“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.”

“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!”

AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to

Pediatric Feeding

3-day Comprehensive Professional Training Program

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 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 special populations are discussed including: prematurity, GERD, allergies, autism, failure to thrive, tracheostomy, picky eaters, tongue and lip ties, and children with various syndromes.

Online Course Agenda (US Eastern Time)

Live virtual format; recording not available

Day One

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8:30                  Sign-On/Registration/Meet and Greet

9:00-10:00        Foundations and Introduction to AEIOU; Support from the    

                         Literature

10:00-10:45     Developmental Progression of Feeding Skills

10:45-11:00     Hands-On Exercise

11:00-11:30     Break

11:30-1:00       Factors that Limit Successful Feeding (Biomedical/Environmental)

1:00-1:30         Case Reviews/Videos: Applying the 5 Factors:  Acceptance,  

                        Exposure, Independence, Observation, Understanding

1:30-2:00         Break

2:00-3:00         Case Reviews/Videos:  Assessment and Treatment Planning

3:00-4:00         When to Treat: Priorities and Contraindications

                        How to Treat: The 5-step Comprehensive Plan

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Day Two

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9:00-10:15       Attachment/Communication/Control: Addressing Mealtime

                        Interactions and Behavior; Effective Parent Training

10:15-11:00     Merry Mealtime Guide: Establishing the Mealtime Environment

11:00-11:30     Break

11:30-1:00       Therapy Meals; Video Presentation of Treatment

1:00-1:30         Group Discussion/Q&A

1:30-2:00         Break

2:00-2:45         Treating the Whole Child; Family Centered Care

2:45-3:30         Seating/Positioning/Self-Feeding: Achieving Autonomy and

                         Independence

3:30-4:00         Sensory Processing/Food Exploration

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Day Three

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9:00-10:00        Expanding Taste Repertoire and Texture Acceptance

10:00-11:00      Video Presentations of Treatment

11:00-11:30      Break

11:30-12:00      Videos Con’t/Group Discussion

12:00-1:00        Nutritional Issues: Weight Gain vs. Brain Gain

1:00-1:30          Oral-Motor Treatment: Achieving Success in 5 Steps                   

1:30-2:00          Break

2:00-2:45          Oral-Motor Treatment/Video

2:45-3:30          Tricks With Tools; Tips From My Toolbox, Resources, and More

3:30-4:00          Problem Solving, Group Discussion, Q&A

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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, Assistants, Educators.  Appropriate for

other professionals (social workers, nurses, dieticians, etc.) working with infants and young children with feeding problems.

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US:  This course is offered for 1.8 CEUs (see ASHA block below); AOTA  CEUs pending

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18 Continuing Education Hours

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