2026 AIM CLINICIAN TRAINING: ENROLLING SOON!

This introductory course provides clinicians with foundational knowledge and practical tools to address apraxia using Assistive Technology. Individuals who use AIM Assistive Technology will participate in the teaching. Participants will gain an understanding of apraxia as a neurologically-based motor planning disorder that impacts voluntary, intentional movement—particularly those needed for self-expression and intentional pointing.

The course introduces AIM™ (Apraxia Integration Method), a scaffolded, motor learning-based approach designed to support individuals to point accurately for self-expression. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the neurological underpinnings of apraxia, the role of co-regulation, and the clinical reasoning required to implement access to Assistive Technology keyboards. This training includes a blend of lecture, case studies, and hands-on demonstrations. Participants will leave with concrete strategies to begin implementing AIM™ within their scope of practice, and will be eligible to continue on to Level 2: Applied Practice Training. 

In-person and online options.

Pre-Requisite: AIM Level 1 Training

This intermediate training is designed for practitioners who have completed AIM™ Level 1 and are ready to implement the method in real-world clinical settings with mentorship and support. Participants will deepen their understanding of motor learning, refine motor learning techniques, and begin using structured protocols to deliver AIM™ with fidelity.

This level emphasizes reflective practice, coaching strategies, and professional decision-making when supporting non-speaking individuals with apraxia who use assistive technology. The course includes coaching sessions, peer case reviews, and direct supervision from certified mentors.

Participants will engage in recorded casework, mentorship meetings, and fidelity-based feedback cycles. This phase marks a shift from understanding to implementation, supporting clinicians as they move from guided use to independent, competent practice.

Hybrid model (synchronous virtual coaching + asynchronous assignments).

Pre-Requisite: Completion of Level 1 and 2 Training

The AIM™ Practitioner Training Certification of Accreditation signifies advanced proficiency and comprehensive understanding of the AIM™ Method. Practitioners at this level demonstrate the ability to apply AIM™ principles with fidelity, support clients, coach families and team members in achieving purposeful movement patterns for function and use of assistive technology, and advocate effectively within interdisciplinary and educational settings.

Pre-Requisite: Completion of Levels 1-3 Training 

The Level 4 designation emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and community within the AIM™ professional network. AIM™ Practitioners entering this level either receive mentorship or serve as mentors, fostering the continued growth and integrity of AIM™ practice. 

Impact of Apraxia on Self Expression

Communication is inherently a motor skill. Whether through spoken language—requiring precise coordination of fine articulators—or through handwriting, typing, or pointing, effective communication depends on motor control. Individuals who are nonspeaking and have a diagnosis of Apraxia require an approach that directly addresses motor deficits while simultaneously supporting sensory processing systems.

Impact of Apraxia on Occupational Performance

Apraxia significantly affects one’s ability to participate in daily occupations, limiting independence, productivity, and engagement. The AIM™ Method was developed to address these challenges, integrating sensory and motor interventions to support self-expression for full participation in plans of care related to occupational performance. Enabling the individual to express themselves about their plan of care to determine what they need physical help to learn and what they want to prioritize.

Impact of Apraxia on Self-Regulation

Apraxia is often accompanied by heightened sympathetic nervous system reactions.  Resulting in challenges with remaining regulated to function and learn.

Impact of Apraxia on Co-Regulation

Individuals with Apraxia often have heightened autonomic nervous systems reactions and are influenced by the emotional and physiological states of those around them. Clinicians must understand and manage this dynamic to create a supportive therapeutic environment.

Impact of Apraxia on Interoception

Challenges with interoception—the ability to perceive internal bodily sensations—can make it difficult for individuals with Apraxia to identify and locate physical discomfort, further impacting regulation and participation.

Impact of Apraxia on Visual-Motor Integration

Difficulties with visual-motor integration are common in individuals with Apraxia, impacting their ability to coordinate visual input with motor output. This can affect skills such as tracking, reaching, pointing, and typing—core components of functional participation.

Individuals with apraxia benefit from trauma-informed support that acknowledges the emotional impact of possible experiences of being misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or excluded. Trauma-informed care fosters safety, trust, and inclusion, supporting more effective participation.

Occupational Therapists provide appropriate accommodations by assessing motor planning, coordination, and postural control to determine the most effective supports for accessing accurate pointing. 

4 types of Movements: 

• Reflexive 
• Impulsive 
• Automatic
• Intentional

Understanding how these movements are impacted by Apraxia—and what therapeutic interventions can provide tools for function—is a hallmark of the AIM™ Practitioner Training. 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are uniquely qualified to address Apraxia through their in-depth understanding of the science of motor function, sensory integration, social-emotional contexts, and functional participation. The work of developing accurate, reliable motor access for self-expression aligns with the practice framework. Occupational Therapy’s focus on remediation and compensation for motor deficits enables individuals with Apraxia to increase independence and engagement across all areas of occupation.

The AIM™ Method bridges this understanding with evidence-based motor learning and sensory regulation strategies, empowering individuals with , sensory integration, social-emotional contexts, and functional participation. The work of developing accurate, reliable motor access for self-expression aligns with th practice framework. Occupational Therapy’s focus on remediation and compensation for motor deficits enables individuals with Apraxia to increase independence and engagement across all areas of occupation.