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    Nervous System Regulation for SLP Treatment Approaches: Maximizing the Brain’s Potential

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    Appropriate Disciplines

    • Speech Language Pathologist
    • Speech Language Pathology Asst
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Course Description

This course examines the impact of trauma and chronic stress on brain development and function, the power of neuroplasticity and the value of utilizing body-based interventions in speech language pathology. One in three people are affected by a neurological condition worldwide. This issue is so prevalent that the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the criticality of focusing on rehabilitation, habilitation and health of the brain. Speech language pathologists are uniquely positioned to ensure the brain is understood, valued and protected at all ages, from early childhood to geriatric care. However, SLPs are not always equipped with the most current and efficacious treatment approaches. The instructor will present the most current interdisciplinary research as it applies to the field of speech language pathology, highlighting contributions from the Polyvagal theory, the HeartMath Institute and Interpersonal Neurobiology, including an extensive look at the concepts of brain integration, the vagus nerve, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), attachment and the connectome. Through the lens of nervous system regulation as the foundation for optimal brain function, the course will examine diagnoses such as ADHD, ASD, PKN, Dementia, speech and language delays, executive functioning, auditory processing disorder and acquired brain injury (including case studies). The integrative approach taught in this course includes modalities such as music, movement and sensory based intervention to improve outcomes for patients from birth to geriatric and highlights opportunities for SLPs to take an active role in helping shape brain health across the populations they serve. Don’t miss the complimentary course on trauma informed care for rehabilitation for an in-depth examination of trauma informed care principles and frameworks and how these can shape evaluation and treatment across disciplines.

Course Objectives

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

  • Identify 3 brain regions impacted by trauma
  • Briefly describe the left vs right hemispheres of the brain
  • Name the 3 levels of the autonomic nervous system and their impact on brain function according to Polyvagal Theory
  • Explain 4 types of integration according to Dr. Dan Siegel
  • Name 3 integrative movements to improve brain function
  • Identify 2 changes occurring during adolescent restructuring of the brain

Alexis Pennington

Alexis spent the first 12 years of her career as a SLP working for large medical systems in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. In 2022, after experiencing burn out from working in a hospital through the pandemic and experiencing several major life transitions, she sought trauma therapy in the form of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). With each session of EMDR, which involves stimulating both sides of the brain to help integrate and reprocess distressing memories, Alexis felt more able to find words and felt significantly less brain fog. She became curious as to how she could apply the same principles of bilateral stimulation in working with patients recovering from CVA, suffering from brain fog post Covid or the myriad of other diagnoses SLPs are tasked with treating. Since 2022, Alexis has dedicated herself to understanding the connection between trauma and brain function and its application to the field of speech language pathology and rehabilitation. She has immersed herself in the teachings of Dr. Dan Siegel (Interpersonal Neurobiology), Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), the HeartMath Institute and the most current research across multiple fields including neuroscience, psychology and neurorehabilitation. She is a certified Safe and Sound Protocol Provider, Certified Rest and Restore Protocol Provider, Trauma Informed HeartMath provider and has completed Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Level 1 training. She opened a private practice in 2023 emphasizing nervous system based therapeutic intervention to improve brain function for a variety of symptoms and speaks regularly to organizations in her community regarding optimizing brain function at every age. It is her mission to educate clinicians about the importance of incorporating bottom-up (vs traditional top-down) therapies to help reduce clinician burn out and improve outcomes in the communities they serve.
Financial Disclosure: Alexis receives honoraria from CIAO for the presentation of her live courses and royalties for the sale of her recorded courses.
Non-Financial Disclosure: None to disclose

Live Stream is 30 minute lunch

Day 1

08:00 - 08:30
Speaker Introduction, Course Objectives
08:30 - 09:45
Current research and its application to the field of Speech Language Pathology including: Chronic stress and its impact on the brain, Neuroplasticity,
09:45 - 10:30
Brain Integration, Barriers to Integration, Types of Integration
10:30 - 10:45
Break
10:45 - 11:15
Importance of attachment and relationships on brain development and function
11:15 - 12:15
Polyvagal Theory for SLPs: Face-Heart Connection
12:15 - 01:15
Lunch
01:15 - 02:00
Utilizing music, movement and sensory approaches to target goals
02:00 - 03:00
Integrative treatment approaches to common diagnoses including: ADHD, ASD, PKN, Dementia, Speech and Language Delays, Executive Functioning and more
03:00 - 03:15
Break
03:15 - 04:15
Examining ways SLPs can proactively address brain growth and health at every stage of life
04:15 - 04:45
Case Studies
04:45 - 05:00
Q&A

Delivery VIA:

  • Live By Request - This course is available to come to you! Contact us to see how easy that can be. mail@ciaoseminars.com
  • Live Stream - This course is offered from our Live Stream studio. Watch and interact with the instructor from wherever you are or join us as part of the studio audience in sunny Gulf Breeze, FL. Included with each Live Stream registration is access to the course recording for the 14 days immediately following the broadcast.

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • 7.5 Hours
  • CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.75 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet submission required
  • ASHA CE Provider Approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Introductory Level
0.75 ASHA CEUs


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