This course provides an introduction to multiple factors associated with feeding development and includes a review of typical milestones. A summary of conditions that can disrupt the normal process are introduced.

This course will discuss various strategies to optimize head position. First, we will explore strategies beyond the head support, including specific positioning interventions and addressing visual issues. Second, we will explore posterior head supports in depth, matching specific features to client needs. Third, we will explore other options which may be required if posterior support alone is inadequate, including anterior head support.

Picking up where we left off in part 1, we will make a deeper exploration of Yogic supports for expanding long-term recovery from addiction. Understanding the philosophical foundations of yoga, the impact of Trauma experiences on addiction, and the dynamic interaction of the chakra system which can further support a person in recovery will be explored.

This course will outline various forms of low and high tech forms of assistive technology which may be incorporated into classrooms.

With the growing requirement to objectively measure impairments and utilize standardized measures to confirm patient changes, the ability to integrate and use outcome measures is a key skill necessary for today’s successful practice. Review the fundamentals of balance control including outcome measurement specific to balance which can be integrated into occupational therapy practice.

The mitochondrial cells in our bodies are responsible for creating 90% of the energy needed to sustain life and support organ function. The parts of the body that need the most energy, such as the heart, brain, muscles and lungs, are the most affected by mitochondrial disease. When mitochondria malfunction, organs start to fail causing sickness and even death. OTs are uniquely poised to help with energy conservation, optimize functional outcomes, and provide quality of life for those affected by Mitochondrial Disease.

Yoga provides a dynamic support for expanding long-term recovery from addiction. Understanding the philosophical foundations of yoga, the principles of ayurveda (the medical science of yoga) and the unique supports yoga provides a person in recovery will be explored.

This course defines cultural and linguistic competency and related terms and presents factors that may affect the ability to provide culturally and linguistically competent care. This session addresses the need for self-awareness in culturally and linguistically competent medical care, the differences between disease and illness, and factors that may influence a patient's experience of illness as well as the health beliefs and practices of some cultures. The session offers an approach to eliciting a patient’s cultural health beliefs that can help inform therapists to deliver culturally appropriate treatments.

This course will provide practical instruction on utilizing micro-dwarf tomato plants for provision of highly affordable and accessible therapeutic horticulture/gardening as a meaningful occupation, while detailing occupational therapy’s role in providing evidence-based interventions that allow clients to benefit from plant-based therapeutic activities.

This session will review updated regulations related to physical and chemical restraints in long-term care. Resident assessment, therapy interventions, and alternatives to restraints will be discussed.