COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Learn about a framework for facilitating executive function skills based on the most recent evidence. The Train Model provides a foundation that underpins critical skills required for smooth executive function in the school setting. Learn the deep connection between regulation and interoceptive awareness. Targeted interventions designed to foster awareness of emotions, body systems, and proactive techniques will help therapists to be more confident in their ability to improve outcomes. Further, theory of mind requires an understanding of the child’s OWN body before the child can be expected to ascribe a mental state to a peer.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify recent evidence supporting interventions to build executive function in relation to academic performance.
- Compare and contrast thinking skills for executive function and doing skills for regulation.
- Relate the concept of theory of mind to interoceptive awareness
- Utilize multiple strengths-based interventions designed to improve executive function skills.
AUDIENCE:
School based therapists.
COURSE OUTLINE:
- Current models of executive function (EF)
- The Train Model (the therapist as the engineer); Evidence review
- Executive milestones – development from infant to mid-20s
- Common deficits seen in children with poor/decreased EF skills
- Thinking skills related to the train model and school performance breakdown – one by one treatment interventions included for each skill: planning, organization, time management, working memory
- Neurology, regulation, and behavior described and related to a child’s school performance in academic, social, and overall. Review of proactive versus reactive reactions to behavior – focus on interoception.
- Skills including theory or mind, focus shifting, transitions, task initiation, and goal-directed activity
- Interoception related to each doing skill and discussion of strengths-based interventions
- Theory of mind and connection to all thinking, completing tasks in EF using the Trian Model. How to determine the ‘why’ of the deficit
Cara Nicole Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS Cara Koscinski brings passion and excitement while providing OT to children with special needs. Being a mother of two autistic sons, not only does she understand OT, but she is able to appreciate the unique perspective of the caregiver as well. This is evident in her additional training and drive to seek new and fun ways to help children to achieve their goals. When she could not find comprehensive books to help guide her, Cara decided to write her own! She has published six books for caregivers and therapists and wrote a chapter for the Autism in Lockdown book. Her books sell worldwide and have won multiple awards. Book seven about the Train Model for Executive Function is being released this fall. Service to the special needs community invigorates Cara. She is the OT advisor and regular columnist for Autism, Asperger’s, and Sensory Digest; is an advisor for the Real OT Solutions cursive handwriting program; and has completed volunteer work with multiple organizations such as Future Horizons and the Autism Society of America. As an Autism Specialist she provides OT services, advocacy, and consultations as The Pocket Occupational Therapist. Her website www.PocketOT.com contains products designed to support the busy OT and to help caregivers learn strengths-based approaches for their children.
Once you purchase an online course you will have access to the course materials. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam.
Once you purhcase an online course, you will have the opportunity to take an exam to test your retention of the material. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam. The exam must be completed with a pass rate of 80% or more in order to receive your certificate of attendance.
