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Digital Seminar

Inside the Neurodivergent Brain: Structure, Chemistry & Circuits

$69.99 Standard

Why do some clients push through loud environments while others shut down? Why do certain transitions lead to meltdowns, while others are handled with ease? And how can the same client appear capable one moment—and completely dysregulated the next?

The answers lie in the neurobiology of attention, regulation, and sensory processing.

In this highly practical, clinician-focused session, you’ll explore the core neurological differences in ADHD and Autism—including brain chemistry, sensory processing pathways, and executive function networks—and how they directly influence behavior, learning, and participation.

We’ll break down the roles of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, explore the brain’s attention systems (like the prefrontal cortex and salience network), and examine how these systems drive the functional challenges rehab professionals address every day: poor inhibition, sensory avoidance, task refusal, emotional reactivity, and inconsistent performance.

You’ll leave with a brain-based lens for clinical reasoning that helps you understand the “why” behind your client’s actions—and adapt your interventions with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Here's What You'll Learn


I. Chemical Messengers & Cognitive Control

  • The roles of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in attention, motivation, arousal, and behavior
  • Neurochemical imbalances in ADHD and Autism—and their downstream effects
  • How neurotransmitter disruptions impact motor timing, reward-seeking, inhibition, and focus

II. Executive Networks of the Brain

  • Introduction to the brain’s major attention and regulation systems:
    • Prefrontal cortex
    • Default Mode Network (DMN)
    • Salience Network
  • How these networks affect:
    • Task initiation
    • Focus shifting
    • Impulse control
    • Emotional regulation
    • Time management and future thinking

III. Sensory Integration and Neural Processing Differences

  • Real-world translation: what therapists observe when sensory integration systems are over- or under-responsive
  • How altered sensory thresholds, sensory gating, and input processing affect behavior and participation
  • Brain regions and pathways involved in sensory modulation, including the thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem

IV. Neurology in Action: Functional Implications in Therapy

  • Mapping brain-based differences onto observable challenges:
    • Processing speed
    • Motor planning
    • Emotional lability
    • Working memory and inhibition
  • Case examples of how neurology presents differently in ADHD vs. Autism
  • The foundation for behavior mapping and function-first intervention

Everything You're Getting


  • More than 1 hour of video content
  • Up to 1.5 CE credits
  • Certificate of completion
  • Handouts and resources

Meet Your Experts


Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS

Toggle speaker biography

Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Dr. Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advanced pediatric therapy programs.

Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In 2010, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using neuroplasticity techniques.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Karen Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, LLC and is a field examiner for PDMS-3. She has employment relationships with Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physical Therapy School, the Daymar Physical Therapy Assistant School and the Volunteer State Community College. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Karen Pryor receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Karen Pryor is a reviewer with Tennessee Physical Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. She is an Ambassador for National Down Syndrome Society. She serves on the editorial board for APTA Journal.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

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We’re that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more than you expected.

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Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepepesi.com

Questions?

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Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Product Code:
POS065657
Duration:
1 hour, 38 minutes
Copyright:
Sep 05, 2025
Format:
Audio and Video

ADA Needs


We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

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