The Big Picture: Integrating Sensory Processing and Movement as Foundations for Feeding
23 Apr - 24 Apr 2027 @ Kids Can Shine
Waterloo
Feeding is a baby’s very first functional motor skill, and it grows in complexity dramatically over the first year of life. Yet many of the oral motor components involved in feeding are built on a foundation of sensorimotor experiences in the body and the development of postural control. Shelley Mannell PT and Donna Legge-Nevett OT have teamed up to present a 2-day course to explore these connections.
On Day 1 we explore the neurotypical development of sensory processing, postural control, and motor skills — and how each of these components contributes to the development of oral motor skills across the first year of life. These concepts are then revisited through the lens of neuromotor and neurodiverse development, as we analyze movement to illuminate differences in sensory processing, postural control and motor function and how these may impact feeding. Movement-based intervention to support feeding is explored through NDT handling, using a Dynamic Core for Kids model of alignment and a Sensory Integration framework of sensory function.
On Day 2, we’ll explore the key concepts of feeding therapy support, starting with the fundamentals and typical trajectory of feeding development and milestones in the first year of life. From there, we’ll explore how to build an efficient, comprehensive feeding assessment, and why co-regulation, sensory processing, postural stability, and motor support are all important in creating a positive feeding relationship. Finally, we’ll dive into specific tools, strategies, and resources for setting up the whole child for a successful feeding trajectory.
Both days will incorporate a variety of learning opportunities, including lecture, group problem solving, video analysis, handling labs and client demonstrations.
Course Objectives
- Describe the neurotypical development of sensory processing, postural control, and motor skills in the first year of life and explain how each contributes to the emergence of oral motor skills across the first year of life.
- Analyze movement patterns in neurotypical development in each of the 5 defined stages in the first year of life.
- Analyze movement patterns to identify possible differences in sensory processing, postural control, and motor function associated with neuromotor and neurodiverse presentations, and their potential impact on feeding.
- Apply NDT handling techniques within a Dynamic Core for Kids alignment model and a Sensory Integration framework to support feeding intervention.
- Summarize the typical trajectory of feeding development and key milestones across the first year of life.
- Discuss the impact of co-regulation and dysregulation on the development of feeding skills.
- Construct an efficient, comprehensive feeding assessment that considers co-regulation, sensory processing, postural stability, and motor skills.
- Participate in designing a treatment plan for a child’s feeding needs incorporating sensory processing, postural stability and motor preparation.
- Evaluate and select appropriate tools, strategies, and resources to support a child’s successful feeding trajectory.
Maximim registration: 24 participants
Stay tuned for more registration information coming soon!!