THE PEDIATRIC BRAIN: UNDERSTANDING THE “WHY” BEHIND YOUR THERAPY: Applying Neurobiology to Functional Treatment

$250.00

Janine Wiskind, MS, OTR/L

Cost: $250.00 

This course teaches pediatric therapists how to connect the neurobiology of the various parts of the brain with the sensory-motor development and function they work on in their pediatric population. In this one-day course, therapists will learn about how the brain develops, the neurobiology of cerebral cortex, limbic system, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and brain stem, as well as the sensory systems (visual, vestibular, and tactile systems).  In each section, the instructor applies neurobiology to both function and application to treatment, allowing therapists to synthesize and understand the material to bring it into functional application in creative and appropriate treatment activities.

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OBJECTIVES

Learning Objectives
Participants completing this course will be able to:

  1. Describe the stages of development of the central nervous system in utero.
  1. Explain the functions of the brain stem, cerebral cortices, thalamus, and insula.
  2. Recognize the role that the cerebellum and basal ganglia have on sensory processing and motor control.
  3. Summarize the autonomic nervous system’s role in the regulation of emotion and behavior.
  4. Recognize the role that the somatosensory system, visual, and vestibular systems have on motor control, emotional regulation, and behavior.
  5. Analyze and treat somatosensory and visual-vestibular skills in the pediatric population.
  6. Demonstrate five specific treatment activities integrating the concepts presented in this course.

Course Level 

This course could apply to all levels – there will be new perspectives for advanced therapists and introductory therapists will be able to grasp initial concepts to start incorporating smaller pieces into their practice.

Target Audience

This course has been presented to PT, OT, and SLP over the past 15 years working in various treatment  facilities including hospitals,  schools, and outpatient. The video demonstrations and treatment  techniques are geared more toward children with higher levels of mobility as well as ability  to follow directions. However, the information  has been applied to lower functioning children as we discuss how to correlate the neurobiology  to a variety of populations.  Speech therapists who work in environments that allow for them to be dynamic and utilize movement in their treatment sessions may find the class more relevant than speech therapists who focus more specifically on seated desk work and language skills. Therapists who are curious about the brain and it’s connection to treatment will benefit from the class.

At the end of this course, therapists will have a functional knowledge of neurobiology,  the somatosensory and visual-vestibular systems in the pediatric population. They will be able to utilize this knowledge immediately to augment their current practice.

FACULTY

Janine Wiskind, MS, OTR/L

Janine Wiskind, MS, OTR/L, engages her audience with her dynamic teaching style and makes intense information easy to understand and apply. As a pediatric occupational therapist, beginning her career in brain injury, Janine cultivated her specific concentration in vision which has, in turn, led her to specializing in primitive reflex integration. Janine published articles relating to dysfunction in the pediatric population and was involved in research on the pediatric brain injury unit. Working in inpatient rehab, outpatient, school systems, and now within her own clinic, Janine has had an extensive opportunity to work with a variety of pediatric populations which has led to her diverse array of expertise. Her clinic, On Solid Ground, focuses on primitive reflex integration and on the family unit, ensuring that clinic gains tie to functional changes within the home and family system. The goal of her teaching and class work is to provide effective concepts that will be pertinent in your everyday practice.

Janine receives a speaking fee for the presentation. Janine has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Course Schedule:

5 Minutes:      Introduction

30 Minutes:     Brain Development

60 Minutes:     Neurobiology of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia and their relation to function

60 Minutes:  Neurobiology of the limbic system and their relation to function

60 Minutes:  Therapeutic application and treatment activities

80 Minutes:    Neurobiology of the somatosensory, visual and vestibular systems and their relation to function

15 Minutes:    Therapeutic application and treatment activities

CEU'S

Educational Credits

6 contact hours

Approved for 6 contact hours by NYSED’s State Board for PT.
TSI is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 9310. This live-independent activity is offered at .6 CEUs, intermediate educational level, OT service delivery, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.