| Description |
Treating children with severe physical impairments, with or without cognitive impairments, presents unique challenges. Many of these children lack head and trunk control necessary to interact with family members, peers, and the environment. Finding effective evaluation tools, including standardized tests, is difficult. Therapists gaining this information will not only be able to better their outcomes, they will be able to carry this information on to family and caregivers to improve long-term functional development.
This course emphasizes evaluation and assessment across the lifespan to meet changing impairments and functional needs. Treatment techniques to address the respiratory system, basic life skills and maintaining postural alignment will be practiced. We will discuss how to set functional goals and workable home programs. This course is designed for physical, occupational and speech language pathologists who work with this population and want to expand their skills. Participants will identify the challenges of working in various settings and how to set treatment priorities for each setting. Participants will apply realistic functional goal setting techniques to make goals achievable. Practical labs working with an adult partner and doll will reinforce treatment concepts.
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