Course 2: Spatial Neglect and Assessment Methods: From Symptoms to Solutions: Navigating Spatial Neglect Assessment
Course Description: This comprehensive 8-module course equips occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals with in-depth knowledge and practical skills for assessing and managing spatial neglect across its diverse subtypes. Through interactive modules, participants will explore the 3 key dimensions of spatial neglect including (1) Domain or sensory modalities affected and motor neglect,(2) the presentation of symptoms in various spatial regions (representational neglect, personal, peripersonal, extrapersonal), and (3) frames of reference (allocentric and egocentric). Examining neglect through all 3 dimensions guides learners to interpret functional performance and apply tailored assessment strategies using a holistic and innovative approach.
This self‑paced course highlights performance‑based assessment tools, including the Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF‑NAP®), and offers practical guidance for evaluating neglect in real‑world contexts. Participants will examine and interpret different types of performance errors that emerge during everyday tasks, gaining insight into the factors that contribute to variations in neglect symptoms across activities. Learners will also develop expertise in assessing self-awareness deficits, and integrating these insights into holistic rehabilitation planning. Clinical case scenarios and interactive content woven throughout the course support direct application of knowledge to practice, making it ideal for occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals seeking actionable neurorehabilitation strategies. Engaging clinical knowledge‑application questions—requiring reflection, analysis, and interpretation—provide automatic feedback upon submission, ensuring the learning experience remains both interactive and immediately relevant. The course’s fully interactive format requires approximately 4.75 hours to complete.
A final 24‑question multiple‑choice exam—focused on applying knowledge to clinical scenarios—assesses the Learning Outcomes. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass, and learners are permitted up to three attempts. Certificates of completion are issued once all course components have been successfully completed, including all learning modules and required learning activities, the final exam, and the course evaluation with attestation statement. Course materials remain accessible for six months from the date of enrollment.
Course Format: Self-Paced, Distance Learning-Independent. This is a fully self‑paced, independent course that does not require instructor interaction. However, learners may contact instructors at any time with questions, requests for clarification, or comments.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Course 1 “An Updated and Comprehensive Overview of Spatial Neglect “ and/or a score of 80% and above on the course exam. Those who have attended previous continuing education workshops or advanced coursework on spatial neglect, may apply to take a challenge exam to substitute for course 1.
Audience: Designed for occupational therapists and open to physicians, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals who have at least 1 year experience working with clients with stroke or acquired brain injury.
Content level is Intermediate.
Course developers: Joan Toglia PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Peii Chen, PhD
Estimated time for completion (including exam): 4.75 hours or .475 CEUs
Course Fee: $129.00 OR Register for Course 1 and this course together, within a dedicated Learning Program for a discounted rate ($200.00 USD).
Course Outline
This is a self-paced course and learners can take as much time as needed for learning and integration of material. The below are estimated times for each module that consider time spent in learning or reflective activities. Total estimated time for this course is 4.75 hours.
Welcome to the Course- Provides an overview of the course and learning expectations (5 Minutes)
MODULE 1: 2.1 Overview of Dimensions and Subtypes of Spatial Neglect: Focus on perceptual-attentional neglect and motor neglect.: This module will help you to identify and differentiate perceptual-attentional and motor neglect, understand their impact on daily function, and explore practical assessment strategies, Real-world scenarios and interactive content help you apply knowledge directly to clinical practice (35 minutes, J.Toglia)
MODULE 2: Representational Neglect: This module provides an overview of representational neglect - a spatial neglect subtype affecting mental imagery and spatial memory. It covers symptoms, assessment challenges, and the impact on daily activities, with practical examples for clinical application and interactive questions. (20 minutes, J. Toglia)
MODULE 3: Spatial Neglect Symptoms Presented in Different Spatial Regions: This module provides an overview of spatial neglect symptoms as they manifest in different external spatial regions—personal (of the body or on the body surface), peripersonal (within arm’s reach), and extrapersonal (beyond arm’s reach). The module covers clinical signs, assessment methods, and functional impacts of spatial neglect as defined in different spatial regions, with practical examples and case scenarios to support clinical understanding and application. (30 minutes, J.Toglia)
MODULE 4: Neglect and Spatial Frame of Reference: Allocentric (Stimulus-Centered) vs Egocentric (Body-Centered) Neglect : This module introduces allocentric (stimulus-centered) and egocentric (body-centered) spatial neglect, highlighting their impact on everyday activities and functional performance. Learners will also practice distinguishing neglect subtypes, interpreting case scenarios utilizing spatial neglect dimensions, and applying assessment tools to support precision, individualized rehabilitation approaches. (35 minutes, J. Toglia & P. Chen)
MODULE 5: Variations in Neglect Symptoms across Activities: Analyzing Performance Discrepancies: This module explores how spatial neglect symptoms vary depending on the demands of different activities. Through case scenarios, learners analyze discrepancies in functional tasks and uncover why neglect symptoms may appear in one activity but not another. The module emphasizes the importance of specifying activity demands (motor, visual, tactile, representational, and cognitive load) to understand performance challenges. Through case scenarios, participants learn to analyze discrepancies in performance, identify contributing factors, and apply this knowledge to clinical reasoning and intervention planning. ( 30 minutes, J. Toglia)
MODULE 6: Functional Performance Based Assessments of Spatial Neglect: Learn how to assess spatial neglect in everyday activities using performance-based tools. This course highlights the differences between conventional paper-based tests and functional assessments, reviews key instruments, and provides practical guidance for evaluating neglect in real-world contexts. (25 minutes, J.Toglia)
MODULE 7: Ecological / Functional Assessment Tool: KF-NAP: This module provides an in-depth introduction to the Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP®), a validated, standardized tool for assessing spatial neglect in individuals with brain injury, particularly following stroke. Participants will learn the principles of the ecological and functional assessment, including unbiased observation, recognition of asymmetrical behaviors, and accurate scoring of neglect severity across daily activities. The module features practical examples, scoring exercises, and guidance for using the latest KF-NAP® manual, equipping clinicians and rehabilitation professionals with the skills to deliver consistent, evidence-based evaluations in real-world settings (30 minutes, P. Chen)
MODULE 8: Assessment of Self-Awareness in People with Spatial Neglect: This module provides a comprehensive overview of assessing self-awareness in individuals with spatial neglect. It covers both general (offline) and online awareness, detailing clinical characteristics, assessment methods, and the functional implications of awareness deficits. Learners will explore standardized tools, interviews, and performance-based approaches, and will learn to interpret case scenarios and functional outcomes. The course emphasizes the importance of integrating awareness assessment with other clinical data to inform holistic rehabilitation planning and intervention. (35 minutes, J.Toglia)
Exam: 40 minutes
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze at least 5 clinical scenarios involving descriptions of spatial neglect symptoms within functional contexts, in terms of domain, modality, spatial region, and frame of reference.
2. Apply knowledge of spatial neglect to selecting appropriate assessment tools and interpreting results for at least 5 different clinical scenarios.
3. Analyze activity demands and other factors that may be impacting symptom presentations of spatial neglect and functional performance for at least 3 different clinical scenarios.
4. Apply knowledge of self-awareness to selecting appropriate assessment methods and analyzing or interpreting self-awareness characteristics in at least 3 different clinical scenarios.
5. Apply knowledge of spatial neglect dimensions and subtypes to guide observations of functional performance for individual clients for at least 1 scenario.