When: September 21st, 2024 

Where: Live-Online 

Continence and constipation are challenges for many of the families encountered by pediatric PTs and OTs. However, few rehabilitation professionals feel confident to address these needs, and lack relevant tools to address them in the context of the pediatric clinical setting. Standard pelvic floor-centered, behavioral and environmental interventions seem to fall short for neurodivergent children (and many neurotypical kids). In this 2-day hybrid course Shelley Mannell, PT and Julie Wiebe, PT will equip the pediatric and pelvic health professional with an updated and accessible framework that integrates the postural control, neuromuscular, and pressure systems that contribute to continence in children (it’s more than just a pelvic floor problem). Providers will gain relevant strategies that complement their existing skill set to address continence control issues alongside other treatment needs while honoring the unique circumstances of families and children with developmental, sensory, and motoric challenges. Clinical reasoning will be offered to support application across the continuum of needs for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children from birth to adulthood.

Day 1 Online (September 21st, 2024): Participants are introduced to a dynamic systems assessment of continence challenges. Tangible tools and new intervention strategies are discussed that simultaneously address the interconnection between postural control, balance, gait, constipation, and daytime and nighttime continence. Concepts basic to the Dynamic Core for Kids approach will be highlighted and expanded with a specific focus on breath mechanics as a gateway into the interlinked central control and continence systems. There will also be discussion regarding further interconnections between neurophysiologic, sensory processing and emotional regulation systems within the context of continence. (Day One is a stand-alone opportunity for those that cannot travel for Day Two)

Day 2 In-person (October 5th, 2024): Participants will have the opportunity to explore both functional, movement- based assessment tools, as well as, hands-on external assessment of diaphragm and pelvic floor function for application in appropriate cases. Assessment of abdominal wall integrity, the significance of developmental Diastasis Recti Abdominis on a systems approach to continence and balance as well as treatment options/progression will be explored. (Attendance on Day One is a prerequisite to attendance on Day Two.) MORE INFO ON DAY TWO HERE.

For more information contact admin@juliewiebept.com.

Objectives

On completion of Day One, the participant will be able to:

1. Discuss the prevalence of continence issues in 3 different pediatric populations.
2. List 4 modifiable lifestyle factors that can have an impact on continence in both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.
3. Develop 3 constipation intervention strategies for parents to help prevent nighttime accidents.
4. Integrate breath mechanics as a gateway for pressure management in 3 therapeutic activities.
5. Describe the interconnections  between neurophysiologic, sensory processing, and emotional regulation systems as they relate to daytime and nighttime continence control.

On completion of Day Two, the participant will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of components of the central control system – Diaphragm, Transversus Abdominis, and Pelvic Floor (including external palpation with consent).
2. Identify functional and movement pattern deficits that reflect the interrelationship of central control and continence deficits.
3. Devise intervention strategies that address balance, gait, postural control, and movement inefficiencies that simultaneously offer continence control support.
4. Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of Developmental DRA.
5. Develop intervention strategies to manage Developmental DRA in different age groups/physical capabilities.