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Move to Learn: Motor Planning, Posture & Participation Across Contexts
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Motor challenges in neurodivergent clients are often misunderstood—and frequently misinterpreted as laziness, disinterest, or “noncompliance.” This session reframes what we see through a motor-based lens and gives you the tools to respond with clarity, empathy, and purpose.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of motor coordination difficulties, postural instability, dyspraxia, and low tone—along with how these challenges impact participation in dressing, feeding, handwriting, and transitions. You’ll also explore the commonly missed orthopedic overlap in ADHD and Autism, including joint instability and hypermobility.
What sets this training apart is its focus on clinical reasoning and real-time adaptation. You’ll learn how to recognize when a motor challenge—not behavior or attention—is the root cause of task breakdown, and how to adjust your therapy approach accordingly. From treatment progression to environment and cueing, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to increase participation across clinic, classroom, and home.
Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, Health Sphere Wellness Center
Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Dr. Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advanced pediatric therapy programs.
Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In 2010, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using neuroplasticity techniques.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Karen Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, LLC and is a field examiner for PDMS-3. She has employment relationships with Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physical Therapy School, the Daymar Physical Therapy Assistant School and the Volunteer State Community College. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Karen Pryor receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Karen Pryor is a reviewer with Tennessee Physical Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. She is an Ambassador for National Down Syndrome Society. She serves on the editorial board for APTA Journal.
