Paediatric Pelvic Health: Dynamic Core for Kids Edition 

Hybrid: Online/Guelph, Ontario (REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON!)

January 24, 2026 (Online), April 25, 2026 (In-Person-Guelph, ON)

Continence and constipation are challenges for many of the families encountered by paediatric PTs and OTs. However, few rehabilitation professionals feel confident to address these paediatric pelvic health needs, and lack relevant tools to address them in the context of their clinical setting. Standard pelvic floor-centered, behavioral and environmental interventions may not be suitable for the needs of neurodiverse children (and many neurotypical kids). A new model of trauma-informed paediatric pelvic health is needed.

This hybrid course (Day One online, Day Two in-person) introduces paediatric and pelvic health rehab professionals to a dynamic systems framework for assessment and intervention for paediatric pelvic health challenges. This whole child perspective offers tangible tools and intervention strategies that harness the interconnection of postural control, neuromuscular, movement, and pressure systems to support continence and bowel regularity in children. In addition, interconnections between the neural networks involved in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and continence systems in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations will be discussed to deepen provider understanding of a global approach. 

Day One (Online): Concepts basic to the Dynamic Core for Kids  approach will be applied to harness breath mechanics as a gateway into the intertwined central control, neural, and continence systems. Relevant strategies will be introduced that complement therapists’ existing skill set, along with tangible tools to share with families. Clinicians will be introduced to outcome measures, parent intake, and assessment form suggestions that support building a robust client profile to guide treatment priorities and integrate pelvic health into their plan of care. Participants will be equipped to address paediatric pelvic health in conjunction with other treatment priorities while honoring the unique circumstances of families and children with developmental, motor, and sensory differences. 

Day Two (In-Person): Participants will have the opportunity to synthesize Day-One content via case study discussions and hands-on practice of intervention strategies. Intake, assessment, and outcome measures introduced in Day-One will provide a guiding framework to engage in case studies of children with a variety of neuromotor and sensory processing needs.  In addition, attendees will explore movement-based and functional strategies to assess global contributors to paediatric pelvic health. External, hands-on assessment of diaphragm and pelvic floor function are offered for application in appropriate cases. Participants will be introduced to the potential impact of developmental Diastasis Recti Abdominis (dDRA) on continence, movement efficiency, and balance, with suggested treatment options and progressions. 

Ample opportunity to ask questions and interact with instructors and colleagues will help equip providers with the clinical reasoning and confidence to enter into conversations, screening, and support for paediatricpelvic health needs in the populations they serve.  (Attendance on Day One is REQUIRED to attend  Day Two.) 

Audience: This course is designed for both experienced and newer clinicians who are new to pediatric pelvic health, providing foundational knowledge, assessment, and intervention skills appropriate for the pediatric setting. 

Co-presented by Julie W. Wiebe, PT, DPT  and Shelley Mannell, PT, BSc, BHSc

Day One Objectives

1. Discuss the prevalence of continence issues in 3 different paediatric populations.
2. Reflect on the application of trauma informed care in how you speak, assess, intervene and gain consent from neurodiverse children and their families. 
3. Compare neurotypical and neurodivergent development of the anticipatory postural control system (aka “deep core”) inclusive of relationships between the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, pelvic floor, and intra-abdominal pressure systems.
4. Develop breath mechanics strategies to link the anticipatory postural control and continence control systems as a foundation for three therapeutic activities. 
5. List 4 modifiable lifestyle factors that can have an impact on continence in both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.
6. Develop 3 constipation intervention strategies for parents to help prevent nighttime accidents.
7. Describe the interconnections  between neurophysiologic, sensory processing, and emotional regulation systems as they relate to daytime and nighttime continence control.
8. Gain intake and assessment tools that reveal a clinical profile that reflects the status of multiple systems that have a role in paediatric pelvic health concerns

Day Two Objectives

1. Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of components of the central control system – Diaphragm, Transversus Abdominis, and Pelvic Floor (including external palpation).
2. Create a client profile from parent intake, assessment, and outcome measures to guide treatment planning.
3. Identify functional and movement pattern differences that demonstrate central control and continence system challenges.
4. Devise 2 external, movement based intervention strategies that simultaneously address neuromotor, sensory, and pelvic health needs. 
5. Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of developmental Diastasis Recti Abdomins (dDRA).
6. Develop 2 intervention strategies that manage dDRA for those with different neuromotor and/or sensory  abilities.
7. Create a plan of care that offers families pelvic health support alongside other treatment priorities.