Mealtime Miseries: Management of Complex Feeding Issues

Psychologist Carol Clawson, MS, PhD, and Elizabeth Elliott, OTR, 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-eat™) 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.

Clinical Approach to Eval./Treat. of Cong. Musc. Torticollis

With the implementation of the back to sleep program by the American Academy of Pediatrics, therapists are noting an increased incidence of children with positional torticollis and plagiocephaly (flattening of the head). This program presents guidelines for successful examination and progression of treatment and discharge for patients with torticollis. Guidelines incorporate current evidence and accepted treatment strategies. Short video case presentations will demonstrate treatment techniques followed by discussion. Course includes 3 hours of home study prior to contact hours. This course content was developed by the Pediatric Rehabilitation Department of the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Handling for Problem Solving and Function

This 2-day course is designed for experienced pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapists who are interested in improving their problem-solving 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 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.

Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach for Infants/Toddlers

Learn to identify and treat the challenges that infants and toddlers must overcome when faced with a neurological deficit or simply a developmental delay. Typical and atypical development will be reviewed as they relate to one another and how the infant/toddler develops functional movement behaviors. Current philosophy and principles of the Neuro-Developmental Treatment approach will be presented as it relates to treatment of the infant and toddler. Slides, video and observation of infant movement will reinforce typical development. Movement labs will be used to facilitate one another through movement transitions and to learn handling techniques on an infant-sized doll. Observation of an assessment and treatment session will show treatment and handling techniques on a client.

There is Always a Reason for the Behavior: Sensory/Behavior?

Clinicians consulting with teachers and families are increasingly challenged by students with complex behavioral issues. As a result, therapists desire discriminating skills and tools to identify the basis of these complexities. Is the behavior a result of neuropsychological limitations in sensory processing or a manifestation of social and emotional experiences? Traditionally, models of intervention have isolated these two features, as separate contributions of functional performance, which, when viewed holistically, are integrated and overlapping aspects of human behavior. This workshop will provide an understanding of the integrated neurobiology of sensory processing and emotional/behavioral problems resulting in “challenging behavior”. Through lecture, problem solving labs, and videotape analysis, you will learn where on the integrated sensory-emotional continuum, sensation and mental health concerns entwine. This understanding, in turn, will allow for easier treatment planning. Treatment strategies will be specific to the home and school environment based upon active analysis of identified behavioral concerns. The workshop is based upon cutting edge research bridging translational research from the fields of neuro-science, occupational therapy, psychology and trauma psychiatry.

The iPad: Practical Ideas for Therapy and Documentation

Goodbye traditional therapy activities, hello “cool”! Introducing the iPad, the hottest new tool for therapists. The portable and lightweight iPad can offer OTs, PTs and SLPs therapy tools at their fingertips and can open up a world of possibilities to individuals with disabilities. Therapists and teachers are beginning to realize the power of iPad apps and they want to know more! Therapists can download children’s song apps to motivate children; puzzle games can address memory, visual perception, tracking and logic; calendar apps provide reminders for memory deficits; touch screen keyboards offers a light touch for students with motor issues; Environmental Controls provide access to the environment; and exercise apps offer carryover activities for patients. The iPad offers therapists a portable means for completing scheduling and documentation of tasks. Learn all about apps for completing therapy activities, for documentation and for fun! It’s like carrying all of your therapy tools in one small package. Whether you are new to the iPad or have some experience, this course will provide a background and ideas on how to use this nifty, new tool.

Handling and Problem Solving for Function

This 2-day course is designed for experienced pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapists who are interested in improving their problem-solving 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 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.