Upcoming Workshops and Courses

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.

San Francisco, CA
Playwrite Therapy
Rebecca Hendricks Linser: rebecca.playwrite@gmail.com
February 5th and 6th, 2010

New York, NY
tsi@therapeuticservices.org
December 12th and 13th, 2010

Beyond Weight Bearing with a Discussion of the Neurobiology of Sensory Systems

This workshop will combine lecture, lab, video presentation and hands-on demonstrations with physically disabled children.  Content will focus on the development of upper extremity use and grasp and manipulation in functional daily activities using Neuro- Developmental Treatment (NDT) techniques.  It will also provide a current scientific review of the neurobiology of sensory processing disorders, deepening the participants’ understanding of brain-behavioral relationships in the pediatric population.  Bridging evidence with therapeutic intervention, this workshop will leave participants with strong clinical reasoning and problem solving skills, enhancing the development of sensory intervention that is applicable to any environment. 

Target Audience:  Occupational and Physical Therapists who treat children with motor dysfunction.  Participants should have some background knowledge of NDT approaches to therapy and have the ability to apply the knowledge and skills in their daily practice.

St. Catharines, Ontario
HeartSpace, Physical Therapy for Children
Shelley Mannell, PT
Shelley@heartspacept.com
Four Points Sheraton
May 6-8th, 2010

Abbotsford, BC
Fraser Valley CDC
Kristie Glasgow, OTK
nextstep@fvcdc.com
March 18-19 2010

Sensory-Based Motor Dysfunction

Today’s clinician receives abundant referrals for children experiencing movement challenges interfering with daily living functions. Diagnoses such as “Developmental Coordination Dysfunction, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aspberger’s Disorder, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Learning Disabilities” often display co-morbid features of dyspraxia and postural deficits. Despite these distinct disorders, therapists observe consistent behavioral manifestations that limit occupational performance. This two day workshop for occupational and physiotherapists will provide an introduction to the current understanding of praxis and postural deficits observed in clinical practice. A framework for observing, identifying and problem solving ideational praxis, motor planning, sequencing, coordination of the two sides of the body, projected actions sequences and postural control deficits will be highlighted. Videotapes, lecture and labs will comprise the learning format.

The participant will be able to:

  1. Describe the neurobiology of practice dysfunction
  2. Describe the sensory contributions to posture and movement dysfunction
  3.  Identify and differentiate practice dysfunctions from ideation to execution
  4. Using a problem solving approach develop treatment strategies for practice and postural control deficits

Abbotsford, BC
Yuette Joelet, PT
yuette@kindersteps.com
may 17-18 2010

Moving to Higher Ground

This special mentorship camp experience is a combined personal growth and clinical development experience for therapists working with children who have special needs. Under the guidance of master clinicians, therapists attending Moving to Higher Ground will develop their own learning plan designed to enhance the skill set they wish to improve. This residential program offers an opportunity for retreat and connection with other participants. State of the art therapeutic intervention approaches are incorporated into this five day experience. Combinations of hands-on treatment, didactic learning and practical experience are enhanced.

Audience: Pediatric occupational therapists, OT assistants, physical therapists, PT assistants, speech and language pathologists, and psychologists.

Cultus Lake, BC
August 9-14, 2010
kglasgow@fvcdc.org

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, MB
204-987-7090
aulneau.renewal@shaw.ca
February 8-10th, 2010

There is Always a Reason for The Behavior:  Is it Sensory or is it 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 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/behavioral problems resulting in “challenging behavior”.  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.
The therapist will learn:

  1. Introduction to neurobiology of challenging behavior
  2. Sensory, emotional, and cognitive components of behavior
  3. Analyzing various overlapping contributions to behavior problems
  4. Integrating theories of intervention into a holistic approach to complex behaviors
  5. Develop treatment techniques, relationship building tools and dialoguing skills with complex students and their caregivers.

Good Samaritan Children’s Therapy Unit
Attn: CTU Education Secretary
402–15th Ave SE, Suite 100
Puyallup, WA 98372
January 29th and 30th, 2010
fax 253-697-5145
normajean.mcclure@goodsamhealth.org

The Magic of Connection: Attachment and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with FASD present with distinct neurological challenges that by virtue of the damage due to alcohol influence alters information processing, emotional regulartion and cognition affecting behavior. Due to this neurological impariment the area of the brain known as the "attachment centre" is affected in structure impacting the developmental process of relationships and emotional/psychological health. This dynamic workshop will provide comprehensive understanding of the mutual interplay between nurture and nature in the FASD brain. Discover way sto "make connections" in the growing brain of the child with FASD resulting in encouraging and potential behavioral changes in the actions of htis disabling condition that exhibits limitations across the lifespan. Attachment and self-regulation strategies that support modulation of arousal will be the emphasis of learning.

Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Norwood Hotel, 112 Marion Street
admin@aulneau.com
December 7, 2009

Autism from the Inside Out

This two-day workshop will provide clinicians with enhanced evaluation and intervention skills in the sensory treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This dynamic learning opportunity will aide therapists in the fine tuning of their clinical reasoning, analysis skills and intervention methods through a variety of learning modalities. Through video analysis and live demonstrations, therapists will have the opportunity to observe and problem solve the nuances of sensory processing intervention, attachment relationship intervention and arousal based management for children with Autism. Participants must have a working knowledge of the behavioral manifestations of ASD and a beginning understanding of sensory processing theory.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

  1. Identify sensory contributions to behavioral challenges and emotional dysregulation.
  2. Identify and utilize aspects of relationship as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of autism.
  3. Implement treatment techniques and sensory strategies to assist clients with autism in modulating arousal and learning self-regulation.
  4. Identify sensory contributions to the aspects of autism related to motor dysfunction.
  5. Develop a repertoire of sensory strategies to enhance motor skills through alteration of the environment and therapeutic intervention.

Motivations CEU Inc
Charlotte (Crossway Pediatric Therapy), NC
April 23rd to 24th, 2010

Spartanburg (Spartanburg Regional Rehab Services), SC
October 8th to 9th, 2010
www.motivationsceu.com

Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
May, 2010
sponsored by Blue Sky Teaching
tamiephysio@hotmail.com

Current Concepts in Sensory Processing Intervention in Children and Youth
Part One: The Sensational Detective!

This career-altering day will provide therapists with a current understanding of the impact of sensory processing challenges upon human behavior across the lifespan. With a specific emphasis upon clinical analysis through videotape, problem solving and case study, therapists will possess a foundation of observation skills necessary to create potent treatment interventions for patients of all ages. Understanding of sensory processing challenges in pediatric populations encompassing both neurology and psychiatry will each be briefly highlighted. This intermediate level workshop requires some basic knowledge of the impact of sensory processing upon behavior. Learners from all therapeutic disciplines are welcome (occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language pathology).

  1. The learner will develop identification of sensory processing challenges evident in arousal and emotional dysregulation in children and youth.
  2. The learner will develop identification of sensory processing challenges evident in motor action in children and youth.

Part Two: Sensational Clinician

This two-day workshop will provide clinicians with state of the art treatment ideas for comprehensive sensory processing intervention across the lifespan. Videotape analysis, lectures and treatment demonstrations will support the learning of integrative treatment for individuals experiencing the impact of sensory processing challenges. This workshop is presented at an intermediate level of knowledge providing clinicians with current sensory processing strategies for mixed populations in children and youth. Therapists across disciplines (OT, PT and SLP) will enjoy this innovative learning experience.

Learning Objectives:

  1. The learner will develop a repertoire of treatment strategies to up-regulate patient arousal for functional self-regulation.
  2. The learner will develop a repertoire of treatment strategies to down-regulate patient arousal for functional self-regulation.
  3. The learner will develop a repertoire of treatment strategies to influence posture and praxis for functional motor performance.

Jerusalem, Israel
Therapeutic Services tsi@therapeuticservices.org
January 11-13th, 2010

The Building Blocks of Early Intervention

Regina, Saskatchewan
Instructors: Kim Barthel OT, Shelley Mannell PT
March 25 - 27, 2010

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.

Audience: OTs, PTs and SLPs working with children

Learning Objectives
On completion of this course, the therapist will be able to:

  1. Understand how the process of attachment influences self-regulation, sensory processing and motor behavior.
  2. Compare and cotnrast typical and atypical development from a systems perspective.
  3. Use the model provided to assess how babies are seeking to organize their postural control to support function.
  4. Combine handling skills, sensory processing intervention and the use of relationship in treatment.

For more information, please contact Barb Hodgson at barbara.hodgson@rqhealth.ca

Five Day Introduction to Neuro-Developmental Treatment

November 16-20, 2010
Williams Lake, BC
Lori Robbins lrobbins@cccdca.org

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

Singapore - The Spastic Children's Association of Singapore
Course Number: 10B107
June 21 to August 13, 2010

Prerequisite: 

  1. Minimum of one year post graduate experience with children with neuromotor impairment (Cerebral Palsy and similar pathophysiology);
  2. Evidence of current licensure / credential in PT, OT, or SLP.

Location: Singapore - The Spastic Children's Association of Singapore
Cerebral Palsy Centre, 65 Pasir Ris Drive 1,
Singapore, 519529

Priority will be given to therapists working at SCAS and in Singapore. Next priority will be given to therapists working in ‘nearby’ Asiatic countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, etc.)

Course Instructors:
Timmie Wallace, PT C/NDT CI
Mary Rose Franjoine, PT, DPT, MS, PCS C/NDT CI
Kimberly Barthel, OT C/NDT
Marybeth Trapani-Hanasewych, MS,CCC-SLP C/NDT

Course Contact:
Pampi Ghosh
Phone: (65) 65855622
Fax: (65) 65855603
pampighosh_ot@spastic.org.sg

Sensory Series

Hong Kong
Heep Hong Society
April 5-10, 2010

World Congress for Psychiatric Nursing

Vancouver, BC
March 20, 2010
Making Connections: Neurobiology of Relationships
www.worldcongress.ca

International Association for the Study of Attachment Conference

Keynote Address: Neurobiology of Attachment 2010
Cambridge, United Kingdom
August 29-31, 2010

 

 

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