Continence and constipation are challenges for many of the families encountered by pediatric PTs. However, few rehabilitation professionals feel confident to address these needs, and lack relevant tools to address them in the context of the clinical setting. Standard direct pelvic floor, behavioral, and environmental interventions often fail to meet the complex needs of neurodiverse (and many neurotypical) kids. A new model of pediatric pelvic health is needed.

This presentation introduces the pediatric professional to a dynamic systems framework for assessment and intervention for pediatric pelvic health challenges that is sensitive to families and children managing developmental, emotional, sensory, and motor challenges. This whole-child perspective offers tangible tools and intervention strategies that harness the interconnection of postural control, neuromuscular, movement, and pressure systems to support continence and constipation in children. In addition, interconnections between the neural networks involved in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and continence systems in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations will be discussed to deepen provider understanding of a global approach.

Participants will be provided with assessment and outcome measurement tools to support their ability to confidently communicate and evaluate continence and constipation needs as a component of the full clinical presentation. Trauma-sensitive clinical strategies and reasoning will be offered to engage the assessed needs via new intervention tools that complement provider’s existing skill set. This course is designed for clinicians who are new to pediatric pelvic health, providing foundational knowledge and skills to support pelvic health for both neurodiverse and neurotypical children from birth to adulthood.