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.
Drawing from personal experience and strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches, this session explores practical strategies for identifying inchstones, integrating inchstone recognition into documentation, and caregiver coaching. Attendees will examine how small shifts in language and perspective can 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
Harley Boykin, S/OTA is a second-year student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology program at Cincinnati State Community and Technical College and serves as Vice President of the SOTA Club. She is an active volunteer in her community, supporting organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation, her local city’s Parks and Recreation Leagues as a T-ball coach, and her local elementary schools through reading assistance. Her commitment to occupational therapy is shaped by lived experience. She has received OT services herself and is the caregiver of a child who has participated in occupational therapy for seven years. As a wife and mother of three, Harley is passionate about advocating for the autism and disability community and brings a strong, family-centered perspective to her work and her developing professional identity.
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;