Healing Young Brains: A Collaborative Approach to Pediatric Brain Injury Rehabilitation
DESCRIPTION
Pediatric brain injury is the leading cause of disability and death in children and adolescents in the United States, requiring a comprehensive, team-based response. Healing Young Brains is an interdisciplinary course designed to equip healthcare professionals with the foundational knowledge, practical strategies and collaborative frameworks needed to support young patients and their families throughout the rehabilitation journey.
This course emphasizes real-world application through in-depth case study discussions and discipline-specific breakout sessions. Participants will explore assessment tools, intervention strategies and care coordination practices that address physical, cognitive and emotional impairments across the continuum of care—from acute recovery to reintegration into school and community life.
DATES AND DELIVERY METHOD
This on-demand course (Apr 16. to June 4, 2026) is designed for learners to engage with content at their own convenience and pace, without the need to attend live sessions.
COURSE FACULTY (listed alphabetically)
- Libby Dart, PhD, CCC-SLP
- Jessica LaRosa, MD
- Alice McCutcheon, PsyD
- Sue Hong Routson, MD
- Kelsey Watters, CScD, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS
AUDIENCE
Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Physician Assistants, Physicians (not for CME), Psychologists, Social Workers and Speech-Language Pathologists.
LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define primary and secondary impairments as the result of a pediatric brain injury.
- Analyze age-appropriate assessments, interventions and goals for a pediatric patient with a brain injury.
- Discuss, via case studies, how an interdisciplinary team approach can determine improved outcomes for a pediatric patient with a brain injury at specified age ranges and stages of recovery.
- Describe behavioral impacts as the result of a pediatric brain injury on function and recovery.
- Summarize age-appropriate education to provide to the pediatric patient with a brain injury and pertinent education and support to provide to their families and caregivers.
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
To successfully complete the on-demand course, participants will need to complete 1.5 hours of self-study work, view 7.5 hours of recordings, complete a comprehensive course assessment and a final comprehensive feedback survey by Thursday, June 4, 2026. Learners will have access to review course materials until Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 12:00 AM GMT.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
Early Intervention:
The Illinois Early Intervention Training Program has approved this event for 7 hours of EI credential credit. Please click here for specific breakdown of categories.
Occupational Therapy:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of
professional development. Course approval ID#13663.
This distance learning independent course is offered at 9.0 contact hours, 0.9 CEUs [intermediate level, foundational knowledge/OT service delivery]. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Physical Therapy: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 9.0 self-study contact hours. Approval #216-000069
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by the California and New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education. This course has been approved for 9.0 contact hours on 02/10/2026.
Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.
Speech-Language Pathology: 