Workshop Descriptions
Alternative Therapies: Critical Thinking and Decision-Making for Vulnerable Families
Speakers: Betsy Ostrander and Jennifer Lyman
Review the safety and efficacy for alternate therapies commonly proposed to help with aspects of cerebral palsy (for example CBD, hyperbaric oxygen, proprietary therapy programs, etc.)
Demonstrate simple tools for parents to evaluate safety, efficacy and “worth-it” of therapies for CP on the internet or in the media and provide resources to fact-check therapies.
Provide key questions to ask when hearing about alternative therapies from parent communities.
Ask the Doctor: Everything About Health in the Early Years
***PARENTS ONLY***
Speakers: Andrea Duncan and Eleanor Molloy
Two internationally-known physicians will present basic facts and answer parent questions about key aspects of health in CP that are NOT motor in the first three years
Focus will be on growth, nutrition, bone, heart, lung and digestive health
Address preventive care throughout critical phases of childhood such as toddlerhood, school-age and adolescence.
Autism in Early CP - Overlapping Phenotypes and Screening
Speakers: Salathiel Kendrick-Allwood and Elizabeth Greenfield
Review common presentations of ASD and CP in domains of sensory, executive, language function and differences, especially in social communication.
Describe conditions that may make children more frequently have co-occurring diagnoses.
Demonstrate the impact of sensory and motor disorders on development of social communication
Recommend screening and evaluation tools and adaptations for social communication in the presence of impairments.
Baclofen Pumps, SDR and Later Spasticity Management
Speaker: Shenandoah Robinson
Compare the common indications for selective dorsal rhizotomy, intrathecal baclofen therapy and deep brain stimulation
Describe the typical pre-operative evaluation for SDR, ITB and DBS.
Review complications for SDR, ITB and DBS.
Bi-Manual Therapy: why and how in the under 3 with CP
Speakers: Sue Greaves and Allison McIntyre
Review of the literature for effectiveness for children 18mo-3 years
Identification of best candidates for bimanual therapy alone
Examples of application in clinical settings and in the home will be provided.
Techniques on supporting development of dexterity when grasping, manipulating and releasing objects
Bioengineering and Spasticity
Speaker: Theresa Sukal Moulton
Review the definition, key features of spasticity
Describe ways that it has been quantified in research studies using different methods
Suggest a standardized approach to evaluating and documenting spasticity in early childhood
Bone Growth and Muscle - The Impact of the Early Years on Trajectories
Speaker: Josh Vova
Discuss changes in bone architecture in children with CP
Examine the morphology of muscles and growth in children with CP
Illustrate how changes in structure of bone and muscle affect function and mobility in children with CP
Development of Gait in the Under 3
Speaker: Paulo Selber
Overview of the development of gait patterns in infants with CP from a qualitative and quantitative perspective.
Quantitative evaluation and how the use of 3D gait analysis (kinematic/kinetic/EMG analysis) has changed how we understand, classify, and treat infants and children with CP.
Overview and case examples of interventions and best evidence for management that are driven by understanding gait patterns and development including underlying pathophysiology, planes of deformity and anatomical level.
Early Cognition in High-Risk Infants- Assessments and Interventions
Speaker: Sarah Winter
Review the level of evidence and feasibility of assessments for cognition, with a focus on adaptations for the motor and sensory impairments common to infants with CP
Compare current intervention program approaches with best practices for cognitive interventions of high-risk infants
Discuss a clinical case to help choose a cognitive assessment tool and a potential program to enhance cognitive development
Early Hearing and Speech Impairments in CP: Development, Detection and Intervention
Speakers: Celine Richard, Gordon Ramsay
Present the spectrum and types of hearing and speech impairments in children with CP
Establish the motor and neural basis for vocal impairment in CP
Characterize the very early presentations of hearing loss and vocal development problems
Discuss action plans and interventions in the first three years
Early Motor Interventions to Improve Gross Motor
Speakers: Ginny Paleg and Diane Damiano
Compare the evidence from systematic reviews for gross motor interventions and upper extremity strategies in the 0-2 age group at high risk or with CP
Discuss differences between approaches to motor learning and specific interventions
Interact with presenters on cases that challenge decision making and choose strategies that can feasibly be implemented in your own program
Early Powered Mobility and Impacts on Function
Speaker: Heather Feldner
Review the evidence for impacts of powered mobility on function and participation
Apply evidence and principles of motor learning to support the development of powered mobility programs for toddlers with CP.
Compare early powered mobility device types and uses in the under 3
Discuss case presentations illustrating tailored approaches
EEG Surveillance in the NICU
Speaker: Geraldine Boylan
Review the basics of reasons for EEG use in the NICU
Discuss new applications being researched in detecting early neurological problems
Illustrate the utility of EEG to study sleep characteristics as a marker of infant functional status and developmental intervention effects.
Emerging Research Update - Down the Pipeline
Speaker: Geraldine Boylan
Research in prevention and treatment for CP has experienced remarkable growth in the past decade. It spans technology, pharmacology, biological agents, artificial intelligence, and multimodal interventions. This update examines the newest promising pre-clinical research, focusing on the first 1000 days, from the perinatal period to toddlerhood.
Every Movement Counts: Connecting Evidence to Clinical Practice through the Perception-Action Approach
Speakers: Lisa Pinson and Lisa Scher
Distinguish between neuromaturational theory and current theories of perception-action, dynamic systems, and neuronal group selection.
Recognize the relationship of the body to support surfaces and gravity, self-initiated activity, variability of movement and posture, and adaptability to changing conditions during movement and apply to case presentations.
Identify how a child-driven intervention that enhances self-pick-up of information contributes to an individual’s active problem-solving.
Apply basic elements of manual guidance while working with another course participant.
Compare and contrast manual guidance in the P-A Approach with other “hands-on” therapeutic techniques.
Genetics Update
Speaker: Eleanor Molloy
Understand fundamental genetic concepts and how these relate to clinical genetic testing for CP.
Evaluate a genetic testing report and interpret different test outcomes (negative, positive and uncertain significance).
Discuss the implications and challenges of genetic counseling for patients with CP and their families.
Customize patient management based on results of genetic testing.
Hand Assessments in the Under 2: Choosing the Right One
Speakers: Allison McIntyre and Dana Altman Dinet
Compare evidence level, feasibility and target populations for various hand assessment tools
Interpret and communicate outcomes from the testing procedures.
Review toys and forms for various assessments
Practice decision making on clinical cases and child videos
High Risk of CP and Difficult Conversations: Parent/Clinician Partnerships
Speakers: Nathalie Maitre and Mary Lauren Neel
Review new published developments in diagnosis of CP and clinical designation of High-risk for CP
Integrate research on family needs and expectations, healthcare and social supports to counsel parents of high-risk or diagnosed infants with CP.
Test your skills in constructive criticism by guiding real-time counseling sessions centered on diagnosis and decision-making
Hip Surveillance
Speaker: Paulo Selber
Overview of evidence and literature.
Review AACPDM Care Pathway for Hip Surveillance.
Practical examples and worksheets that can be used in your clinic
Implementing the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guideline and Best Practices in Positional Plagiocephaly
Speakers: Barbara Sargent and Durga Shah
Discuss published guidelines for evaluation of torticollis, with a focus on NICU to the first year.
Evaluate which best evidence components of torticollis treatment are part of your current practice.
Challenge yourself with hands-on skills building on sim-babies under the guidance of two experts in the field.
Interdisciplinary Early CP management: Real Case Exercises, Multidisciplinary Providers
Speakers: Lauren Ayala, Faith Kim, Sylvan Ryder, Betsy Ostrander, and Louise Wulfsohn
Review academic mandates for interdisciplinary care and teaching in pediatric disciplines
Focus on why interdisciplinary management is specifically relevant to diagnosing and caring for young children with CP
Demonstrate synergy between neurologists, nurse practitioners, neonatologists, occupational and physical therapists in approaching complex early CP cases.
Multimodal Upper Extremity Intervention for children with CP in the second year (APPLES)
Speakers: Lauren Ayala, Allison McIntyre and April Long
APPLES is the only multimodal upper extremity intervention shown in a large NIH randomized clinical trial to improve developmental skills, smoothness of reach and tactile processing in the brain of infants with asymmetric forms of CP, with effects lasting up to 3 years of age.
APPLES is safe for sensory function and development of gross motor and bimanual skills in infants 13 months to 3 years.
APPLES components and practice will be demonstrated along with videos of therapists and parent/child dyads performing the intervention.
Instructors will discuss how protocols can be adapted to EI practice while still respecting critical components and safety.
Music interventions Early CP
Speakers: Caitlin Kjeldsen and Megan Moran
Review the research on music-based interventions in young children with CP
Demonstrate various techniques to engage and calm young children during daily life, healthcare visits and therapy sessions
Practice using vocal music and simple instruments that will be provided to reinforce learning
NICU-to Year 1 Motor interventions: Decision Making and Evidence
Speakers: Nathalie Maitre and Lisa Letzkus
Discuss decision making algorithms based on the predominant origin of motor impairment (prematurity, static lesion, progressive disorders)
Review the latest evidence in systematic reviews for motor interventions in the first year with specific examples and how they fit within the decision algorithms
Challenge your understanding of algorithms on high-risk patient cases and determine what interventions are available in your setting.
Nutrition and Feeding
Speaker: William Sharp
Describe the nutrition risk/needs and management of children with cerebral palsy
Identify core features of PFD and ARFID, including similar and differentiating aspects of each diagnosis
Describe multidisciplinary care model for severe feeding disorders
Observation of Selective Motor Control at 3 months of age
Speakers: Colleen Peyton and Theresa Sukal Moulton
Define selective motor control in older children and describe how it may appear in an infant.
Practice scoring items on the BabyOSCAR tool, adding summary scores.
Predict motor outcome based on elements of the BabyOSCAR score.
Describe how scores on BabyOSCAR at 3 months are related to spastic CP prognosis, GMFCS level and distribution of CP at ≥ 2 years of age
Orthotics & Mobility Equipment
Speakers: Scott Thach and Staci MacKay
Discuss benefits of early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) for family education in timely orthotic intervention.
Verbalize principles of appropriate postural alignment for standing and upright mobility.
Apply a collaborative approach to pediatric orthotic goal setting when working with families of young children with CP
Outdoor Adventures for Parents of Children with CP: Opportunities in the Community
Speakers: Eric Gray and Connor King
An adaptive sports expert and Paralympian rock climber will discuss camping, climbing, hiking and kayaking for families who have young children with CP
Adaptations, practical tips and lived experiences will be provided
Local resources in the community that support inclusion and facilitate participation in community activities will be explored
Promoting Resilience in Early CP trajectories
Speakers: Keecia Walker, Melissa Murphy
What does resilience mean?
Focus on early HRCP as an opportunity for developing a growth mindset in parents and children
Discuss the role of health care provider/family partnerships in supporting a growth mindset and resilience
Breakdown basic strategies and tools known to support resilience
With the help of practicing experts, choose 2-3 strategies to feasibly apply in the everyday
PTSD, Depression and Social Determinants of Health- Early CP focus
Speakers: Salathiel Kendrick-Allwood and Keecia Walker
Review the evidence on mental health conditions in the post-NICU period and in parents of children with developmental disorders
Compare types of SDH and their impact on pre- and post-natal development in high-risk infants and their families
Discuss the role of multidisciplinary providers in providing screening and facilitating access to behavioral health and social supports in the first three years
Demonstrate usage cases and practical resource material development for early CP programs
Research Updates: What's new on the GMA
Speakers: Colleen Peyton and Louise Wulfsohn
In the past 5 years, research on the GMA has explored new predictive abilities, utility throughout a range of disorders and implementation into clinical practice. New machine learning tools are also emerging.
Validation and usefulness of new scales – the GMOS and MOS – presents exciting possibilities for educational, clinical and research applications.
Find out some of the newest developments in this assessment, so much more than a useful tool for early detection of CP.
Generate ideas for improving implementation of GMA with multiple raters at a clinical location
Research Updates: What's new on the HINE
Speakers: Kristen Benninger and Betsy Ostrander
Since the first research studies of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, Early Detection guidelines for CP and implementation of standardized workshops popularized this tool. In the past few years, there has been an expansion of research on the HINE, through new implementation and clinical research. Find out what new applications, findings or limitations of this may have emerged.
Selective Motor Control Assessment: SCALE and MINI-Scale
Speakers: Eileen Fowler, Loretta Staudt
Explore the concept of selective motor control by discussing and establishing a collaborative definition of this construct.
Video and case examples will be shown of children with decreased selective motor control, along with opportunities to clinically assess and interpret findings on a basic examination.
Clinical tools, including targeted observations and validated outcome measures, to evaluate selective lower extremity motor control in infants.
Selective Motor Control Interventions: Lower extremity strategies for 0-3
Speakers: Eileen Fowler, Loretta Staudt, and Barbara Sargent
Presenters will provide clinicians with ideas for influencing selective motor control in children with cerebral palsy in the early years
Clinicians will explore the potential of the nervous system to respond to intervention.
Tools and toys in clinical and home settings will be discussed
Supported Standing and Stepping
Speakers: Ginny Paleg, Gena Priest, Ashley Schilling
Review the latest systematic reviews to determine what best practices are for supported standing and stepping interventions across GMFCS levels in young children with CP
Discuss pragmatic protocols for supported standing and stepping in early intervention
Compare decisions in equipment and protocols for young children with CP using video cases
Determine how protocols can be adapted to EI practice while still respecting key components of the interventions.
Standing Up for Lifespan Function: Birth to Adulthood - a PT Perspective
Speakers: Christa Weigel and Julie Perfect (Additional Panel: Alison Goetgeluck and Claudia Kelp-Lenane)
Describe how early PT interventions impact the development of secondary musculoskeletal impairments related to age-related functional decline in standing, participation and quality of life over the lifespan
Integrate research informed principles from early standing and gait literature to a therapeutic intervention framework which supports acquisition of functional standing at any age, to last a lifetime
Identify developmentally appropriate standing activities applicable across disciplines and settings to promote lifespan function and quality of life
Supporting Early Parenting in CP: Screening/Intervention
Speaker: Mary Lauren Neel
Report on new findings surrounding parent-infant dyads in families of children with CP and tools to measure parenting style
Review different types of parenting styles and how they may present in clinical or therapy settings
Identify challenges and solutions unique to your own system in delivering parenting interventions.
Discuss and model various tips and tricks for parents to promote parenting characteristics such as structure, regulation, attunement, and warmth.
The Developmental Assessment of Young Children: DAYC-2 Gross and Fine motor: Evidence, Administration and Practice
Speakers: Diane Damiano and Larken Marra
Review the evidence making the DAYC-2 motor scales a high-level tool to assess motor development within the early detection guidelines
Demonstrate administration of the DAYC-2 motor scales in real-time
Provide practice opportunities for all participants to support familiarity with using the DAYC as an early intervention tool to assist in CP evaluations.
The Spectrum of CP after HIE
Speakers: Brian Walsh and Deirdre Murray
Determine the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) after hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) through a comprehensive review of existing evidence.
Identify and analyze risk factors associated with HIE and CP to inform preventive strategies and interventions.
Investigate the relationship between mild, moderate, and severe HIE and the severity of CP to establish prognostic indicators for long-term outcomes.
Tone and Spasticity Management in the under 3 with CP
Speaker: Josh Vova
Review evidence for tone management in infants pointing out gaps and lessons extrapolated from older children.
Focus on recent systematic reviews.
Apply knowledge to clinical scenarios.
Encourage discussion of options when evidence is lacking.
