Course Description:
Advanced Upper Extremity Course from an NDT Perspective: Skill building and mentoring for OT’s in Fine Motor Development
Therapists who work with children experiencing neurological challenges will benefit from this in-house intense 4-day learning experience. It is designed to support this form of professional practice to its highest level, combining lectures, labs, video presentations and hands-on demonstrations. The focus of the content will be on understanding the Systems approach to the development of upper extremity use, grasp and manipulation as these skills relate to everyday function.
The participants’ individual learning experiences and outcomes are paramount; this is a chance to deepen your practice with the children you serve at both the technical and interpersonal level.
Learning Objectives:
The learner will develop an appreciation of the analysis of fine motor skills through an NDT lens.
The learner will develop understanding of the Dynamic Systems Theory approach to the understanding and evaluation of functional fine motor skills.
The learner will develop and understanding of the evaluation and treatment of postural stability for the support of fine motor control.
The learner will develop an understanding of the biomechanics of the forearm, wrist and hand for function.
The learner will develop an understanding of typical development of fine motor control.
The learner will develop an understanding of the sensory contributions to fine motor control.
The learner will develop an understanding of in-hand manipulation skills.
The learner will develop task analysis skills of fine motor function in every living skills.
Day 1:
Fine motor skills through an NDT lens
Dynamic Systems Theory approach to the understanding and evaluation of functional fine motor skills
Dynamic postural control as it contributes to fine motor function
(lecture and lab)
Treatment of Core stability and its contribution to fine motor control (lecture and lab)
Treatment Demonstration with a child
Follow-up discussion
Day 2:
Biomechanics of the forearm, wrist and hand for function
Treatment practicum mentorship with children (participants will treat children in teams and receive feedback)
Typical development of the hand
Experiential lab
Treatment demonstration with a child
Follow-up discussion
Day 3:
Typical development of hand control
Sensory Aspects of the hand: arousal and haptic
Treatment of Sensory Challenges as it contributes to fine motor function
In-Hand Manipulation lecture and lab
Task analysis
Treatment practicum mentorship with children
Day 4:
Hand in daily function
Treatment Demonstration
Follow Up Discussion
Neurobiology of Upper Extremity Function
Standardized Assessments and putting the pieces into everyday life through activities of daily living
Writing goals and objective and establishing measurable outcomes