Erhardt Developmental Products
DVDs, Books, and other Materials about Child Development and Children with Disabilities

Curriculum
Vitae

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Onsite Presentations

October 17-19, 2013: "A Systems Approach to the Development of Feeding Skills and Feeding Disorders" (Poster Session)
Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information, contact AACPDM.
[This poster presents a comprehensive systems approach to the understanding of feeding development in children with and without disabilities, providing information useful for the decision-making process leading to best practice intervention.
1. Compare normal and atypical components of feeding skills in multiple developmental areas
2. Understand relationships between children and caregivers, and between therapists and families
3. Correlate identified needs with intervention strategies
The comprehensive perspective is described as a series of vertical developmental sequences in which oral and fine motor skills are interwoven horizontally with corresponding gross motor, visual, cognitive, communicative, social, and emotional levels, with emphasis on how feeding impacts, and is impacted by all those domains. Tables with video captures of case study examples illustrate assessment procedures and demonstrations of intervention strategies.This approach thus includes consideration of the feeding relationships between children/caregivers, and the infant/family professional's role as facilitator of these relationships.]

October 17-19, 2013: "Normal and Atypical Hand Preferences" (Video Forum)
Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information, contact AACPDM.
[Part 1 of this video ("Emerging and Mature Hand Preferences and Congruencies") presents a study of a mother and her 2-year-old child compares adult hand preferences with the normal development of those components, organized into sections of exploratory/sensory movements, gestures, and functional tasks, with the addition of hand, eye, ear, foot, and mouth congruencies. The skilled use of one hand is essential for occupational performance in self-care, work, and leisure activities throughout the lifespan. It emerges through a developmental process during which each hand explores, experiments, and practices a wide variety of activities, giving both hands the opportunity to learn increasingly complex and precise unilateral and bilateral movements needed for function. While genetics plays the most significant part in determination of hand preference, task requirements and environmental factors also influence these choices.
Part 2 of this video ("Factors Influencing Hand Preference in Persons with Disabilities") presents examples of seven children and young adults with various physical and multiple disabilities, whose choices of hand preference are linked with their specific medical conditions and their functional compensations for missing components of unilateral, bilateral, and bimanual hand development. Despite genetic predisposition, they favor the limb that is less affected, because it is more efficient. Early intervention, especially exploratory play, is vital to counteract the inevitable tendency toward unilateral neglect and inappropriate compensations. As children age, with decreasing potential for significant physical improvement, professionals can use adaptive methods, materials, and equipment to facilitate function for optimal independence in home, work, and community environments.]

Ongoing Interactive Online Courses

"Hand Problems in Children with Disabilities"
More information here
[Lessons include: Exploring the Literature: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, Theoretical Frames of Reference, Normal and Atypical Development, Assessment, and Treatment]
To register, contact Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.

"Skill Development Models for Intervention: Eye-Hand Coordination"
More information here
[Lessons include: Components of Eye-Hand Mechanisms, A Systems Approach to Assessment and Task Analysis, An Operational Model for Eye-Hand Intervention, and Clinical Observations of the Skill Development Model]
To register, contact Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.

"Hand Preference Issues and Applications to Practice"
More information here
[Lessons include: Theoretical Concepts and Cultural History of Handedness in Persons without Disabilities, Normal Components of Hand Preference, Assessment of Hand Preferences, and Identification and Management of "Handedness" Problems]
To register, contact Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.

"Improving Handwriting without Teaching Handwriting"
More information here
[Lessons include: Theoretical Rationale, A Performance-Based Assessment/Intervention Model, and Case Study]
To register, contact Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.

"Motor Components of Vision in Children with Disabilities"
More information here, including student feedback
[Lessons include: The Importance and Scope of Visual Problems in Children, Evolution of a Developmental/Functional Approach to Visual Dysfunction, Theoretical Frames of Reference for Vision, Assessment and Management of Visual Problems, Case Studies, The Assessment Report, and The Professionals' Role]
To register, contact Dynamic Learning Online, Inc.

"The Role of Touch in Occupational Therapy"
[This series includes: Principles of Therapeutic Touch: Application to Practice Areas, Understanding Sensory Systems: Using Touch Therapeutically, Integrating it All: Effects of Touch on Mind, Body, and Spirit]
To register, contact Advance for OTs