Torticollis – Beyond the Basics: Improving Postural Alignment, Motor Skills and Feeding Outcomes Through a Multi-Disciplinary Lens

* Fairview Employees register using link at bottom of page

**SAVE $20 when you register by December 21, 2024. Use coupon code EARLYBIRD20 at check out.

Education Resources will be applying for CEUs and will disperse course certificates.
ERI is an approved provider for AOTA and ASHA and will submit for MN Board of PT CEUs

Fairview Employees: Cancellation Policy:  Cancellation Fee will apply.

Course Description:

Learn important considerations and strategies beyond the basics to utilize when providing intervention to infants and children with torticollis. Torticollis is a complex diagnosis with many interrelated factors which can contribute to, cause or be associated with torticollis. By learning to think critically using a multidisciplinary lens, therapists will be better equipped to provide effective assessment and interventions. Different perspectives will be discussed and considered when implementing a multifaceted and holistic treatment approach. Attendees will be given as well the opportunity to problem solve with the presenters in the areas of developmental milestones, posture, fine/gross motor development and feeding & swallowing skills. By viewing torticollis through a multidisciplinary lens, attendees will gain effective tools to treat the multifaceted aspects of torticollis.

Course Objectives:

• Identify the embryological, neurological, anatomical, physiological, and/or developmental factors that cause, contribute to, and/or result from torticollis.
• Recognize the red flags associated with torticollis that indicate a need for further assessment.
• Relate how torticollis affects infant gross/fine motor, speech and feeding development.
• Choose an appropriate and evidence-based assessment tool to utilize when working with infants, toddlers, and children with torticollis.
• Determine when and why to apply strategies when working with infants and children with torticollis based on presenting impairment and response to intervention.
• Choose positioning strategies to improve participation in functional activities across motor, language and feeding skills.
• Recognize the contributions of different therapy disciplines in promoting feeding skills.

Instructor:

Anais Villaluna

Anais Villaluna is an SLP, Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, and Certified Lactation Counselor. Anais earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2006 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2008 from Texas Woman’s University. Anais is a doctoral candidate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) at Northwestern University. Anais has specialized training in a variety of feeding and swallowing interventions methods as well as the instrumental assessment of swallowing via VFSS and FEES. She practices in a variety of pediatric hospital settings at including pediatric hospital inpatient, pediatric hospital outpatient, and multidisciplinary specialty clinics with gastroenterology and otolaryngology. Anais expanded her reach from hospital-based dysphagia services to also include concierge dysphagia services as she has a passion for improving access to highly qualified dysphagia services in a variety of settings. Co-lead of the Pediatric Committee for the IDDSI USIRG, she has an interest in the standardization of thickened liquids in the pediatric population. Anais has presented locally at TSHA Conventions, nationally at ASHA Conventions, and virtually on many platforms. Anais is a published author on the subject of pediatric feeding and swallowing. Anais also volunteers her time with Feeding Matters by serving on the PFD Alliance to help improve access to resources for families and professionals through her contribution as the chair for the Digital Outreach Committee. As a mother of three children, one being a NICU graduate, Anais strives to provide the highest level of care and compassion when partnering with families impacted by pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.

Financial Disclosure: Anais Villalluna receives a salary from Texas Children’s Hospital and Feeding and Swallowing Specialists of The Woodlands. She receives a speaking honorarium from Education Resources, Inc.

Non-Financial Disclosure: Anais Villaluna has a non-financial relationship with IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative) as a US IRG Pediatric Co-Chair, Communication Committee Member. She has a non-financial relationship with Feeding Matters as a volunteer for Digital Outreach Committee.

Dana Kizer

Dana Kizer is an occupational therapist, Board Certified in Pediatrics, and has a special interest in feeding as well as sensory processing. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings including a pediatric hospital, specialty clinic, private practice, and home health. Dana has presented on feeding therapy and interventions nationally and across virtual platforms. Dana is a published author on the subject of pediatric feeding disorders. She currently volunteers her time with Feeding Matters by serving on the Pre-Conference Committee and the Family Advisory Council to help families navigate the complex world of pediatric feeding disorders. In addition to her professional experience with feeding disorders, Dana brings a family perspective to her treatments and teaching experiences as her initial experience with feeding therapy occurred when she would accompany her younger brother to his feeding therapy appointments. She has seen first-hand the difference therapy can make in the lives of patients and their families.

Financial Disclosure: Dana Kizer receives a salary from Texas Children’s Hospital and Feeding and Swallowing Specialists of The Woodlands. She receives a speaking honorarium from Education Resources, Inc.

Non-Financial Disclosure: Dana Kizer has a non-financial relationship with Feeding Matters as a volunteer for the Family Advisory Council and the Pre-Conference Committee.

Trisha Thorne

Dr. Trisha Thorne is a licensed physical therapist and Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS). She has over 15 years of expertise in pediatric settings including Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU), multidisciplinary NICU follow up clinic, hospital outpatient settings, home health, and private practice. She is a Certified Neonatal Therapist, Certified Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapist, and Certified Neurodevelopmental Therapist. She specializes in myofascial/manual therapy interventions, treating medically fragile infants; as well as, infants with torticollis and developmental delays. As a wife and mother of two boys, she intimately understands the family centered care model to provide exceptional care and treatment of your little one.

Agenda: 

• Upright positioning: activate vestibular, vision, and proprioception to activate postural control system prior to feeding

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