Getting Beyond the Labels:  Treating Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Their Roots

Join this opportunity to look beyond the labels at the underlying causes of maladaptive behaviors.  Gain insight and receive some practical ideas you can use immediately.  Receive guidance on when to seek professional help, and which services would be most effective.

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, California, or in the vicinity of Illinois and, would like to arrange for a presentation or training for your agency or group, please call the Institute. We will try to accommodate your request

If you cannot attend a community information night, we can offer you an in-home version: a 75-minute introduction on audio CD. The CD comes with handouts that accompany and illustrate portions of the material covered. Please contact the Institute if you would like to order a copy – the CD’s are free, with a $5 shipping and handling charge

For upcoming locations and dates see Schedule of Events. 

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In deference to individual hypersensitivities, we request from all participants: not to wear perfume, hair spray to cancel chimes on all watches, pagers, etc.

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To continue to fulfill its mission of training others in the principles and practices developed by Judith Bluestone, Founder and Clinical & Educational Director, The HANDLE Institute International, LLC offers several different levels of training programs.  

For upcoming locations and dates see the Schedule of Events. 

INTRODUCTORY COURSE:  Get a HANDLE on Neurodevelopmental Differences Prerequisite for Intermediate Training Open to All ADD/ADHD, brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration disorders, learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorders, cerebral palsy, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, etc. are the labels often used to describe behavioral and academic challenges that many people face. HANDLE will help you see beyond these labels and gain an understanding of the underlying causes of these behaviors. This 12 hour introductory class will give you clear insights into the neurodevelopmental roots of many dysfunctions found in people of all ages, as well as leave you with practical ideas you can apply. In the United States, University Credits are available through Antioch University, and in some states, Clock Hours/CEUs for teachers are also available. All students receive a Certificate of Attendance and Statement of Goals and Objectives which may assist them in obtaining CEUs in other professions and locations. Current standard fees for the Introductory Course: $350* * Fees for specific training events may vary by location.  Standard fees are subject to change at any time. For variations in regular fees, early registration fees and offered discounts, check the Schedule of Events page for the specific training course.

HANDLE SCREENER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (formerly the INTERMEDIATE TRAINING COURSE ): Screening & Program Development for Neurodevelopmental Differences Prerequisite for Practitioner Certification Program Acceptance by Application Only.  Building on what you learn in the Introductory Course, this training will increase your knowledge and understanding of HANDLE. You will learn how to use The HANDLE Screening Tool to identify neurodevelopmental differences that affect learning and behavior for individuals aged 5 to adult, whose primary concerns relate to academic and/or social learning. To enhance the functioning of those screened, you will learn additional activities and complementary approaches. Upon successful completion of the course, practicum, and take home exam you will be eligible to become a Certified HANDLE Screener. Fees for the Screener Certification Program, beginning in 2010: $2,900* * Fees for specific training events may vary by location.  Standard fees are subject to change at any time. For variations in fees, please check the Schedule of Events page for the specific training course.

HANDLE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (formerly ADVANCED TRAINING COURSE) Acceptance by Application Only.   In our continuing effort to provide the highest caliber of training to our students, we have expanded and restructured our advanced level of training, which will now be the "HANDLE Practitioner Certification Program." The new title reflects the actual scope of the training- it is far more than a "course." Please continue reading for details on this comprehensive program. There are two 2-week training modules for this program, with homework assignments in between. These two modules are the precursor to the intensive Internship experience that you will structure together with us for planned completion within 24 months of the initial 2-week module. Successful completion of this Internship, along with the completion of the HANDLE Practitioner exam, is necessary for certification as a HANDLE Practitioner. Training Modules During the training modules, you will be exposed to a great deal of information, assessment protocols, and dozens more HANDLE therapeutic activities. Most importantly you will learn to see the patterns and develop in-depth profiles for people of varying abilities, focusing primarily on individuals ages five and older who have some verbal ability and some useful eye-hand coordination. You will also begin to learn how to expand your skills to individuals with more complex differences and will gain a useful perspective on how to determine irregular systemic development in younger children. You will learn how to give public presentations about HANDLE, how to write formal reports, and you will receive guidance on how to set up your own business. As part of the first training module you will receive a personal HANDLE evaluation,a neurodevelopmental status profile and a recommended program of activities. If you are at all like the students in previous courses, you will undoubtedly gain many insights into your own functioning. We will expect you to work on your own program during your internship and to work with your supervisors to revise your program from time to time. After the training modules, it will be clear to you and to us what areas you need to study in more detail (e.g., nutrition, complementary therapies, neuro-anatomy, and more). It will be your responsibility to gain additional knowledge in these areas, guided by those of us at the Institute, with continual opportunities for discussion (email, web support groups, etc.). Internship During the Internship experience you will broaden your ability to work with individuals of many different ages and presumed abilities or disabilities, by working alongside Certified HANDLE Supervisory Practitioners. The internship involves a minimum of 150-200 hours of clinical experience (beginning with observing a Practitioner at work, then gradually assuming more of the responsibility for the evaluation, profiling, programming, presentation of results and guidance through six months of a treatment program; and finally demonstrating competency in the course of taking at least four clients through a full 6-month program). It is designed to incrementally build the intern’s skills and competency in applying HANDLE. Certification may be sought for specific age levels and areas of dysfunction, then expanded with experience and continuing education. In order for you to gain the clinical experience necessary for certification as a HANDLE Practitioner, you will be expected to use the marketing skills learned during the first 2-week module to find and schedule individuals in your area who would like assessments; a Certified HANDLE Supervisory Practitioner will then, with your support with organizing logistics, travel to your area for the assessments. This process will help build and establish HANDLE in your area prior to certification. You will also have the option of traveling to a Supervisor’s office to supplement your clinical experience.For a list of Certified HANDLE Supervisory Practitioners and their locations, please see our provider’s page. Fees for this program (which also cover your supervision during the Internship period, but not any of your travel, lodging or other related expenses during the training or the Internship): $6200 Additional fees may be required if the period of Internship extends beyond 24 months   * Fees for specific training events may vary by location.  Standard fees are subject to change at any time. For variations in fees, please check the Schedule of Events page for the specific training course.

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Join Zion Preparatory Academy of Seattle, the Waldorf School of Seattle, Tumwater ESD, Spokane ESD, and the growing list of agencies who receive specialized HANDLE training for their staff.  The HANDLE Institute can bring programs to your group or tailor educational programs and clinical services to suit your situation.  We strive to meet the individualized needs of families and communities across the nation.

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, California, or anywhere else in the world, and would like to arrange for a presentation or training for your agency or group, please call the Institute. We will try to accommodate your request.

If you cannot attend a community information night, we can bring them to you in the form of a 75 minute audio CD. The CDs are free (except for cost of shipping, but we'll accept tax-deductible donations), with handouts that accompany and illustrate some of the material covered.