Breath has not always been a focus in paediatric treatment. New information is shedding light on how respiration impacts many aspects of development. It is therefore necessary for us to take a more in-depth and active approach to breathing function in our clients with regulatory, sensory processing and/or sensory motor dysfunction.
Current study of breathing restrictions, be they structural, functional or the result of trauma or allergies, is identifying associations with regulatory disorders such as sleep apnea, sleep patterns, ADD, and ADHD; as well as motor skills such as feeding, posture and other skills. Observation of respiratory patterns leads to a better understanding of development and sensory motor outcomes. When breathing function is unrestricted air expands the rib cage 3-dimentionally. Identifying where breath is restricted (belly, diaphragm, upper chest, neck, mouth, nose) provides clues to function and is a foundational focus for treatment. Rate, depth, rhythm, and gradation are required for attention, self-regulation, endurance, postural control, eating, voicing for speech, and many other development achievements.
This workshop will emphasize the process of respiratory development, from in utero on, as it relates to typical and atypical sensory processing, and sensory motor processing and development. We will discuss how this applies to assessment and treatment of paediatric clients with varied diagnoses. Using lectures, slides, videos, we will explore assessment and treatment options to address various dysfunctional respiratory patterns.
About the presenters
Eileen Richter, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA
Eileen Richter has over 40 years of pediatric experience in a variety of settings, including children's hospitals, public schools, preschools and neonatal intensive care units. She has extensive background in sensory integration theory and treatment, is NDT certified, and has completed the NDT Baby Course. She has lectured throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Asia on topics related to sensorimotor integration, oral motor/respiratory development and pediatric occupational therapy. She helped establish and Co-Directed the Avanti Camp in Wisconsin (a sensory integration summer camp for children with sensory processing disorders) for many years. Ms. Richter has been instrumental in bringing continuing education opportunities to thousands of therapists around the country through Professional Development Programs and is now developing therapeutic equipment and other resources under the brand Richter Active Integration Resources.
Patricia Oetter, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Ms. Oetter earned her bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas and her master's degree in Special Education with special emphasis on Behavior and Learning Disorders from Kansas State University at Fort Hays State. She is also certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis tests. She is faculty emeritus of Sensory Integration International. Clinically, Ms Oetter is an occupational therapist with over 40 years of paediatric clinical experience in sensory integrative therapy, Therapeutic Listening, Samonas Sound Therapy, Cranial Sacral therapy and neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). Her work encompasses many disability groups from newborn to adult, especially infants and children with oral motor, learning, communication and/or behaviour disorders. For her contribution to Occupational therapy she has been honoured as a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and awarded two Service Awards as well.
COURSE CONTENT DETAILS
38 Mins The role of Respiration in Development - Foetal development to function
45 Mins Respiratory Mechanisms - Neuro-anatomical/Structural/Functional processes
49 Mins Assessment & Treatment - Observation, Principles, Considerations
49 Mins Treatment - Demonstration, Cases, Strategies
Course is suitable for Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physical Therapists & interested others
