Neuro-affirming strategies for feeding, communication, toileting struggles, meltdowns & missed body cues
For years, support for children with ADHD, autism, and emotional-behavioral differences has centered on shaping behavior, reinforcing what’s seen as “appropriate” and trying to reduce what’s not. But when behavior is the only lens, we miss the deeper “why” behind it.
What if a child’s outburst was hunger or sensory overload? What if a “meltdown” was really a nervous system in fight-or-flight? What if refusal wasn’t defiance at all, but a body struggling to recognize or express its own internal signals?
This training moves beyond behavior-only models to help you work with children, not on them. You’ll discover how to integrate comfort, preferences, and communication supports so you can co-regulate, widen their window of tolerance, and guide them into a state where learning, participation, and connection naturally grow, without the constant battles that leave everyone exhausted.
You’ll gain practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to:
Through case studies, interactive skill-building activities, and ready-to-use activities, you’ll leave with a complete toolkit to start every session strong — and finally see progress where behavior-only approaches have fallen short.
I’ve packed this course with the tools I wish I’d had early in my career — so you can skip years of trial and error and help your clients thrive in school, therapy, and daily life.
— Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS
P.S. Your registration includes a downloadable PDF toolkit loaded with worksheets, handouts, and activities you can start using right away.
Attendees Will Walk Away Ready To…
Continuing education credit information is coming soon for this non-interactive self-study package.
CE hours may be available for select professions, as listed in the target audience. Hours will be dependent on the actual recording time. Please check with your state licensing board or organization for specific requirements.
There may be an additional fee for CE certificates. Please contact our Customer Service at 1-800-844-8260 for more details.
**Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of your profession. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your professions standards.
Dr. Cara Koscinski is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and the founder of The Executive Function Institute, where she translates years of research into practical tools to support children, families, and professionals. Cara developed the Executive Function Express Program; a transformative model built on a child’s unique strengths to support executive function. The approach combines sensory regulation, movement, body awareness, and interoception as the foundation for planning, organization, time management, and metacognition.
An engaging speaker, she presents nationally on executive function, interoception, behavior, and self-regulation. Cara has authored seven books for caregivers and therapists, taught graduate OT courses, and continues to mentor doctoral students. She also founded The OTP Hivemind Mentoring Circle, creating a space for mentorship, collaboration, and growth among clinicians. Cara leads the largest pediatric OT Facebook group with more than 52,000 members worldwide. As the mother of an autistic adult son, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cara Koscinski is the founder of Occupational Therapy Hivemind Mentoring Circle and Executive Function Institute. She receives compensation as a presenter and royalties as a published author. Cara Koscinski receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Cara Koscinski has two sons who are autistic and have sensory regulation deficits. She is a volunteer mentor with the Texas Women's University and the University of Florida.
Access never expires for this product.
Visit our FAQ page at www.pesi.com/faq or contact us at www.pesi.com/info
The Brain-Body Connection: Where Interoception Lives
Quick & Practical Assessment: Finding Interoception Gaps
Functional Implications: When the Brain Misinterprets Signals
Experiential Lab: Therapeutic Breathing & Nervous System Reset
Breaking the Cycle: Tools for Catastrophic Thinking & Pain
Applying Interoception to Everyday Function
Clinical Toolkits & Implementation Strategies
Helpful items to have on hand as you attend this training to enhance your learning experience:
Satisfaction Guarantee
Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. Concerns should be addressed to: PO Box 1000, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1000 or call 1-800-844-8260.
ADA Needs
We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.
PESI Mobile App
Access CE trainings on your phone or tablet through our free mobile app. Choose video or audio-only versions of online courses from the world’s best instructors, and complete your CE requirements anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.
Please wait ...
