Monday 18 March 2013

Therapist for Children with Car Sickness?

I'm looking for a therapist who does vestibular or other therapy to improve car sickness.  I have a little girl who is 9 and her younger sister is 6 who are both severely impacted by their car sicknesses and traditional methods have not had any impact.

Please contact me at lauren.rhynes@albertahealthservices.ca or 403-955-5951 if you do this type of intervention or know someone who does.


Many thanks,
Lauren Rhynes, MScOT(c), BSc, BSc
Occupational Therapist
Developmental Clinic
Child Development Services

Edmonton DCD Speaker?

The Edmonton OT Pediatric Interest Group is looking for a speaker around the topic of DCD. If you have knowledge of this area and would be willing to share with the Edmonton OT community, please contact me. Also if you know of someone who fits this description, please either pass on my email or send me their contact information.

Please email me at andrewskim22@yahoo.ca
Thanks!
Kim

Kids in Motion Conference

The Kids in Motion Conference is coming May 9-11, 2013 to Vancouver.  See the brochure for details.

Sunday 17 March 2013

Spring Dance and Movement Session for Special Needs in Calgary


DUBASOV DANCE AND WELLNESS INC. PRESENTS...
SPRING DANCE AND MOVEMENT SESSION 
FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

PROGRAMS
Dance for Physical Needs (Ages 4+) 
Autism Movement Program (Ages 4+) 
*NEW* Parent and Tot Movement Program (Ages 2-4) 
 - For children with and without special needs & parent

PROGRAMS FILLING QUICKLY - REGISTER NOW!

CONTACT dubasovdw@gmail.com or VISIT www.dubdw.com 
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER 



Find more info on the website here.

Sunday 10 March 2013

Private Contract in Calgary-Okotoks

Hi,

I am the mother of a 16 year old boy who has delays with executive brain functioning.  I am looking for an OT( in the Calgary/Okotoks area) to do an assessment and strategy training.  You can contact me at burtonrowland@fsd38.ab.ca.


Much appreciated
Lesley Burton Rowland

Feeding Thickeners in Very Young Children?


Hello,
 
I work out of Saskatoon, SK.  I attended the Fragile Infant Feeding Institute in Edmonton in May 2012 and it sounded as though the presenters were advocating for moving away from commercial thickeners for liquids, particularly in the infant population.  This was not a main topic of discussion, so I wanted to look into further information.  I have reviewed three different products that I am aware of: Simply Thick, Thicken Up, and Thicken Up Clear.  All have warnings regarding Pediatric use.  Simply Thick products are not recommended for children under 3 years of age.  Simply Thick is not recommended for premature infants, infants under 1 year, or children with a history of NEC.  I found this info on the respective manufacturer's websites.
 
What are feeding therapists using for commercial thickeners in very young children?  Or are therapists recommending food based thickening more often (such as rice cereal, yogurt, etc).  I realize that it is a cost/benefit analysis; however, I am very concerned about recommending off-label use.
 
Any input would be very warmly welcomed.
 
Thank you in advance,
 
Mandy Madsen, BScOT, Reg (SK)
Feeding Clinic Coordinator
Days of Work: Tues and Thurs
655-1274

Saturday 2 March 2013

Edmonton Meeting Follow-Up

Thank you to everyone that attended the meeting Thursday evening!  It was great to learn more about what OTs in Edmonton area are doing and have the chance to network with each other.  We did not take "minutes" but following is some information on what was discussed:
  • Margot Byer shared about her company Sleephaven 
  • Here is a link to some information regarding sleep and children through Cary Brown, OT prof at the University of Alberta.
  • Holly Cueto shared that there is a video available for children to help transition to sleep (if they're watching TV anyway!).  It's called the Nighty Night show.
  • Margot mentioned the book Sleep Better!: A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs by Mark Durand.
  • Children's Autism Services of Edmonton hosts workshops that are open to the public.  Click here for the educational calendar and here for the registration form.  The fee is $50 per workshop.
  • April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and Light It Up Blue day.  In the past, some apps have been on sale or free on this day, so check it out this year!
  • Sarah Bailer brought a Squease vest to show to the group.  It looks promising but is pricey!
  • Another OT mentioned the Miracle Belt as useful with our clients.
  • CAOT has an Occupational Therapy and Sensory Processing Disorder (OTSPD) Network with links to research information and discussion forum for members.
  • Kathy Mulka mentioned the book Love Jean by Jean Ayres' nephew.
  • Kathy also mentioned Lucy Miller's taxonomy for SPD.  Here are two links (link 1, link 2)to some information about it.
  • An interesting website on early learning... 
If you attended and wish to share anything more, please do so in the comments below or email ab.ot.pedintgroup@gmail.com.

Suggested topics for future meetings included:
  • DCD 
  • using iPads in our practice
  • apps
  • sharing information from professional development - if you attend a course and are interested in sharing what you learned, we would love to hear from you!  
If you have other topics in mind, please let us know!

Thank you to Kathy Mulka for welcoming us into her clinic Unlimited Potentials and offering this space for future meetings!  Thank you to Kim Giesbrecht for initiating and organizing the meeting, and for the impetus for meetings to get going again!  We look forward to upcoming meetings and hope to organize them every other month on the 4th Thursday of the month, depending on the topic/speaker or other logistics.  All OTs, OT students, therapy assistants or other interested professionals are welcome to attend.

Private OT - Calgary

I have a family looking for a private OT for their Specialized Services team. Their daughter is 5 years old and has a diagnosis of ataxic cerebral palsy. She is a very hard working little girl with a lovely family. They are looking for an OT to support them and their aide in a consultative role, 2 hours per month, in the afternoons. The family lives in Christie Park in SW Calgary. If you are interested in this position, please contact the mother, Lucie at: "lucieconnelley at yahoo dot ca"

Thank you!
Lisa McBride
lmcbride.ot@hotmail.com 

Friday 1 March 2013

SIPT to Borrow or Rent?





I am looking for anyone who may have a SIPT to borrow/rent from for 5 days or consider selling.  Please contact me at 403-990-6578 or growingskills@gmail.com  

THANKS
Krista Plosz

Growing Skills Inc.
growingskills@gmail.com