Authors:
Roxanna M. Bendixen, Ph.D., OTR/L
Kris Barnekow, Ph.D., OTR/L
Series Editor:
Kris Barnekow, Ph.D., OTR/L
Earn .15 AOTA CEU (NBCOT 1.88 PDUs/1.5 contact hours)
Welcome to the fourth of four modules in the online course series Occupational Therapy’s Contribution to Early Identification of the Needs of Young Children Using a Family-Centered Approach. Each module provides an exceptional learning experience.
Module IV, Early Detection of Neuromuscular Disorders in Early Intervention Settings discusses neuromuscular disorders (NMD) in infants, toddlers and young children. These disorders vary greatly and manifest themselves through a combination of symptoms based on lower motor and sensory nerve dysfunction. Identification of the initial symptom(s) may be the key element in diagnostic success.
Despite efforts to encourage early diagnosis and detection of neuromuscular disorders, detection still remains unsatisfactorily late in most cases, an accurate and prompt diagnosis allows for initiation on appropriate interventions, family-based support and education, and may minimize the impact of an often lengthy and disruptive diagnostic process (Bushby, 2010. Part 1).
Through completion of this module, the practitioner will be able to:
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Identify the pathology of neuromuscular disorders and differentiate among the various types.
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Describe the clinical phenotypes, multisystem primary manifestations and secondary complication of neuromuscular disorder in infants and children.
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Identify current tools used in the assessment of infants and children with neuromuscular disorders and chose appropriate assessments for this varied and diverse population.
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Identify current rehabilitative care management of neuromuscular disorders, as well as medical, pharmacological, psychosocial management, and implementation of multidisciplinary care.
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Describe occupational therapy’s role in family education and support.
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Identify when assistive/adaptive devices are indicated for function.
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Identify when it is appropriate for referral to specialists, internal and external to the profession, for additional evaluation or treatment.
Learning Level
Intermediate
AOTA Classification Codes for Continuing Education Activities
Category 2: Occupational Therapy Process: Evaluation and Intervention
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