HOT TOPIC: Celebrating the Inchstones: Small Pivots That Transform Pediatric Practice

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Course Description

In pediatric practice, progress is often defined by milestones, the large and measurable achievements. These can overshadow the quieter steps children take every day. As a parent of a disabled child, I experienced how deficit-focused language fuels guilt and discouragement. This presentation addresses the need for a strengths-based shift. Recognizing and celebrating the “inchstones” that meaningfully shape a child’s trajectory.

My pivot point began with my son, Joseph. Early on in his life, I internalized every delay and every “not yet” believing that they reflected my own shortcomings. This is not an atypical experience for caregivers. The transformation came when I intentionally reframed his progress. I stopped focusing on what he wasn’t doing and began to celebrate what he was doing. This shift changed my relationship with my child but also deepened my understanding of how powerful that can be for families. Drawing from personal experience and strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches, this session explores practical strategies for integrating inchstone recognition into documentation, caregiver coaching, and interdisciplinary communication. Attendees will examine how small shifts in language and perspective can amplify family confidence and advance more affirming care for disabled children.

By embracing the inchstones, practitioners can create meaningful pivot points that ripple effect for children and their families. Moments that build hope, resilience, and connection. This session invited attendees to reconsider how they define progress and to adopt practices that honor every step forward, no matter how small, in the lives they touch.

Speakers

Content Level

Introductory: This level assumes the audience has little or no information regarding the content area.

Intermediate: This level assumes the audience has general familiarity with the literature and professional practice. The focus of the presentation is on increased understanding and application by the participants.

Practice Areas

Children and Youth