The range of function in older children with 'hypotonia' varies greatly. Hypotonia can impact function greatly or slightly. In this introductory course, the participants will learn through lecture, labs and videos intervention ideas for promoting play and function in older children (3-13 years). The intervention ideas will be based on NDT and SI approaches as well as some ideas from the sports medicine arena. This course will include postural control activities and interventions, activities to integrate ATNR and STNR reflexes, assistive devices for upright mobility, as well as visual motor activities and midline crossing skills required for higher level gross and fine motor skills. Speech therapists will learn the importance of postural alignment and support for breath control as well as play ideas to promote language and communication through play.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will:

• Define and explain primary and secondary impairments related to low muscle tone and its implication on the older child.
• Identify factors impacting the progression of skills as the child ages.
• Demonstrate therapeutic intervention to improve visual motor skills and postural control.
• Demonstrate three activities to promote a greater variety of movement patterns.
• Identify how different sensory activities impact the arousal level of the child.

Kristen Owen, PT, is a graduate from UNC-CH with a BA in Psychology and a graduate of Emory University with a MS in Physical Therapy. Although Kris started in therapy as a sports medicine patient while playing on the UNC volleyball team, she has worked exclusively with pediatrics since her graduation from Emory. Kris has worked in out-patient settings throughout her career and has started her own company, Intentional Play, Inc., in 2017. Kris completed her 8-week NDT training with Judith Beirman, PT and has attended the level one SI mentorship at The STAR center with Lucy Jane Miller, OTR. As the lead therapist on The Down Syndrome Clinic at Hope Haven Children's clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. Kris has had 17 years of assessment and treatment of children with Down syndrome. Also a TLP provider with Advanced Brain Technologies, Kris is also trained in kinesiotaping and Electrotherapeutic Point Stimulation. Kris is blessed to have a profession which fits her personality while helping children and families enjoy the lives they have been given.

07:30 - 08:00 Course Sign-in/Continental Breakfast
08:00 - 09:30 Basic review of hypotonia & special considerations for the older child. Overview of NDT & SI approaches
09:30 - 09:45 BREAK
09:45 - 11:30 Treatment principles & considerations for the older child
11:30 - 12:30 LUNCH
12:30 - 01:30 Impact on postural control weakness on function
01:30 - 02:30 Functional compensations & treatment ideas for sitting, standing & gait/LAB
02:30 - 02:45 BREAK
02:45 - 04:00 Impact of Body Awareness, movement patterns & higher-level skills
04:00 - 04:30 External supports to facilitate alignment & activation/LAB
04:30 - 04:45 Q&A