Introduction

An infant’s hand movements become increasingly coordinated as they grow and explore the world around them. Assessing hand function gives clinicians a better understanding of an infant’s fine motor skill development. Evaluating these skills helps identify potential developmental delays, leading to timely early intervention. As discussed in this course, hand function in infants can be assessed using a play-based approach. This approach provides insight into an infant’s present abilities, response to the social and physical environment, and motivation to move and interact with toys and other interesting objects. Based on the assessment, a dynamic systems and task-oriented approach to intervention can be used to enhance hand function in infants and toddlers.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• identify two standardised assessments of hand function that can be used for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy
• list at least three key ideas that inform the dynamic systems and task-oriented approach to intervention
• discuss at least three strategies to assess and train hand function in infants and toddlers

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 2-2.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.8 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Pam Versfeld: No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.