Date: October 22-24, 2026
Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Location: Two Can Grow 501 Church St NE Ste 211, Vienna, VA 22180
Host: Nadda Diasti
ANS Therapeutics is small group, 3 day, in person, advanced, hands-on course for pediatric OT, PT and SLPs who are assessing and treating newborn to precrawling infants.
We learn ANS function, regulation and resiliency, the Enteric Nervous System, thoracic cage dynamics, abdominal integrity, posture and optimal neurodevelopment. The emphasis is growing in the area of handling, positioning, calming baby's nervous system and optimizing overall function.
Course Objectives:
1. Understand Autonomic Nervous System regulation and resiliency for infants
2. Describe and understand Enteric Nervous System and apply to commonly seen dysfunctions in precrawling infants
3. Understand and demonstrate techniques for Enteric Nervous System, Breathing Dynamics, Thoracic Cage Dysfunction and Upper Airway Patency
4. Learn the connections between oral dysfunction, posture, core strength and abdominal engagement
5. Practice direct assessment and treatment techniques in the Baby Clinic, receive feedback and peer support
Instructor: Michelle Emanuel OTR/L CBS IBCLC NBCR CST
Michelle has been a pediatric OT for 30 years and has many areas of expertise as it relates to the precrawling infant, neuromotor development, lactation, human potential, connection and more. She loves sharing assessment, treatment and perspectives that are grounded in science and rooted in the art of therapeutic presence.