Edu-Series: Paediatric Neuro Symposium Session 1

This introductory 50-minute session is designed to provide speech-language therapists with an overview and practical understanding of how the developing nervous system influences communication, cognition and swallowing. The presentation explores how different patterns of neurological injury and dysfunction affect the children seen in everyday clinical practice.

Topics covered will include:

• Basic neuroanatomy relevant to speech, language, cognition and swallowing
• Mechanisms of neurological injury, from prenatal brain development through acquired childhood disorders
• Common paediatric neurological conditions encountered by speech-language therapists, including cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorders, genetic syndromes, epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury and encephalitis
• Recognising neurological “red flags” and understanding when referral is indicated
• The essential role of the multidisciplinary team in optimising outcomes for children with neurological conditions