Summary: Joanne Flanagan, ScD, OTR/L will focus on the implications of early motor dysfunction in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as ASD and SPD. The importance of early motor development will be discussed, followed by information on how to identify motor delays based on current research in high risk infants later diagnosed with ASD. Finally, practical clinical information on identification and treatment of early motor delays in young children with SPD will be illustrated through a case study.
Level: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Occupational therapists, Physical Therapists, speech and language pathologists, mental health and medical professionals
Prerequisite: None
Presenter: Joanne Flanagan, ScD, OTR is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy in the School of Health Professions. Prior to working at NSU, Dr. Flanagan was an Associate professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute, the STAR Institute, and the National Institutes of Health, where she developed extensive clinical and research experience working with infants and young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her research interests are early identification of infants at risk for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and early intervention for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Flanagan has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at regional, national, and international conferences on her research.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the rationale for assessing early motor skills in at-risk infants for neurodevelopment disorders.
- Describe specific research findings related to assessing quality of movement and play behaviors in at-risk infants for ASD.
- Discuss the clinical implications for practice, particularly for early screening and intervention, of infants and toddlers at risk for SPD.
Continuing Education: STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation is an AOTA Approved Provider of Continuing Education. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Upon full completion of the course video, participants must complete and pass a quiz with at least 80% accuracy to receive a certificate of completion.