Pediatric Process Class
The medical advances that save younger and younger premature babies, and those with birth complications, demand that we advance our therapeutic strategies and skills as well.
Mechanical and behaviorally-driven approaches to the critical survival functions of breathing and feeding do not address the underlying disrupted neurological circuitry, and may in fact add to the confusion in an already compromised neonate.
A baby with confused brainstem circuitry needs guidance to develop functional wiring patterns.
When therapists and neonatal specialists understand the "why of the Wiring" of neurological development, we can guide these little ones to successful somatic, sensory and social function.
In this online class, we will be exploring the growing challenges of assessing and treating infant and pediatric populations, specifically in regards to establishing neurodevelopmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions.
From the general embryological process of neurosensory organization, to the specific survival processes of the central autonomic system, we will identify the original body-brain logic of the newborn and gain a clearer understanding of the challenges that premature or disrupted arrival brings.
All of this derives from a neuroscience-based understanding of the role of self-awareness and self-regulation, in therapist, caregiver AND patient, in the therapeutic process.
This internal, interoceptive presence is the most powerful aspect of the therapeutic intervention, and provides a profound grounding for the complex, reorganizing dance.
Pediatric Process Class
Explore the elegant dynamics of embryological development, from the initial two layers to our full, complex organization.
Examine the role of original mouth structures as the pivotal node driving brain, heart and gut dynamics.
Discover the intricate brain circuitry dance that coordinates breath and swallowing.
Specific oral motor dysfunctions will be addressed:
*Anterior Tongue Tie* is the "tip" of complex oral motor confusion, anchored by naso-oropharyngeal developmental dysfunction, which must be addressed to facilitate successful suck-swallow development.
*"Posterior tongue tie" reaches far beyond the posterior genioglossus - and we will explore the true physiological roots of this perceived dysfunction.*
*Laryngeal and aspiration dysfunctions impact proper vagus nerve function, complicating G-tube interventions.*
*Facilitate neurological circuit alignment to restore oral feeding and facilitate G-tube removal.*
The Neurovascular Integration approach transforms and illuminates familiar therapeutic interventions.
By grounding our work in our own secure, autonomic "balance zone" and working from the "why of the wiring," we guide our patients to their own autonomic organization and regulation.
This modeling also helps to create an optimal environment for family support and therapeutic success.
Learning Objectives/Outcomes:
Upon completion of this introductory class, students will be able to:
- describe the basic neurosensory processing dynamic
- list three pre- and post-natal wiring disruption events, and three adverse plasticization events
- identify the neurodevelopmental process of oral motor structures and brain-gut wiring and mapping
- identify three simple steps to incorporate neurosensory regulation techniques into traditional feeding and therapeutic strategies
- list three common challenges to baby, family and home dynamics following birth process complications
- identify three common home environment patterns and simple strategies for creating a secure treatment space.
- identify effective strategies for engaging family/teacher teamwork.
This is an online class, offered through video-conferencing format (Zoom). There are three, two-hour sessions offered online, and additional private zoom treatment practice sessions. When we resume safe travel, there will be a bonus "Lab Day" held in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The next session runs August 11, 18 and 25, 2020, 3-5pm ET. All video sessions are recorded, and students receive audio and video links to the lectures. Students also receive the 115-page, hand-illustrated workbook.
Tuition: $450. "Retake" Tuition: $275.