Live Webinar for Pediatric Therapists. Complete both Sessions for 11 Contact Hours (1.1 CEUs)
April 14 and 15, 2025
9:40 am EST • 8:40 am CST •7:40 am MST • 6:40 am PST (US)
Registration includes access to two sessions and handouts.
SAVE $20 when you register by March 3, 2025. Use coupon code EARLYBIRD20 at check out.
DESCRIPTION
Children with sensory dysfunction are frequently referred to therapy with family concerns of poor coordination, weakness, hypo/hypertonia, impaired balance and difficulty with motor skills. They are often labeled as awkward, lazy or clumsy, and have difficulty physically keeping up with their peers, or performing basic tasks such as running, jumping and stairs.
Therapists are aware that the difficulty with these skills is related to sensory dysfunction, but the sensory-based element of movement is an area that often eludes physical therapists, resulting in frustrating interactions and inferior outcomes. However, synthesizing gross motor function with a sensory system foundation can improve outcomes for this population.
This course provides practical insight into therapeutic interaction with children with both sensory system and gross motor dysfunction. Intervention strategies are provided, with the purpose of utilizing the sensory systems to effect change in gross motor performance.
This course does NOT aim to teach sensory processing integration therapy. Rather, it proposes how various essential components of “sensory-aware” intervention may be combined to facilitate purposeful effective results in the context of physical therapy treatment sessions. The practical application of didactic information by way of simple techniques address the following obstacles to efficient gross motor performance:
- Sensory dysfunction
- Insufficient postural control
- Foundational weakness
- Instability & related poor mobility & incoordination
- Poor motor planning
OBJECTIVES
- Describe interdependent dynamics of sensory systems as they relate to
gross motor function.
- Identify specific areas of sensory dysfunction in children referred to
physical therapy for gross motor challenges.
- Learn how to apply skilled clinical reasoning in sensorimotor therapeutic
interventions.
- Develop sensory-based strategies to increase postural control, strength,
coordination, motor planning, stability and mobility.
- Explain evidence based rationale for chosen therapeutic techniques to
improve caregiver, team and administrative communication and
understanding.
AUDIENCE
Clinical Level: Intermediate physical and occupational therapists who work with children in school, at home or in the clinic.
If you enjoy studying with Liesa Ritchie-Persaud, you may enjoy this on-demand offering:
Primitive Reflexes: Strategies to Promote Integration – Strengthening Foundational Skills – Online Series
Receive access for a full year, downloadable handouts and 11 contact hours (1.1 CEUs)
$299/person
Learn at your convenience with Janine Wiskind, MS, OTR/L, CBIS. This course (recorded at a live webinar) provides therapists with a clear understanding of evaluating and treating primitive reflexes. Janine provides lots of practical interventions and a new perspective on how to look at a child’s development. Complete details and Registration here.
Liesa M. Ritchie-Persaud, PT, DPT, PCS, is a licensed physical therapist with 33 years experience in the field of pediatric therapy. Liesa is the owner of "Know To Change," an organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge and skills of clinicians in pediatric practice. Both nationally and internationally, she has educated healthcare professionals in advanced treatment techniques, performed specialized practical training and provided consultative services. Liesa has worked in a variety of settings, including private pediatric clinics, schools, private homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as facilities overseas. Dr. Ritchie-Persaud is a Credentialed Clinical Instructor and also taught human anatomy, physiology. She received her Associate degree in 1993 and worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant while earning her B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University in Tulsa, OK. Dr. Ritchie-Persaud earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Findlay in Findlay, OH in 2003. She received her post-graduate Doctorate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2011 and is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Liesa’s passion for helping others extends into her private life. She has volunteered as a Call Rape Advocate and Salvation Army volunteer. Her passion for travel has led her to teach and treat in Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, the Arab Emirates and Mexico, plus organizing and participating in mission work in Mexico, Ukraine and Palestine. Liesa’s wide range of clinical experience, organizational leadership, proficient teaching skills, motivation to improve the standard of care and enthusiasm and passion for her field make her an exciting and compelling instructor.
Liesa's knowledge and experience in addressing more complex sensory and motor developmental issues shines through in her presentations. Her passion is contagious. The webinar was professionally run with seamless connection and engagement with participants. -liesas_knowledge_and_experience_in_addressing_more_complex_sensory_and_motor_developmental_issues_shines_through_in_her_presentations__her_passion_is_contagious__the_webinar_was_professionally
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