Community OT in Paediatrics: Practical Approaches for ASD & Developmental Delays

Community Service link for OTs

This short course is designed to support OTs working in low-resource settings who are navigating the challenges of treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental delays. Whether you’re based in a rural clinic, a district hospital, or embedded in schools or communities, this course will help you build context-appropriate strategies for assessment, intervention, and referral.

Through a pre-recorded theory session and a live online case discussion, you’ll explore how to shift from clinic-based to community-centred models that empower caregivers, educators, and families. You’ll also hear from two incredible guest speakers working in innovative paediatric community programmes in South Africa.

🎥 Course Format

✅ Part 1: 1-Hour Pre-Recorded Video

Theme: ASD in the Community
Presenter: Jennifer Hooper

A practical overview of assessment, intervention, and referral strategies for community service OTs working with children in low-resource contexts.

Course Outline:

  • Brief overview of ASD and developmental delays

  • Key considerations for assessment in the community

  • Intervention and service delivery models outside the clinic

  • Understanding referral pathways and resource options

✅ Part 2: 1-Hour Recorded Zoom Panel Discussion

🎤 Guest Speaker Presentations

👩‍🏫 Beth Connelly – Khula Development Group

Theme: From Clinic to Community: Paediatric OT in Low-Resource Settings
Presentation: 20 min + 10 min Q&A

  • Overview of Khula’s model for supporting learners with developmental and psychosocial challenges

  • Group-based therapy as a community-friendly alternative to one-on-one therapy

  • Empowering teachers and caregivers as developmental partners

  • Real-life case/project examples and outcomes

🧸 Kirstyn Lloyd – Kids Collab

Theme: Play and Participation: Building Developmental Support into Community Life

  • Introduction to Play Parks, Parent PlayBoxes, and School Solutions

  • Play-based interventions for children with ASD and developmental delays

  • Embedding OT principles in everyday spaces

  • Case examples and takeaways for community OTs

📌 After the Course

  • Complete the course evaluation and quiz: Required for CEU certificate.

  • Download your CEU certificate: Available immediately after completing the evaluation and course steps.

  • CEU Accreditation:

    • HPCSA: 2 Clinical CEUs

    • Attendance will be uploaded directly to HPCSA

    • Be sure to enter your HPCSA number correctly under “My Account” (no spaces)

📅 Deadline

You have until 31 December 2025 to complete the course and download your certificate.

🙋 Need Help?

Email us at info@theotlink.com – we’re here to support you.

Link to PowerPoint Slides for notes for Video Presentation.

Link to Kids Collab Presentation slides - Activating Bodies and Minds by Kirstyn Lloyd

Link to Presentation Slides: From Clinic to Community by Beth Connolly