Gain a clear, evidence-informed introduction to the specialised field of neonatal occupational therapy. This course outlines the OT’s role in NICUs and early intervention, explores core developmental and clinical care principles, and highlights ethical considerations. Ideal for therapists new to this area, it also provides guidance on further training pathways to support confident, competent entry into neonatal practice.
Define the OT role in neonatal care
Understand key developmental and clinical care principles
Explore evidence-based interventions (sensory, feeding, positioning, pain and parent-infant bonding etc.)
Reflect on ethics and further training opportunities
Dr. Gina Rencken qualified as an Occupational Therapist at the University of Pretoria in 2001. She worked at Kalafong Hospital and then Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital until 2010. During this time, she qualified in sensory integration and neurodevelopmental therapy and completed a Masters degree through the University of the Free State. She commenced a career in Academia at the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2012. She has a special interest in neonates and early intervention. Gina lectures in Paediatrics at the University of KwaZulu Natal, as well as on the theory course for the South African Institute for Sensory Integration. She completed her PhD in 2025, exploring the neurobehavioural functioning of infants born to mothers seropositive to HIV. Gina is the module coordinator for the paediatric theory and fieldwork module and coordinates clinical services at the UKZN Occupational Therapy clinic. She is involved in school outreach programmes and empowering educators in helping children overcome barriers to learning. She is a board member of the South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI), as well as the council chair for the International Council of Educators in Ayres Sensory Integration (ICE-ASI). Gina has presented at multiple congresses nationally and internationally in the fields of Occupational Therapy related to Paediatrics, Ayres Sensory Integration, Paediatric Neurology, Infant and child mental health, maternal mental health, and Early Intervention.
