“We Got the Beat for Children with ASD” OnDemand

Course Description:

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulty with motor timing and sequential bilateral skills impacting their performance in daily activities and learning new skills. Children with ASD also have difficulty with emotional modulation and self-awareness impacting their social interactions with other peers. This presentation will focus on how the Interactive Metronome (IM) can support both motor function and social/emotional engagement in children with ASD. The presenter will provide research on the current use of the interactive metronome as treatment intervention for ASD, and analyze the evidence to support clinical reasoning. Intervention strategies will be discussed on how therapists can use utilize the IM as both a therapy intensive and how to incorporate within their weekly sessions with video examples and creative ideas to expand the therapist IM “bag of tricks” and help children become modulated, coordinated, and socially engaged to support successful participation in daily activities.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the relationship between motor timing and components of motor praxis;
  
• Explain 2 strategies using rhythm and motor timing neuro-exercises to support motor performance skills;
  
• Report one study outcome that supports rhythm and motor timing treatment intervention to improve motor coordination and engagement.
  *Note: This course covers information that pertains to licensed therapists and therapy assistants. COTA and PTA professionals must practice IM under the supervision of a licensed OT or PT.

APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINES:

• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Assistant