Beyond Postural Control: Multi-System Considerations for Upper Extremity Participation

Instructor: Lezlie Adler OT, C/NDT and Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate/Specialty

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

Do you ever struggle with where to begin and how to get to the hands during real life tasks? Then this seminar is for you! During this seminar participants will learn about task analysis and the finite details it takes to complete a designated functional, daily task. Participants will explore how different aspects of how postural control, dynamic shoulder capacity, elbow, forearm, and hand essentials + sensory contributions, and cognitive problem-solving impact performance during these functional tasks. Actual clients and typically developing children doing specific daily tasks will be further analyzed through case studies and/or video clips. Additionally, small group problem-solving and hands on labs will be utilized to practice treatment strategies/techniques and treatment planning in order to further optimize the client’s performance. This seminar is geared for OTs, PTs, SLPs and others interested in helping their kids to participate in desired, age-appropriate, meaningful, daily activities. This seminar is a “must attend” course to have the tools needed to critically look at participation activities and begin to prioritize treatment for successfully meeting those goals.

Integrating Action, Sensation & Cognition: Keys to Neuroplasticity in Young Children

Instructors: Lezlie Adler, OT, C/NDT and Suzanne Davis Bombria, PT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate/Specialty

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

There is a growing prevalence of children with impairments in sensory processing, motor control, and behavioral compromise. As therapists it is important that we are up to the challenge of providing best practices for this population. Are the goals you are setting for these children realistic? Is the treatment approach the most effective to achieve the outcomes you and the family want? This seminar 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 these children through knowledge of typical and atypical development, and up-to-date research on multi-modal intervention. The unique approach will help therapists set realistic measurable goals, set priorities and determine frequency of treatment and exit criteria.

Integrated Treatment Strategies for the Rib Cage, Shoulder Girdle, and Upper Extremities

Instructor: Rona Alexander, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, C/NDT and Gail Ritchie, OTR/L, C/NDT or Christine Cayo, OTR, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This seminar has been designed to provide the therapist with an integrated approach to treatment of the rib cage, shoulder girdle, and upper extremities when providing services for children with neuromuscular system impairments. The thoracic cage (e.g., rib cage, shoulder girdle, upper extremities), and the trunk provide the foundation for head/neck, oral, pharyngeal, upper extremity, lower extremity and respiratory coordination function. A lab-intensive format will emphasize handling strategies with a strong kinesiological, anatomical, and developmental foundation. Treatment strategies will be addressed in the context of how they relate to discipline-specific functional outcomes. Live patient demonstrations will assist in integrating information throughout the seminar.

Focus on the Rib Cage for Improvement in Respiration, Oral and Pharyngeal Function, Phonation, Postural Alignment and Movement

Instructor: Rona Alexander, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This seminar will focus on the rib cage and its related structures and musculature as they impact on the coordination of respiratory function with general movement, postural alignment and control, and phonation, as well as oral and pharyngeal function for feeding and swallowing activities in infants and children with primary neuromuscular involvement such as cerebral palsy. Anatomical and kinesiological characteristics of the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system will be reviewed. Significant components of early typical respiratory system development will be explored especially in regard to their relationship to early general movement and oral and pharyngeal function development. The respiratory coordination development and functioning of children with neuromuscular impairments will be examined and implications for intervention programming will be discussed. Treatment strategies with emphasis on handling strategies to improve rib cage alignment and respiratory musculature activity will be discussed and demonstrated extensively through group lab sessions focusing on handling strategies and problem-solving activities as well as live patient demonstrations.

Let’s Get Walking! Gait in Pediatrics

Instructors: Suzanne Davis Bombria, PT, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, PTA

This evidence-based seminar covers the evaluation and treatment of gait in children from the NDT Practice Model perspective. Analyze the components and synergies associated with gait, from the acquisition of gait and its underlying components, to the challenge of changing gait in children with a well-established pattern. Clinicians will increase both their knowledge base and hands-on skills in order to further the child’s functional level. Seminar instruction will include lecture, lab, video case studies, and live demonstrations.

Contemporary Practice Intervention with the Baby and Toddler

Instructor: Suzanne Davis Bombria, PT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

Working with babies and toddlers is a specialty all of its own. In this dynamic seminar, apply principles of evidence-based strategies to go from assessment to intervention. Analysis of neurotypical and atypical babies will guide therapists to effective treatment strategies. Participants will be able to demonstrate practical application of treatment strategies to gain meaningful functional outcomes appropriate for this age group, and how to incorporate therapeutic strategies into daily family life. Therapists will analyze and apply strategies through lecture, live demonstrations, videos, and labs, all designed to give therapists ideas and tools that are immediately applicable with this population. Case studies include babies with prematurity, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and sensory impairments.

Handling Intensive in Neuro-Pediatrics: Contemporary Practice in NDT

Instructor: Suzanne Davis Bombria, PT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

How much is too much, how much is too little, what is just right? Develop the ability to grade your NDT handling skills in order to assist the children you work with to achieve their desired functional outcomes. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, learn how to analyze the specific needs of each unique child in order to develop an effective treatment plan. In this lab-focused seminar, therapists will develop, enhance and practice their hands-on skills in order to apply them successfully with children with neuromuscular impairments for their chosen function.

New Horizons in Neuro-Pediatrics: Using GAS to Gocus Treatment and Measure Change

Instructors: Suzanne Davis Bombria, PT, C/NDT and Kate Bain, OT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

As pediatric therapists we are challenged to use Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). In this exciting interactive seminar, discover how to demonstrate measurable change in your children at all levels of impairment. Research shows that the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) captures 20% more change in outcomes than other more traditional methods. Therapists will practice integrating the GAS and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to plan treatment, carry out effective treatment strategies, and document measurable functional gains made using actual video cases. Video clips of babies, children and teenagers (0-18y) will be utilized in mini case studies to illustrate the concepts. The chosen clips will represent performance of a wide variety of daily tasks requested for focus within NDT sessions by the family and child, and pertinent to each age level.

The subjects of these videos include those with a variety of classifications of cerebral palsy such as an increase, decrease or fluctuation in postural tone, including individuals with different classifications of hemiplegia, diplegia and quadriplegia and with varying degrees of severity. In summary, video clips will illustrate performance of and intervention for, a wide variety of individually chosen and requested daily tasks, by individuals with cerebral palsy or allied developmental disabilities, with GMFCS classifications from I to V.

Facilitation for Function: NDT Pediatric Handling for Babies and Beyond

Instructor: Colleen Carey, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

This seminar is designed for the physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist seeking an understanding of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model for infants and children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. This seminar is very attractive to clinicians who seek a better understanding of the NDT Practice Model and the use of handling and facilitation to enhance function in baby and young child. Seminar material will focus on basic concepts of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model and will address how alignment and weight-shift control develop through typical development. The seminar will include case studies to reinforce didactic information. Extensive lab sessions will aid the learner in development of facilitation technique to promote functional outcomes in children.

NDT Handling and Problem-Solving for the Pediatric Client

Instructor: Colleen Carey, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

This seminar is designed for the physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist seeking an understanding of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model for infants and children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. This seminar is attractive to clinicians who seek a better under- standing of the NDT Practice Model and the use of handling and facilitation to enhance function in thw baby and the young child. Seminar material will focus on basic concepts of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model and will address how alignment and weight-shift control develop through typical development. The seminar will include case studies to reinforce didactic information. Extensive lab sessions will aid the learner in development of facilitation techniques to promote functional outcomes in children.

NDT for the Young Child: Critical Windows of Intervention

Instructor: Colleen Carey, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

This seminar is designed for the pediatric physical therapist and pediatric occupational therapist seeking an understanding of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model for infants and children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. This seminar is attractive to clinicians who seek a better understanding of the critical windows of intervention and facilitation to enhance function. Seminar material will focus on concepts of theory, assessment, and treatment of the infant and children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. The seminar will include extensive lab sessions and case studies to reinforce didactic information.

NDT Treatment Perspectives

Instructor: Colleen Carey, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

This seminar is designed for the physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist seeking an understanding of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model for infants and children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. This seminar is attractive to clinicians who seek a better understanding of the NDT Practice Model and the use of handling and facilitation to enhance function. Seminar material will focus on basic concepts of theory, assessment, and treatment of the infant and child with cerebral palsy and neuro- muscular disorders. The seminar will include case studies to reinforce didactic information.

Improving Gait and Mobility for Pediatric Clients: A Blend of EBP and Direct Handling Using NDT

Instructor: Debbie Evans-Rogers, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

This seminar on gait and mobility for the pediatric client has been designed for pediatric therapists working with children having neuromuscular difficulties. The focus will be on understanding functional limitations and specific strategies to improve postural control, gait, and mobility with children. Participants will be provided with recent research using Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and direct handling techniques using NDT.

NDT Dynamic Ball Course-Keep it Active! Having Fun and Learning Techniques With Adjuncts for the Pediatric Population

Instructors: Debbie Evans-Rogers, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDT and Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate/Specialty

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This seminar is designed for pediatric therapists and will focus on utilizing NDT handling techniques for clients with neuromuscular challenges using dynamic surfaces. Information presented will address the NDT Practice Model using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework with assessment/evaluation and intervention. A variety of adjunctive therapy tools will be discussed and analyzed with a focus on dynamic, moveable surfaces to facilitate postural control and functional movement within functional tasks. Participants will be assisted to improve their observational and direct handling skills utilizing movement labs for experiencing dynamic surfaces individually and with partners.

An NDT Treatment Approach to the Baby

Instructors: Debbie Evans-Rogers, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDT and Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

We know early intervention is critical for optimizing an infant’s development and functional potential, therefore as clinicians we are seeking ways to promote their participation. This seminar is designed for the pediatric therapist who desires to improve their assessment and intervention in the treatment of babies and young children. Important aspects of development will be addressed utilizing both didactic lectures and labs with a solid foundation of typical and atypical components along with sensory components impacting development. Direct handling will be discussed and practiced during labs using a multi-disciplinary approach working from an understanding of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model to assessment and intervention.

Sensational Effects: Treating the Whole Child Using NDT & Sensory Techniques

Instructors: Debbie Evans-Rogers, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDT and Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This seminar on NDT handling and sensory ideas for the pediatric client has been designed for pediatric therapists working with children having neuromuscular difficulties. Content will focus on combining both didactic information and labs addressing assessment/evaluation skills with problem-solving; identifying functional limitations and impairments, and sensory challenges impacting function; and use of direct NDT handling intervention principles while incorporating current pediatric research. Core strength and postural control will be emphasized using specific hands-on strategies to improve functional mobility and postural stability with children. Participants will be assisted to improve their observational skills and direct handling skills while problem-solving using NDT and sensory-motor techniques.

NDT Intervention for Children with Neuromuscular Disorders

Instructors: Debbie Evans-Rogers, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDT and Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

Utilizing movement observations and systems analysis, this seminar will provide NDT intervention strategies including direct handling for the pediatric client with neuromuscular difficulties. The focus will be on expanding the clinician’s clinical reasoning skills through an understanding of contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model and principles incorporating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework and applying this to intervention. Functional limitations and impairments will be addressed using specific hands-on strategies to improve functional mobility and postural control with children. Participants will be assisted to improve their handling skills while problem-solving using NDT.

NDT Intervention for the Child with Hypotonia

Instructors: Debbie Evans-Rogers, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDT and Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This seminar is designed for pediatric therapists (occupational, physical, and speech) who are treating children with diagnoses associated with hypotonia. Utilizing observational and clinical reasoning, this seminar will focus on utilizing NDT handling techniques for the pediatric client with hypotonicity. Using contemporary NDT, the NDT Practice Model, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, participants will be directed through assessment and intervention using detailed analysis of functional activities, incorporating didactic material with labs, videos, and case studies. Participants will be assisted to improve their observational skills and direct handling skills while problem-solving using NDT and sensory-motor techniques. Adjuncts and home programming will be discussed and shared.

Putting the Pieces Together: An NDT Handling Intensive for Children

Instructors: Debbie Evans-Rogers, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDT and Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

The emphasis of this seminar is to promote deeper analysis and problem-solving towards identified functional & participation outcomes in the pediatric population who present with neurological challenges. Utilizing observational and clinical reasoning, this seminar will focus on utilizing NDT handling techniques for the pediatric client with neuromuscular challenges including hyper/hypotonicity. Information presented will address assessment/evaluation skills with problem-solving; identifying functional limitations and impairments impacting function; and use of handling techniques within treatment. Participants will be assisted to improve their observational skills and direct handling skills while problem-solving using NDT techniques through a video analysis, case scenarios, and/or problem-solving labs.

Examining Functional Balance and Mobility on the Cheap:Quick, Easy, Clinical Friendly Measures

Instructor: Mary Rose Franjoine, PT, DPT, Ms, C/NDT, PCS and Nancy Darr, PT, DSc, C/NDT, NCS

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT

Enhancing a child’s functional abilities is key for the NDT therapist. Examining functional capabilities is a critical component of the NDT examination process and is essential if therapists are to demonstrate that meaningful change has occurred as a result of skilled intervention. This seminar will focus on how to select the right tools to document function and demonstrate change in a child’s functional balance and mobility. The interactive nature of this seminar will offer participants hands-on experiences with administration and scoring of functional measures of balance and mobility. The measures featured in this seminar are all easily accessible, inexpensive, have strong psychometric properties, and are suitable for use with children in the clinic, school or community. Measures include the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), the Early Clinical Assessment of Balance (ECAB), the Pediatric Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (ped-CTSIB), Forward Reach Test (FRT), Lateral Reach Test (LRT), Timed Floor to Stand (TFTS), Timed-Up and Go (TUG), the Timed Up and Down Stairs (TUDS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC). Gaming systems and apps, which provide novel measures of steady-state balance will also introduce the clinical and psychometric properties, administration guidelines, scoring and interpretation of findings will be discussed. Analysis of video-based patient examination sessions will enable participants to practice scoring, to discuss interpretation and clinical relevance of the findings, and to perform a comparative analysis of the tools and apps.

CATCH: An Evidence-Based Intervention for Children with Hemiplegia

Instructor: Margo Prim Haynes, PT, DPT, MA, PCS, C/NDT and Holly Holland, OTR/L, ATP

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

CATCH is an intervention that combines Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Bimanual Intensive Therapy (BIT) for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) and children with asymmetry in body function. Evidence shows that combining these interventions yield positive outcomes. Participants will be introduced to the CATCH clinical practice model that integrates complimentary principles from NDT, CIMT, and BIT to enhance functions. This seminar will allow participants to identify key impairments that impact optimal function of children with hemiplegic CP. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and practice NDT handling strategies and simultaneous therapeutic play activities that support motor learning, and functional changes integral in CATCH. Further application of the CATCH clinical practice model will be shared via case study.

Developing Upright Function and Gait for Children: Using Contemporary NDT

Instructor: Margo Prim Haynes, PT, DPT, MA, PCS, C/NDT and Mary Rose Franjoine, PT, DPT, MS, PCS, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, PTA

This seminar offers participants a unique blend of lecture, laboratory, and small group problem-solving activities designed to enhance their clinical reasoning and hands on intervention skills. This seminar will focus on the development and refinement of clinical strategies for the enhancement of functional upright mobility. The postural control demands of upright function will be explored within the context of the development of functional gait, refinement of upright mobility and the analysis of gait dysfunction. Functionally based clinical outcome measures that guide the development of a plan of care will be discussed. Intervention will be presented from a theoretical and clinical perspective exploring principles and application of motor learning and motor control. Laboratory experience will emphasize hands-on NDT-based intervention strategies.

Using NDT Contemporary Practice: Increase Your Facilitation Skills on Movable Surfaces!

Instructor: Lisa Madigan-Carey, PT, MS, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This lab-focused seminar on using moveable surfaces in your clinical treatment practice, to target functional outcomes. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework for client assessment, an emphasis will be placed on your observation and analysis of movement to better direct your treatment planning and patient care. Facilitation techniques will be demonstrated and practiced on moveable surfaces. Participants will work on each other on and off moveable surfaces to enhance your facilitation skills. Please be aware of any physical limitations. This seminar will utilize lecture/lab/problem-solving and treatment videos. Lab attire required, loose comfortable clothing, preferable shorts and short sleeve top. Equipment needed: a ball suitable to sit on at approximately 90/90.

Connecting the Dots Between Patient Status of Medically Complex to Functionally Competent: NDT for the Treatment of Infants and Toddlers

Instructor: Jane Styer-Acevedo, PT, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This seminar is designed for physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and assistants who currently work or desire to work with infants and toddlers diagnosed with or suspected of neuromuscular and/or sensory/perceptual challenges and dysfunction. A foundation of normal development will be contrasted with the challenges faced by the medically complex infant/toddler. Participants will enhance critical thinking skills necessary to improve function and participation for these children. Labs with class participants/therapy dolls will provide opportunities to facilitate movement transitions and practice NDT handling techniques to optimize strengths and minimize barriers for skilled function. Participants will learn via observation of infant assessment and treatment demonstrations via video clips, group problem-solving activities, and discussion. It is highly suggested that participants will have taken an introductory level NDT course before participating in this seminar.

Therapeutic uUe of Dynamic Surfaces for Promoting Fun and Functional Shifts in Clients with Neuromuscular Challenges Using Contemporary NDT

Instructor: Jane Styer-Acevedo, PT, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP

This seminar contains content for physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and assistants treating pediatric clients who demonstrate neurological or suspected neurological challenges. Therapists will apply contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework (reviewed in advance via pre-reading or previous courses) in the process of gathering pertinent client information, writing goals, and planning treatment focused on client participation and engagement in family life. Using task analysis, observation, and group problem-solving, therapists will determine the atypical or missing components of skilled movement to produce a plan for treatment with the use of dynamic surfaces. Therapists will practice NDT handling strategies on other class participants to effect more efficient movement patterns and facilitate movement transitions during lab experiences.

Handling Intensive to Improve Core Stability to Enhance Functional Skill Development

Instructor: Jane Styer-Acevedo, PT, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

This seminar is designed for physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists and assistants who currently work or desire to work with children and youth diagnosed with neuromuscular and/or sensory/perceptual challenges and dysfunction. Participants will review foundational information as contrasted with the difficulties demonstrated in children through young adulthood with developmental, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and/or sensory/perceptual challenges. Using slides, videos, and demonstrations, participants will increase their understanding of efficient biomechanics and alignment to assist in the development of functional skills and to increase participation with family and peers. Participants will refine assessment skills and learn NDT treatment strategies through lab, video, and live demonstrations. Movement labs will provide opportunities to facilitate movement transitions and practice NDT handling techniques to promote core stability for more efficient function and participation. It is highly suggested that participants will have taken an introductory level NDT course before participating in this seminar.

NDT Handling Intensive

Instructor: Pamela Ward, PT, DPT, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT

This seminar is designed for pediatric physical therapists and occupational therapists who currently work with children with neuromuscular disorders. Emphasis is placed on improving problem-solving and handling skills in children ages preschool to 21. This seminar utilizes the NDT Practice Model in assessment and treatment of children in order to promote a change in their function and or participation in life skills. Lecture, problem- solving, handling labs, and client assessment and treatment demonstrations will be used to improve the partic- ipant’s use of a problem-based approach to achieve functional shifts in their clients.

Linking Play to Function: Utilizing NDT and Sensory Integration Strategies

Instructors: Kim Westhoff, OTR/L, C/NDT

Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

Play is a critical foundation for children and is the vehicle for expanding skills. This seminar will look at the importance of play and how to build in play when working with children who have developmental challenges. Along with the emphasis of play, this interactive, problem-solving seminar will utilize Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Sensory Integration principles as applied to children with neurological involvement during both assessment and intervention in order to optimize participation and functional skills.