PediaSuit Basic Four Day Course
Course Overview:
This 4-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to the PediaSuit Method, a therapeutic approach designed to improve strength, coordination, posture, and functional outcomes in children with neurological and developmental conditions. Participants will gain theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning skills, and practical hands-on experience in the use of the PediaSuit. The course covers patient selection, contraindications, safe application, and integration of PediaSuit therapy into paediatric rehabilitation programs. The training includes lectures, demonstrations, case studies, and intensive hands-on practice to ensure therapists are confident in safely implementing the PediaSuit method and adapting protocols to individual needs.
Target Audience: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and healthcare professionals working with paediatric populations.
Prerequisites: OT, PT, or equivalent rehabilitation qualification; background in paediatric physical therapy and neurological conditions is recommended.
Duration: 4 days (32 hours total, 8 hours per day).
Learning Objectives:
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Understand the components, purpose, and therapeutic principles of the PediaSuit Method.
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Identify suitable paediatric candidates and contraindications for PediaSuit use.
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Safely apply and adjust the PediaSuit for individualised treatment.
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Integrate PediaSuit therapy into broader treatment plans, addressing strength, alignment, balance, and functional goals.
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Develop individualised treatment programs incorporating case-specific adaptations.
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Apply evidence-based interventions and play-based approaches to enhance engagement and outcomes.
Agenda
Day 1: Introduction to the PediaSuit Method
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Registration and Welcome​
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: History and Development of the PediaSuit​
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Components of the PediaSuit​
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Morning Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Indications and Contraindications​
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Suit Setup and Fitting Workshop​
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Afternoon Break
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM: Practical Lab – Basic Suit Application​
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Q&A
Day 2: Foundations of PediaSuit Therapy
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Day 1 Recap and Discussion
8:30 AM -10:00 AM: Theoretical Foundations of PediaSuit Therapy, Biomechanics, neuromuscular re-education, sensory integration.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Morning Break
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Clinical Applications for Common Diagnoses, CP, Down syndrome, ASD, case studies.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Practical Lab - Core Exercises (balance, standing transitions, walking, reaching).
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Afternoon Break
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM: Play-Based and Functional Integration, toys, caregiver involvement, role-play.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Q&A
Day 3: Advanced PediaSuit Applications
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Recap and Group Discussion
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Advanced Therapeutic Goals, gait training, posture, treadmill and cage integration.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Morning Break
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Case Study Presentations, small group analysis and feedback.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Practical Lab, Advanced Exercises (obstacle navigation, coordination tasks).
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Afternoon Break
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM: Integrating with Other Modalities, combining PediaSuit with other therapy tools.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Q&A
Day 4: Individualised Treatment Planning & Simulation
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Recap and Preparation
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Developing Individualised Treatment Plans, patient assessment, goal setting, progression.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Morning Break
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Full Therapy Session Simulation, role-play sessions with peer/instructor feedback.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Documentation, Outcomes, and Research, recording outcomes, evidence-based practice.
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Afternoon Break
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM: Final Practical and Competency Assessment, skills assessment in fitting and therapy delivery.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Course Wrap-Up and Certification
Course Materials
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Handouts: Suit fitting guide, contraindication checklist, and exercise templates
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Digital resources: Access to demonstration videos, case studies, and research articles
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Equipment: Access to PediaSuit and accessories provided at the course venue
Instructor Qualifications
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Certified paediatric physical or occupational therapist with extensive experience in PediaSuit therapy
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Trained in Suit Therapy protocols and intensive paediatric rehabilitation methods
Additional Notes
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Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing for hands-on practice.
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Contact organiser for venue details, registration, and equipment availability.
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Course timing and content subject to change.
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