As a new graduate pediatric occupational therapist, continuing education is key to expanding your knowledge and refining your clinical skills. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity, sensory processing, or motor development, these CEU courses will help you build a strong foundation for working with children. Below are some top courses to consider in 2025:

1. A Holistic Approach to Stimming

Understanding stimming is essential for providing neurodiversity-affirming care. This course explores stimming as an adaptive function, an expression of joy, and an indicator of distress, helping OTs support children in a respectful and informed manner.

Why Take This Course?

• Understand Stimming Holistically – Learn how stimming supports self-regulation, communication, and well-being.
• Challenge Ableist Narratives – Recognize and address biases that may impact clinical decision-making.
• Promote Neurodiversity-Affirming Care – Support children in ways that respect their unique sensory and movement needs.
• Recognize Diagnostic Overshadowing – Differentiate stimming from behaviors that may indicate distress or medical concerns.
• Build Confidence in Practice – Gain practical strategies to educate families and advocate for neurodivergent children.

Take the Course HERE

2. Polyvagal Theory Utility in Pediatric OT

Polyvagal theory is an essential framework for understanding nervous system regulation in children. This course explores how autonomic states impact behavior, engagement, and participation in therapy.

Why Take This Course?

• Enhance Regulation Strategies – Understand how the nervous system affects a child’s ability to engage, learn, and participate in therapy.
• Improve Sensory Processing Interventions – Link polyvagal principles to sensory regulation strategies for better outcomes.
• Support Emotional and Social Development – Learn how autonomic states influence communication, behavior, and social interactions.
• Strengthen Therapeutic Relationships – Use co-regulation strategies to create a sense of safety and trust with children.

Take the Course HERE

Note: I’m a proud affiliate of Occupationaltherapy.com and may receive a small commission if you enroll in any courses using my link. I only share products I truly believe in and use myself. Thank you for supporting my work through OT Latina!

3. Motor Supports for Handwriting Development

Handwriting difficulties often stem from underlying motor challenges. This course focuses on the foundational motor skills needed for efficient and effective handwriting.

Why Take This Course?

• Understand the Foundations – Learn how motor skills impact handwriting development.
• Identify Motor Challenges – Recognize deficits affecting pencil grasp, letter formation, and endurance.
• Gain Effective Treatment Strategies – Use evidence-based interventions in therapy and consultations.

Take the Course HERE

The OT Latina Amazon storefront

4. Understanding Interoception

Interoception, the ability to sense internal body signals, is critical for self-regulation and emotional awareness. This course delves into how interoception impacts daily activities and emotional processing in children.

Why Take This Course?

• Understand the “Hidden” Sense – Learn how interoception affects self-regulation, emotions, and body awareness.
• Recognize Interoceptive Challenges – Identify signs of difficulties with hunger, thirst, toileting, emotional regulation, and pain perception.
• Provide Practical Strategies – Gain tools to integrate interoception-focused activities into therapy.

Take the Course HERE

5. Idiopathic Toe Walking (Parts 1 & 2)

This two-part course explores idiopathic toe walking (ITW), its potential causes, and therapeutic interventions to support children with atypical gait patterns.

Why Take This Course?

• Understand Typical vs. Atypical Gait – Learn about normal gait development and how ITW differs.
• Improve Differential Diagnosis Skills – Distinguish ITW from other neurological or orthopedic conditions.
• Enhance Treatment Planning – Understand the role of therapy in assessment and intervention.

Take Part 1 HERE
Take Part 2 HERE

Invest in Your Growth as a Pediatric OT

Continuing education is essential for staying informed and confident in your practice. These courses will help you expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and provide high-quality, evidence-based care to your pediatric clients. Explore these CEU options and take your pediatric OT expertise to the next level!