Pelvic Health SIG: Toilet Desensitization Across the Lifespan

Event Name/Course Title: Toilet Desensitization Across the Lifespan 

Date of Event: Tuesday, June 17th

Start Time: 7:00 PM

End Time: 8:00 PM

Format: Discussion-based via Zoom

Timed Agenda: 

• 7:00-7:05 Introductions and background information

• 7:05-7:50 Guided discussion

• 7:50-8:00 Summary and planning for future sessions

Event Description: 

The aim of this discussion is to explore toilet desensitization across the lifespan, with a focus on the role of pelvic health occupational therapists in addressing sensory, behavioral, and psychosocial factors that impact toileting. We hope to promote conversation about current practice including desensitization strategies and intervention approaches tailored to different age groups—from children with sensory aversions to adults with pelvic floor dysfunction or trauma-related toileting anxiety. Attendees will learn how to apply a client-centered, trauma-informed lens to support functional and dignified toileting experiences. The session emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, practical tools, and case-based learning to empower all OTs – not just those working in the pelvic health space. This SIG is appropriate for generalist OTs as well as OTs working in pelvic health. 

Speaker Credentials and Biographies: 

Tamara Nascene, MA, OTR/L is currently working in the private practice sector where she specializes in both mental health and pelvic health and has a specific interest in the intersection of those two practice areas.  She initially became interested in pelvic health while working in an outpatient clinic with a complex neurological population.  Her pelvic health education has included multidisciplinary continuing education as well as OT-specific pelvic health training. 

Andrea Janike, MA, OTR/L, BCP is currently working in an outpatient pediatric setting, where she specializes in feeding as well as bowel and bladder dysfunction for children and adolescents. She is passionate about synthesizing knowledge and experience from both specialty areas. Her interests in these areas originated from her undergraduate degree in dietetics. Her pelvic health education has included multidisciplinary continuing education as well as an OT-specific pelvic floor mentorship.  

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

• Understand occupational therapy’s role in toileting 
• Have opportunities to share knowledge from their own practice as related to the ADL of toileting 
• Collaborate to organize a space for pelvic health practitioners within our state organization (MOTA)

Target Audience: All

Level of Content: Introductory

AOTA Practice Area: Children & Youth, Health & Wellness, Mental Health, Productive Aging, Rehabilitation & Disability

Contact Hours: None 

Fee: None