Summary: This course is intended to demonstrate FirstSTEp administration and scoring from beginning to end. First the cognitive subtests are administered, then the language subtests, and finally the motor subtests. Two children are tested on the entire test, first a child who is typically developing, and then a child who has developmental challenges and is diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Students are encouraged to download the sample record forms provided and to attempt scoring.
Level: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech and language pathologists.
Prerequisite: None
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller founded the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder in Colorado, and is the premier center for treatment, research, education, and advocacy for SPD. She currently directs the Treatment Center at STAR Institute and is widely known for fostering collaborative research projects.
For 35 years Dr. Miller has devoted herself to the study and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder and is spearheading the effort to get SPD recognized as a diagnostic entity separate from other disorders. She is a prolific author, with over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her book, Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)has become the definitive source of information on SPD; the revised edition just recently published.Dr. Miller’s other recent book, No Longer A SECRET: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges,offers on-the-spot problem-solving tips to use for children with sensory issues.She developed the STAR Treatment Model, which has been demonstrated through research to be effective in the treatment of sensory-related challenges.
Dr. Miller also develops norm-referenced standardized assessments that are in use worldwide, including the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers, the Leiter International Performance Scale – Revised and the new Miller Function and Participation Scale (or M-FUN) and her latest and ninth scale, Goal-Oriented Assessment of Lifeskills (GOAL). She talks about learning family-centered care during her three terms, totaling nine years on the Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council for IDEA in CO. In 2005, she received the Martin Luther King, Jr. award from the State of Colorado.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand guidelines and timelines for administering the screening test
- Complete the Social Emotional Scale, Parent Teacher Scale and perform interview techniques utilized for the Adaptive Behavior Checklist
- Score the assessment using the record forms provided
Continuing Education: STAR Institute for SPD is an AOTA Approved Provider of Continuing Education. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Upon full completion of the course video, participants must complete and pass a quiz with at least 80% accuracy to receive a certificate of completion.