Maximizing a Child’s Engagement in Pediatric Therap
y Sessions (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Sandra Brown
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This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard Medbridge courses.
Children routinely enter therapy to build skills, improve function, or enhance their quality of life. Often during therapy sessions, a child resists activities or has difficulty staying engaged. Many practitioners face challenges in achieving successful outcomes when a child struggles with participation, leading to not feeling fully equipped to apply strategies that support a child in these moments.
This webinar is designed to empower pediatric practitioners by providing a theoretical foundation and clinical framework for understanding and addressing behavioral challenges in therapy. Participants will explore evidence-based approaches that not only increase a child’s engagement in therapeutic activities but also support the child’s emotional well-being throughout the process. By learning practical techniques grounded in behavioral theory and child-directed intervention, attendees will be better prepared to create safe, motivating, and emotionally responsive environments where children can thrive. This session will help clinicians connect theory to practice in meaningful ways, equipping them with the tools to deliver interventions that are both effective and compassionate.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze theoretical foundations related to why children may resist participation in therapeutic activities
- Examine a clinical framework for recognizing behavioral responses and determining appropriate intervention strategies during therapy
- Apply evidence-based, child-directed techniques designed to increase engagement and participation in therapy sessions
- Determine strategies to support a child’s emotional well-being and create a safe, responsive environment that fosters trust and therapeutic progress
Meet your instructor
Sandra Brown
Dr. Sandra Brown is an assistant professor in the occupational therapy department at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. She has been an occupational therapist for more than 25 years. Although she specializes in pediatrics, she has worked in a variety of settings, including home-based schools, residential…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Struggles Are Real! Theories and Foundations for Why a Child Might Resist Therapy
Participants will briefly explore the theoretical underpinnings behind why children may resist or withdraw from therapeutic activities, including developmental, behavioral, and emotional factors. By understanding the why behind behaviors and how to address them systematically, practitioners will be better equipped to support meaningful participation and progress in therapy.
2. What Do I Do? Techniques to Improve a Child’s Engagement
Chapter 2 focuses on providing practical techniques to improve a child's engagement by analyzing their behavior. It introduces the "ABCs" (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) as a framework for understanding what triggers an action and what the reaction is. This analysis helps identify the four basic functions of the behavior—automatic (sensory), avoidance (escape), access (tangible), or attention—so the therapist can apply specific strategies to address the root cause.
3. From the Clinic: Practical Applications of Strategies to Guide Treatment
Participants will focus on applying child-directed, evidence-based techniques that enhance engagement and support a child’s emotional well-being by creating a safe environment that builds trust and fosters the therapeutic connection. Emphasis will be placed on practical tools that empower practitioners to respond compassionately and effectively to each child’s unique needs. Attendees will also learn to apply evidence-based, child-directed techniques that promote active participation, helping to transform moments of resistance into meaningful opportunities for growth.
4. Question and Answer Session
In this chapter, the presenter will address questions and facilitate a conversation about maximizing a child’s engagement in pediatric therapy sessions.