Motor Matters!
Autism is a whole-body condition! While sensory challenges have long been recognized, current research sheds light to the presence and impact of fine and gross motor difficulties in children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). OTs and PTs can make a difference!
Motor Matters! will discuss the movement challenges faced by children and youth with ASD, and how an interdisciplinary collaborative approach can result in increased participation and occupational performance in meaningful activities in schools, homes, and communities. Karen will describe the brain characteristics of children with ASD as they relate to motor abilities. Participants will learn the fine and gross motor delays in individuals with ASD, and their effects on participation and occupational performance in activities of daily living, recreation, and social activities, as well as the relationship between sensory processing and motor skills. With a focus on evidence-based practices, participants will be involved in hands-on activities. They will explore tools to assess the fine and gross motor needs of children and youth with ASD, and the use of appropriate modification. They will learn to incorporate research-based interventions to improve functional motor outcomes, address sensory regulation, and increase levels of social participation. Case studies of children with ASD (from those requiring minimal support, to those requiring substantial support) will highlight the application of the knowledge gained through this presentation into practice, and gauge attendee’s achievement of learning objectives.
Finally, attendees will understand the perspective of a parent as it relates to experience with inclusion and participation, as well as selection of goals and intervention strategies. As a parent of a son with autism, Karen is acutely aware of the challenges families face in dealing with the chronic stress of having a child with a disability, and how collaboration with medical and educational teams can be both rewarding and frustrating at times. In addition to developing better empathy for families, attendees will learn to collaborate and establish a family-centered care approach.
Closed Captioned in English!
BONUS: PRACTICAL TOOLKIT - Resources: Websites, Must-Reads and Links to Assessment Tools; Karen's Assessment Strategies Cheat Sheet; Karen's Clinical Reasoning Cheat Sheet
Click here for the agenda, objectives, and CE approval info for this webinar.