Tag Archives: saturday seminar recaps

Advanced Treatment Strategies for Youth with Complex Behavior

Events & Conferences, Sensory, Social Emotional Learning, Therapist Resources, , , , ,
Speaker John Pagano, PhD, OTR/L who present Advanced Treatment Strategies for Youth with Complex Behavioral Challenges

On November 16, John Pagano, PhD, OTR/L presented his Therapro Saturday Seminar, Advanced Treatment Strategies for Youth with Complex Behavioral Challenges, to a captivated audience. The energy in the room was palpable throughout the two hour talk. Dr. Pagano ‘s passion was evident as he discussed assessing and treating children and adolescents who have complex behavioral disorders. He shared clinical examples and anecdotes to highlight his talk, peppered with humor. Leading the audience through many experiential activities provided them with examples of practical tools to use with individuals and groups.

John is an occupational therapist who practices at an adolescent psychiatric hospital and school. He is a certified instructor of Positive Behavioral Support and Movement Based Learning Strategies. His years of experience include working in various settings including adolescent juvenile detention, psychiatric hospital, adolescent group home, and in special needs, regular education and preschool classrooms. He is the author of the recently published book, FAB: Functionally Alert Behavior Strategies: Integrated Behavioral, Developmental, Sensory, Mindfulness & Massage Treatment.

John discussed the importance of setting functional behavioral goals when providing OT, PT, and Speech/Language therapies for students with complex behavioral disorders. He frequently reiterated the value of a team approach, including ABA specialists, to working with this population.

FAB Strategies® are Dr. Pagano’s evidence-based, practical strategies that use “clinical reasoning based on current clinical research and neurology to develop the individualized strategies needed to address complex behavioral challenges.” John reviewed Sensory Processing Disorders, how they interact, and how to treat them using sensory based interventions. In his discussion of Sensory Modulation Disorders, John stated that his research and experience have shown that the olfactory sense is a powerful teaching tool for those with ASD and for those who have experienced trauma. He has found that pairing a scent is very effective for achieving the desired Quiet Alert state of arousal. He advocated using materials like Scented Dough and scented markers as treatment materials.

John disclosed that research supports that mindfulness strategies are an effective and powerful treatment methodology for improving special needs students’ behavior and executive functioning. John led the group in breathing and movement activities that he uses with his students that also increase body awareness. John taught the group a number of quick, easy, and practical strategies to circumvent problem behaviors. For example, his FAB Turtle Strategy involves 4 steps: 1) Notice environmental & body triggers – STOP 2) Go to the sensory coping area 3) Do your individual coping strategy 4) Later problem solve with help. Fidgets like Loopeez, Boinks, Panic Pete, and Theraband were mentioned as some of John’s favorites for calming.

Dr. Pagano is a dynamic presenter who generously shared resources and evidence-based, practical treatment strategies for working with children and adolescents who have complex behavioral challenges. He integrates all that he has learned in his years of experience with current research so adeptly!! Attendees left this seminar with ideas they could put to use immediately in their practice.

Take a look at some of the overwhelmingly positive comments from those who attended John’s seminar:

“I left full of simple/functional strategies to try with my students, all ages. John is simply AMAZING!!!” – Christie H, Speech/Language Pathologist

“John is an excellent speaker who was very helpful, evidence based, and offered suggestions for treatment.” – Renee S., Physical Therapist

“Offered many resources & activities that can be used immediately in my practice & therapy.” – Rose O, Occupational Therapist

“John’s sense of humor made this important topic fun. Many teachers & therapists are struggling in the classroom. These are strategies that can be implemented Monday. In addition, his strategies come from evidence based research of strategies/techniques that help our students make progress.” – Jennifer H, Occupational Therapist

Thank you, John!

Filomena Connor, OT, MS, OTR
November 16, 2019

Integrated Learning Concepts: Reflex Integration for Postural & Ocular-Motor Skills

School-Based Practice, Sensory, Therapist Resources, , ,
June Smith, OTR/L’s presented the Saturday Seminar Integrated Learning Concepts: Practical Strategies to Promote Reflex Integration with Postural/Ocular-Motor Based Learning

June Smith, OTR/L’s May 4th seminar entitled: Integrated Learning Concepts: Practical Strategies to Promote Reflex Integration with Postural/Ocular-Motor Based Learning clearly demonstrated how integration of primitive reflexes provides a foundation for the development of postural and ocular motor skills that affect learning.

June has broad experience as an occupational therapist and has an insatiable appetite for learning. As evidenced in her presentation, she is able to skillfully apply what she has learned to her practice. Many attendees noted how beautifully June weaves her knowledge and experience into her practice to develop innovative, effective treatment strategies. She is a collaborative therapist who enjoys sharing her passion with others. Currently, she is a clinician and mentor at South Shore Therapies, a private sensory integration clinic in Massachusetts. She has developed a Vision Clinic with Developmental Optometrists to promote visual efficiency in those with learning challenges. June has lectured nationally on Brain Gym ® and Integrated Learning concepts.

Four primitive reflexes were discussed in depth today: Moro Reflex, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), and the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR). June provided general guidelines to determine when a primitive reflex is adaptive and when it is maladaptive. She discussed treatment considerations relevant to each primitive reflex. It was helpful that June had many clinical examples through videos/photos showing how primitive reflexes that are not fully integrated manifest themselves in children and videos/photos of treatment strategies that help integrate the reflexes. Throughout her talk, she drew from her Brain Gym® training, Svetlana Masgutova (Reflex Integration-MNRI), Sheila Frick, and others.

For a child who displays the TLR reflex long after it is typically integrated, June said we may see a host of associated behaviors such as the Moro Reflex where the child is toe walking due to an excessive extensor pattern; saccadic eye movements with reading difficulties; a poor sense of direction, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), Postural Ocular Disorders; hypersensitivity to vestibular activity where the child has motion sickness, dislikes gym class, and/or may have gastrointestinal issues; and has difficulty with extension prone or with neck flexion in supine. In general the child has poor balance of extension and flexion when the reflex is not integrated. Her treatment strategies include “going with the reflex” with fluid movement and gradually adding demands as tolerated, and finally working “against” the reflex. June’s treatment suggestions included activities involving facilitating head movement in all planes, linear vestibular input, using an 18″ Gymnic ball in 90/90 hip and knee flexion, and activation of the vestibular system.

June’s suggestions for therapeutic and reading materials include Rappin’ on the Reflexes: A Practical Guide to Infant Reflexes; See It. Say It. Do It!, whose author is a Developmental Optometrist; Developing Ocular Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills; and Understanding and Managing Vision Deficits: A Guide for Occupational Therapists, 3rd Ed.

June is a vibrant, generous, and gifted speaker whose knowledge and clinical expertise is extensive. She makes the application of what she has learned to the clinical setting seamless. Encouraged by June, attendees eagerly shared treatment strategies from their own clinical experiences. June’s audience was energized by her discussion and walked away with new treatment tools for immediate use!

Comments from attendees were very positive:

“Video and picture examples, interactive, and great descriptions of treatment activities/considerations.” – Kristina C., Occupational Therapist

“Great crash course in identifying and integrating reflexes. It is easily integrated into my own practice. For a complicated topic, very effortlessly presented.” – Hannah D., Occupational Therapist

“As an OT student this seminar was a great learning opportunity.” – Paige H., OTS

“Great introduction to topic – makes me feel like I want more!” – Anonymous, Occupational Therapist

Thank you, June!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
May 4, 2019

Rhythm of the Words: Using Songs & Games to Boost Literacy

School-Based Practice, Therapist Resources, , , ,
Cleopatra Knight-Wilkins, OTD, MED, OTR/L presenter for the Saturday Seminar Rhythm of the Words: Integrating Multicultural Songs & Games with Occupational Therapy to Promote Literacy.

Cleopatra Knight-Wilkins, OTD, MED, OTR/L presented a joyful April Saturday Seminar at Therapro headquarters entitled: Rhythm of the Words: Integrating Multicultural Songs & Games with Occupational Therapy to Promote Literacy. Attendees were up on their feet, moving, clapping and singing for most of the two hour seminar. Dr. Knight-Wilkins led the attendees in activities that engaged their sensory systems. She discussed how the songs and games can be used as part of the therapeutic process as well as how they can be used to target educational goals.

Cleopatra’s rich and extensive experience as an occupational therapist, educator, and performing artist has fueled her passion for integrating musical elements with occupational therapy modalities by using multicultural songs, games, and movement patterns to address the occupation of literacy. Currently, she is in the process of publishing her research-based, multi-media curriculum resource guide entitled Rhythm of the Words: Integrating Multicultural Songs & Games with Occupational Therapy to Improve Literacy. She presented a poster session at the AOTA Annual Conference in New Orleans earlier this month on this topic.

AOTA advocates for the role of occupational therapists in supporting literacy. Research indicates that movement and music improve literacy development. Cleopatra cited a number of interesting studies that demonstrate that isolated handclapping songs result in improved motor and cognitive skills. One particular study that examined training classroom handclapping songs versus participation in music appreciation classes found that training handclapping songs was more efficient in developing literacy skills in 2nd and 3rd grade children than was participation in music appreciation classes.

Attendees formed small and large groups to participate in ‘warm up’ activities, games that involve imitation and chanting, and musical play with graded complexity of movements. Favorites included “Head ‘N Shoulders Baby” played with a partner clapping in various patterns, and “Button You Must Wander,” where a button is passed secretly around a circle while “It” sits in the center of the circle and must guess who has the button. In addition to games and chants, Cleopatra recommended musical CDs such as Make a Sound and Move Around, Simplified Rhythm Stick Activities, and Songames for Sensory Processing. Using Gertie Balls to bounce, catch, and throw to a rhythm, chant, or song can address visual motor, fine motor, and timing skills.

Dr. Knight-Wilkins was an engaging presenter who demonstrated that music, rhythm and movement offer a unique, evidence-based approach to improving language literacy in children of all ages and abilities.

Take a look at some comments from attendees:

“Enjoyed the ‘occupation’ of children reminder! Could implement activities for a whole group and at individual desks.” – Adriana M,, Occupational Therapist

“Something different but very relevant to school-based practice, especially when many schools now have lost funding for music programs.” – Jennifer C., Occupational Therapist

“Cleo was lovely & entertaining. Very knowledgeable. Different perspective on the regular teaching method.” – Anonymous, Occupational Therapist

“Movement to songs was wonderful – I can see how my students would enjoy it. Reminds me that I want to put music/rhythm in my sessions more often.” – Janet L., Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Cleopatra!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
April 13, 2019