A strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach to pediatric physical therapy. You’ll learn how to understand each client’s sensory profile, support regulation, and design intrinsically motivating, play-forward sessions. The course connects engagement, regulation, and motor learning, then shows exactly how to evaluate, write functional goals (including “when regulated”), and run sessions that meet clients where they are.
*Our eCourses are hosted online on the Thinkific platform. Clicking the arrow above will redirect you to our course page in Thinkific. There you will be able to see the complete course description, learning objectives, policies, etc. It is also where you will complete checkout and enrollment.
By the end, you will be able to:
Explain a client-centered, neurodiversity-affirming PT lens and why regulation is foundational to learning.
Identify sensory seeking vs. avoiding patterns and select appropriate sensory regulation strategies.
Integrate sensory strategies into PT evaluations and treatment sessions using least-restrictive facilitation and play.
Write functional, participation-oriented goals (with “when in a regulated state” where appropriate).
Plan typical sessions that scaffold from regulation → organization → higher-level motor challenges, with caregiver education.
You’re a PT/OTA (or allied clinician) serving autistic or neurodivergent children and want concrete, respectful strategies.
You want to replace compliance-based tactics with intrinsic motivation, visuals/AAC, and client-preferred activities.
You need clear evaluation checklists, observation ideas, and functional goal-writing language tied to regulation.
You’re ready to redesign the treatment environment (what to do/avoid) and use proprioceptive/vestibular tools safely.
The course is designed to be completed in approximately two hours.
Check your states guidelines for Continuing Education Credit, this course may be eligible for Type 2/Type B credit in many states.
Anne is a pediatric physical therapist with 13 years of experience, as well as, a Certified Lactation Counselor. She has experience in acute care and outpatient pediatric therapy, spending the last 10 years working in several sensory based outpatient pediatric clinics. She enjoys working with children of all abilities using a strengths based lens. In particular she enjoys working with infants and clients with complex medical histories using a holistic, client centered approach to treatment.
She received her Bachelors in Kinesiology from James Madison University in 2009 and went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Drexel University in 2012. She worked in pediatric acute care at VCU before moving to the pediatric outpatient world. She has continued to work in pediatric outpatient clinics for the last 10 years including time spent in Germany, Colorado and North Carolina. In addition to holding a degree in physical therapy, Anne is also a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and greatly enjoys using a holistic approach to support infants and families. She also has training in DMI and TMR. Anne values working with patients and families to meet them where they are and work toward their shared goals. She supports all clients to maximize their own unique potential. Outside of work Anne enjoys hiking, running, baking, crafting and being a mom to an energetic 6 year old.
Contact : elevatepediatricPT@gmail.com
Disclosures : Anne is the owner of Elevate Pediatric Physical Therapy where she provides mentorship for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and groups. She will receive a percentage payment when participants enroll in this course.
I’ve been following The Pocket OT for a while now and wanted to let you know how helpful the website has been. It’s empowered me because I am in a rural area and need fun treatment ideas for our small team.
Jennifer, COTA
I felt burned out and wondered why I became an OT. After taking Cara’s course and mentoring program, I found my WHY again!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Kimberly J. Charlotte, NC
5/5 stars!
The Trauma-Informed Care course was absolutely amazing. I learned so much and can’t wait to use it.
Rebekah Schachner, OTD Student
I wanted to let you know I have attended some other Trauma related courses in the past, however, I think since yours is from the OT perspective, I found it to be much more informative and useful to implement in to future treatments. Thank you so much!
I thought I knew what executive function was but after the master course, I am completely looking at the students on my caseload in a new way. It’s amazing how behavior and EF are related.
Tasha, Miami
Cara not only brought a plethora of knowledge to our community, but she was also able to talk to parents with a compassionate understanding of the challenges they face.
Cara Koscinski is one of my favorite resources to share! She has such a passion for teaching and sharing her extensive knowledge about everything from sensory issues to everyday strategies that make life work. Cara’s an amazing expert with first-hand experience. She explains things in a way that anyone can understand, and her tips are always practical, compassionate, and helpful! I just LOVE her and her tips!
Cara uses real-life examples to solidify concepts. Her experience and practical tips will make a huge difference in my clinic. Also, her PASSION is contagious. I’ll be back for more. Thanks!
Julia R. OTA in CA
