Empowering Children and Young People with Dyspraxia: Best Practice for Assessment and Effective Interventions

**January 2024 course ONLINE**

Course info in PDF format

Overview

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. Despite its common occurrence, it often goes unrecognised due to the hidden and diverse range of challenges experienced by children and adolescents affected by it. This comprehensive course aims to present the latest research evidence on the assessment of DCD/Dyspraxia, its impact on physical, social, and emotional health outcomes, as well as effective goal setting and outcome measures. By equipping allied health professionals with this knowledge, they will be better equipped to provide valuable support to children, families, and educators dealing with DCD/Dyspraxia. Through a deeper understanding of this condition and evidence-based practices, professionals can enhance the well-being and quality of life for those affected, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for children and adolescents with DCD/Dyspraxia.

This online training programme is aimed at Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists interested in learning more about using an evidence-informed approach towards assessment of DCD/Dyspraxia for children.

Course Schedule and timings

15 January – 9-11am

Module 1: Embracing the Complexity of DCD: The Parental Perspective on Assessment.

Module 2: Unravelling the Neurological Basis of DCD: Implications for Co-occurrence with other Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Development Outcomes, and Assessment.

22 January – 9-11am

Module 3: Comprehensive Assessment Approaches for DCD: Towards Best Practice.

Module 4: Exploring Physical, Social, and Mental Health Outcomes in DCD: Implications for Practice.

29 January – 9-11am

Module 5: A Collaborative Approach to Goal Setting to support long-term well-being and self-management.

Module 6: Evidence-based tiered Interventions that support participation in everyday activities at home and in school.

On this course, you will learn how to:

• Examine the latest neuroscience findings which inform our understanding regarding the complexity of the profile of DCD/Dyspraxia
• Understand the prevalence and impactof co-occurrence of DCD with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Describe best practice assessment principles which are informed by international clinical guidelines.
• Recognise the complexity of the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive health outcomes related to DCD.
• Implement best practice principles for goal setting and outcome measurement for the child and family.
• Selectand implement different interventions that promote participation and well-being for the child and family. For example:
  • Psychoeducation interventions that build awareness and capacity for educators, parents and guardians.
  • Parental coaching interventions
  • Motor-based interventions
  • Task-oriented
  • Cognitive intervention approaches

*All modules will be recorded and shared with participants at the end of each session*

Summary of Learning Outcomes:

(Plus, so much more via discussion and shared learning)

1. Gain an understanding of the current thinking and theories on the underlying neural mechanisms (areas of the brain) involved in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and their impact on child development outcomes.
2. Acquire the knowledge and skills to describe and implement an assessment process that meets the diagnostic criterion for DCD, enabling effective identification and understanding of the DCD for children and adolescents.
3. Develop the ability to design and deliver a range of tiered interventions that provide comprehensive support to the child and family at home, school, and in the community, promoting their overall well-being and participation.
4. Recognize the importance of a long-term self-management approach in supporting the child's and family's health and well-being across the lifespan, fostering independence and autonomy in managing the challenges associated with DCD.

About the Course presenter

Dr. Áine O'Dea is an experienced occupational therapist, educator, and researcher, having worked for over two decades. She is one of Ireland's foremost experts in Dyspraxia/DCD. Áine was the first occupational therapist in Ireland to receive the prestigious SPHeRE (HRB–Health Research Board) scholarship. During her doctoral studies, she examined the most effective interventions to treat this disorder and how to combat the potential adverse impacts on inclusion and participation for young people. In addition, Áine has worked closely with Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland for some years, sharing her passion for education and knowledge with parents of children and adults with DCD.Áine is a published author of several papers in high-impact journals and a contributor to other publications in Developmental Coordination Disorder, Occupational therapy, Clinical supervision, and Parent/educator coaching.

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