The Motor-Cognitive Connection- Enhancing Learning and Engagement in Paediatric Practice
Join internationally respected physical therapist Lisa Pinson and paediatric OT Dave Jereb for a practical and engaging conversation on the PerceptionâAction Approachâ a powerful lens for understanding the motorâcognitive connection in all children.
In this conversation-style presentation, Lisa and Dave will explore how perceptionâaction principles can be applied across the paediatric spectrum, including support for children with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, and other neurological and movement differences.
Whether you're an OT, physio, or allied health professional, this session will provide:
- A clear understanding of how motor and cognitive systems interact in child development and therapy
- Real-world examples of how perceptionâaction insights can be used to enhance functional outcomes
- Adaptable ideas you can immediately trial with the children and families on your caseload
This is not just a theoretical lecture- itâs a practical and thought-provoking conversation designed to spark reflection and improve your day-to-day practice.
Sign Me Up!
Core Concepts of the Perception-Action Approach
PAA is a child-driven, interactive approach that enhances motor adaptability, exploration, and problem-solving.
Key Principles:
â Environmental Affordances â Setting up therapy spaces that naturally invite movement and exploration.
â Manual Guidance â Using gentle, light touch to provide new perceptual information without restricting movement.
â Perceptual Information Gathering â Movement provides real-time feedback that drives motor learning.
â Self-Organisation & Problem-Solving â Encouraging children to discover multiple movement solutions.
Meet Your Speakers
Lisa JH Pinson, PT, DPT, PCS
Lisa JH Pinson, PT, DPT, PCS is a board-certified paediatric physical therapist with over 26 years of experience across a wide range of clinical settings. She is a founding board member and current treasurer of the Institute for Perception-Action Approach (IPAA), and has played a leading role in advancing the model globally.
Lisa founded the PEDI Center for Therapy in Phoenix and participated in a landmark NIH-funded study using PAA with children with cerebral palsy. She currently works at Childrenâs Healthcare of Atlanta and contributes to research at Emory Universityâs Pediatric Neonatology Brain Development Lab. Her work blends clinical insight, research, and a deep understanding of developmental movement.
Lisa brings warmth, clarity, and clinical depth â and is passionate about helping clinicians apply the Perception-Action Approach in real-world practice
Dave Jereb, OT
Dave Jereb is a distinguished paediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience and co-founder of MoveAbout Therapy Services. His vision centres on creating a world where all children have meaningful lives and are valued within their communities.
Alongside his wife Kathy, also an OT, Dave developed the MoveAbout Activity Cards and workshops of regulation, behaviour and connection.Â
Dave has contributed to various podcasts and he can be found on the MoveAbout YouTube channel, sharing his insights and innovative ideas in occupational therapy and supporting children with challenging behaviours.
Dave's key principle is to âsupport the people who support the kidsâ, including the families he works with, his MoveAbout team and the community of people supporting children.
Last year Dave became an Amazon international number one bestseller with his book, 'Challenging the Story', offering child-centred and connection-focused strategies for managing challenging behaviours.Â
đ Want to learn more?
Read this important PAA article by Rahlin, M., Barnett, J., Becker, E., & Fregosi, C.M.: Development Through the Lens of a Perception-Action-Cognition Connection: Recognizing the Need for a Paradigm Shift in Clinical Reasoning (Free Full Text)
Check out this related PAA study, Feasibility of an intensive outpatient Perception-Action Approach intervention for children with cerebral palsy: a pilot study (Free Abstract)
Explore the PAA theoretical foundations on the official website.
Let's keep the learning going!
Free Webinar Mini-Course Bonus: Ends Aug 31st
With the Intro to PAA workshop date now moved to October, we have bene able to extend this offer to 31st August 2025.Â
Get 100% Free Access to the PAA Intro Webinar Mini-Course with 5 short video modulesâ
 We've partnered with IPAA to offer you this exclusive opportunity
đ Limited-Time Bonus: Get FREE access to the PAA Intro Webinar â Child-Environment Connection (valued at $52 AUD). This offer expires 31st August 2025. Click here to claim yours now before the offer ends!
Find out more about the Free Webinar
Interested in Attending the Full In-Person Workshop in October?
Who should attend?
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Therapists Supporting Motor Development & Function
