Osteopathy & Neurodiversity in Kids
Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding of Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as ASD, ADHD, DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) and hypotonia from an osteopathic perspective,
- Discover the sensory-motor and autonomic components behind atypical patterns as well as early red flags in motor and postural development,
- Explore CNS development and neuroplasticity, persistent primitive reflexes and motor dysfunction, sensory integration, postural control, and fascial/ANS involvement,
- Learn a cranial, spinal, fascial, and visceral assessment for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including an evaluation of primitive reflexes, postural asymmetries, vestibular dysfunctions and sensory-motor responses,
- Learn an autonomic nervous system assessment (vagal tone, diaphragmatic mobility, cranial base, sacrum mobility) and important myofascial, and visceral involvement in neurodevelopmental delays and release approaches for motor and digestive function,
- Learn how osteopathic mechanisms effect neurodevelopment including cranial and dural impacts on sensory systems, the vagus nerve, parasympathetic balance, and digestion,
- Understand clinical reasoning protocols for managing Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorders,
- Learn craniosacral therapy techniques for neuroregulation and sensory processing,
- Explore real case studies with an emphasis on osteopathic strategies and multidisciplinary collaboration.
About the Presenter
Luisa Miraglia has more than 15 years’ experience practicing as a neonatal and paediatric osteopath. She graduated from Italian College of Osteopathy in Bologna (2009) and completed a Masters in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children, Italy (OCC) (2019). Luisa has pursued further training in Europe and the United States, engaging in courses and clinical rotations collaborating with recognised leaders in the paediatric osteopathy field, including Viola Frymann, Jane Carreiro, Hollis King, Stuart Korth, Susan Turner and Nicette Sergueff, among others.
Her teaching experience in extensive, having worked as a teacher and clinical tutor at the OCC, as a paediatric osteopathy instructor at the OSCE school, as educational director and teacher for the Master's degree program in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Fulcro School of Osteopathy (Treviso), and serving as vice president of the Italian Osteopathy Association.
