2025 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions
October 18–20, 2025 | San Antonio, TX
The following is the Session Descriptions for the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. All sessions, times, and presenter information have been confirmed, though final adjustments may occur due to unforeseen circumstances onsite.
For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance
For information on our Bonus Day at Morgan's Sports on Friday October 17th, please visit: ATRA San Antonio Bonus Day: Morgan's Sports
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC approval is currently pending. Please check back for updates prior to the conference.
Note: Poster presentations may be eligible for CEUs in 2025. Final determinations will be reflected once CEU approvals are finalized.
For questions related to specialty certification areas, please refer to the PDF version of the program for designation icons and CEU-eligible sessions.
Code of Conduct:
All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and guests are expected to uphold the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct.
To review the Code, view it here.
Note on Non-ATRA Activities:
Please note that any events or activities not listed in the official ATRA San Antonio program are independently organized and not affiliated or sponsored by ATRA. ATRA is not responsible for independently coordinated events, meetups or activities not articulated in this program. Individuals interested in non-ATRA sponsored activities should contact their respective organizations directly for details.
NeuroDrive: Integrating Golf-Based Interventions for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Recreational Therapy
Session Description
This session will introduce NeuroDrive, a golf-based therapeutic intervention program designed to address key symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will learn how targeted golf exercises can be utilized to improve executive functioning, emotional regulation, and body awareness across diverse populations and varying abilities. The session will emphasize that clinicians do not need to be experienced golfers to effectively facilitate NeuroDrive interventions, as the program is designed with simple, structured exercises that can be easily implemented with basic equipment. Participants will receive foundational information about using golf as a therapeutic intervention, engage in hands-on practice with golf clubs and adaptive training equipment, and explore simulator exercises applicable to recreational therapy sessions. Additionally, the session will explore how recreational therapists can leverage NeuroDrive as a niche, research-informed model to enhance private practice development. Attendees will gain insight into billing strategies using applicable CPT codes and implementing a specialized service line that differentiates their practice.
Learning Outcomes
1. Assess the impact of targeted golf-based interventions on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and body awareness in clients with ADHD and ASD by identifying three specific therapeutic exercises that can be incorporated into recreational therapy treatment plans.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in facilitating two golf-based therapeutic exercises that align with recreational therapy goals, including a pre-shot routine for emotional regulation and a balance-focused swing drill, as evidenced by participant feedback and instructor observation.
3. Basic understanding of launching NeuroDrive, a golf-based therapy model into a recreational therapy private practice, outlining at least two client populations to target and two evidence-based justifications for using golf as a therapeutic modality.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7867f66cb949090ce74338334772aa60.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Lilli Higgins, CTRS/L, NeuroDrive | Together Just, INC")
Lilli Higgins, CTRS/L, NeuroDrive | Together Just, INC
Biographical Information
Lilli Higgins is a licensed and certified recreational therapist with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and an emphasis in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and previously held a four-year term on the Oklahoma Recreational Therapy Association (ORTA) board. Lilli has extensive experience working with children and adults diagnosed with behavioral disorders, mental health conditions, and autism spectrum disorder across various treatment settings, including Residential and Acute Behavioral Health Treatment and Community-Based Interventions.
Throughout her career, Lilli has demonstrated a commitment to utilizing a collaborative, person-centered approach that incorporates each individual’s unique interests and strengths. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health reform in Oklahoma, where her efforts have been recognized through multiple honors, including the 2019 ORTA Young Professional of the Year Award, the Oklahoma State University Alumni Spotlight, and the 2021 Oklahoma 30 Under 30 distinction.