Occupational therapist, Kim Toomer MOT, OTR/L, completed a continuing education course called ‚ÄúEffectively Treat Behavior in Children: Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing, Cognitive Limitations, PTSD, & Other Challenges”.  

The course focused on helping children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), behavioral issues, cognitive limitations, developmental delays, sensory processing difficulties, traumatic brain injury (TBI), trauma and other diagnoses.  The approach synthesizes behavioral, sensory integration, handling, mindfulness, activity, music and developmental strategies.  Evidence-based techniques included positive behavioral support, mindfulness, therapeutic movement, neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), neuropsychology, sensory integration and sensory massage.  The presenter placed an emphasis on multidisciplinary interventions and consultations, which is reflective of our team of educators, a psychiatrist, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists. 

Kim enjoyed the course and tapped into her psychology/mental health background.  She came away with some great strategies to try with kids.  She especially liked learning more about positive behavioral support.  Fro example, in the moment of a child is acting out, it can be hard to stay in a positive place to help them move through it, but having these strategies will really help and be excellent recommendations for parents and caregivers too. 

Our occupational therapy team of 9 offer free phone intakes and is accepting referrals.