​Audience 

OT, PT, SLP, and interested others

​

Course Description

Eating and feeding are fundamental functions necessary for surviving and thriving. Many clients with neurodiversity and mental health issues experience profound disturbances in their participation in eating and feeding. Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Counselors, Behavioural Therapists and Nutritionists are team members who evaluate and enhance these functions, but sometimes struggle in seeing the integrated whole of the various complex factors contributing to the clients’ experiences. 

 

This 13 hour online workshop is a cutting-edged compilation of research on the science of eating and feeding from a neurobiological/physiological perspective as it pertains to picky eating, eating disorders (ARFID, anorexia nervosa, bulimia), sensory issues, oral motor/pharyngeal issues and attachment. Trans-disciplinary research, assessment and intervention strategies will be presented and discussed. 12 hours of edited, pre-recorded training (available for 365 days upon enrollment) will be complemented by a live interactive online 60 minute Q&A led by Kim and co-facilitated by the Relationship Matters Team  (the recording of which is available for 365 days once it is available).

​

Course Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Understand the neurobiological and physiological underpinnings of eating and feeding

2. Describe how sensory processing issues impact eating, feeding and eating disorders

3. Observe the impact of attachment and goodness of fit between caregivers and individuals experiencing eating and feeding challenges

4. Evaluate basic postural and motor control challenges that are connected to eating, feeding and eating disorders

5. Begin to develop problem-solving skills to integrate multiple variables of needs to create individualized interventions for clients with eating and feeding challenges

​