Encompass Certification Virtual: Interactive Metronome for Pediatrics & Adults Course

Course Description:

The ability to synchronize motor movements with a steady auditory beat is fundamental for academic performance and the development and rehabilitation of cognitive, communicative, sensory, and motor skills. Published studies have consistently demonstrated the direct link between auditory-motor synchronization and temporal processing, or the coordinated communication between critical neural networks involved in attention, auditory and phonological processing, reading fluency and comprehension, cognitive speed, working memory, executive functions, and fine/gross motor coordination. Many of these studies have implicated poor timing and rhythm in individuals with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Aphasia, Parkinson's, Schizophrenia, and other neurological conditions. Interactive Metronome (IM) is a highly effective and engaging assessment and training tool that uniquely combines the concept of a musical metronome with a computer-based, patented software program to precisely measure and train a person's timing and rhythm in order to improve performance at home, school, work and play.

Join us for this stimulating virtual workshop that includes an in-depth discussion of the evidence and rationale for use of IM as it relates to students and patients encountered in academic and therapy settings. Participants will brainstorm and interact with the instructor and each other as they learn to implement the Interactive Metronome through direct, hands-on training. The instructor will provide tips and best practices that have been shown to facilitate outcomes.

Completion of this course leads to full Interactive Metronome Certification and ASHA/AOTA/PT CEUs/contact hours in select states (pending successful completion of a written exam).

Course Learning Outcomes:

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

• Discuss the relevance of timing and rhythm as it pertains to functional abilities in home, work, school, and social settings.
• Cite published research that provides evidence for the efficacy of training timing and rhythm to improve cognitive, communicative, behavioral, sensory, motor, and academic performance.
• Identify criteria to appropriately select students and patients for Interactive Metronome assessment/training;List steps to competently administer and interpret IM assessments in order to develop individualized IM training plan.
• Cite criteria for developing measurable goals for IM training for students and patients encountered in academic and therapy settings; Explain how to interpret IM assessment and training data in order to adjust IM training settings as needed to facilitate performance.

*Note: This course covers information that pertains to licensed therapists and therapy assistants. OTA and PTA professionals must practice IM under the supervision of a licensed OT or PT.

Specific Learning Outcomes for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the relevance of timing and rhythm as it pertains to functional cognitive and communicative abilities in home, work, school, and social settings.
• Cite published research that provides evidence for the efficacy of training timing and rhythm to improve cognitive, communicative, behavioral, sensory, motor, and academic performance.
• Identify criteria to appropriately select students and patients for Interactive Metronome assessment/training
• List steps to competently administer and interpret IM assessments in order to develop individualized IM training plans for the treatment of speech/language and cognitive/communicative disorders.
• Cite criteria for developing measurable goals for IM training for students and patients encountered in academic and therapy settings.
• Explain how to interpret IM assessment and training data in order to adjust IM training settings as needed to facilitate performance. 

*Note: This course covers information that pertains to licensed therapists and therapy assistants. SLPA professionals must practice IM under the supervision of a licensed SLP.

APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINES:

• Audiologist
• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Speech and Language Pathology Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Athletic Trainer
• Educator
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Neurologist
• Chiropractic Care Professional
• Licensed Medical, Rehabilitation or Mental Health Professional
• Music Therapist
• Other (Please Specify)