Description:

Toileting challenges in pediatric practice are often approached as behavioral concerns; however, anatomical, sensory-motor, and nervous system factors frequently contribute to bowel and bladder difficulties. This course will review foundational pelvic anatomy and physiology, explore the role of sensory processing and interoception in toileting participation, and examine how regulation influences continence and withholding patterns. Participants will develop clinical reasoning strategies and identify practical, sensory-motor–based interventions that can be implemented across pediatric settings.

Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe key anatomical structures and physiological processes involved in pediatric bowel and bladder function.
2. Analyze sensory-motor and interoceptive factors contributing to pediatric toileting challenges.
3. Apply sensory-motor and regulation-informed intervention strategies to support pediatric clients experiencing toileting difficulties.

Speaker:

Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L