Upcoming Workshops and Courses

There's Always a Reason for the Behavior: Is it Sensory or is it Behavior?

Clinician's 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 neurophysiological 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 two day workshop will provide clinicians with an understanding of the integrated neurobiology of sensory processing and emotional/behaivoral problems resulting in "challenging behaviors". Through lecture, problem solving labs and videotape analysis, therapists will learn where on the integrated sensory-emotional continuum, sensation and mental health concerns entwine. This understanding will assist therapists with their problem solving abilities allowing for easier treatment planning. Treatment strategies will be specific to the home and school environment based upon active analysis of identified behavioral concerns.

Early Education Outreach Program
Edmonton, Alberta
Brenda.Gummer@epsb.ca
November 27th and 28th, 2008

Connections: Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorders: Integrating the Neurobiology of Brain-behavior in the Pediatric Population

This dynamic workshop provides a current scientific review of neurobiology of sensory processing disorders, deepening the participants understanding of brainbehavioral relationships in the pediatric population. Bridging evidence with therapeutic intervention, this workshop will leave participants with the capacity to understand the “why” of their interventions. Problem solving and clinical reasoning skills are emphasized, enhancing the development of sensory intervention that is applicable to any environment.

Motivations
Spartanburg, South Carolina
jboston@motivationsceu.com
September 19th and 20th, 2008

Motivations
Dallas, Texas
jboston@motivationsceu.com
October 7th and 8th, 2008
Motivations Inc. www.motivationsceu.com

New York
tsi@therapeuticservices.org
April 26th and 27th, 2009

For upcoming workshops, consults or private sessions feel free to contact Kim at Kimberly@labyrinthjourneys.com

Falling into Place

This user-friendly workshop for pediatric therapists of all disciplines will highlight and update several current treatment approaches for children with special needs. Integrating sensory processing intervention with therapeutic approaches to enhance movement, this workshop will provide a broad spectrum of frameworks for analysis and intervention for pediatric neuro-motor disability. Emphasizing 2007 research combined with practical application, therapists will leave this workshop feeling inspired with new skills and understanding ready to apply back at work on Monday morning.

Participants will be able to:

Woman's Hospital
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Michelle.Spear@womans.org
September 12th and 13th, 2008

Attachment Treatment: Theory and Techniques

The attachment between an infant and a loving parent or caregiver creates a lasting sense of security and safety fo the child, which allows for optimal growth and development. When the attachment relationship is disrupted, children feel insecure, unsafe and anxious. Many difficulties experienced by individuals throughout the lifespan can be traced back to disrupted attachment relationships. An understanding of this important issue is offered in this certificate program. The participant will be trained in attachment theory, self-regulation, and age specific attachment styles. Useful and practical tools directly relevant to the participant's work will be provided. This series will be of interest to anyone working with children, adolescents, adults and families.

Certificate Training Program
Aulneau Renewal Centre
Winnpeg, Manitoba
(204) 987-7090
aulneau.renewal@shaw.ca
September 22th and 23th, 2008

Port Hardy, BC
November 12-14th, 2008
niidps@live.ca

St.Catherine's, ON
May 4-6th, 2009
Shelley@heartspacept.com

Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities Conference

Children, youth and adults with Developmental Disabilities (DD) experience high rates of both health and mental health concerns. These impact significantly on quality of life of the individual concerned as well as their families, caregivers and the community British Columbia has closed its institutions for individuals with DD, but the struggle to develop quality specialized services where appropriate, as well as ensuring access to generic health services continues. This conference will provide education and informative updates on psychiatric, behavioural and complex health components specific to individuals with DD, and showcase best practices in the field. Specifically the conference will focus on topics such as Epilepsy; Aging in Down Syndrome; Overeating and Obesity in Prader Willi Syndrome; Sexual Health; Self Injurious Behaviour (SIB) and other challenging behaviours as well as ‘co-morbid health conditions such as dysphagia, pain and mobility issues.

Objectives:

Who Should Attend:

The conference will be of interest to a interdisciplinary audience including:

Neurobiology of Self-Injurious Behaviors
The Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites
1763 Comox Street
Vancouver, BC
liau@interchange.ubc.ca
September 25th and 26th, 2008

Collaborating Clinicians

Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley Regional Centre
Chicago, Illinois
November 21st and 22nd

Attachment, Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing

The Family Centre
Niakwa Golf and Country Club
Winnipeg, Manitoba
September 24th, 2008

International Association for the Study of Attachment Conference

Attachment, Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation
October 5-8th, 2008
Bertinoro, Italy
www.iasa_dmm.org

Kamloops Fetal Alchohol Spectrum Disorders Conference

Addicted to Your Brain
Kamloops, BC
October 23rd & 24th, 2008
insightcorrinna@telus.net

Mental Health, Sensory Processing and Challenging Behavior

Increasing numbers of children and adolescents are presenting with dual diagnosis of both a developmental disability with accompanying mental heath challenges. Sorting through these overlapping complexities with diverse behavioral outcomes is often a dilemma for the many professionals serving this population. What drives this behavior? Is it a sensory processing challenge? Is it neurobiology? Is it emotional/ behavioral? Is it cognitive impairment? Join this one-day workshop developing you “detective skills” evaluating these merging influences. Discover the addition of sensory processing intervention to your mental health toolbox. This workshop is designed for a broad audience of clinicians, psychologists, therapists, social workers, psychiatrist and special educators.

McGillivray and O’Brien OT4 Kids
In collaboration with District School Board of Niagara
John Michael’s Banquet and Conference Centre
Thorold, Ontario
November 4th, 2008
info@ot4kids.ca


One Kids Place
945 Stockdale Road
North Bay, ON P1B 9S5
Phone: (705) 476-5437 ext. 3841
Fax: (705) 474-0127
lindsaym@onekidsplace.ca
April 5, 2009

Collaborating Clinicians

This two day workshop is designed for speech/language pathologists and occupational therapists who work collaboratively towards the enhancement of communication, interaction, organized behavior, learning, joint attention, and modulation. An intimate relationship exists between sensory motor, neurodevelopmental function and the development of relationship, communication and speech. Join these master clinicians as they explore the neurobiology, neuroplasticity and the art of collaborative therapy in the treatment of children with communication challenges. Strategies presented will emphasize an OT/SLP integrated approach for children diagnosed with developmental challenges, autism, attention deficit disorder and language delays, etc.

Objectives:

  1. Recognize arousal states and design strategies to prepare arousal readiness and interest for communication, interaction and relationship.
  2. Develop a preliminary understanding of the neurobiology of therapeutic relationship and attachment as a healing force in therapy.
  3. Develop a preliminary understanding of the brain’s neuroplasticity as the rationale for the use of sensory processing and neurodevelopmental intervention.
  4. Develop a skill set of “tools” for building the brain as THE aspect of therapeutic intervention.
  5. Outline the relationship between sensory processing and the development of interaction and communication skills.

Attachment Disorders and Violent Behavior

Early infancy and childhood exeriences leave a lasting imprint upon the developing brain. Early experiences of neglect and abuse lead to disorders of attachment resulting in maladaptive behaviors and long term brain "changes" resulting from these experiences. Violence, psychiatric disorders and deliquent behaviors result. This introductory session will provide a brief understanding of how these phenomenon arise, help you to recognize the maladaptive styles of attachment and develop an elementary method of interaction to support these behaviors.

National Council on Crime and Delinquency
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 24th, 2008

International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Disorders

Integrating Research, Policy, and Promising Practice Around the World: A Catalyst for Change
Victoria Conference Centre
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
March 11th – 14th, 2009
liau@interchange.ubc.ca

NDT/Bobath Certificate Course in the Management and Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Neuromotor Disorders

Singapore
Course Dates:

Course Number:09B101
Course Status:Approved
Location:Singapore

Course Instructors:
Ms. Timmie Wallace ( PT ) CI
Kimberly Barthel ( OT )
Marybeth Trapani-Hanasewych, MS,CCC-SLP ( SLP )

Course Contact:
Manoj Pathnapuram
Rainbow Centre 501, Margarite Drive
Singapore, 149306
Application Deadline: November 30, 2008
Phone: +65 64752072
manoj@rainbowcentre.org.sg

Current Concepts in Sensory Processing Intervention

This three day workshop incorporates an examination of current neurobiological research, clinical reasoning and future directions for therapeutic intervention. A mix of scientific exploration blended with clinical analysis through videotape and treatment demonstration will deepen the intermediate level therapist’s understanding of the role of sensory processing in the treatment of functional and behavioral challenges.

Learning Objectives:

  1. The therapist will begin to understand the neurobiology of bottom-up and top- down brain processes as they relate to arousal, attention, learning
    and behavior.
  2. The therapist will develop an elementary understanding of the neurobiology of
    relationships, attachment and play as an integral component of sensory processing intervention.
  3. The therapist will further develop clinical reasoning to evaluate appropriate use of sensory processing intervention through videotape analysis and treatment demonstration.
  4. Develop preliminary understanding of neurobiology of co-morbidity between ADD/ADHD/LD and Dyslexia as they relate to therapeutic intervention and sensory processing.
  5. Develop preliminary understanding of neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder as it relates to sensory processing intervention.
  6. The therapist will develop an introductory comprehension of visual, vestibular and body sense intervention as they relate to daily living skills such as handwriting, dressing and feeding.

March 27th – March 29th
Heep Hong Society
Hong Kong
amychui@heephong.org

The Building Blocks of Early Intervention
with Kim Barthel, OTR and Shelley Mannell BSC, BHSCPT

This 3 day course highlights the developing systems in children from birth to one year and how disruption in any one of these systems can impact the babies’ ability to interact with the world.

Day 1 is devoted to the current research on attachment theory, the neurochemistry of attachment and how this impacts on emotional, sensory and motor development.

Day 2 focuses on typical motor development from a systems perspective and introduces a model for assessing how babies seek to organize their postural control when they are experiencing difficulties in any system

Day 3 integrates the theoretical information with practical, hands-on treatment labs addressing handling skills, sensory processing intervention and the use of relationship to support the baby in their exploration of the world around them.

One Kids Place
945 Stockdale Road
North Bay, ON P1B 9S5
Phone: (705) 476-5437 ext. 3841
Fax: (705) 474-0127
lindsaym@onekidsplace.ca
April 2-4th, 2009

Wascana Rehabilitation Centre
2180 23rd Avenue
Regina Sk. S4S 0A5
306.766-5765 fax 306.766-5189
barbara.hodgson@rqhealth.ca
October 15th-17th, 2009

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