Clinical Observation and Screening

Kokeb McDonald, OTR/L · June 30, 2023

The third course in the RITP Certification program covers a holistic, straightforward, easy-to-follow clinical screening and observation method you can repeatedly implement in clinic, home, and school settings.

In this course, you’ll learn to…

  • Identify key functional and developmental areas to observe and screen.
  • Recognize how the presence of certain reflex patterns influences functional skills.
  • Identify underlying factors contributing to observed signs and symptoms to determine the appropriate treatment approach.

This online course is designed for Occupational and Physical Therapists, Occupational and Physical Therapy Assistants, and other pediatric service providers. CEUs awarded after successful completion of course materials and an 80% or better score on quizzes.

Course Content

  1. Clinical Observation
    • What to Observe and Screen
    • Signs and Symptoms
    • Finding Baseline
    • Check Point
  2. Developmental Milestones and Reflex Integration Timeline
    • Check Point
  3. Reflex Patterns
    • Fear Paralysis Reflex Patterns
    • Moro Reflex Reflex Patterns
    • Palmar (Grasp) Reflex Patterns
    • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) Patterns
    • Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) Patterns
    • Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) Patterns
    • Spinal Galant Reflex Patterns
    • Check Point
  4. Functional Movements
    • Head Lift & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Rolling & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Sitting & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Crawling & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Standing & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Walking & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Climbing & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Jumping & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Running & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Skipping & Facilitating Reflexes
    • Check Point
  5. Environmental Factors
  6. Reflex Screening
    • Moro Reflex
    • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
    • Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
    • Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
    • Spinal Galant Reflex
    • Palmar (Grasp) Reflex
  7. Observing and Screening Exercise Patterns
    • Moro Reflex Exercise Patterns
    • ATNR Exercise Patterns
    • STNR Exercise Patterns
    • TLR Exercise Patterns
    • Spinal Galant Exercise Patterns
  8. Screening Tools and Resources
    • Developmental Milestones & Reflex Integration Chart
    • Primary Motor Reflex Pattern Screening
    • Primal and Developmental Movement Patterns Screening
    • Functional Skills Screening
  9. How Retained Reflexes Affect Functional Skills: Case Study
    • Case Study: Scissor Skills
    • Case Study: Monkey Bars
  10. Final Quiz
  11. Exit Survey

Want to Enroll?

This course is part of the Reflex Integration Through Play™ certification program. For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun.

About Instructor

Kokeb McDonald, OTR/L

I'm a pediatric occupational therapist, author, and coach with a strong passion for helping people develop into their healthiest selves. As a mother of two wonderful children, I bring genuine care and compassion to my mission to transform occupational therapy. As the creator of the Reflex Integration Through Play method and book series, I created these resources not only because they offer fellow professionals a tool to expand their clinical reach, but also because they are empowering and reassuring tools for frustrated parents. Join me in learning to better serve the children around us.

15 Courses

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Course Includes

  • 9 Lessons
  • 37 Topics
  • 6 Quizzes
  • Course Certificate
  • 0.43 AOTA CEUs
  • 4.3 Contact Hours

AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.