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“In my 16 years of practice, this was the best conference I’ve ever attended, and the most useful. Nina was an amazing presenter with knowledge in all realms.  Very holistic approach to feeding disorders.”

Image by Christian Hermann

“This was quite possibly the best pediatric feeding course I have ever attended. I learned more in two days from Nina Johanson than any other presenter on the topic. I would jump at the opportunity to sit in her course again!”

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Hybrid
Online Course
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Learn a step-by-step approach for pediatric feeding disorders, to help children explore food, enjoy eating, participate independently in social mealtimes, and thrive. The AEIOU approach- acceptance, exposure, independence, observation and understanding – is a responsive feeding approach that offers a highly successful method for integrated treatment of infants and young children with mild to complex etiologies. Learn to meet children and families where they are, provide effective family coaching and parent training, and make progress! Participants will leave with extensive knowledge and practical information: improve quality of mealtime, manage tube dependency and transition to eating solid foods, treat sensory aversions, advance oral-motor skills, and more. This course is presented in a dynamic learning environment, using case studies and videos to engage and instruct participants. Extensive resources are provided and participants will be well equipped to help families achieve home carryover. Many strategies and accommodations are discussed to address the needs of those with varying diagnoses including: prematurity, GERD, allergies, neurodiversity, failure to thrive, tracheostomy, picky eaters, tongue and lip ties, and children with various syndromes.

Hybrid  Online Course

2024 Agenda
 

  • 20 Hours Total (10 hours live excluding breaks; 10 hours Self-Paced On-Demand)

  • 3 live broadcast sessions with live Q&A

  • Must attend each live broadcast session (not recorded)

  • Self-Paced Video Modules

  • Private online course community and instructor support throughout the course

  • Includes BONUS handouts/materials and  "Extend Your Learning" lessons

  • Includes Comprehensive Course Manual with References and Resources 

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Session #1

Live Broadcast Online 3 3/4 hours (includes 15-minute break)

  • Foundations and Introduction to AEIOU; Support from the Literature

  • Developmental Progression of Feeding Skills

  • Case Reviews/Videos: Assessment and Treatment Planning

  • Applying the 5 Factors: Acceptance, Exposure, Independence, Observation, Understanding

Session #1 Self-Paced Modules
(4 1/2 hours)

  • Review of Chewing; Hands-On   

       Exercise (19 min)

  • Factors that Limit Successful Feeding:

    • Prematurity, Respiratory, and Cardiac Issues, Medication Effects (15 min)

    • Craniofacial Issues, Tongue/Lip Ties (31 min)

    • Gastrointestinal Issues Part 1   (14 min)

    • Gastrointestinal Issues Part 2 (21min)

    • Allergy and Food Intolerance Issues (9 min)

    • Environmental Issues and Stress (10 min)

  • When to Treat: Priorities and Contraindications (24 min)

  • How to Treat: The 5-step Comprehensive Plan (17 min)

  • Attachment, Communication, Control (24 min)

  • Addressing Mealtime Interactions and Behavior; Caregiver Buy-In and Effective Parent Training     (35 min)

  • Establishing the Mealtime Environment:  The Merry Mealtime Guide™ (49 min)

Session #2

Live Broadcast Online 3 1/2 hours (includes 15-minute break)

  • Therapy Meals; Video Presentation of Treatment; Introduction to Sensory Food Aversion

  • Group Discussion/Q&A

  • Treating the Whole Child; Family Centered Care

Session #2 Self-Paced Modules
(3 1/2 hours)

  • Parent Testimonial Video (9 min)

  • Seating/Positioning/Self-Feeding: Achieving Autonomy and Independence (44 min)

  • Sensory Processing/Food Exploration (30 min)        

  • Expanding Taste Repertoire and Texture Acceptance (40 min)

  • Nutritional Issues: Weight Gain vs. Brain Gain (39 min)

  • Oral-Motor Treatment: Achieving Success in 5 Steps (32 min)

Session #3

Live Broadcast Online 3 1/2 hours (includes 15-minute break)

  • Video Presentations of Treatment/Case Studies: Sensory Food Aversion, Oral-motor, Tube-Weaning)

  • Problem Solving, Group Discussion, Question & Answer

 Session #3 Self-Paced Modules
(2 hours)

  • Cups and Straws (31 min)

  • Tricks With Tools; Tips From My Toolbox, Resources, and More  (49 min)

  • Bonus Downloads; Extend Your Learning Modules (40 min)

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Two Online Quizzes

Final Course Evaluation

Learning Objectives

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  1. Develop assessment and treatment strategies that integrate 5 management factors for biomedical and enviro-behavioral influences that limit successful feeding in infants and young children.

  2. Formulate strategies to achieve parent buy-in for home carryover, promote positive parent-child interaction, and help children participate independently in social mealtime routines.

  3. Identify contraindications for oral feeding and describe a 5-step treatment plan for advancing pre-feeding skills in non-oral feeders.

  4. Assess signs of distress and/or disengagement during feeding.

  5. Develop and implement treatment plans for oral feeding that expand taste repertoire and texture acceptance by incorporating strategies for the mealtime environment, seating/positioning, and oral-motor, sensory, and motor deficits.

Target Audience

SLPs, OTs, PTs, Dieticians, Physicians, Educators. 

Appropriate for other medical and allied health professionals working with infants and  children with pediatric feeding disorders.

Instructional Methods

Live and Recorded Lecture with Powerpoint/Multimedia Presentation; Videos; Case Studies; Question and Answer; Private Community/Discussion/Sharing Forum

Special Needs Requests

For Special Needs Requests, please contact Nina Ayd Johanson directly at nina@foodsmartkids.com

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