PTA 121 - Human Development I - Topics in Pediatrics

Credits: 1
Instructional Contact Hours: 1

Provides theory in and observation of normal and abnormal physical development from birth through adolescence. Prepares the student to perform physical therapy intervention as part of a physical therapist's plan of care, under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Corequisite(s): PTA 101 PTA 101LW PTA 103 PTA 110 PTA 110L PTA 118
Lecture Hours: 15 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Discuss motor development from birth to adolescence.
1. Compare and contrast motor development and behavior during prenatal stages, infancy, early and late childhood, and adolescence.
2. Describe the motor developmental sequence that a normal, healthy infant progresses through.
3. Recognize the interrelationships of stages of motor development and corresponding reflex activity from birth through adolescence.
4. Identify the gross and fine motor milestones and the approximate age when a child reaches the milestone.
Discuss the use of pediatric developmental assessments in physical therapy.
1. Compare and contrast specific reflexes and reactions, the positions to elicit them, and the normal responses.
2. Define the meaning of primitive reflex integration and its effect on the infant.
3. Examine the effect of primitive reflexes on gross motor ability/function.
4. Discuss the purposes of developmental testing.
5. Practice using a motor milestone screening tool on an infant and toddler.
Discuss common pediatric orthopedic and neurological disorders relevant to physical therapy.
1. Research the etiology, deficits, interventions, role of physical therapy, and prognosis for an assigned pediatric disorder.
2. Present research in an educational brochure to the class on the assigned pediatric disorder.
Discuss changes in growth and development from birth through adolescence.
1. Examine the general aging process from birth through adolescence.
2. Explain motor control and its effect on development.
3. Compare and contrast the differences in the treatment approach for patients from birth through adolescence.
Discuss potential legal or ethical issues pertaining to course content.
1. Describe an appropriate response to each legal/ethical clinical issues discussed in class.