Working With Adolescents With Feeding Challenges

Presented by: Leia M. Sturtevant, MOT, OTR/L
originally recorded September 19, 2019

Webinars are video presentations and include the recorded PowerPoint and lecture and a .pdf copy of the PowerPoint notes.

Description: Feeding and mealtime challenges can be present at any phase across the lifespan. As occupational therapists, our role is to assess and treat the underlying deficits that may be impacting these skill areas. This webinar will discuss the role of sensory processing on adolescents’ ability to eat a wide range of foods across settings with comfort and ease. In addition, other potential impact areas including executive functioning skills will be discussed. This webinar will include discussions regarding age-appropriate assessment and treatment principles for working with this population. Using a sensory integration lens, webinar participants will learn how they can best support their adolescent clients who experience challenges with feeding, meal planning/preparation, and engagement in social eating situations.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar viewers will be able to:

1. Describe the link between sensory processing and feeding, particularly as it relates to adolescents.
2. Identify three sensory processing observations that can contribute to challenges with feeding and mealtime success for adolescents.
3. Identify age-appropriate intervention strategies to address these foundational sensory processing challenges that impact feeding skills in adolescents, as well as strategies to support their ability to feel comfortable eating across settings.

Course Level: Intermediate. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Suitable For: Occupational therapists, OT assistants

AOTA
Domain: Client Factors
Process: Intervention

Contact Hours: This course is worth 1.5 contact hours or .15 AOTA CEUs.

Completion Requirements: To receive contact hours for this course you must listen to the recorded webinar in its entirety and complete the accompanying assessment.

About the Speaker:  Leia is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University, along with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Science Studies and a minor in Sociology.  In addition to clinic experience, Leia has experience evaluating and treating children with a variety of physical, cognitive, and/or emotional needs in both special education and public school settings. Leia also has experience providing occupational therapy services to orphanages in Haiti, where she has educated staff on ways to improve the quality of life of the children. Leia is a Therapeutic Listening provider and is trained in the Handwriting Without Tears program. Leia currently serves as OTA’s oral motor coordinator and has completed additional training in this area, including the SOS Approach to Feeding. Leia has also completed the Spiral Foundation’s Program of Essential Competencies in Sensory Integration, which allows her to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT).

 ADA/Section 504: If you require special accommodations, please contact the Spiral Foundation at admin@thespiralfoundation.org or (617) 969 – 4410 ext. 231.

Continuing Education:

Occupational Therapy Practitioners/ Occupational Therapy Assistants:  The Spiral Foundation is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association.  The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.