Pediatric OT Primer
Everything you need to know as a Pediatric OT. Whether you’re new to OT or a veteran OT switching to peds, there’s a little something for everyone.
We are no longer asking if it’s SENSORY or BEHAVIOR – We are digging deep to improve self-regulation.
Are you juggling behavioral outbursts during your sessions? By shifting your perspective and considering all behavior as communication, you can approach your sessions with confidence. Regulation, sensory coding, interoception, reflex integration, top-down or bottom-up processing, and decreased communication all affect a child’s behavior. In this self-paced and online course informed by the most recent and exciting research, you will learn to help increase students’ flexibility. Implement the techniques in this fun course and you’ll immediately improve your effectiveness, children’s participation, and therapeutic outcomes.
This course is AOTA-approved and is 6.5 hours.
$197.00
A course workbook, monthly office hours, 6 months of access, entirely self-paced and online, and 6.5 hours of AOTA-approved professional development.
Let’s ask ourselves the difficult questions to help understand our approaches and deficits-based ideas. The saying is, “Do the best you can and when you KNOW better, you can DO better.” We’ve all been there and it’s OK, this course will change your practice!
Who knew research could be so exciting! In the last 5 years, multiple research studies show significant improvements in our understanding of the brain, body, and their connection. Tap into the newest information to truly utilize evidence-based practices. Also, what IS a strengths-based approach?
We all learn differently. Do you know your specific learning style? If not, jump into this module to find out more. Boost your success by changing your teaching to the way your students learn. Then, learn how rules help to eliminate ‘gray areas’ in our society.
Let’s dive deeper into regulation. Neurology is critical to understanding behavior and our ‘why.’ When and where does regulation develop, how does it relate to our responses, and how can you utilize it to improve occupational performance? We discuss social-emotional learning strategies that help to build increased self-awareness and reduce maladaptive behaviors.
Get excited about this new information!
Our brains are wired for survival and safety. Trauma can result from one or more multiple acute stressors, from a perceived dangerous or threatening event, or as the end product of cumulative stress. All types of trauma affect a child’s ability to be resilient and show smooth processing. Many children seen in your clinic have events of senory meltdowns or stressors due to medical procedures, and co-morbid conditions. This causes corrosive results due to continual fear or anxiety. A universal therapeutic use of self and trauma-informed lens helps your students to feel comfortable in your clinic.
Did you realize that a child’s movement in all planes connects with emotional states/traits? We delve into the ramifications of retained reflexes and movement difficulties. You will learn to quickly assess and implement treatment techniques immediately!
We are all familiar with the thinking skills of executive function, such as planning and organizing. Did you know that the doing skills (metacognition, sustained attention, task initiation) begin with regulation? What does the neurology say and what can you add to your sessions to help guide your students to effective ‘doing skills?’
Many of us use reactive strategies because it’s what we were either taught or what we see when considering meltdowns and behavior. We discuss the differences between top-down and bottom-up origins of behavior. You’ll feel comfortable playing behavior and communication detective while using play to build connections. Through case studies, you’ll develop a clear picture of how to choose and implement proactive strategies so your sessions flow smoother.
Interoceptive awareness affects how we react to our own bodies and our surroundings. It’s our primary instrument for making meaning to sensory information. Thus, it’s critical for our work with children to learn how we depend on our interoceptive system to support and facilitate meaningful participation in daily life. What is effective coding and how does it help build problem-solving and regulatory skills? Our children need to adapt to their surroundings and use interoception to form emotions. You’ll get ideas to implement immediately!
You’re ready to go and make huge differences in your students’ lives! You had the power all along but you had to learn it for yourself. (Wizard of Oz)
We had the pleasure of working with Cara during our 2020 Kansas Occupational Therapy Conference. She was very flexible, and despite the pandemic, she was still able to present for us virtually. We were finally able to welcome her to our state in person for this last year’s 2021 Conference. She was not only a joy to work with, but her sessions were innovative and engaging for our participants.
I felt burned out and wondered why I became an OT. After taking Cara’s course and mentoring program, I found my WHY again!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Kimberly J. Charlotte, NC
5/5 stars!
The Trauma-Informed Care course was absolutely amazing. I learned so much and can’t wait to use it.
Rebekah Schachner, OTD Student
I wanted to let you know I have attended some other Trauma related courses in the past, however, I think since yours is from the OT perspective, I found it to be much more informative and useful to implement in to future treatments. Thank you so much!
I wanted to send you a note to tell you how wonderful the webinar was today. We received positive feedback, and everyone enjoyed it so much! You always do such an amazing job. It is so evident you love your work! Thank you again.
Cara not only brought a plethora of knowledge to our community, but she was also able to talk to parents with a compassionate understanding of the challenges they face.
Cara Koscinski is one of my favorite resources to share! She has such a passion for teaching and sharing her extensive knowledge about everything from sensory issues to everyday strategies that make life work. Cara’s an amazing expert with first-hand experience. She explains things in a way that anyone can understand, and her tips are always practical, compassionate, and helpful! I just LOVE her and her tips!
Cara uses real-life examples to solidify concepts. Her experience and practical tips will make a huge difference in my clinic. Also, her PASSION is contagious. I’ll be back for more. Thanks!
Julia R. OTA in CA
Cara is an accomplished occupational therapist, writer, speaker, teacher and overall advocate for children with special needs.
Cara has been a therapist since 1997. She earned her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy, master’s degree in occupational therapy, and bachelor’s degree in health sciences. Along with many other achievements, she earned status as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) by the International Board of Credentialing – a highly regarded achievement in the health field.
Cara specializes in:
