Paediatric Neurodisability

Summary

Develop your knowledge, skills and evidence-based practice in childhood-onset neurological (physical) disability.

Learn from an expert faculty from RCSI’s School of Physiotherapy, the CP-Life Research Centre, and our clinical partner, the Central Remedial Clinic.

The course uses a case-based approach with cases drawn from a range of childhood-onset neurological disabilities. You will develop essential clinical skills in understanding, assessing, and providing evidence-based interventions. You will learn strategies to manage complexity, support participation, and work within a multidisciplinary setting.

The course is delivered part-time in a hybrid model with online material for participants to access in their own time and prior to workshops/classes.

This self-directed learning is followed by scheduled in-person workshops and classes in RCSI's St Stephen's Green campus.

Course leader: Dr Ailish Malone

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast typical and atypical development across infancy, childhood and adolescence.
  • Apply fundamental assessment skills to the assessment of children and adolescents with neuro-disability, using a child- and family-centred approach in the context of interdisciplinary team working.
  • Demonstrate understanding of complexity within childhood-onset neuro-disability and ability to work with multidisciplinary and specialist services towards agreed goals.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in core management skills for physical function in children with neuro-disability and show insight into psychological and mental health considerations for children and families.
  • Create opportunities to enhance participation by children and young people with neuro-disability, using the example of physical activity participation considering community and social factors.

Schedule

This is a three-month programme with four days on-site at RCSI, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.

In-person classes: 26 March 2025, 9 April 2025, 7 May 2025, 28 May 2025
Access to online material: From 12 March 2025