The FOCUS Program for Improving Feeding Skills and Mealtime Participation: Part Two – Intervention Approach

Description

Presented by: Lori Goodrich, OTR/L
originally recorded November 14, 2016

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

Description: The FOCUS Program is a systematic and comprehensive sensory-based approach to improving feeding skills and mealtime participation in children with problems processing and integrating sensations.  This program incorporates core concepts from sensory integration theory; neuromuscular approaches to treating oral motor skills; developmental models of feeding skills; and social-based programs for improving mealtime behaviors into a 5 stage model for assessment and intervention.  Evaluation is comprehensive and encompasses sensory processing, praxis, postural and functional feeding and mealtime behaviors. Intervention progresses the client through self-regulation, sensory processing, motor performance, to oral motor structure control and increased tolerance of food choices. This webinar, Part 2 of a 2-part series, will address the unique FOCUS intervention approach.

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

1. Identify the phases of the FOCUS program.
2. Identify 3 treatment strategies for each of the various functions addressed by the FOCUS program.
3. Describe 3 signs of functional and clinical gains for each of the various areas of oral motor and mealtime functioning addressed by the FOCUS program.

Course Level: Intermediate, there are no prerequisites for this course.

Suitable For: Occupational therapists, OT assistants, physical therapists, PT assistants and students, speech and language therapists.

AOTA
Domain: Performance Skills
Process: Intervention

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: Ms. Goodrich is the Assistant Clinical Director at OTA The Koomar Center.  In this role she works to oversee all therapeutic aspects of the clinic, as well as to provide therapy and evaluation services. Ms. Goodrich has been trained in a wide range of oral motor based programs, including the SOS Approach to Feeding and Debra Beckman’s Oral Motor techniques. She provides consultations, lectures and overviews to enhance other professionals’ and families’ understanding of sensory integration and its relation to the development of various areas including the use of visual-vestibular treatment techniques to improve handwriting, and oral motor skills.

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.