---

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.