Pediatric Specialty Day - Wednesday, October 7

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We invite you to join us on a journey beyond the fundamentals, delving into the intricacies of pediatric hand and upper extremity therapy. This specialized course promises an exploration of unique diagnoses, innovative treatments and the myriad triumphs and challenges inherent in the realm of pediatric hand therapy.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner seeking to deepen your expertise or a newcomer eager to expand your knowledge, ASHT Pediatric Specialty Day is your gateway to a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of pediatric hand therapy.

Pediatric Specialty Day will be held as a full day of programming the day before the start of the ASHT Annual Meeting. Registration will be available for purchase on its own or as an add-on to the full conference package. 

Jemerie Hopkins, MS, OTR, CHT
2026 Pediatric Specialty Day Co-Chair

Karen Ayala, MS, OTR, CHT
2026 Pediatric Specialty Day Co-Chair

Registration

If you have already registered for the Annual Meeting and would like to also register for Pediatric Specialty Day, please contact meetings@asht.org for assistance. 

*The Foundations in Pediatric Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation course includes 24 on-demand sessions, as well as an online course manual. Visit the course page for more information.

CE Hours

This continuing education activity offers a maximum of 6.5 continuing education hours or .65 CEUs.

Program:

7:45 AM - 8:00 AM | Welcome

Join the 2026 Pediatric Specialty Day Co-Chairs, Jemerie Hopkins, MS, OTR, CHT and Karen Ayala, MS, OTR, CHT as they kick off Pediatric Specialty Day!

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | General Topics

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM | Are We Bridging the Gap for Long-Term Complications in Teenagers and Young Adults with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury?

Current therapy treatments successfully address the needs of the infant and school aged child with brachial plexus birth injury. Once they have met their developmental milestones, age appropriate self care skills, school readiness skills and independence in home exercise programs, they are often reduced to a consultation basis or discharged from our programs. 

This session will increase awareness and identify long-term complications in teenagers and young adults with brachial plexus birth injury.

In addition to the obvious physical appearances of arm/hand size and length differences, the posturing caused by muscle imbalances of shoulder internal rotation/adduction, elbow flexion, forearm and possibly hand contractures, the less obvious anatomical changes of glenohumeral joint dysplasia and elbow incongruity will be explored. The areas of pain, emotional, mental, social, academic and work domains will be addressed. 

Discussion of possible barriers to bridging the gap may include the time constraints of the changing healthcare climate for more productivity and billable hours, high caseloads, shortage of staff, lack of functional goals, and limited skill sets for manual therapy & modalities. Families may have limited resources for transportation and insurance coverage to continue care.
We will identify possible strategies to bridge the gap through early ongoing education to increase patient & caregiver awareness of potential long- term complications, use of a multidisciplinary team, incorporating an education day, mental health group, and a transitional aging-out process.

 
Participants will have an opportunity to share their ideas and experiences on how to bridge the gap to meet the needs of teenagers and young adults with brachial plexus birth palsy.
 

Learning Objectives: 

1. List three potential long-term complications in teenagers and young adults with brachial plexus birth injury.
2. Identify two possible strategies to address the gap between infant/childhood treatments and long-term complications of teenagers and young adults with brachial plexus birth injury. 

Speaker: Pauline Ng, OTR/L, CHT

 

8:15 AM - 8:30 AM | Bridging the Gap from Pediatric to Adult Upper Extremity Care

What happens when a pediatric patient with a congenital hand difference turns 18? Who is the best provider for a 30-year-old with a history of cerebral palsy affecting upper extremity function? What is considered best practice for a young adult with a complex medical history including JIA or EDS? This presentation will focus on bridging the gap between pediatric and adult upper extremity care. We will cover various conditions that typically start at birth or in childhood but continue to impact patients’ lives and require follow up as the patients age. Case studies will be used to illustrate examples of how the pediatric hand surgeon and hand therapist work together with the patient and their families to help make sure their needs are met. This may involve surgical procedures, orthosis fabrication, ADL training, school and jobsite accommodation, and referral to adult upper extremity providers with the knowledge and skill set necessary to serve these individuals.
 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe two situations where adult hand patients are seen in a pediatric practice
2. Discuss three ways to support young adults as they transition from pediatric to adult providers to manage their hand condition    

Speakers: Karen Ayala, MS, OTR, CHT | Hilton Gottschalk, MD

 

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM | What Parents Want - Optimizing Caregiver Education for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

This session reports on a survey of caregivers of infants with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) regarding their experiences, perceptions, and preferences for the education and training they received for performing home-based therapy recommendations. The session will provide a brief background about BPBI and the importance of home-based therapy programs for this population, describe the methods for surveying the sample of caregivers, and present the results and a discussion of the implications of the findings. In addition to a PowerPoint presentation, Kahoot (or similar platform) will be used to survey attendees about the home-based therapy recommendations they make and the methods/strategies they use to teach and support caregivers in carrying-out the recommendations.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss caregiver perceptions of learning and performing home-based therapy recommendations
2. Identify common barriers to caregivers' abilities to understand and perform home-based therapy recommendations
3. Describe strategies to build capacity and support caregivers in learning, performing, and overcoming barriers to performing home-based therapy recommendations

Speaker: Jennifer Wingrat, ScD, OTR/L

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM | Q&A

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Climbing New Heights, Advanced Clinical Skills Symposium

9:00 AM - 9:12 AM | From Nonoperative Care to Postoperative Management: Treating Pediatric Congenital Hand Anomalies

Congenital pediatric diagnosis's such as: syndactyly, thumb hypoplasia, duplicated thumb, camptodactyly, radial longitudinal deficiency, and trigger thumb/finger. The emphasis would be on prefabricated/custom orthotics and protocols for both conservative and post-op treatment for each diagnosis. I would talk about my tips and tricks with this population.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify and describe two to three congenital hand anomalies.
2. Identify and describe the appropriate orthosis for each diagnosis.
3. Describe simple dressings for proper wound healing for the post-operative pediatric patient. 

Speaker: Jessica Grogan, MOT, OTR, CHT, CLT

 

9:12 AM - 9:24 AM | Words Matter: Healthcare Terminology Influences How Mental Health Needs of Children with Congenital Hand Differences are Expressed

Care for children with congenital hand differences involves a multidisciplinary approach to assessment and treatment of limb dysmorphology to optimize function. However, these children may experience mental health issues that influence participation and health-related quality of life. Yet, research shows that routine mental health screening is rare among pediatric upper limb specialists. As members of the multidisciplinary team, pediatric hand therapists play a critical role in identifying these concerns. However, interviews with families have shown that youth and parents may not expect to receive mental health or psychosocial support in these specialized hand and upper limb clinics because of the way health services are currently structured. Systems-level factors play a role in how mental health concerns are expressed, identified, and managed. This presentation will provide an overview of practice approaches used to screen for mental health concerns and psychosocial interventions provided for children with congenital hand differences. Evidence from the literature alongside findings from multi-methods research (surveys, qualitative interviews) will examine how healthcare terminology influences how mental health needs are shared. The importance of a collaborative approach with caregivers and children to elucidate, identify, and address mental health needs will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify health care terminology (mental health, coping, connecting with others) used to identify emotional support versus professional support for mental health needs in children with congenital hand differences.
2. Describe current methods in the literature used to screen and provide psychosocial and mental health supports for children with congenital hand differences.
3. Discuss ways to foster a collaborative approach with caregivers and children to elucidate, identify, and address mental health needs.

Speaker: Emily Ho, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.)

 

9:24 AM - 9:36 AM | It Takes Three to Tango - The Passive Range of Motion Dance for Congenital Upper Limb Differences

Rehabilitation for children with congenital upper limb differences requires a multidisciplinary approach, with occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) interventions aimed at improving range of motion (ROM), preventing contractures, enhancing strength, managing pain, and promoting functional independence in self-care and play. Gaining early Passive ROM in the upper extremities is often critical to be eligible for potential surgical interventions as the child matures. To achieve these goals, therapeutic interventions often combine a “therapeutic dance” between three primary interventions: manual stretching, orthoses, and serial casting. The efficacy of these methods is determined through shared decision making and is dependent on patient tolerance, family buy-in, and the integration of home programs into daily life. The application of these techniques will be demonstrated through three distinct case studies including arthrogryposis, radial longitudinal deficiency, and camptodactyly. By synthesizing clinical techniques with a family-centered care, therapists can significantly improve PROM and functional outcomes, ultimately preparing the child for future surgical and functional milestones.

Learning Objectives: 

1. At the end of this presentation, participant will be able to compare the clinical use of manual stretching, custom orthoses, and serial casting across three specific congenital upper limb diagnoses.
2. At the end of this presentation, participant will be able to identify clinical tools needed to achieve PROM interventions for children with congenital upper limb differences
3. At the end of this presentation, participant will be able to apply shared decision making principles to determine best next steps for PROM intervention for children with congenital upper limb differences.

Speaker: Peggy Faussett, MOTR/L, CHT

 

9:36 AM - 9:48 AM | A collaborative approach to bridging care for children with upper limb prosthetics

The session will explore how a prosthetist and a pediatric-certified hand therapist collaborate across the full continuum of care for children who use upper limb prosthetics. Presenters will outline each discipline’s role in evaluating children for upper limb prosthetic options and describe how they partner with the child and family to identify devices that align with the family’s goals and priorities.

The session will also highlight effective, collaborative documentation strategies that support third party coverage for prosthetic devices. In addition, presenters will demonstrate how ongoing interdisciplinary coordination supports successful prosthetic training, reassessment, and long term care as children grow and their needs evolve.

Learning Objectives: 

1. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to describe the complementary roles of prosthetists and pediatric certified hand therapists in evaluating and selecting upper limb prosthetic options for children.
2. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify collaborative, family centered strategies for aligning prosthetic recommendations with a child’s and family’s goals and priorities.
3. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to explain documentation and interdisciplinary care approaches that support third party coverage, effective prosthetic training, and ongoing reassessment as children grow.

Speaker: Jenny Dorich, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, CHT
 

9:48 AM - 10:00 AM | Q&A

10:00 - 10:30 AM | Coffee Break & Exhibits

Grab a cup of coffee and chat with industry providers in the Pediatric Specialty Day exhibit hall. 

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Tips and Tricks

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Pediatric flexor tendon rehabilitation: Making early controlled active motion possible for little hands

Best practice for flexor tendon rehabilitation for older children and adults is well established, but a gap exists between this, and the interventions used for young children. This session explores the feasibility of an innovative approach to treating flexor tendon repairs for young children based on the principles of early mobilization. The use of early mobilization flexor tendon rehabilitation protocols is the gold-standard in adult hand therapy. Currently, there is low level evidence in support of flexor tendon repair rehabilitation for pediatric patients. The evidence suggests that children have limited complications and good functional outcomes; however, these results include various protocols and demographics. In clinical practice, immobilization protocols used with the youngest children are in question because of the sequalae of clinical challenges observed, including, tendon adhesions and joint stiffness which limit the movement needed for developmental grasp patterns. The proposed protocol allows for controlled active and passive motion beginning within one week of surgery and follows a well understood progression used in adult hand therapy, modified to meet the needs of young children. Using a case-study format, speakers share a novel orthosis design that provides both safe immobilization and controlled active motion. Clinical pearls and pitfalls will be reflected upon to promote clinical reasoning.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe an early active mobilization protocol for young children status post flexor tendon repair surgery.
2. Choose appropriate materials to fabricate effective orthoses that allow for controlled active and passive motion.
3. Justify why early active mobilization may facilitate optimal surgical outcomes in pediatric hand therapy.

Speakers: Tymar Fields, MOTR/L, CHT, Bobbi Dynice, OTR

 

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM | Management of the UEs in progressed Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy: To serial cast or not to serial cast? An exploratory idea

Discussion to explore nontraditional techniques for contracture management within degenerative muscle conditions, such as muscular dystrophy. Interventions to be discussed include serial casting, splinting, and passive stretching with the goal of improving functional positioning and hygiene support for caregivers.

Learning Objectives: 

1. At the end of this presentation, participant will be able to clinically reason through options of contracture management regarding Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) on a case by case basis.
2. At the end of this presentation, participant will identify safe and beneficial patient cases who are appropriate for serial casting for contracture management.
3. At the end of this presentation, participant will define options (traditional and non) for contracture management and position improvement for patients with DMD.

Speaker: Devin Godber, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

 

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM | The Importance of Health Literacy Across Pre‑ and Post‑Operative Care in Pediatric Tendon Repair Rehabilitation: Integrating Patient and Caregiver Education in a Multidisciplinary Hand Clinic

Pediatric tendon repairs demand precise splinting, strict precautions, and intensive therapy–yet many families leave visits unsure what to do next. This session shows how a multidisciplinary hand team partnered with a health literacy department to co‑create clear, consistent pre‑ and post‑operative education for children with zone II—V flexor tendon repairs and their caregivers. You will see how standardized, plain‑language materials, visual supports, and the teach‑back method were built into real‑world clinic and therapy workflows, and how a six‑patient pilot suggests effects on adherence, complications, and motion outcomes. This presentation provides examples of how to support families understand and carry out postoperative protocols.

Learning Objectives: 

1. To demonstrate how integrating structured, health‑literacy—informed education for patients and caregivers across the pre‑ and post‑operative continuum in a multidisciplinary hand clinic can improve understanding, adherence, and rehabilitation outcomes in pediatric tendon repair.       

Speakers: Kendra Ransom
 

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM | Q&A

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Lunch

Visit with exhibitors in the Pediatric Specialty Day exhibit hall. Lunch is included with Pediatric Specialty Day registration. 

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | Keynote Address

 

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM | Instructional Concurrent Session 1

Achieving the best functional outcomes when skin flaps are utilized following traumatic upper extremity injuries in children

This interactive instructional session will discuss the surgical differences between skin graft and skin flap surgery following traumatic upper extremity injuries in children. We will review complications that commonly arise following skin graft and skin flap surgery in the pediatric population and consider the role hand therapists play in preventing and addressing post-surgical complications. We hope to consider the physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs of children following skin graft and skin flap surgery. We will shift our focus to explore commonly utilized skin flap surgeries to address complicated traumatic pediatric upper extremity injuries and consider practice guidelines hand therapists can utilize to achieve the best possible functional outcomes. Several case studies involving pediatric patients who underwent complicated skin flap surgery will be presented including use of a free gracilis flap, an anterolateral thigh flap for the elbow, an anterolateral thigh flap for the wrist, and an extended radial forearm free flap. Participants in this session can expect to gain valuable insight into the differences between skin grafts and skin flaps, how to recognize and manage complications, and hand therapy principles that achieve the best functional outcomes for our pediatric patients.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explain the differences between skin grafts and skin flaps following traumatic upper extremity injuries in children.
2. Illustrate how to manage common implications that arise following skin graft and skin flap surgery in pediatric patients including addressing psychosocial needs.
3. Utilize best practice principles and guidelines to achieve the best functional outcomes in pediatric patients who undergo skin flap surgery following traumatic upper extremity injuries.

Speakers: Andrew T. Bracken, MOT, OTR/L, CHT, Alta Fried, MS, OTR/L, CHT, Shaun Mendenhall, MD

Un-constraining constraint induced movement therapy: Let's collaborate!

This interactive session will provide a close look at how therapists recognized a gap in programming and collaborated to build a Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Bi-Manual Integration Training (BIT) group in a busy outpatient environment. The presenters will also share evidence-based protocols for individual CIMT/BIT intervention and how to use outcome measures and goal setting to determine the optimal treatment plan for the child/family. The presenters will share the evolution of these programs, highlighting how outcome measures and family feedback shaped improvements and guided best practices. Data collected from their programs will be reviewed to illustrate trends, successes, and areas for growth.
The session will conclude with an open forum, led by the presenters, designed to foster collaborative discussion around practical questions, common barriers, and success stories–creating an opportunity for peer learning and networking. Attendees are encouraged to contribute by sharing their own strategies, challenges, and lessons learned in implementing CIMT programs and interventions.
 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe evidence-based protocols for CIMT
2. Describe how a CIMT group program was implemented
3. Engage in an open forum about the successes and challenges in implementing CIMT in practice

Speakers: Carrissa Shotwell, Ashley Pfeffenberger, Amanda Holland, OTR/L, CLT 

Advancing Therapeutic Care for Children with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC)

Arthrogryposis (AMC) affects approximately 1 in 3000 live births. It is a diagnosis that presents itself in a variety of forms and can be intimidating to both novice and the most experienced hand therapists. Due to the complexity of the diagnosis, it is imperative that this population is cared for by a multidisciplinary team. This presentation will include a brief overview of the diagnosis and types of arthrogryposis, delve into the non-surgical and surgical considerations for children with arthrogryposis, review current
research, ADL modifications and training approaches, and discuss the benefits of the interdisciplinary care of these patients. Surgical intervention of the upper extremity will be reviewed along with the post-operative protocols to provide the best care for these patients. Presenters will share non-operative splinting, serial casting, and other conservative treatment techniques that are most effective with this population.

Attendees will leave this presentation with an increased understanding and confidence to evaluate and treat children with arthrogryposis. In addition, a list of resources will be provided with AMC resources for therapists and families.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the conservative therapeutic interventions for children with arthrogryposis.
2. Understand the surgical interventions for the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand in addition to the post-operative protocols
3. Understand the benefits of multi-disciplinary communication and treatment in children with arthrogryposis including ADL remediation strategies.

Speakers: Michelle Cohen, MOT, OTR/L, CHT, Michelle Burke, OTR/L

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM | Transition Break

 

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Instructional Concurrent Session 2

Clinical Treatment of Pediatric Patients with Upper Extremity Burns

This will be an interactive instructional session where participants will learn how to approach and design treatment plans for pediatric patients with burn wounds to the upper extremities. Various cases will be explored to provide insight on anticontracture positioning, orthoses, scar management, and therapeutic activities used in this specialty population. This session will include an interactive discussion with both new and seasoned therapists who want to expand their skill set and be prepared when they come across a small or large pediatric burn.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Review and apply evidence-based resources for evaluation and intervention to identify areas at highest risk for burn scar contracture based on burn distribution.
2. Identify appropriate orthoses recommended based on depth, area, and distribution of burn.
3. Identify appropriate scar management options for various stages of wound healing.

Speakers: Christina Mooneyham

 

The Last Mile: Return to Play Testing and Advanced Sports-Based Rehabilitation for the Upper Extremity Specialists to Safely Return Youth Athletes to Play

Pediatric upper-extremity specialists commonly treat youth athletes that have suffered an injury and are well equipped to treat the early rehabilitation of such injuries. Where they become more challenged is when it is time to develop return to sport testing and the development of advanced sports-based rehabilitation. It starts with a criteria-based return to play process for injured youth athletes that can be communicated to the patient, parents and coaches. The clinician needs to understand open-chain, closed-chain, strength, force development, stability, endurance and psychological readiness assessments for the upper-extremity specialist to develop treatment plans for the injured youth athlete. Then, they must develop sports-based advanced rehabilitation programs to gradually expose the patent to the stress of the sport.
Sports participation continues to rise in the youth population resulting in increases in acute and overuse upper-extremity injuries leading to time away from play and loss of sport’s skill development. The upper-extremity therapist requires additional specialized skills to provide optimal care for these patients. This session will discuss the return to play process, return to play testing and advanced sports-based rehabilitation of upper-extremity injuries in youth athletes. Case examples from a variety of sports will be utilized to demonstrate return to sport testing and programming to maximize outcomes and safe participation in youth sports.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss the development of the return to play process for injured youth athletes
2. Discuss age-specific and sport-specific return to play evaluations throughout the pediatric to adolescent lifespan.
3. Identify open-chain, closed-chain, strength, force development, stability, endurance and psychological readiness assessments for the upper-extremity specialist to develop treatment plans for the injured youth athlete.

Speakers: Michael Mueller, OTR/L, CHT

 

A Decision Framework for Orthotic Use in BPBI: Matching the Right Orthosis to the Right Patient at the Right Time

This session presents a structured, timeline-based decision tree to guide orthotic selection for children with BPBI at risk for glenohumeral dysplasia. Content is organized around three core domains: (1) biomechanics, pathology and anatomy of dysplasia progression, (2) clinical variables influencing orthotic decision-making, and (3) comparative application of orthotic strategies within a unified framework.
The session will begin with a review of the muscular imbalance patterns that contribute to altered joint loading and progressive deformity. Imaging correlation, clinical observations and developmental considerations will be integrated to establish objective decision variables. Presenters will then introduce a visual clinical decision tree organized by referral timeline, clinical and radiographic risk factors, in-orthosis observations, developmental stage, passive range, muscle activation, spontaneous recovery patterns, caregiver ability and functional goals.
Orthotic strategies, including dynamic strapping, external rotation positioning approaches, and static structured orthoses, will be examined within the decision tree rather than as isolated interventions. Indications, advantages, limitations, and integration into broader management (including surgical planning when applicable) will be discussed. 
Active learning will be incorporated through case-based application. Participants will be presented with progressive pediatric cases and prompted to apply the decision tree in real time using guided questioning and audience response methods. Imaging findings and functional presentation will be analyzed collaboratively to reinforce clinical reasoning and meet learning objectives related to analysis, application, and differentiation.
The session concludes with implementation considerations, interdisciplinary collaboration strategies, and identification of current evidence gaps to support continued professional growth and resilience in practice.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Analyze patterns of muscle imbalance, imaging findings, and developmental stage to determine risk and progression of glenohumeral dysplasia in pediatric BPI.
2. Apply a timeline-based decision tree to select appropriate orthotic and complementary interventions based on referral timeline, clinical presentation, patient specific variables and treatment goals.
3. Differentiate indications, advantages, and limitations of external rotation dynamic systems, positioning strategies, and structured orthoses within a non-operative management framework.

Speakers: Krystal Vermillion, CScD, MOT, OTR/L

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM | Coffee Break & Exhibit Hall

Grab a cup of coffee and chat with industry providers in the Pediatric Specialty Day exhibit hall. 

3:45 - 4:45 PM | Neuro Topics

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM | Neuromodulation: The Reflex Circuit as the Unit of Positive Change

Hand therapists have long known academically and experientially that to effectively treat the hand and upper extremity one must include the brain. The drive to move, the program for movement, its intentionality, and intricate balance of dexterous movement can only be exquisitely coordinated by the brain, and, of course, the feedback of the body.

This presentation, generously illustrated, will encompass foundational principles of neurophysiology to support the case study in the keynote address. Key concepts include the reflex circuit, neuromodulation, and maturation of the circuit as foundation to coordinated movement. This concept of innate patterned movements, or reflexes, as building blocks of movement was first explored by the Nobel Prize winning British physiologist, Charles Sherrington in the late 19th century, whose research established many concepts of modern neuroscience, namely “the reflex is the simplest unit of nervous integration." He coined the term synapse and elucidated Sherrington’s Law, the concept of reciprocal innovation. Additionally, he is the author of the term “reflex integration” and demonstrated that reflexes are not isolated automatic events, but are coordinated by the central nervous system and lead to purposeful behavior.

Fast forward to modern day, and the research and practice of Svetlana Masgutova, PhD, has extrapolated this concept to effect real change in the human body by paving, or re-patterning, the reflex circuit. Familiar reflex patterns, such as asymmetric tonic neck reflex, and Robinson’s Hands Grasp seen in infants are revealed in a different light than certified hand therapists, both occupational and physical therapists, have been previously trained. The full circle is revealed to the hand therapist when this movement is observed in the paralyzed limb of an infant when the brain is tapped for its genetically encoded knowledge of the pattern.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the concept of neuromodulation.
2. Redefine the concept of reflex integration in terms of present day neuroscience.
3. Define the relevance of reflex pattern facilitation in hand and upper extremity therapy. 

Speaker: Andrea Gentry, MOT, CHT

 

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM | Teaching the Why: Pain Neuroscience Education for Pediatric CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a complex pain condition in which successful treatment depends heavily on patient engagement and understanding. While this can be challenging in adults, the barriers are amplified in pediatric populations.

Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is a critical component of rehabilitation for children with CRPS. When delivered effectively, PNE helps young patients and their families understand why symptoms occur, reduces fear surrounding movement, and supports active participation in therapy.
This session will use a case-based approach to demonstrate how PNE can be adapted for pediatric patients with CRPS. Attendees will learn developmentally appropriate language, metaphors, and visual strategies to explain key concepts including central sensitization, nervous system dysregulation, and the impact of stress and fear on symptoms.

Participants will leave with practical scripts and immediately applicable tools to integrate pain neuroscience education seamlessly into treatment sessions, reinforcing concepts throughout the rehabilitation process and promoting functional progress.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe how pain neuroscience education fits into a comprehensive treatment plan for a pediatric patient with complex regional pain syndrome.
2. Apply developmentally appropriate pain neuroscience education strategies, including metaphors, visual tools, and caregiver communication to support understanding and engagement in therapy.  

Speaker: Hannah Gift, OTR/L, CHT, COMT, CEAS

 

4:15 PM - 4:30 PM | Assessing for Asymmetry in Infants at Risk

During the first year of life, the unimanual and bimanual skills of infants who are developing typically improve significantly. Yet infants who sustain a peripheral or central neural injury during the perinatal period often present with asymmetrical limb motion, thus are at risk for upper limb dysfunction. Conditions which may result in limb asymmetry include brachial plexus injury and perinatal stroke. Detection of asymmetrical upper limb motion could lead to effective early intervention strategies thus informing clinical practice for these conditions. These methods of motion assessment could also be used to monitor change following microsurgery and other forms of therapeutic intervention. This session will review the following: a) clinical conditions at risk; and b) current methods available to examine differences in limb motion including use of clinical assessments, inertial sensors, surface EMG, and 3D motion capture. The advantages of all methods will be reviewed. Options for feasible clinical use will be discussed with the audience.

Learning Objectives: 

1. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to describe clinical conditions at risk for upper limb asymmetry.
2. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to list and describe methods available to identify upper limb asymmetry.
3. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify potential intervention strategies to address upper limb asymmetry in infants at risk.

Speakers: Susan Duff, EdD, MPT, OT/L, CHT
 

4:30 PM - 4:45 PM | Q&A

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Closing Remarks

Join us as we embrace the future of the pediatric therapy community!

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Reception

Network with fellow Pediatric Specialty Day attendees and exhibitors. Light appetizers and drinks will be served. Reception is included with Pediatric Specialty Day registration and is only open to Pediatric Specialty Day attendees. 

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