Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in High-Risk Infants: Evidence-Based Approaches for Occupational Therapy

Course Description

This course explores the early identification of neurodevelopmental disorders in high-risk infants through the lens of occupational therapy. Emphasizing evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies, participants will examine early behavioral and biological markers, including Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment (GMA), standardized screening tools (e.g., M-CHAT-R, HINE), and emerging biomarkers. The course will also highlight current research methodologies, clinical reasoning, and interdisciplinary collaboration in neonatal and early pediatric settings.

Learners will critically analyze developmental trajectories and risk factors in infants born preterm, with neonatal encephalopathy, or with genetic vulnerabilities. Through case-based discussions, literature review, participants will gain the knowledge and skills to contribute to early detection and intervention practices that align with the core values of occupational therapy.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify key terms and concepts related to neurodevelopmental disorders and early detection in high-risk infants.
• Describe typical and atypical developmental trajectories in the first year of life using current neurodevelopmental frameworks.
• Recognize standardized tools such as the General Movements Assessment (GMA) and M-CHAT-R in case-based scenarios to identify early signs of neurodevelopmental delay.
• Discuss case studies of high-risk infants to distinguish between developmental risk factors and protective influences.
• Explain the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of behavioral and biological markers used in early screening.
• Design an evidence-informed screening or intervention plan tailored for a high-risk infant within an occupational therapy framework.
• Summarize peer-reviewed research on early neurodevelopmental assessment tools and discuss implications for occupational therapy practice.

• Prerequisites

  None

• Educational Level

  Basic

• Other

  Satisfactory completion of this course will require the participant to respond to polling questions asked throughout the webinar & to be logged on during the entire webinar.