STARS - Student Therapy and Resource Services

Understanding Cognitive and Adaptive Behavior Profiles in Autism - Webinar
2025-04-17 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver)
This intermediate-level webinar provides an overview of profiles of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder and highlights the importance of these everyday skills in optimizing self-sufficiency throughout life. Dr Saulnier will discuss the types of adaptive deficits commonly found in autistic individuals, their association with co-occurring cognitive challenges such as intellectual disability and executive functioning impairments, and the implications of these for managing the activities of daily life. The importance of addressing adaptive functioning in diagnostic evaluations and treatment/intervention programs is highlighted.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe adaptive behavior profiles frequently observed in ASD
2. Explain the contribution of adaptive behavior skills to a person’s ability to live independently, irrespective of cognitive and/or language proficiency
3.Identify at least 2 reasons why it’s important to evaluate adaptive behavior when working with autistic individuals
• Your name will appear on your certificate of attendance exactly as provided in the form below. Please ensure the name submitted is accurate and free of errors. You must participate for the full hour to be eligible for a CEU/Certificate.

Impact of Visual Deficits on Motor and Cognitive Development In Infants and Toddlers - Webinar
2025-04-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Phoenix)
Visual deficits often get masked as cognitive deficits where lack of engagement is blamed on lack of motivation and attention. It is a known fact that sub-optimal visuo- sensory abilities affect performance of non-verbal tasks. This course will teach healthcare professionals how to improve infant and toddler engagement in the appropriate developmental activity using practical treatment techniques that lead with vision. The attendee will receive tools to identify visual deficits and improve their ability in analyzing and planning interventions towards treatment outcomes. Addressing vision is the missing piece of the puzzle which when addressed with sensory, motor and cognitive deficits allows healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Highlights

Clinical observations, standardized tests and practical interventions for functional deficits, underlying conditions, andco-morbidities you can use the next day through case examples and videos
Identify treatment resources and strategies to improve visual perceptual and visuo-motor skills in infants and toddlers

"Break Through" Self-Regulation Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism, ADHD, Sensory or Emotional Challenges - Live Webinar
2025-04-16 06:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix)
Message from Your Presenter …
No one ever said that working with children with autism, ADHD or sensory disorders is easy. Theo will only eat white foods, tends to be buried in his own world and melts when he is transitioned too quickly. Steven, in 6th grade, has ADHD, poor organization skills and an attitude that is hard to break through. But, how do we help a child break through the self-regulation issues that limit their achievements?
I discovered this was a simple question with a complex answer. I set out to learn as much as I could about theories, techniques, and research that could help make the lives of these young people much more manageable and promising. I took intensive courses on multi-sensory approaches, sensory integration, self-regulation, yoga, autism, ADHD and became a certified autism specialist in 2018. I have extensive experience adapting these techniques to make them usable in a variety of settings while working closely with teachers, aides, child study professionals, and parents.
Join me as I guide you through a broad set of self-regulation interventions culled from my years of research and practice along with strategies for adapting them to your setting. You will leave my program with the essential skills, interventions and strategies to help children find harmony with themselves, their families, and the world around them!
You will learn:

The most effective calming, sensory, motor or behavioral techniques for a given type of behavior
Peer-to-peer video feedback as a social intervention for children and teens with ASD
Sleep interventions for children with erratic sleep schedules
Interventions for repetitive and restrictive behaviors for a child with stereotypy
Organization strategies for home and school for teenagers with ADHD
And more!

I look forward to seeing you there! Register today!

Pediatric Aquatic Therapy - Webinar
2025-04-15 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)
Kids love the water. In fact, families who have children with disabilities identify swimming as their most popular physical activity and overall favorite activity. Water-based intervention is a great way to bring fun to therapy while targeting skills such as bilateral coordination, strength, sensory modulation, and motor planning skills. Not only that, but aquatic therapy can help build essential water safety skills to prevent drowning. Did you know that drowning is one of the top causes of accidental death in children? Aquatic therapy can provide a protective mechanism while at the same time improving motor coordination and strength.
This course will teach proven swim techniques so you will be able to confidently treat children with autism and other developmental disabilities in the aquatic environment. You can play a key role in developing a child’s proficiency in this beloved leisure activity while also boosting their ability to achieve traditional therapeutic goals. No swim experience required! Get ready to go into the pool tomorrow and have some fun with a whole new set of intervention techniques.
Highlights

Effective, evidence-based interventions for improving on task behavior, motor coordination, sensory modulation, strength and more!
Create, implement, and document aquatic-based intervention treatment plans for children with autism and other disabilities

Neurodiversity in Women: Therapeutic Strategies for Empowering Women with Autism or ADHD - Live Webinar
2025-04-15 10:00 - 12:15 (America/Phoenix)
Autism and ADHD look different in pink.
Traditional views of autism and ADHD often miss the mark when it comes to women. Research shows that neurodivergence manifests differently in women, leading to widespread misdiagnoses and delayed support.
The impacts can be profound, with many women facing feelings of inadequacy, the strain of masking, disordered eating, cycles of unhealthy relationships, and more. These women are seeking help more now than ever before.
But providing the therapy neurodivergent women need requires a specialized skill set rather than reliance on outdated tools based on male norms.
In this groundbreaking course, join psychotherapist and neurodiversity specialist Jennifer Gerlach, who brings both professional expertise and personal insight as an autistic woman. You’ll gain critical tools to support neurodivergent women on their journey to self-understanding and empowerment, including:

Insightful diagnostic and intervention techniques rooted in the latest research on female neurodiversity
Targeted therapeutic approaches from ACT and CFT to cultivate self-compassion in autistic women
Powerful strategies for unmasking and fostering authenticity in relationships, workplaces, school settings, and beyond

Register now and become the clinician these women need!

Extended Adolescence - When 25 Looks More Like 18: Clinical Strategies for Clients Struggling to Meet the Demands of Adulthood - Live Webinar
2025-04-11 07:00 - 15:00 (America/Phoenix)
The interplay of new technologies, socio-cultural shifts, and educational stressors have created obstacles for young people like never before.
Research suggests that while today’s youth enter adolescence much sooner, they actually reach adulthood much later…resulting in an “extended adolescence.” Our traditional therapeutic tools now fall short, as we endeavor to help clients meet the demands of adulthood.
Join award-winning author and international speaker Sharon Saline, Psy.D., and national trainer and child/family consultant Steve O’Brien, Psy.D., for an enlightening experience designed to redefine and redesign your treatment approach to help young people forge a path to adulthood.
You will learn strategies to:

Navigate ADHD, anxiety, autism and other obstacles to develop life skills
Reprogram the dopamine dependent brain
Cultivate openness and flexibility with Gen Z culture
Collaborate with well-intended but over-involved parents
Instill motivation to advance real-world engagement
Promote “connected independence” in young adults

This timely and engaging training will shed new light on Generation Z youth and equip you with practical, contemporary tools for empowering these young people to shift gears and move toward a rewarding and meaningful adulthood.

Carpal Tunnel Management - Webinar
2025-04-08 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that can most often be prevented with proactive education provided by a skilled occupational or physical therapy professional. When the condition is present, there are many conservative interventions that can significantly reduce symptoms and reduce risk for surgical interventions. This course will provide occupational and physical therapy professionals the tools needed to properly assess, treat, and even support preventative care of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a variety of settings with adult populations. Participants will be provided with evidence-based intervention strategies and considerations in preventative care to reduce significant decline in quality of life and functional demands of those we serve.
Highlights

Immediately improve knowledge and competency of updated evaluations, interventions, and prevention strategies to share with clients to improve outcomes.
Effective and evidence-based interventions and prevention education that can be applied after participation in course.

Motor Speech Master Series: Vocalization to Communication - Webinar
2025-04-05 05:30 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix)
Course Description

Virtual streaming workshops and webinars are recorded during the time of broadcast; the recorded presentation will be accessible to participants for 2 days after the virtual streaming broadcast date through their learner profile on the TalkTools Training site.
Historically, clinicians are taught to develop speech by modeling (look at me, copy me). Most techniques, regardless of the diagnosis rely on this method and many clients do well. However, there are many students who cannot make a change to speech with only auditory and visual cues. These clients with “oral placement disorders”, a term coined by Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson and Diane Bahr to describe the client who cannot make a change to speech using auditory and visual cuing alone, often struggle to make the progress we hope to see. These clients may benefit from a multi-sensory approach to include tactile input based on phonetic placement and motor learning theories. This class will discuss how and when a sensory-motor approach might benefit. These principles and techniques can be applied with a variety of clients to include clients with Speech Sound Disorders (SSD’s) as well as those with dual diagnosis (Oral-Motor Disorder (OMD) and apraxia, Dysarthria and Down Syndrome, Autism and Apraxia) to name a few. Participants will learn how a stable motor system is key to speech development and the necessary underlying skills for each sound. Motor development will be reviewed and its place in assessment and treatment will be discussed.
The course will: 1) Review the underlying motor system as a pre-requisite to the standard production of speech sounds, 2) Review OPT as a modern extension of phonetic placement theory, 3) Learn a bottom up approach to speech production- learn the systems, 4) Teaching vocalizing on command, 5) Teach a Sound Using a tool/tactile cue to facilitate speech motor planning, 6) Phoneme Sequencing, 7) Phoneme Blending, 8) Syllables Blending, 9) Syllable to Word, 10) Addressing CAS, 11) Addressing Dysarthria/OMD’s, 12) Addressing CAS, 13) Discuss how this approach is intended as an adjunct to current therapy techniques.
NOTE: This course includes a 3 hours self-study module. FORMAT: pre-taped presentation. Learners must complete the self-study module prior to participating in the workshop.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Define an Oral Placement Approach for Motor Speech Disorders.
Identify the components of speech from a systems perspective.
Summarize the sensory system and its function in teaching speech.
Assess how the motor system functions and its impact in teaching speech.
Apply Sensory-Motor Techniques to teaching a client to vocalize on command.
Describe how bridging techniques are effective from OPT to Speech.
Formulate a framework for when to use tactile phonetic placement techniques and how to fade them.
List techniques for teaching a sound, sequencing, blending and transition to whole word.

Therapeutic Taping Strategies for the Upper Extremity - Live Webinar
2025-04-04 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix)
Course Description
This course will incorporate an evidence-based approach using techniques to reduce trigger points and apply neuroplasticity principles to reset pain thresholds. This course will also provide an overview and background on the role of traditional inelastic taping (ie, McConnell taping techniques) and various forms of elastic taping using kinesiology tape for deloading/facilitation/inhibition strategies. There will be a review of the relevant literature produced in this area with an emphasis on cervical and Upper Extremity conditions that are most suited for the use of therapeutic taping including lateral epicondylitis, upper crossed syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, rib fractures, and myofascial trigger points. This course will include basic taping techniques for clinicians that are new to taping – but it will also include taping strategies and parameters based on recent literature. A summary table of contemporary research published in the past 15 years will also be provided to all course attendees.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

Describe the type of tape available (inelastic vs. elastic) for musculoskeletal interventions.
Explain the contraindications for the use of therapeutic taping application.
Explain the applications of taping for various conditions such as lateral epicondylalgia, trigger point related pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome in order to decrease pain and improve function and the ability to participate in ADLs.
Identify appropriate strategies for the use of taping for patients with postural deficits.
Discuss the role of available evidence as it relates to the clinical practice of therapeutic taping.

Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication - Live Webinar
2025-04-04 06:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix)
Many of our clients diagnosed with ADHD prefer not to take medication. There are various reasons for this including side effects and concerns with long-term use. In this seminar, you’ll learn more about these concerns, as well as alternative interventions for ADHD.
Viewing ADHD from a developmental perspective, we will consider the apparent increase in ADHD diagnoses over the past two decades. By understanding the way brains with and without ADHD function, you’ll be able to better identify a variety of neurodivergent-affirming strategies to significantly impact the nervous system and better manage ADHD symptoms in your clients.
Not only will you walk away with updates about evidence-based non-medication interventions for ADHD such as computerized cognitive training, mindfulness meditation, and neurofeedback, you’ll also learn a variety of practical strategies that you and your clients can implement immediately and at low cost.
We’ll navigate the vast research on exercise, movement, diet, sleep, disruptive technologies, supplements, and the impact of the environment on ADHD, summarizing the findings and applying the information to “real life”. You will leave this seminar with the tools and knowledge to develop a holistic approach to working with adults and children with ADHD.

Social Media, Reality TV & Influencer Culture: CBT, EFT, and More for Enhanced Treatment of Clients Impacted by Toxic Content - Live Webinar
2025-04-04 06:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix)
Creating lasting change in therapy is hard work – especially when your client is distracted, disengaged, or lacks the necessary skills to retain therapeutic interventions…
If you’re struggling to make progress with your young clients, you’re not alone! Social media, reality TV, and influencer culture immersion have caused a critical thinking drought. And it’s making therapy harder.
Understanding how social media and reality television impact your clients – decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation − is vital for the whole picture of mental health and has a direct impact on you as the professional.
Join Janine Oliver, PhD, LCSW, clinician and researcher of reality tv and social media, as she demonstrates the connection to critical thinking decline and shares ways to improve your efforts as a therapist to make your interventions more effective, efficient, and durable. You’ll get:

Strategies to sustain lasting critical thinking skills
Confidence grounded in new skills and research to navigate social media and reality tv
Proven strategies to enhance engagement and problem-solving to help your client come up with their own solutions
Exercises and assessment tools to build resilience and grit to enhance clients critical thinking

Register now and walk away confident and grounded in new skills and research to navigate social media, virtual reality and external influences impacting people today!

24 Must-Have Mindfulness Techniques for Clinicians: Skills and Tools from DBT, ACT and More for Enhanced Treatment of Trauma, Anxiety, and Grief - Live Webinar
2025-04-04 06:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix)
Unlock the transformative potential of mindfulness with this training designed to elevate your skills and allow you to quickly harness the proven benefits of mindfulness across a wide range of therapeutic applications.
In just one day you’ll get a carefully curated collection of 24 indispensable mindfulness techniques used in top treatments like DBT and ACT. And since these techniques have been meticulously selected by mindfulness expert and acclaimed trainer Katelyn Baxter-Musser, you can rest assured you’re getting the very best mindfulness has to offer the clinician.
Whether you work with clients struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or interpersonal conflicts, Katelyn will make mastering these techniques feel simple and have you fully prepared to use them the very next day.
When you join Katelyn you’ll discover the keys to clinical mindfulness so you can:

Use proven tools to help clients manage their trauma triggers and interrupt anxiety
Skillfully utilize exercises that cultivate present moment awareness and reduce avoidance
Heighten clients’ consciousness of thoughts, emotions and physical sensations
Master techniques to regulate intense urges and impulses
Seamlessly integrate mindfulness into your therapeutic practice with Katelyn’s pro tips
Reinforce what you learn through real-life case examples and specific therapeutic scenarios

Bringing the very best mindfulness-based interventions into your practice has never been easier.
Take the guess work out of “what mindfulness intervention should I use in this situation” with Katelyn’s expert guidance and make your treatment more effective than ever before.
Register now!

Motor Speech Master Series: Identifying and Assessing - Webinar
2025-04-04 05:30 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix)
TalkTools® virtual streaming workshops and webinars are recorded. Recorded presentations are available for 2 days after the dates posted and accessible only to learners who purchased a seat for this course.
Historically, clinicians find it difficult to diagnose and treat speech disorders that fall under the umbrella of motor speech disorders particularly when a diagnostic incident has not occurred or the child with a single diagnosis. Children with motor speech sound disorders include the client with Childhood Dysarthria (CD), Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and Oral-Motor Disorders (OMD’s) fall into this category.
In this first part of this series, TalkTools Instructor Renee Roy Hill will discuss differential diagnosis of SSD’s particularly focusing on the characteristics of motor speech disorders that differentiate them from other developmental speech sound disorders such as a Phonological Disorder or Developmental Articulation Disorder. This course will begin with a self-study to focus on Defining motor speech disorders by function and characteristic, as well as look at various assessment tools available to assist the clinician in identifying the correct diagnosis in speech. We will then begin to look at the client with a dual diagnosis and its implications. Treatment Options currently used for CAS and CD will be explored to include what the research says, current recommended approaches and the criteria for choosing them.
This series will conclude with tying in OPT and Myofunctional techniques along with the principles of motor learning with a focus on speech production to develop a speech-focused program plan for the client with a motor speech disorder or dual diagnosis.
NOTE: This course includes a 2.5 hours self-study module. FORMAT: pre-taped presentation. Learners must complete the self-study module prior to participating in the workshop.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Define a Sensory-Motor Approach for Speech Clarity and who might benefit.
Interpret when an alternative treatment approach is recommended and why.
Identify the 4 Domain Evaluation Process.
Describe how a Multi-Sensory Approach to shaping speech clarity can be effective for clients with dual diagnosis or persistent articulation errors.
Formulate a framework for when to use a motor based approach and why: Speech from a systems perspective: Dysarthria, CAS, Persistent articulation Errors, OMD’s.
Identify the Muscle-Motor connection and specific bridging techniques to move from motor activity to speech (and the muscle link)
List strategies for working with clients who are pre-verbal or pre-imitation.

Scoliosis: Evaluation and Treatment Techniques - Webinar
2025-04-03 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)
Patients with a scoliosis diagnosis who seek therapy or medical care often present with a unique clinical presentation as compared to patients who present with traditional back pain. In order to provide effective treatment to adolescents and adults with a scoliosis diagnosis, a thorough understanding of the anatomy as well as muscle and tissue imbalances is required. This course will cover the different types of scoliosis, typical clinical presentations, research- based treatment approaches, and case studies to allow practice with clinical application.
Highlights

Practical evaluation and treatment options for patients with scoliosis
Case study reviews to improve the clinician’s understanding of treating scoliosis with easy-to-apply tips for use in the clinic tomorrow!

Treating Trauma in Neurodiverse Clients: Affirming and Culturally Inclusive Healing for Clients with Autism, ADHD & More - Live Webinar
2025-04-03 07:00 - 15:00 (America/Phoenix)
Healing from trauma is a challenging journey, and when neurodiversity is involved, the path can become even more complex.
Many clinicians feel underprepared to navigate this rocky terrain where it’s essential to align with each client’s unique communication and processing styles to guide them forward on their journey toward healing.
Without specialized skills, even your best efforts with traditional trauma interventions may fail these clients who so desperately need your help.
This course, led by Dr. Brandi Walker – a respected clinician, researcher, and advocate – offers you the essential knowledge and tools you need to address the nuanced needs of clients with autism, ADHD, AuDHD and other neurodivergences with confidence.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and how it influences the treatment of trauma. Dr. Walker’s expertise will guide you through tailored approaches to assessment, intervention, and culturally responsive care for clients facing diverse and interwoven needs.
This is your opportunity to become a specialist in trauma-informed neurodiversity care and build a toolkit of actionable skills to enhance your practice. Learn to:

Confidently use neurodiversity-affirming and culturally-responsive diagnostic approaches
Identify and confidently support sensory needs, verbal and non-verbal communication styles, co-regulate intense emotions, and address executive skills needed for post-traumatic growth
Choose values-driven, strength-based interventions that honor each client’s context and foster healing and resilience
Adapt CPT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Prolonged Exposure, Neurolinguistics, Written Exposure Therapy, and EMDR to meet the unique needs of clients with autism or ADHD
Address the nuanced needs of neurodiverse clients from BIPOC communities, military families, and underserved populations with greater precision and compassion

Register now!

Children with Challenging Behaviors - Live Webinar
2025-04-02 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Phoenix)
Did you know that up to 10-15% of children exhibit significant behavioral challenges that impact their ability to succeed in educational and social environments? These behaviors, often stemming from emotional, developmental, or sensory needs, can be difficult to manage without the right tools. However, research shows that positive relationships, structured environments, and skill-building interventions can reduce these behaviors by up to 80%, leading to healthier, more adaptive outcomes for children. This course is designed to equip therapists with the knowledge and skills needed to address and transform challenging behaviors in children. Participants will explore the critical role that building connections, creating safe environments, and teaching new skills play in fostering positive behavioral change.
The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients ages birth-21 years old.
Highlights

Practical, easy-to-use tools for designing safe, structured environments where children feel secure
Effective strategies to foster meaningful connections with children who exhibit challenging behaviors

Caring for Your Airway and Voice: A Vocologist’s Perspective - Webinar
2025-03-28 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Phoenix)
TalkTools® virtual streaming workshops and webinars are recorded. Recorded presentations are available for 2 days after the dates posted and accessible only to learners who purchased a seat for this course.
The Power-Source Filter Theory of voice encompasses the lungs, vocal mechanism and the structures of articulation and resonance. A breakdown at any level may not only impact the voice but impact the functions of speech and related to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) The regular presence of these adaptive movements can often result in a variety of disturbances. As per the ASHA practice portal, most OMDs stem from blockages in the airway and a primary sign and symptom of an OMD is open mouth posture with mouth breathing. Anatomy of the face and neck are shared for phonation, resonation and articulation.
Though usually not discussed concurrently, Robyn’s unique training in orofacial myology and vocology provides her with a unique perspective in looking at the whole airway system and how any blockages or deficits can impact not only the four MYODomains™ of Airway, Feeding/Swallowing, Structure and Speech, but also vocal health, resonance and voice quality for both professional and non-professional voice users.
This webinar will empower attendees to not only take care of their own airway and voice, but assist their patients, students and clients in seeking treatment. Prevention and intervention will be discussed across the lifespan, and participants will learn the science between the interaction of the airway, voice, swallowing and speech systems.

Webinar Details

Instructor Details and Financial Disclosure

Robyn Merkel-Walsh MA, CCC-SLP/COM®

Registration Fees

$150 includes: 2-hour CE Course, digital handout(s) & certificate of completion.

Schedule
Timed Agenda

5 minutes: Introduction
15 minutes: What is an Airway Disorder?
15 minutes: The Cycle of Disfunction
20 minutes: Noticing the Signs
15 minutes: Airway Intervention
15 minutes: Home Remedies
15 minutes: Vocal Hygiene
20 minutes: Conclusions/Q&A

AAC Essentials: Practical Strategies, Myths Debunked, and Common Mistakes to Avoid - Webinar
2025-03-21 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix)
TalkTools® virtual streaming workshops and webinars are recorded. Recorded presentations are available for 2 days after the dates posted and accessible only to learners who purchased a seat for this course.
As advocates for individuals with disabilities and their families, we have witnessed how AAC can transform lives, offering learners opportunities for meaningful communication and connection. While many professionals bring valuable expertise, our aim with this interactive training is to equip service providers with practical strategies for introducing and expanding AAC effectively. Through engaging visuals, interactive activities, and approachable language, attendees will feel confident in supporting families and educators to embrace AAC as a visual language.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) is a proven evidence-based practice, yet common myths and missteps—such as relying on PECS protocols when introducing high-tech AAC—can delay progress and lead to device abandonment. This training addresses these barriers and provides actionable solutions to set learners and their families up for long-term success. Through make-and-take resources and demonstrations, attendees will gain two key strategies for teaching others how to implement and grow AAC use in classrooms, clinics, and homes. Participants will leave inspired and ready to guide their teams in supporting learners in their communication journey.

Webinar Details

Instructor Details and Financial Disclosure

Janna Bedoyan, M.Ed., NBCT
Morgan van Diepen, M.Ed., BCBA

Registration Fees

$150 includes: 2-hour CE Course, digital handout(s) & certificate of completion.

Schedule
Timed Agenda

5 minutes: Introduction and objectives
5 minutes: The importance of taking a collaborative approach to supporting AAC users (research review)
5 minutes: Understanding AAC as a new language (activity)
10 minutes: Common AAC misconceptions (poll activity)
30 minutes: Common AAC errors + solutions (demonstration & activity)
5 minutes: Preventing device abandonment (discussion)
5 minutes: Using AAC to teach AAC (activity & discussion)
30 minutes: First strategy for incorporating AAC modeling into clinical, school, or home-based sessions (make & take handouts)
25 minutes: Second strategy for incorporating AAC modeling into clinical, school, or home-based sessions (video & make & take handouts)

#306 CAN-EAT Approach …Using medical, motor, & therapy strategies in pediatric feeding - Web Conderence
2025-03-21 06:00 - 2025-03-22 14:00 (America/Phoenix)
Pediatric feeding and swallowing problems that effect infants and children may be complex and often involve a combination of factors including issues that can make eating painful or difficult. In order to successfully remediate feeding problems, clinicians must understand how medical and nutritional issues can contribute to feeding disorders and use a comprehensive approach to intervention. The CAN-EAT Approach© is a 2-day workshop focusing on medical, nutritional, and therapeutic strategies for children with pediatric feeding disorders.

This course will allow participants to describe how pediatric feeding disorders are defined in the literature, what the contributing factors include, and how this relates to clinical practice. Identify primary gastrointestinal issues (gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, motility disorders, eosinophilic esophagitis, and visceral hyperalgesia) during a feeding evaluation and explain how these issues affect a child’s feeding skill development and ability to progress. Participants will analyze a child’s oral motor function and apply the knowledge in treatment making recommendations for appropriate diet, utensil use, and development of a therapy plan for skill development. Identify signs and symptoms of pharyngeal dysphagia or risk for pharyngeal dysphagia in a child and make appropriate recommendations for further assessment or treatment. Analyze moderate and complex pediatric feeding cases identifying barriers to feeding progression and apply principles to prioritize treatment strategies and write appropriate goals. Describe and apply examples of therapeutic techniques to reduce gagging, improve liquid and food acceptance, improve chewing skill, and wean from a feeding tube.

In the CAN-EAT Approach© “CAN” stands for comfort and nutrition which come first. Day one will focus on strategies to build GI comfort and good growth as well as explore other medical issues that interfere with feeding progression. Day two will focus on therapeutic strategies from a variety of philosophies. “EA” represents establishing acceptance of the spoon, easy textures or mealtime routine. Then “T” stands for therapy for skill development and feeding progression. Therapeutic strategies for common feeding problems will be explored in depth through lecture and video demonstration.

Information is applicable to infants and children from birth to 21 (class will discuss infants but is not focused on infant feeding issues)

Instructor: Krisi Brackett PhD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT

#7309 Therapeutic Intervention for Children with Severe Involvement … Care for medically complex diagnosed patients - Webinar
2025-03-21 06:00 - 10:30 (America/Phoenix)
Designing, implementing, and measuring success of therapy sessions for children with severe involvement and/or medically complex diagnoses can be challenging. This webinar will provide you with the tools to create playful treatment sessions that are focused on a measurable functional outcome referencing current concepts of motor learning, motor control, neuroplasticity and the NDTA™ Contemporary Practice of NDT. Case studies and video analysis with guided discussion will provide an opportunity for fine tuning assessment skills, prioritizing identified impairments, developing goal attainment scale (GAS) goals, and formulating intervention strategies for improved patient performance of functional activities and activities of daily living (ADL’s). Appropriate adjuncts to traditional therapy for the child with severe involvement and/or medically complex diagnosis will be discussed.

Instructor: Leslie Paparsenos, PT, Physiotherapist, MS, C/NDT

#7324 Introduction to Contemporary Neuro- Developmental Therapy (NDT) for the Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapy Practitioners - Live Webinar
2025-03-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the Contemporary Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) clinical practice model and its application to the pediatric speech-language pathologist and occupational therapists. NDT is an interdisciplinary, dynamic, hands-on, problem solving approach used in the treatment of children and adults with neurological pathophysiological impairments. Intervention involves direct handling to optimize function in the areas of swallowing, feeding, speech production, and voice. Participants will learn how positioning of the body relates to the function of the mouth, as well as simple strategies to facilitate improvement of speech and language and feeding functional outcomes. Practical application of material will be presented through lecture, video clips, movement practicum and discussions. Course instruction method includes: lecture, demonstration, videos, group discussion, lab practice, and question/answers.

Instructor: Patsy Tate, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT

#7324 Introduction to Contemporary Neuro- Developmental Therapy (NDT) for the Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapy Practitioners - Webinar
2025-03-20 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)

Upper Extremity Manual Therapy and Taping - Webinar
2025-03-20 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)
The upper extremity is a complex joint in the body which lends it to many different types of injuries. When treating the upper extremity clinicians must choose between mobility, stability, and flexibility interventions. Even more important than choosing the right intervention for the shoulder, is then choosing a proper dose to make it effective.
This course will discuss evidence-based stages to manual therapies and taping for the upper extremity from the acute phase to returning to activities. Attendees will review the evidence behind the soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, taping, and more to best treat their patients. At the end of the course, attendees will have an effective, evidence-based, and efficient approach to treating the upper extremity.
Highlights

Immediately improve your upper extremity treatment skills to more effectively treat your patients
Review passive treatments for the shoulder and how to best utilize them in therapy sessions
Effective, evidence-based, and efficient progressions for all upper extremity patients

Current Concepts in Rehab: Injury Prevention and Sports Performance Training - Live Webinar
2025-03-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)
Course Description
This presentation will discuss current concepts in injury prevention and sports performance training as it applies to the healthcare provider. Presentation topics include injury prevention strategies, plyometrics, speed-agility-quickness, balance training, integrated training, and programming strategies for athletes of all ages. This presentation is for the healthcare provider who desires an evidence-based update of current injury prevention and sports performance training concepts.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

Recall the latest research evidence on two popular injury prevention programs.
Recall the latest research evidence on sports performance training methods such as plyometrics, speed-agility-quickness, balance training, and integrated training.
Recognize age related programming strategies for different types of sports performance training methods.

School-Age Speech and Language Milestones - Webinar
2025-03-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)
As speech-language pathologists, we’re experts when it comes to speech, language, and communication milestones. So, it stands to reason that we can more easily notice aspects of atypical development as related to a child’s communication skills. In most school-based settings, speech-language pathologists rely on teachers, special educators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists,etc. to refer and monitor children who exhibit a suspected communication delay or disorder. Each child develops uniquely and may reach certain milestones earlier or later than others, and a child may not reach each milestone until the end of a given age range.
The developmental milestones and “red flags” examined in this course will help you to familiarize other professionals with what they can expect from children in terms of typical development of various communication skills. As a result, this will aid other professionals in knowing when to seek a screening and/or speech-language pathology services. These developmental milestones are not a screening or diagnostic tool. They are meant to be used to provide information to other professionals in seeking speech- language services or making an appropriate referral. Strategies for sharing this information with other school-based professionals will be discussed. In addition, when and whereto refer a student following a speech-language screening will also be presented.
The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients ages 5-18 years old.
Highlights

Improve your knowledge of different types of speech- language deficits that present in the school-age population
Screening and referral strategies to communicate with other school-age professionals
Expand expectations of school-age children in terms of development of various communication skills

Hand Therapy - Webinar
2025-03-13 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)
Hand therapy is an incredibly personal and complex area for rehabilitation professionals and patients alike. Hamasaki et al. (2018) highlight this complexity in their study emphasizing the interdependence of both motor and sensory aspects of functioning to impact pain reports for hand therapy patients. Having effective plans of care means developing comfort as a therapist to assess, thoroughly, a patient’s pain and choose the best courses of intervention to achieve his or her goals.
This course will assist therapists in developing their skills in testing differential diagnosis and developing an understanding of pathology leading to dysfunction. This course will be a good foundation course for new hand therapists and a refresher for those looking to review needed information. Additionally, each therapist will leave with testing and treatment recourses which they can apply in the clinic the next day. Physical and psychological factors related to rehabilitation will be considered during this course. Attendees will be able to identify tests needed for a number of differential diagnoses to enhance patient care and their knowledge as it relates to hand therapy preparation. Nerve entrapment in addition to physical dysfunction will be addressed as often these two components are appearing hand in hand for our upper quadrant clients. Participants will be able to select appropriate functional evaluations to bridge physical dysfunctional and psychological impact to develop more effective plans of care and treatment approaches.
Highlights

Immediately identify testing strategies to be effective in differential diagnosis of the hand/wrist and upper extremity
Improve your knowledge of upper quadrant anatomy and physiology to create better evaluations and more effective treatments

#7375 The Sensorimotor Foundations for Arousal and Affect Regulation: A Multifaceted Approach - Webinar
2025-03-12 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix)
Join Sheila Frick and Tracy Bjorling as they introduce the neurobiological underpinnings for affect and arousal regulation from a sensory integrative and relational perspective. As therapists, we often encounter individuals who are unable to effectively modulate and integrate sensation for the purpose of achieving, maintaining, and shifting arousal and affective states within a range that best supports daily function and participation.
Participants will learn therapeutic guidelines and a variety of sound, relational, movement, and other sensory motor based strategies necessary for designing effective intervention strategies that can be incorporated into daily routines. These strategies can be applied individually to support clients to achieve, maintain, and broaden their optimal range of arousal and affect. Activity recommendations are appropriate for a variety of ages and environments, including in-clinic, home, and schools.

Instructor: Sheila M. Frick, OTR and Tracy Bjorling; OTD, OTR/L

#7160 Strengthening the CORE for Better Balance - Live Webinar
2025-03-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix)
Core strengthening is integral to improving balance. Recent studies indicate that measures of trunk muscle strength are associated with variables of static and dynamic balance and risk of falls. Strengthen the Core for Better Balance includes exercise intervention strategies to improve balance by development of core, motor control, and strength training programs. These strategies can also counteract pain, injury and age-related weakness. This class will teach you how to isolate your core muscles (transverse abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor) and incorporate motor skill training into core, strength training and functional movement.

Instructor: Dr. Caroline C. Creager, PT

Assessment and Treatment of Sport-Related Concussion - Webinar
2025-03-06 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix)
Too often, a patient is seen after sustaining a concussion and given little to no guidance regarding how to effectively and safely return to school and sport without excessive symptom provocation. These patients frequently show symptoms well beyond the typical timeline, as they have missed out on proper rehabilitation opportunities and potentially have developed secondary signs and symptoms related to prolonged removal from school and sport, such as psychosocial dysfunction and deconditioning. Rehabilitative clinicians now are involved with care of these patients from diagnosis to full recovery.
This course will briefly address the multi-system involvement, not limited to oculomotor, vestibular, orthopaedic and cardiovascular, in the assessment and rehabilitation of the concussed athlete. The complexity of how each of these systems contributes to impairments and functional limitations will be reviewed. The most up to date research on evidence-based assessment tools will be presented as well as best practice tools for rehabilitation. This course will arm the clinician with tips to minimize symptoms in each domain to allow the student to return to school related activities earlier and minimize days lost from school. Additionally, the clinician will examine the importance of instructing a step-wise progression of exercises from each individual system involved, to functional progressions of exercises, to eventual sport specific and non-contact sport related skills. After completion of this course, the rehabilitative clinician will be an integral part of the medical management team for those who have sustained a concussion/TBI.
Highlights

Improve your ability to identify red and yellow flags of concussion and when an athlete should be immediately removed from play.
Identify various system contributions to symptoms that may limit participation in sport-related activities or ultimately hinder return to play
Learn evidence-based exercise prescriptions and evidence-informed return to sport protocols that are safe, effective, and efficient at returning the athlete safely back to sport.

Clinical Documentation in Occupational, Physical, and Speech Rehabilitation - Live Webinar
2025-03-01 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix)
Clinicians and assistants did not go to therapy school to learn to write notes. Unfortunately, clinical documentation is an essential part of every OT, PT, or SLP visit. Anecdotal evidence and observation suggest that many therapists are documenting how they learned in school, whether that was 1 or 20 years ago. This course explores the current requirements of traditional restorative therapy and contrasts with the little-understood necessities of maintenance therapy. Clinicians will explore the art and science of compliant clinical documentation in the therapy world.
Highlights

Immediately improve your clinical documentation for traditional restorative patients
Differences between restorative and maintenance therapy patients and how to determine which is necessary
