Using Gravity to Facilitate Sensory Motor Development in Infants & Children

Presented By

Eileen W. Richter, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA

About the Speaker

Thirty plus years working in public schools, hospitals & private practice. Master of Public Health degree in Maternal & Child Health, co-author of 3 books, a DVD, a research article and newsletter articles. International lecturer, equipment designer, Camp Avanti Director.

Seminar Info

Saturday, October 18, 2014
Registration: 8:00 am

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Cost: $195.00

Contact Hours: 6.0

AOTA CEUs: .60

Location:

Hampton Inn and Suites
8936 Calumet Ave.
Munster, IN 46321

Target Audience

OT, PT, DT, ST, Early Intervention Professionals, Special Education Personnel

Course Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Seminar Description

Gravity influences infant development in many ways, from triggering vestibular processing to developing and strengthening muscles.  Due to a number of factors, including improper positioning, lack of typical sensory motor opportunities, other environmental factors, and/or diagnoses of failure to thrive, autism, sensory processing disorders, etc., many of today’s children are delayed in their sensory motor development when compared with past generations.  These delays are particularly apparent in lack of core strength, proximal stability, and upper extremity coordination.  Along with other treatment strategies, gravity can be used by therapists to enhance development, especially in the areas of sensory motor processing, reflex integration and motor coordination.  A variety of intervention strategies that engage vestibular mechanisms and take advantage of gravitational influences, including some innovative equipment, will be discussed and demonstrated via labs and video presentation.

Seminar Objectives: 

1. Discuss the role that gravity plays in typical infant development.
2. List the ways that positioning and other environmental influences can obstruct or enhance sensory motor development.
3. Demonstrate at least 3-4 strategies to facilitate reflex integration and sensory motor development.
4. Describe innovative equipment for enhancing sensory motor development and how to use them.

Agenda