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Inside the Neurodivergent Brain: Structure, Chemistry & Circuits
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Why do some clients push through loud environments while others shut down? Why do certain transitions lead to meltdowns, while others are handled with ease? And how can the same client appear capable one moment—and completely dysregulated the next?
The answers lie in the neurobiology of attention, regulation, and sensory processing.
In this highly practical, clinician-focused session, you’ll explore the core neurological differences in ADHD and Autism—including brain chemistry, sensory processing pathways, and executive function networks—and how they directly influence behavior, learning, and participation.
We’ll break down the roles of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, explore the brain’s attention systems (like the prefrontal cortex and salience network), and examine how these systems drive the functional challenges rehab professionals address every day: poor inhibition, sensory avoidance, task refusal, emotional reactivity, and inconsistent performance.
You’ll leave with a brain-based lens for clinical reasoning that helps you understand the “why” behind your client’s actions—and adapt your interventions with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
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.
