Downs Syndrome. Day two will focus on a holistic treatment approach for common feeding disorders that are characteristic of many of these children, including tube dependency, lack of autonomy, rigid eating patterns, inability to regulate their own hunger/satiety and difficulty transitioning to table foods. In addition to innovative, effective treatment techniques, participants will learn how to determine what intensity of therapy is warranted. Many case studies with videos will be used to illustrate the complex nature of these children.

Pharmacology Fundamentals for Therapists

Patients undergoing therapy routinely take both prescription drugs and OTC medicines that ultimately influence treatment outcomes. Therapists with knowledge of these medicines practice safer, more effective therapy. The course will examine Rx and non-Rx medicine used in the therapy setting and will cover side effects that influence treatment and outcomes. Information will focus on drug actions and patient errors when treating pain, as well as common disorders of the musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiorespiratory, and endocrine systems. Common OTC drugs and herbals are examined for occult hazards and drug interactions. Electronic resources for free drug-related information will be demonstrated.

Torticollis; Effective Treatment of Infants and Children

Participants will learn to effectively treat infants and young children with torticollis, including those cases that are most challenging. Learn to analyze the effects of torticollis, sleep posture and increased use of positional devices on infant postural development and their implications for management. Clinical pathways for management of infant head sape, diagnostic procedures and surgical intervention will be appraised. Functional, clinically oriented evaluation and evidence based treatment strategies for infants and young children that can be integrated into play will be provided. Participants will learn home exercise programs and effective strategies to team with parents to ensure follow through. Learning opportunities will transpire through lectures, case reports, group problem solving and video review.

NDT Treatment of the Baby and Child

Learn how to assess and treat babies from birth to 3 years old with known or suspected neuromotor impairments. An emphasis will be placed on the practical application of treatment strategies to gain functional outcomes appropriate for this age group and how to incorporate therapeutic strategies into family life.

Geriatric Strength Building for Function

Many clinicians are fearful of injuring geriatric patients with strength exercises and therefore these patients are often under-exercised. With a thorough understanding of the research, optimal strength exercises can be applied to virtually all senior patients. Whatever setting you work in, this practical, clinically applicable seminar (including lab) will help you get great strength exercise results and improve function. Whether you work in a skilled nursing facility, acute care, home health, or an outpatient clinic, this course will help you get great results!

Management of the Complex Acute Care Patient

This course is designed to enhance the clinical decision-making skills of participants for early mobilization and safe, effective treatment of acutely ill patients. As more patients survive critical illnesses, intervention must complement the highly technologic, life-saving medical therapies, regardless of practice setting. Discussion of lines, physiologic monitors, lab values, and diagnostic test results will focus on implications for treatment. This course will highlight a multisystem approach to the acutely ill patient. Participants will integrate examination findings into individualized care plans that can be implemented from ICU and across acute care and post-acute practice settings. This course is designed for physical therapists and assistants and occupational therapists and assistants who care for acutely ill adult patients in ICU’s, acute care hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, subacute rehabilitation centers, inpatient rehabilitation facilities and home care.

Functional Neuroanatomy and Sensory Systems

The Pediatric Brain: Functional Neuroanatomy and the Sensory Systems and Their Treatment Applications This course will provide physical and occupational therapists with a deeper understanding of the complex multi-system involvement of the brain in reflex integration, movement, learning, and daily functioning. The instructor will use innovative and multi-sensory approaches to help participants relate the information to their everyday practice. The first day of the course will focus on the functional aspects of neuroanatomy. The second day will focus on the sensory systems with a heavy focus on the visual system. The visual system is often overlooked by both occupational and physical therapists and the instructor strives to provide therapists with a new perspective to demonstrate the importance of incorporating visual dysfunction in treatment. The visual system has an enormous impact on the precise functioning of the vestibular system and dysfunction can result in poor performance in a variety of areas. Participants will review real life cases through video to enhance understanding of the material. At the end of this two-day course, therapists will have a proficient functional knowledge of neuroanatomy and the visualvestibular systems in the dysfunctional pediatric population, and immediately utilize this knowledge to augment their current practice.

Treatment of the Child with CP and Neurologic Disorders

This course is designed for therapists who work with children of all ages (infant through school age) with moderate and severe cerebral palsy (CP) and related diagnoses. Therapists can optimize their outcomes when they have appropriate assessment tools, are familiar with the evidence basis of their many intervention options, and can reliably predict the natural progression of each child’s clinical course. During Day One, we will look at the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) as a tool to help optimize therapy outcomes. Participants will learn to identify each child’s GMFCS Level, choose appropriate goals, and predict orthopedic complications, orthotic and assistive devices. Case stories will be used to illustrate this process. Day Two will include a systematic review of gait trainers and standing devices.

Complex Feeding Disorders: NICU, EI and Home

Complex Feeding Disorders: NICU, EI, Home: This workshop will provide strategies to promote successful feeding for infants in the NICU, infants who are NICU graduates, and infants in EI who have medically complicated histories. Participants will develop strong skills in interpreting case histories and how to use this knowledge to implement change, and will learn how to develop a treatment course to prevent and treat these disorders. Focus will be placed on direct treatment strategies.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Maximizing Functional Outcomes

The long term functional consequences of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury have become evident in recent years due to the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the press around sports related concussion. This course focuses on evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for survivors of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury. Content will emphasize activity engagement and participation outcome measures through evaluation and treatment of vulnerabilities frequently associated with TBI; sensory processing disorders, mobility impairments, behavioral health issues, and higher-level cognitive functioning deficits. Through case analysis course participants will learn the most current rehabilitation strategies for this population. Upon completion, participants will be prepared to implement established assessment techniques and develop effective treatment strategies designed to maximize functional outcomes for survivors of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury across the continuum of care across the life span.

Yoga Therapy for the Child with Developmental Challenges

This DYNAMIC workshop shares clinically tested individual yoga therapy protocols as well as the therapeutic use of specific yoga modalities and modifications for various populations. This program highlights the use of YOGA therapy for INDIVIDUAL treatment sessions and strategies for even your most challenging clients. Through experiential labs participants will focus on the physical, regulatory, physiological, sensory-motor and emotional benefits of specific therapeutic yoga postures, breath-work and relaxation techniques. Breath and sound and relaxation exercises to enhance regulation, endurance and organization will be highlighted. Clinical care analysis will demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of each sequence with children challenged by: •Degenerative conditions •Autism •PDD •Anxiety disorders •LD •Motor planning issues •ADD/ADHD •General development issues A program sequence DVD from Anne's Get Ready with Yoga series will be included with this course.

Sensory Integration Intensive

This intensive, hands on evidence-based four-day course addresses sensory integrative dysfunction across all ages in those with Autism spectrum, developmental and learning disorders. Participants will leave armed with new strategies to assess and treat across five interdependent systems: motor, sensory, emotional-relational, communication and cognitive problem solving. Participants will learn to treat the root deficit systems instead of isolated deficit behaviors. This effective approach helps patients to show spontaneity and self-motivation to seek out increasingly positive interactions. The focus will be on tools to improve body awareness, postural stability/security, coordinative skill, motor planning, interest and skill with interpersonal communication, organization, and abstract reasoning for learning.

Treating the Acute Care and ICU Patient

Assessment and treatment of acutely ill patients safely requires integrating the patient history with current lab values, diagnostic test results, and an understanding of how their current medications affect status. Therapists need to identify signs of patient instability and know how to modify or to terminate treatment when necessary and how to mobilize them safely and early. This course provides therapists with that knowledge with a goal of preventing or reversing the deconditioning often seen in the acute care and ICU setting. Case studies will be used for clinical problem solving in order to improve functional outcomes with multiple diagnoses commonly seen.

Nothing Else Matters if you Can't Breathe

Every patient you treat is a cardiovascular and pulmonary patient. For the client in the Intensive Care Unit, the Long Term Care Unit, Acute Care, Outpatient, Home, or school setting, your therapy outcome will be limited by primary and secondary cardiopulmonary impairments. Learn how to integrate examination and treatment of these systems with your traditional approaches in order to maximize functional outcomes whether the initial diagnosis medical, neurologic or orthopedic. Improve your clinical competence for evaluating and treating the trunk and respiratory system as well as the cardiac system to alter the client\'s rehabilitation outcome evidence with evidence based interventions because Nothing Else Matters If You Can't Breathe!

Comprehensive Assessment & Treatment of the Shoulder Complex

An Evidence Based Approach: This intensive lab course will focus on an evidence based approach to examination and treatment of the shoulder complex, and will address the multitude of conditions and syndromes that cause shoulder pain and impact overall function including impingement conditions, rotator cuff tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis, subacromial bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder pain, arthritis, overuse syndromes, scapular syndromes, shoulder instability, thoracic outlet syndrome and radiculitis/peripheral nerve entrapment. Differential diagnosis of this region including cervico-thoracic contribution to the shoulder conditions will be discussed. Best practices for diagnostic accuracy will integrate manual examination methods and clinical special tests. Treatment strategies will be based on impairments and classifications. The treatment approach will be unique and integrates the best evidence in a clinically relevant manner.

Sensory Processing or Behavior:Implications for Intervention

Implications for Intervention: This workshop will focus on the underlying causes of challenging behavior that impact performance and functional outcomes. Clinicians will learn how to differentiate between the sensory processing problems and the behavioral/emotional problems in order to develop an integrated approach to intervention. We will specifically address visual and vestibular processing disorders that impact social skills and school performance as the key to designing effective integrated treatment for improved sensory processing, motor skills and behavior.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Maximizing Functional Outcomes

The long term functional consequences of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury have become evident in recent years due to the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the press around sports related concussion. This course focuses on evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for survivors of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury. Content will emphasize activity engagement and participation outcome measures through evaluation and treatment of vulnerabilities frequently associated with TBI; sensory processing disorders, mobility impairments, behavioral health issues, and higher-level cognitive functioning deficits. Through case analysis course participants will learn the most current rehabilitation strategies for this population. Upon completion, participants will be prepared to implement established assessment techniques and develop effective treatment strategies designed to maximize functional outcomes for survivors of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury across the continuum of care across the life span.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Symptoms of “dizziness” are the number 3 reason individuals over the age of 65 seek medical attention. It becomes the number 1 reason for seeking care in individuals over the age of 70. Medical or surgical management is often not indicated or helpful, but many of these individuals do benefit from vestibular rehabilitation techniques. In addition, 50% of the individuals over the age of 65 with dizziness will develop a particular form of vertigo that can be alleviated with one simple therapy treatment. These individuals with vertigo and dysequilibrium represent a large patient population for physical and occupational therapy.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Dizziness and Balance Disorders

Symptoms of “dizziness” are the number 3 reason individuals over the age of 65 seek medical attention. It becomes the number 1 reason for seeking care in individuals over the age of 70. Medical or surgical management is often not indicated or helpful, but many of these individuals do benefit from vestibular rehabilitation techniques. In addition, 50% of the individuals over the age of 65 with dizziness will develop a particular form of vertigo that can be alleviated with one simple therapy treatment. These individuals with vertigo and dysequilibrium represent a large patient population for physical and occupational therapy.

Intervention for the High Risk Infant

Providing Services in the NICU and During the Transition Home: This two day lecture seminar offers practical strategies toward a contextual approach to behavioral, developmental and feeding assessment and intervention. Video, demonstration and case examples will be used throughout the seminar to introduce the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), to illustrate feeding assessment and intervention and to train participants in administration and scoring of the Posture and Fine Motor Assessment of Infants. Participants will enhance their clinical skills through creative problem-solving around developmental and therapeutic intervention in the NICU and during the transition home.

Torticollis: Effective Treatment of Infants and Children

Participants will learn to effectively treat infants and young children with torticollis, including those cases that are most challenging. Learn to analyze the effects of torticollis, sleep posture and increased use of positional devices on infant postural development and their implications for management. Clinical pathways for management of infant head sape, diagnostic procedures and surgical intervention will be appraised. Functional, clinically oriented evaluation and evidence based treatment strategies for infants and young children that can be integrated into play will be provided. Participants will learn home exercise programs and effective strategies to team with parents to ensure follow through. Learning opportunities will transpire through lectures, case reports, group problem solving and video review.

Treatment of Children w/Sensory Emotional & Motor Challenges

Getting the Beat with Music, Rhythm and Sequencing: The focus of this course is to learn effective treatment strategies that are designed to help individuals with sensory processing disorders (SPED) lead full and productive lives. This intensive conference will provide clinicians with dynamic state of the art intervention strategies that support integration of sensation. Presentation of current neurobiology of the vestibular system’s central role in sub-cortical and cortical intercommunication and related research are reviewed. Assessment strategies and intervention methods that are intended to: -Improve sensory modulation -Enhance vestibular function and postural skills Optimize social readiness -Synchronize the organization and sequencing of motor skills and behavior as needed for optimal function in time and space

Functional Strengthening in Children

Designing effective treatment programs to improve strength, endurance and function in children with disabilities and chronic conditions can be enormously challenging. This course will help clinicians set realistic goals, prioritize treatment and implement successful programs for children with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, autism developmental coordination disorder, and obesity. An evidence based approach to outcome measures and intervention design will be discussed including frequency, intensity, duration and types of interventions to improve strength and function. Participants will observe and practice some of these measurement and intervention techniques during short demonstration sessions and case studies. Specific intervention activities will be discussed such as strategies to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance and function such as progressive resistive exercises, resistance bands, treadmill training, therapeutic ball exercises, aquatic exercise, structured play and yoga. Evidence on the effectiveness of existing communitybased programs and resources to improve physical activity, strength and endurance in children will be discussed.

Treatment of Patients with Neurologic Disorders

The past 15 years has provided a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding the evaluation and treatment of persons with neurological diagnoses. How does a busy clinician keep up with the evidence? This course will get you up to speed in only 2 days! Diagnoses will include stroke, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and TBI. Outcome measures will be reviewed including “real life” information such as clinical feasibility and recommendations for different clinical settings. The evidence of upper and lower extremity treatments will be presented including: constraint induced therapy, task specific training, locomotor training, circuit training and different types of exercise. The use of technologies will be reviewed including electrical stimulation, virtual reality, robotics and brain stimulation. Strategies to deal with spasticity will also be presented including rehabilitation interventions following botox injections. Translation to the clinic will be highlighted including treatment protocols, frequency and duration. Foundational strategies including neuroplasticity, motor learning and fitness training will be emphasized. Screening for and preventing falls for persons with neurological diagnoses will also be presented. The role of online resources, systematic reviews and metaanalyses will be presented and attendees will be given an updated reference list including websites that are helpful for keeping up with the evidence.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes

This course will improve patient outcomes by enabling you to diagnose and treat impairments in alignment, muscle length and patterns of movement and their relationship to musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Practical application of the diagnostic categories for movement system impairment (MSI) syndromes, as developed by Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, and the relationship to musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunction will be highlighted. Discussion and demonstrations will focus on developing a precise therapeutic exercise program, correcting faulty posture/ movement, modifying functional activities for orthopedic, neurologic and geriatric clients.

Intensive Handling and Problem Solving for Function

An NDT Approach: This intensive course is designed for experienced pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapists who are interested in improving their problemsolving skills in order to achieve more efficient functional outcomes for children with Neuro-Motor disorders such as Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Emphasizing a NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) framework, the course will utilize client videos as a basis for problem solving sessions and handling labs. Therapists will have the opportunity to develop realistic short and long-term functional outcomes, analyze multi-system and single-system impairments and develop treatment plans. Labs will focus on handling strategies that address the priority impairments and facilitate optimal control of posture and movement. Carryover strategies for home, school and community will also be discussed.

Socially Speaking for Young Children w/Autism & Special Need

Readiness to learn appropriate social skills can be an area of challenge for toddlers and young children who have special needs, especially those with autism spectrum disorders. This workshop will teach participants how to develop and implement a behavior management plan to target specific social skills, and to shape specific play skills. Learn to shift from a crisis intervention paradigm to one that methodically improves the child's self-regulation and communication. Learn to use data collection, specific goal planning and progress monitoring, and cognitive based language lessons to reshape behavior. Learn tools and strategies to facilitate communication for social skills, such as expressing feelings, problem solving, and using humor. Use assistive technology (AT) and multi-sensory learning experiences to facilitate thematic learning, manage behavior, and increase motivation. Develop empathy, a sense of humor, and resilience in the children you serve.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

This evidence-based course will train clinicians in the practical management of vestibular disorders. The course will include instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical management, pathology, detailed bedside examination and treatment skills. The material will be presented in a lecture, lab and video case study format. Competence in the performance of a comprehensive office / bedside examination and treatment skills will be addressed in a lab format. The seminar is intended to enhance the clinician’s ability to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of VRT for vestibular disorders. Practical application of VRT to a variety of practice settings (outpatient, acute care, SNF, ER) will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on the management of BPPV variants and vestibular hypofunction.

Complex Feeding Disorders: Treating Whole Child

Children with complex feeding aversions/disorders in hospital, school and private practice settings present a challenge for clinicians. In this course, clinicians will learn a successful, comprehensive evaluation of complex problems, including those encountered by children with structural issues, cardiac issues, prematurity, Autism, syndromes, GI issues, sensory integration disorders, and Downs Syndrome. Day two will focus on a holistic treatment approach for common feeding disorders that are characteristic of many of these children, including tube dependency, lack of autonomy, rigid eating patterns, inability to regulate their own hunger/satiety and difficulty transitioning to table foods. In addition to innovative, effective treatment techniques, participants will learn how to determine what intensity of therapy is warranted. Many case studies with videos will be used to illustrate the complex nature of these children.

Baby Steps: Building Ambulation Interventions:0-3 Population

Baby Steps: Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population with Posture and Movement Dysfunction: How do you maximize your time and target gait in your interventions with infants and toddlers? This course will focus on pre and early ambulation in a population that is predisposed to rapid and dramatic changes: the birth to three population. We will examine typical and atypical preparation for, and development of, ambulation in the infant and toddler. The impact of biomechanics, the neuromuscular system, the sensory system, orthotics, tone management, and assistive equipment will be integrated as participants learn to build intervention strategies to address ambulation early and effectively in infants and toddlers with diagnoses such as CP, developmental delay, prematurity, and Down Syndrome. Course material will be presented using lecture, videos, lab and group problem solving.

Mobilizing the Medically Complex Acute Care Patient

An Evidence-Based Approach: Therapists are often challenged when presented with complex acute care patients who may have cardiovascular and/or pulmonary dysfunction or complications in addition to other medical conditions. Mobilizing these complex patients safely requires integration of the implications of lab values, diagnostic test results, patient history, medications and equipment. Signs of patient instability and when and how to modify or terminate treatment will be discussed. This course provides therapists with the knowledge, problem solving skills, and all the red flags for assessing mobility as well as the tools to develop safe and appropriate intervention programs for patients in acute care no matter their diagnosis.

NDT Treatment of the Baby and Child

Learn how to assess and treat babies from birth to 3 years old with known or suspected neuromotor impairments. An emphasis will be placed on the practical application of treatment strategies to gain functional outcomes appropriate for this age group and how to incorporate therapeutic strategies into family life.

Linking Play to Function

Linking Play to Function: Utilizing Neurodevelopmental and Sensory integration Strategies fo Facilitate Functional Skills Through Play: This workshop, developed and taught by Lezlie Adler, internationally renowned clinician and teacher, will focus on play as a vehicle for learning for children with developmental challenges. Current information on Neuro Developmental Treatment and Sensory Integration will provide the foundation for analyzing and applying play to assessment and intervention with children of all ages to attain functional skills. Participants are invited to bring 3-5 minute videos of children with challenges.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Dizziness and Balance

This evidence-based course will train clinicians in the practical management of vestibular disorders. The course will include instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical management, pathology, detailed bedside examination and treatment skills. The material will be presented in a lecture, lab and video case study format. Competence in the performance of a comprehensive office / bedside examination and treatment skills will be addressed in a lab format. The seminar is intended to enhance the clinician’s ability to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of VRT for vestibular disorders. Practical application of VRT to a variety of practice settings (outpatient, acute care, SNF, ER) will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on the management of BPPV variants and vestibular hypofunction.

Sensory Integration Intensive

This intensive, hands on evidence-based four-day course addresses sensory integrative dysfunction across all ages in those with Autism spectrum, developmental and learning disorders. Participants will leave armed with new strategies to assess and treat across five interdependent systems: motor, sensory, emotional-relational, communication and cognitive problem solving. Participants will learn to treat the root deficit systems instead of isolated deficit behaviors. This effective approach helps patients to show spontaneity and self-motivation to seek out increasingly positive interactions. The focus will be on tools to improve body awareness, postural stability/security, coordinative skill, motor planning, interest and skill with interpersonal communication, organization, and abstract reasoning for learning.

Diagnosis, Prognosis & Functional Improvement Neuro Patients

Does what’s going on in the nervous system really matter to therapy practice? This course is designed to provide clinical relevance to nervous system activity and dysfunction and will provide therapists with a new perspective for improving outcomes in their patients with neurologic deficits. A framework for clinical decision making and therapy intervention based on the clinical relevance of the neuropathology underlying the movement dysfunction will be presented. Participants will learn an evidence based approach to selecting the most appropriate interventions based on functional prognosis and learn when and how to facilitate recovery versus facilitate compensation.This course will investigate multiple neurological patient populations including Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and Dementia for the purpose of differential presentation of symptoms and correlation with neurological anatomy and function. A structure will be presented to allow the participant to similarly delineate other neurological entities independently in the future. Additionally, participants will be able to perform a comprehensive neurological examination, correlating findings to symptoms, neuropathology and prognosis as well as skillful documentation. Appropriate facilitation of compensatory neuronal pathways will be explored to maximize plasticity and enhance functional recovery.

Geriatric Strength Building for Function

Many clinicians are fearful of injuring geriatric patients with strength exercises and therefore these patients are often under-exercised. With a thorough understanding of the research, optimal strength exercises can be applied to virtually all senior patients. Whatever setting you work in, this practical, clinically applicable seminar (including lab) will help you get great strength exercise results and improve function. Whether you work in a skilled nursing facility, acute care, home health, or an outpatient clinic, this course will help you get great results!

Best Practices Treatment of Child w/ CP Neurologic Disorders

This course is designed for therapists who work with children of all ages (infant through school age) with moderate and severe cerebral palsy (CP) and related diagnoses. Therapists can optimize their outcomes when they have appropriate assessment tools, are familiar with the evidence basis of their many intervention options, and can reliably predict the natural progression of each child’s clinical course. During Day One, we will look at the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) as a tool to help optimize therapy outcomes. Participants will learn to identify each child’s GMFCS Level, choose appropriate goals, and predict orthopedic complications, orthotic and assistive devices. Case stories will be used to illustrate this process.

Effective Ways Manage Behavior Increase Functional Outcomes

Effectively treat children with sensory based problems and general behavior problems using a new approach that combines sensory integration and behavioral techniques to proactively address interfering behaviors and strengthen social skills and learning. This hands-on lab course emphasizes practical scientific based strategies involving handling, play, art, music, and movement activities. This new approach synthesizes Sensory Integration, Behavioral, NDT, NeuroPsychology, Sensory Massage, and Trager Body Work. Participants are armed with numerous strategies that can be implemented immediately with children who have general behavioral problems, emotional problems, Autism, Asperger’s, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, ADHD, Conduct Disorder,or a history of abuse/neglect. All participants receive Dr. Pagano’s recently published FAB Environmental Adaptation, Firm Pressure Progression, Handling, and Activity Strategies and learn to individualize them for varied clients.

Mobilizing the Medically Acute Care Patient

Therapists are often challenged when presented with complex acute care patients who may have cardiovascular and/or pulmonary dysfunction or complications in addition to other medical conditions. Mobilizing these complex patients safely requires integration of the implications of lab values, diagnostic test results, patient history, medications and equipment. Signs of patient instability and when and how to modify or terminate treatment will be discussed. This course provides therapists with the knowledge, problem solving skills, and all the red flags for assessing mobility as well as the tools to develop safe and appropriate intervention programs for patients in acute care no matter their diagnosis.

Sensory Processing or Behavior?Implications for Intervention

This workshop will focus on the underlying causes of challenging behavior that impact performance and functional outcomes. Clinicians will learn how to differentiate between the sensory processing problems and the behavioral/emotional problems in order to develop an integrated approach to intervention. We will specifically address visual and vestibular processing disorders that impact social skills and school performance as the key to designing effective integrated treatment for improved sensory processing, motor skills and behavior. Through extensive video case analysis of infants, toddlers, school age children and adults, this course examines sensory-motor development and its role in the development of attention, learning and behavior. This course will create a paradigm shift and give participants a "new lens" with which they can assess clients. Participants will learn to assess the subtle motor and sensory deficits that may be contributing to attention, motor and behavioral challenges, and most importantly, will learn concrete strategies and treatment techniques to apply immediately. Patient Population: Autism, PDD, Developmental Delays, Sensory Processing Disorders and ADHD Infancy through Adult.

ICU and Acute Care Update

Therapists working with patients in ICU face a complex challenge. These patients have limited mobility due to life support, monitoring equipment, multiple medical problems and muscle weakness. For selected patients in ICU, early mobility and walking enhances functional outcomes by optimizing cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular status. Early mobility can lead to an increase in the patient’s quality of life and higher functional capability. It can also potentially reduce length of hospital stay with overall reduced costs. The content of this course will guide clinicians through the process of managing adult ICU patients. Case reports will be presented to demonstrate how the early mobility and walking program in ICU can positively impact the recovery of selected patients.

Praxis: Evaluation and Treatment of the Clumsy Child

Many school-age children struggle with motor skills that their peers have long mastered. These "clumsy" children may exhibit difficulties with writing, activities of daily living, as well as issues with play and sports. This lab course will provide practical and effective intervention strategies for these children. Underlying etiologies of clumsiness (developmental incoordination disorders) as well as newer concepts of motor control and motor development will be discussed in relationship to other neurophysiologic concepts. This course will discuss evaluation tools to isolate the roots of the problem and treatment techniques and suggestions for the classroom utilizing an integrated approach. Functional outcomes and clinical effectiveness will be emphasized.

Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population

Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population with Posture and Movement Dysfunction: How do you maximize your time and target gait in your interventions with infants and toddlers? This course will focus on pre and early ambulation in a population that is predisposed to rapid and dramatic changes: the birth to three population. We will examine typical and atypical preparation for, and development of, ambulation in the infant and toddler. The impact of biomechanics, the neuromuscular system, the sensory system, orthotics, tone management, and assistive equipment will be integrated as participants learn to build intervention strategies to address ambulation early and effectively in infants and toddlers with diagnoses such as CP, developmental delay, prematurity, and Down Syndrome. Course material will be presented using lecture, videos, lab and group problem solving.

Complex Feeding Disorders: NICU, EI and Home

Complex Feeding Disorders: NICU, EI, Home: This workshop will provide strategies to promote successful feeding for infants in the NICU, infants who are NICU graduates, and infants in EI who have medically complicated histories. Participants will develop strong skills in interpreting case histories and how to use this knowledge to implement change, and will learn how to develop a treatment course to prevent and treat these disorders. Focus will be placed on direct treatment strategies.

Three Day Intensive Treating the Child with Hypotonia

This three day intensive workshop on treating the child with hypotonia will focus on specific strategies to improve motor control in this population. Techniques to improve proximal control, sustained postural movements against gravity, and symmetrical alignment will be demonstrated through use of videotapes, as well as patient demonstrations and practice labs. Participants will learn treatment strategies that can be applied in various practice settings to improve functional performance and independence in children with hypotonia: Down Syndrome, DCD (developmental coordination disorders), Cerebral Palsy, Genetic Disorders, Seizure Disorders Enrollment is limited

Treatment in Patients with Neurologic Disorders

This course will focus on making evidence based strategies easy to integrate into adult neuro-rehab practice. Outcome measures that are reliable and valid in persons with neurological diagnoses (acute, chronic and degenerative)will be presented and demonstrated. Treatment approaches that improve functional participation, ambulation and upper extremity skill will be presented. Foundational strategies include strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning and neuroplasticity with case studies focusing on Stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson's, and fall risk assessment and treatment.

Integrating NDT, SI & Motor Learning Perspectives in Ped's

Are the goals you are setting for the children you treat, realistic? Is the treatment approach the most effective to achieve the outcome you want? This workshop will enhance critical thinking skills to enable therapists to use a systematic approach to treating children with developmental challenges. Focus will be on problem solving to gain function for children with motor control, sensory processing and behavioral compromise. The unique approach will help therapists set realistic measurable goals, set priorities and determine frequency of treatment and exit criteria.

Geriatric Neurology in the Medically Complex Client

Learn evaluation and treatment protocols most appropriate for medically complex older persons with neurological dysfunction. This course will focus on clinical decision making to prioritize key exam findings and develop appropriate treatment strategies in light of complex presentations and co-morbidities. Modifying functional mobility training and therapeutic exercise will be discussed. Evidence-based information on specific neurological assessment and treatment of older clients with Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, balance and gait disorders, neuro-sensory pathologies, and pain problems will be provided. An evaluative model for looking at neurological dysfunction from a complex medical perspective across the spectrum of care will be addressed. The major pathologies that will be highlighted include Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Vascular Accidents, and the neurological manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. A focus on balance and falls, functional mobility, evaluation of numerous causes of dizziness and physical changes, and treatment interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of falls will also be included.

Socially Speaking for Young Children w/ Autism&Special Needs

Readiness to learn appropriate social skills can be an area of challenge for toddlers and young children who have special needs, especially those with autism spectrum disorders. This workshop will teach participants how to develop and implement a behavior management plan to target specific social skills, and to shape specific play skills. Learn to shift from a crisis intervention paradigm to one that methodically improves the child's self-regulation and communication. Learn to use data collection, specific goal planning and progress monitoring, and cognitive based language lessons to reshape behavior. Learn tools and strategies to facilitate communication for social skills, such as expressing feelings, problem solving, and using humor. Use assistive technology (AT) and multi-sensory learning experiences to facilitate thematic learning, manage behavior, and increase motivation. Develop empathy, a sense of humor, and resilience in the children you serve.

Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population

How do you maximize your time and target gait in your interventions with infants and toddlers? This course will focus on pre and early ambulation in a population that is predisposed to rapid and dramatic changes: the birth to three population. We will examine typical and atypical preparation for, and development of, ambulation in the infant and toddler. The impact of biomechanics, the neuromuscular system, the sensory system, orthotics, tone management, and assistive equipment will be integrated as participants learn to build intervention strategies to address ambulation early and effectively in infants and toddlers with diagnoses such as CP, developmental delay, prematurity, and Down Syndrome. Course material will be presented using lecture, videos, lab and group problem solving.

Assessment & Treatment of Children w/ Oral Motor Challenges

Assessment and Treatment of Children with Oral Motor, Feeding/Swallowing and Respiratory Function Challenges This course delivers clinically relevant assessment and treatment strategies for infants and children with neuromotor impairments and challenges to their oral motor, feeding/swallowing and respiratory function. A special emphasis is on postural alignment and control as well as on sensory factors that can influence a child’s feeding and swallowing. Effective treatment strategies to improve cheeks/lips, tongue, jaw and rib cage function will be highlighted. Participants will engage in extensive clinical problem solving via group case analysis and patient demonstration sessions.

Children's Brains, Neuroplasticity & Pediatric Intervention

This course is designed to present the most recent empirical evidence regarding efficacy of specific therapy related interventions. Emphasis will be on strategies for children with cerebral palsy and other neurologic-based diagnoses. Videotapes of treatment sessions will be used to illustrate major points and to present longitudinal case studies. Recent information on neuroplasticity and motor learning principles as related to the developing child is included and implications for the most effective clinical interventions are suggested. Treatment strategies based on current knowledge of neuroplasticity, such as constraint-induced therapy and treadmill training, are emphasized. The information presented should be immediately applicable to the organization of clinical treatment sessions and home, school, and community-based programs for children with a variety of developmental disabilities.

A Neurobiological Approach to Assessment and Treatment

This intensive lab course will help you link neuroscience to your clinical practice with a focus on evidence based interventions to improve measurable outcomes for adults and children with neurological challenges. It teaches you how to use tools to support the brain’s ability to rewire itself rather than retraining or relearning a specific skill. This course draws on the expansive brain-behavioral sciences to provide a framework for assessment, priority setting, prognosis and intervention for clients in any treatment setting from those with acute issues such as medically fragile diagnoses, behavioral issues, to those with chronic issues in any treatment setting.

Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders:The SOS Approach to Feeding

The SOS Approach to Feeding is a Transdisciplinary Program for assessing and treating children with feeding and weight/growth difficulties. It has been developed over the course of 15 years through the clinical work of Dr. Kay Toomey, in conjunction with colleagues from several different disciplines including: Pediatricians, Occupational Therapists, Registered Dieticians, and Speech Pathologists/Therapists. This program integrates sensory, motor, oral, behavioral/learning, medical and nutritional factors and approaches in order to comprehensively evaluate and manage children with feeding/growth problems. It is based on, and grounded philosophically in, the “normal” developmental steps, stages and skills of feeding found in typically developing children. The treatment component of the program utilizes these typical developmental steps towards feeding to create a systematic desensitization hierarchy of skills/behaviors necessary for children to progress with eating various textures, and with growing at an appropriate rate for them. The assessment component of the program makes sure that all physical reasons for atypical feeding development are examined and appropriately treated medically. In addition, the SOS Approach works to identify any nutritional deficits and to develop recommendations as appropriate to each individual child’s growth parameters and needs. Skills across all developmental areas are also assessed with regards to feeding, as well as an examination of learning capabilities with regards to using the SOS program.

Geriatric Strength Building for Function

Many clinicians are fearful of injuring geriatric patients with strength exercises and therefore these patients are often under-exercised. With a thorough understanding of the research, optimal strength exercises can be applied to virtually all senior patients. Whatever setting you work in, this practical, clinically applicable seminar (including lab) will help you get great strength exercise results and improve function. Whether you work in a skilled nursing facility, acute care, home health, or an outpatient clinic, this course will help you get great results!

Torticollis: Effective Treatment of Infants & Children

This course will concentrate on effective treatment schemes for infants and young children with a diagnosis of torticollis with or without plagiocephaly, including challenging cases. Participants will analyze the implications of torticollis, sleep posture and increased use of positional devices on infant postural and motor development. Clinical pathways for management of infant head shape, diagnostic procedures and surgical intervention will be appraised. Functional, clinically oriented evaluation and evidence based treatment strategies that can be integrated into play will be provided. Emphasis on home exercise programs and effective strategies to team with parents to ensure follow through will be explored. Learning opportunities for therapists and medical professionals involved in pediatrics will transpire through lecture, case reports, group problem solving and video review.

Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population

Baby Steps: Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population with Posture and Movement Dysfunction: How do you maximize your time and target gait in your interventions with infants and toddlers? This course will focus on pre and early ambulation in a population that is predisposed to rapid and dramatic changes: the birth to three population. We will examine typical and atypical preparation for, and development of, ambulation in the infant and toddler. The impact of biomechanics, the neuromuscular system, the sensory system, orthotics, tone management, and assistive equipment will be integrated as participants learn to build intervention strategies to address ambulation early and effectively in infants and toddlers with diagnoses such as CP, developmental delay, prematurity, and Down Syndrome. Course material will be presented using lecture, videos, lab and group problem solving.

Best practices Treatment of Patients w/ Neurologic Disorders

This course will focus on making evidence based strategies easy to integrate into adult neuro-rehab practice. Outcome measures that are reliable and valid in persons with neurological diagnoses (acute, chronic and degenerative)will be presented and demonstrated. Treatment approaches that improve functional participation, ambulation and upper extremity skill will be presented. Foundational strategies include strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning and neuroplasticity with case studies focusing on Stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson's, and fall risk assessment and treatment.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

This evidence-based course will train clinicians in the practical management of vestibular disorders. The course will include instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical management, pathology, detailed bedside examination and treatment skills. The material will be presented in a lecture, lab and video case study format. Competence in the performance of a comprehensive office / bedside examination and treatment skills will be addressed in a lab format. The seminar is intended to enhance the clinician’s ability to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of VRT for vestibular disorders. Practical application of VRT to a variety of practice settings (outpatient, acute care, SNF, ER) will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on the management of BPPV variants and vestibular hypofunction.

Pharmacology Fundamentals for Therapies

Patients undergoing therapy routinely take both prescription drugs and OTC medicines that ultimately influence treatment outcomes. Therapists with knowledge of these medicines practice safer, more effective therapy. The course will examine Rx and non-Rx medicine used in the therapy setting and will cover side effects that influence treatment and outcomes. Information will focus on drug actions and patient errors when treating pain, as well as common disorders of the musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiorespiratory, and endocrine systems. Common OTC drugs and herbals are examined for occult hazards and drug interactions. Electronic resources for free drug-related information will be demonstrated.

Nothing Else Matters if you Can't Breathe

Every patient you treat is a cardiovascular and pulmonary patient. For the client in the Intensive Care Unit, the Long Term Care Unit, Acute Care, Outpatient, Home, or school setting, your therapy outcome will be limited by primary and secondary cardiopulmonary impairments. Learn how to integrate examination and treatment of these systems with your traditional approaches in order to maximize functional outcomes whether the initial diagnosis medical, neurologic or orthopedic. Improve your clinical competence for evaluating and treating the trunk and respiratory system as well as the cardiac system to alter the client's rehabilitation outcome evidence with evidence based interventions because Nothing Else Matters If You Can't Breathe!

Comprehensive Assessment & Treatment of the Shoulder Complex

This intensive lab course will focus on an evidence based approach to examination and treatment of the shoulder complex, and will address the multitude of conditions and syndromes that cause shoulder pain and impact overall function including impingement conditions, rotator cuff tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis, subacromial bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder pain, arthritis, overuse syndromes, scapular syndromes, shoulder instability, thoracic outlet syndrome and radiculitis/peripheral nerve entrapment. Differential diagnosis of this region including cervico-thoracic contribution to the shoulder conditions will be discussed. Best practices for diagnostic accuracy will integrate manual examination methods and clinical special tests. Treatment strategies will be based on impairments and classifications. The treatment approach will be unique and integrates the best evidence in a clinically relevant manner.

Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders

The SOS Approach to Feeding is a Transdisciplinary Program for assessing and treating children with feeding and weight/growth difficulties. It has been developed over the course of 15 years through the clinical work of Dr. Kay Toomey, in conjunction with colleagues from several different disciplines including: Pediatricians, Occupational Therapists, Registered Dieticians, and Speech Pathologists/Therapists. This program integrates sensory, motor, oral, behavioral/learning, medical and nutritional factors and approaches in order to comprehensively evaluate and manage children with feeding/growth problems. It is based on, and grounded philosophically in, the “normal” developmental steps, stages and skills of feeding found in typically developing children. The treatment component of the program utilizes these typical developmental steps towards feeding to create a systematic desensitization hierarchy of skills/behaviors necessary for children to progress with eating various textures, and with growing at an appropriate rate for them. The assessment component of the program makes sure that all physical reasons for atypical feeding development are examined and appropriately treated medically. In addition, the SOS Approach works to identify any nutritional deficits and to develop recommendations as appropriate to each individual child’s growth parameters and needs. Skills across all developmental areas are also assessed with regards to feeding, as well as an examination of learning capabilities with regards to using the SOS program.

Therapeutic Interventions in the NICU

This course focuses on developmental and therapeutic interventions in the NICU. It covers assessment and treatment, transition to home, post discharge follow-up and identification of emerging disabilities. Strategies to optimize behavior, development and feeding of the neonate will be offered in addition to practical approaches to facilitating teamwork and caregiver engagement in the NICU setting and through the transition home.

Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population

How do you maximize your time and target gait in your interventions with infants and toddlers? This course will focus on pre and early ambulation in a population that is predisposed to rapid and dramatic changes: the birth to three population. We will examine typical and atypical preparation for, and development of, ambulation in the infant and toddler. The impact of biomechanics, the neuromuscular system, the sensory system, orthotics, tone management, and assistive equipment will be integrated as participants learn to build intervention strategies to address ambulation early and effectively in infants and toddlers with diagnoses such as CP, developmental delay, prematurity, and Down Syndrome. Course material will be presented using lecture, videos, lab and group problem solving.

Management of the Complex Acute Care Patient

This course is designed to enhance the clinical decision-making skills of participants for early mobilization and safe, effective treatment of acutely ill patients. As more patients survive critical illnesses, intervention must complement the highly technologic, life-saving medical therapies, regardless of practice setting. Discussion of lines, physiologic monitors, lab values, and diagnostic test results will focus on implications for treatment. This course will highlight a multisystem approach to the acutely ill patient. Participants will integrate examination findings into individualized care plans that can be implemented from ICU and across acute care and post-acute practice settings. This course is designed for physical therapists and assistants and occupational therapists and assistants who care for acutely ill adult patients in ICU’s, acute care hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, subacute rehabilitation centers, inpatient rehabilitation facilities and home care.

Intensive Handling & Problem Solving Function:NDT Approach

This intensive course is designed for experienced pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapists who are interested in improving their problemsolving skills in order to achieve more efficient functional outcomes for children with Neuro-Motor disorders such as Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Emphasizing a NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) framework, the course will utilize client videos as a basis for problem solving sessions and handling labs. Therapists will have the opportunity to develop realistic short and long-term functional outcomes, analyze multi-system and single-system impairments and develop treatment plans. Labs will focus on handling strategies that address the priority impairments and facilitate optimal control of posture and movement. Carryover strategies for home, school and community will also be discussed.

Sensory Processing Disorder in Young Children

This workshop will build on participant’s understanding of sensory integration theory, and sensory processing disorders and utilize a model for using diagnostic understanding to structure assessment, and direct and indirect intervention for young children. Understanding individual differences and dysfunction will be used as a frame for clinical reasoning. Intervention for young children with SPD will be discussed in terms of helping parents to better understand their child, creation of a goodness of fit between the child as they function in natural environments, and individualized direct intervention utilizing Ayres Sensory Integration© in conjunction with other appropriate evidence based intervention approaches. Focus will be on clinical reasoning, reflection, and practical suggestions for home and center-based intervention. Participants are welcome to submit tapes and be prepared to discuss clinical challenges in their own caseloads

ICU and Acute Care Update

Therapists working with patients in ICU face a complex challenge. These patients have limited mobility due to life support, monitoring equipment, multiple medical problems and muscle weakness. For selected patients in ICU, early mobility and walking enhances functional outcomes by optimizing cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular status. Early mobility can lead to an increase in the patient’s quality of life and higher functional capability. It can also potentially reduce length of hospital stay with overall reduced costs. The content of this course will guide clinicians through the process of managing adult ICU patients. Case reports will be presented to demonstrate how the early mobility and walking program in ICU can positively impact the recovery of selected patients.

Diagnosis & Treatment Movement Impairment Syndromes Level 1

This course will improve patient outcomes by enabling you to diagnose and treat impairments in alignment, muscle length and patterns of movement and their relationship to musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Practical application of the diagnostic categories for movement system impairment (MSI) syndromes, as developed by Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, and the relationship to musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunction will be highlighted. Discussion and demonstrations will focus on developing a precise therapeutic exercise program, correcting faulty posture/ movement, modifying functional activities for orthopedic, neurologic and geriatric clients.

Best Practices in Home Health Care

As society ages and medical treatments advance, many older adults are living at home with complex medical problems. Home health care has become more complicated and requires specialized, advanced skills. Do you have the skills to provide your patients with the safest and best possible care? This course is designed to provide physical and occupational therapists with the most up-to-date, evidenced-based techniques for assessment and treatment of the medically complex geriatric home care patient. The course format is lecture with discussion of the most recent Medicare changes, research, tests and tools. Participants will also learn how to access the best current evidence using the internet to make best practice decisions for their patients. Case studies and audiovisuals will be incorporated to facilitate an active learning environment.

Yoga and Pilates Therapy for the Child with Special Needs

Are you frustrated when the children you are treating don't achieve the expected outcomes? This extensive Lab workshop will arm you with new tools to incorporate into your therapeutic approach. Learn to integrate Pilates and Yoga exercise techniques to improve strength, core stabilization, flexibility, self regulation, sensory processing, body awareness and more. The course is designed for children from the premature infant in the NICU to the School Age child with: Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Autism, ADHD, Sensory processing disorders, Low tone, High tone or Fluctuating tone, Mild mental retardation, Hard of hearing.

Three Day Intensive on Treating the Child with Hypotonia

This three day intensive workshop on treating the child with hypotonia will focus on specific strategies to improve motor control in this population. Techniques to improve proximal control, sustained postural movements against gravity, and symmetrical alignment will be demonstrated through use of videotapes, as well as patient demonstrations and practice labs. Participants will learn treatment strategies that can be applied in various practice settings to improve functional performance and independence in children with hypotonia: Down Syndrome, DCD (developmental coordination disorders), Cerebral Palsy, Genetic Disorders, Seizure Disorders Enrollment is limited

Mealtime Miseries: Management of Complex Feeding Issues

Carol and Elizabeth share their 30 years of combined clinical practice and expertise in this unique feeding course. Together they have developed the TRansdisciplinary Effective Assessment and Treatment (TR-eatTM) model. This model melds medical management, skill building and behavioral interventions to create a distinctive treatment method with outstanding outcomes for children with complex feeding problems. This dynamic course will cover innovative strategies, using video case examples, to address oral aversion, food refusal, poor transition onto solid foods, texture grading, learning to chew, self feeding and feeding difficulties related to autism and picky eaters. This course is packed with practical solutions and extensive written handouts that will empower you with new treatment methods for your most complex patients. These interventions are systematic and evidence based with research supporting outcomes. This course is appropriate for clinicians with all levels of experience.

Diagnosis, Prognosis & Functional Improvement Neuro Patients

Does what’s going on in the nervous system really matter to therapy practice? This course is designed to provide clinical relevance to nervous system activity and dysfunction and will provide therapists with a new perspective for improving outcomes in their patients with neurologic deficits. A framework for clinical decision making and therapy intervention based on the clinical relevance of the neuropathology underlying the movement dysfunction will be presented. Participants will learn an evidence based approach to selecting the most appropriate interventions based on functional prognosis and learn when and how to facilitate recovery versus facilitate compensation.This course will investigate multiple neurological patient populations including Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and Dementia for the purpose of differential presentation of symptoms and correlation with neurological anatomy and function. A structure will be presented to allow the participant to similarly delineate other neurological entities independently in the future. Additionally, participants will be able to perform a comprehensive neurological examination, correlating findings to symptoms, neuropathology and prognosis as well as skillful documentation. Appropriate facilitation of compensatory neuronal pathways will be explored to maximize plasticity and enhance functional recovery.

Children's Brains, Neuroplasticity, & Ped Intervention

This course is designed to present the most recent empirical evidence regarding efficacy of specific therapy related interventions. Emphasis will be on strategies for children with cerebral palsy and other neurologic-based diagnoses. Videotapes of treatment sessions will be used to illustrate major points and to present longitudinal case studies. Recent information on neuroplasticity and motor learning principles as related to the developing child is included and implications for the most effective clinical interventions are suggested. Treatment strategies based on current knowledge of neuroplasticity, such as constraint-induced therapy and treadmill training, are emphasized. The information presented should be immediately applicable to the organization of clinical treatment sessions and home, school, and community-based programs for children with a variety of developmental disabilities.

The AEIOU Systematic Approach to Pediatric Feeding

This course teaches a step-by-step approach for helping children learn to explore food, enjoy eating, and participate independently in social mealtimes. The AEIOU approach – acceptance, exposure, independence, observation and understanding – offers a new and highly successful method for integrated treatment of infants and young children with challenging feeding disorders using sensory, oral motor, biomedical and environmental strategies. Five factors in this holistic approach emphasize active participation, independence and shared control. This course will arm participants with knowledge and practical information to achieve functional outcomes for complex etiologies, improve quality of mealtime, manage tube dependency and transition to eating solid foods, treat sensory aversions, improve oral-motor skills, achieve home carryover, and more. This course is presented in a dynamic learning environment, using case studies and videos to engage and instruct participants. Extensive resources are provided. Many special populations are discussed including: prematurity, GERD, allergies, autism, failure to thrive, tracheostomy, picky eaters, and children with various syndromes.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Treatment Intensive

This course is designed for physical and occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals working with patients suffering from balance and vestibular disorders. Treating patients with vestibular disorders can be daunting. Recognizing and assessing them can also be challenging, but once the process is completed, you need to be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This course will present vestibular treatments as a system of exercises and movements that the clinician learns to select, grade, and develop a continuum for the individual patient. It will emphasize treatments of vestibular disorders of childhood, adults and the elderly. Childhood paroxysmal vertigo, multiple canal BPPV, Meniere’s disease, ototoxicity, bilateral disorders, malde debarquement, migraine associated vertigo, traumatic vertigo, acoustic neuroma, central vertigo, and disequilibrium of aging will be covered. The course is interactive, with lab sessions to practice treatment techniques, and will offer exercises for problem solving. These experiences will help to develop competencies and promote effective clinical outcomes.

Geriatric Neurology in the Medically Complex Client

Learn evaluation and treatment protocols most appropriate for medically complex older persons with neurological dysfunction. This course will focus on clinical decision making to prioritize key exam findings and develop appropriate treatment strategies in light of complex presentations and co-morbidities. Modifying functional mobility training and therapeutic exercise will be discussed. Evidence-based information on specific neurological assessment and treatment of older clients with Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, balance and gait disorders, neuro-sensory pathologies, and pain problems will be provided. An evaluative model for looking at neurological dysfunction from a complex medical perspective across the spectrum of care will be addressed. The major pathologies that will be highlighted include Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Vascular Accidents, and the neurological manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. A focus on balance and falls, functional mobility, evaluation of numerous causes of dizziness and physical changes, and treatment interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of falls will also be included.

Linking Play to Function

This workshop, developed and taught by Lezlie Adler, internationally renowned clinician and teacher, will focus on play as a vehicle for learning for children with developmental challenges. Current information on Neuro Developmental Treatment and Sensory Integration will provide the foundation for analyzing and applying play to assessment and intervention with children of all ages to attain functional skills. Participants are invited to bring 3-5 minute videos of children with challenges.

Building Ambulation Interventions for the 0-3 Population

How do you maximize your time and target gait in your interventions with infants and toddlers? This course will focus on pre and early ambulation in a population that is predisposed to rapid and dramatic changes: the birth to three population. We will examine typical and atypical preparation for, and development of, ambulation in the infant and toddler. The impact of biomechanics, the neuromuscular system, the sensory system, orthotics, tone management, and assistive equipment will be integrated as participants learn to build intervention strategies to address ambulation early and effectively in infants and toddlers with diagnoses such as CP, developmental delay, prematurity, and Down Syndrome. Course material will be presented using lecture, videos, lab and group problem solving.

Geriatric Neurology: Falls Prevention and Balance

This course explores up-to-date, clinically relevant interventions for improving balance in geriatric and neurologic patients. A key focus is learning to select and use the most appropriate tools for assessing balance/risk of falls and evaluating function. Participants will examine the relationship between cognition, the sensory system and balance control problems and will apply motor control interventions and motor learning concepts to specific conditions. Learning to differentiate between normal aging and pathology informs the development of effective evidence-based treatment strategies to improve functional balance and optimize the environment for patients with balance problems, including the elderly, those with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and medically complex conditions.

Vestibular Rehab: Evaluation & Treatment Dizziness & Balance

This evidence-based course will train clinicians in the practical management of vestibular disorders. The course will include instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical management, pathology, detailed bedside examination and treatment skills. The material will be presented in a lecture, lab and video case study format. Competence in the performance of a comprehensive office / bedside examination and treatment skills will be addressed in a lab format. The seminar is intended to enhance the clinician’s ability to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of VRT for vestibular disorders. Practical application of VRT to a variety of practice settings (outpatient, acute care, SNF, ER) will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on the management of BPPV variants and vestibular hypofunction.

Comprehensive Assessment & Treatment of the Shoulder Complex

This intensive lab course will focus on an evidence based approach to examination and treatment of the shoulder complex, and will address the multitude of conditions and syndromes that cause shoulder pain and impact overall function including impingement conditions, rotator cuff tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis, subacromial bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder pain, arthritis, overuse syndromes, scapular syndromes, shoulder instability, thoracic outlet syndrome and radiculitis/peripheral nerve entrapment. Differential diagnosis of this region including cervico-thoracic contribution to the shoulder conditions will be discussed. Best practices for diagnostic accuracy will integrate manual examination methods and clinical special tests. Treatment strategies will be based on impairments and classifications. The treatment approach will be unique and integrates the best evidence in a clinically relevant manner.

Practical Strategies Treating Complex Pediatric Feeding

Children with complex feeding aversions/disorders in hospital, school and private practice settings present a challenge for clinicians. In this course, clinicians will learn a successful, comprehensive evaluation of complex problems, including those encountered by children with structural issues, cardiac issues, prematurity, Autism, syndromes, GI issues, sensory integration disorders, and Downs Syndrome. Day two will focus on a holistic treatment approach for common feeding disorders that are characteristic of many of these children, including tube dependency, lack of autonomy, rigid eating patterns, inability to regulate their own hunger/satiety and difficulty transitioning to table foods. In addition to innovative, effective treatment techniques, participants will learn how to determine what intensity of therapy is warranted. Many case studies with videos will be used to illustrate the complex nature of these children.

Solving Complex Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Issues

This course will focus on clinical evaluation and decision making for a variety of etiologies that underlie pediatric dysphagia. Through case analysis participants will develop a toolkit of intervention strategies for complex issues including: medically fragile infants and children, picky eaters, children with gastroesophageal reflux, children with G-tubes and others. Special topics include airway stability as a basis for oral feeding, clinical and instrumental evaluations for decision-making in neurologic swallow problems, assessing atypical swallow problems and treatments and identifying the barriers to successful oral feeding.

Sensory Integration Self Regulation Early Interven-Preschool

This workshop is designed to integrate current thinking about sensory integration with ideas of behavioral organization and family centered care for the young child. Participants will learn a new framework for understanding individual differences in sensory based self-regulation based on sensory integration theory. How this model can be integrated across discipline boundaries to help foster goodness-of-fit during play and therapeutic interactions will be highlighted. Clinical reasoning and intervention with different types of sensory integration problems will be focused on and applicable to children of all ages.

NDT & SI for Optimal Function Children Neuromotor Challenges

Coming Soon

Treating Patients Critical Care Setting-Maximizing Potential

Assessment and treatment of acutely ill patients safely requires integrating the patient history with current lab values, diagnostic test results, and an understanding of how their current medications affect status. Therapists need to identify signs of patient instability and know how to modify or to terminate treatment when necessary and how to mobilize them safely and early. This course provides therapists with that knowledge with a goal of preventing or reversing the deconditioning often seen in the acute care and ICU setting. Case studies will be used for clinical problem solving in order to improve functional outcomes with multiple diagnoses commonly seen.

Functional Strengthening in Children

Designing effective treatment programs to improve strength, endurance and function in children with disabilities and chronic conditions can be enormously challenging. This course will help clinicians set realistic goals, prioritize treatment and implement successful programs for children with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, autism developmental coordination disorder, and obesity. An evidence based approach to outcome measures and intervention design will be discussed including frequency, intensity, duration and types of interventions to improve strength and function. Participants will observe and practice some of these measurement and intervention techniques during short demonstration sessions and case studies. Specific intervention activities will be discussed such as strategies to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance and function such as progressive resistive exercises, resistance bands, treadmill training, therapeutic ball exercises, aquatic exercise, structured play and yoga. Evidence on the effectiveness of existing communitybased programs and resources to improve physical activity, strength and endurance in children will be discussed.

Praxis: Evaluation & Treatment of the Clumsy Child

Many school-age children struggle with motor skills that their peers have long mastered. These "clumsy" children may exhibit difficulties with writing, activities of daily living, as well as issues with play and sports. This lab course will provide practical and effective intervention strategies for these children. Underlying etiologies of clumsiness (developmental incoordination disorders) as well as newer concepts of motor control and motor development will be discussed in relationship to other neurophysiologic concepts. This course will discuss evaluation tools to isolate the roots of the problem and treatment techniques and suggestions for the classroom utilizing an integrated approach. Functional outcomes and clinical effectiveness will be emphasized.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Dizziness and Balance Disorders

Symptoms of “dizziness” are the number 3 reason individuals over the age of 65 seek medical attention. It becomes the number 1 reason for seeking care in individuals over the age of 70. Medical or surgical management is often not indicated or helpful, but many of these individuals do benefit from vestibular rehabilitation techniques. In addition, 50% of the individuals over the age of 65 with dizziness will develop a particular form of vertigo that can be alleviated with one simple therapy treatment. These individuals with vertigo and dysequilibrium represent a large patient population for physical and occupational therapy.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Day 3

Symptoms of “dizziness” are the number 3 reason individuals over the age of 65 seek medical attention. It becomes the number 1 reason for seeking care in individuals over the age of 70. Medical or surgical management is often not indicated or helpful, but many of these individuals do benefit from vestibular rehabilitation techniques. In addition, 50% of the individuals over the age of 65 with dizziness will develop a particular form of vertigo that can be alleviated with one simple therapy treatment. These individuals with vertigo and dysequilibrium represent a large patient population for physical and occupational therapy.

Building the Brain:Neurobiological Approach to Treatment

This intensive lab course will help you link neuroscience to your clinical practice with a focus on evidence based interventions to improve measurable outcomes for adults and children with neurological challenges. It teaches you how to use tools to support the brain’s ability to rewire itself rather than retraining or relearning a specific skill. This course draws on the expansive brain-behavioral sciences to provide a framework for assessment, priority setting, prognosis and intervention for clients in any treatment setting from those with acute issues such as medically fragile diagnoses, behavioral issues, to those with chronic issues in any treatment setting.

Children's Brains Neuroplasticity, & Pediatric Intervention

This course is designed to present the most recent empirical evidence regarding efficacy of specific therapy-related interventions. Emphasis will be on strategies for children with cerebral palsy and other neurologic-based diagnoses. Videotapes of treatment sessions will be used to illustrate major points and to present longitudinal case studies. Recent information on neuroplasticity and motor learning principles as related to the developing child is included and implications for the most effective clinical interventions are suggested. Treatment strategies based on current knowledge of neuroplasticity, such as constraint-induced therapy,mirror therapy and treadmill training, are emphasized. The information presented should be immediately applicable to the organization of clinical treatment sessions and home, school, and community-based programs for children with a variety of developmental disabilities. Age and Patient Population: Principles discussed in the course are applicable to children of all ages as well as adults. Treatment strategies presented are designed for the pediatric population.

Complex Feeding Disorders: NICU, EI and Home

Complex Feeding Disorders: NICU, EI, Home: This workshop will provide strategies to promote successful feeding for infants in the NICU, infants who are NICU graduates, and infants in EI who have medically complicated histories. Participants will develop strong skills in interpreting case histories and how to use this knowledge to implement change, and will learn how to develop a treatment course to prevent and treat these disorders. Focus will be placed on direct treatment strategies.

Treating the Cardiac Patient Reaching Full Potential

Patients, in each setting, are sicker than ever before. This requires that therapists in settings, where patients were traditionally considered “stable,” now be aware of acute comorbidities, precautions and contraindications, as well as to make decisions quickly and independently to preserve the patient’s safety and help them reach their full potential. This course delivers clinically relevant and immediately applicable knowledge to inform such decisions for practitioners in any setting, from acute care to rehab, outpatient or home care. Through lecture, case discussion and small group labs, participants will review cardiovascular anatomy and physiology with a clinical background. A key focus will be on medical and surgical issues that impact the patient’s examination, evaluation and interventions, as well as the patient’s prognosis and outcomes. Through case analysis and clinical problem-solving participants will be given an opportunity to decide which impairments are significant and how they can alter their interventions to take the dysfunction into consideration. Clinical monitoring and parameters for safe exercise given a cardiac impairment will be explored.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Symptoms of “dizziness” are the number 3 reason individuals over the age of 65 seek medical attention. It becomes the number 1 reason for seeking care in individuals over the age of 70. Medical or surgical management is often not indicated or helpful, but many of these individuals do benefit from vestibular rehabilitation techniques. In addition, 50% of the individuals over the age of 65 with dizziness will develop a particular form of vertigo that can be alleviated with one simple therapy treatment. These individuals with vertigo and dysequilibrium represent a large patient population for physical and occupational therapy.

NDT & SI for Optimal Function Children Neuromotor Challenges

coming soon

Vestibular Rehabilitation Day 3

Symptoms of “dizziness” are the number 3 reason individuals over the age of 65 seek medical attention. It becomes the number 1 reason for seeking care in individuals over the age of 70. Medical or surgical management is often not indicated or helpful, but many of these individuals do benefit from vestibular rehabilitation techniques. In addition, 50% of the individuals over the age of 65 with dizziness will develop a particular form of vertigo that can be alleviated with one simple therapy treatment. These individuals with vertigo and dysequilibrium represent a large patient population for physical and occupational therapy. Days one and two will focus on the assessment and treatment of patients with vertigo and disequilibrium from vestibular causes. Day three will focus on cervicogenic dizziness. Specific emphasis will be placed on the assessment and treatment of unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction, benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo, central vestibular disorders, and multisensory dizziness. This information is applicable to a large patient population including geriatric patients as well as individuals with CNS lesions such as multiple sclerosis, CVA, and head injury.

Socially Speaking for Young Children Autism & Special Needs

Readiness to learn appropriate social skills can be an area of challenge for toddlers and young children who have special needs, especially those with autism spectrum disorders. This workshop will teach participants how to develop and implement a behavior management plan to target specific social skills, and to shape specific play skills. Learn to shift from a crisis intervention paradigm to one that methodically improves the child's self-regulation and communication. Learn to use data collection, specific goal planning and progress monitoring, and cognitive based language lessons to reshape behavior. Learn tools and strategies to facilitate communication for social skills, such as expressing feelings, problem solving, and using humor. Use assistive technology (AT) and multi-sensory learning experiences to facilitate thematic learning, manage behavior, and increase motivation. Develop empathy, a sense of humor, and resilience in the children you serve.