15516 Understanding Volition in Pediatric Populations

Course overview

Defines volition and how it influences how children grow up, including why it is so important, how it influences milestones, and how it improves quality of life. Focuses on the factors that impact volition: culture, habitation, lack of confidence, impairments, not enough playtime, and personal factors. Identifies key volitional differences in various diagnoses, including Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and emotional disorders. Explains the tools used to assess volition in children; pediatric volitional questionnaire (PVQ), volitional questionnaire (PQ), child occupational self-assessment (COSA), short child occupational profile (SCOPE) and volitional profile (VP). Describes how factors like personal causation, values, and interests work together to create a functional volitional system. Describes application of current trends across age-groups and ways therapists can enhance a child’s volition including novelty, confidence, play and exploration, and joining in the community. Identifies common intervention techniques: technology, visual supports, altering the environment and persuasion; and strategies to incorporate volitional preferences into interventions.