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Just a reminder that you need to subscribe to this blog in order to get emails.  There have been some good comments on blog posts that you will only get notified about if you are subscribing. Also, I have just posted the meeting minutes from the recent Calgary Meeting on the original blog post. If you are subscribed to the blog, you should get notifications of these things and a link to access them easily.

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ab.ot.pedintgroup@gmail.com

Clinical Question

I recently was referred a 14 year old boy with ASD for concerns about having erections and touching himself in public/school.  I generally work with kids under 8 and not at all with ASD so I’m a bit out of my realm. The behaviour specialist from the school has recommended to cue him with “Stop” but this is not working. The family is finding that they are limiting their social outings because of this concern and are open to any suggestions.  Any ideas?

Thank-you!

Leah

Edmonton Pediatric Interest Group Meeting

Topic for February 28th Edmonton Pediatric Interest group:

• Kim Giesbrecht will discuss the new initiatives at the Stollery Children's Hospital, such as a rehabilitation lead club foot clinic and outreach programs to First Nation Communities through Teddy Bear Fairs.
• Kathy Mulka, from Unlimited Potentials Occupational Therapy for Children, will discuss her program approach and client base. 
• Margot Byer will discuss her new company Sleep Haven, how she got started in sleep coaching, how she applies her OT background, and the impact of sleep coaching on families.
• Discussion around a new sensory product, The Squease, which is a inflatable pressure vest. A model will be available for viewing. 
• Brainstorming around future meeting topics and speakers of interest

Directions:

UNLIMITED POTENTIALS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN

5110-97A Street

Edmonton, AB T6E 5E6

(780) 438-7126

LOCATION & PARKING:

• Located NE corner of Strip Mall (Centre 51 West)

• DO NOT TURN ON 97 Street (that is the police station) we are on 97A

• Free parking on 97A street or in the back parking lot (ignore signs)

• Enter Glass door (5110 is above glass door)

• Turn right after entering

• Door Reads: 001 Unlimited Potentials

• Walk in and have a seat! We will be with you shortly

We look forward to seeing you!

VT for OT's Workshop

VT for OT's Part 1 

Notice: "Dr. Charles Boulet will be presenting a 'VT for OT's' workshop July 6 and 7 in Calgary. Location TBA. Learn how to integrate vision therapy into existing OT programming, as well as to work with vision-specific concerns. The workshop will cover practical elements of VT, and break down therapeutic needs with specific examples of activities. Time will also be spent demonstrating techniques, and equipment options will be explained, as well as options for purchase. This course would be required in order to enroll in subsequent and more advanced courses. . The 2-day course will run Saturday and Sunday 9-4 with an hour for lunch. Fees: $750 for the two days. Call 403-933-5552 or write to info@dvvc.ca to book. Enrollment is capped at 12 participants." 

Brochure found here.

International Student

There is a worker at one of the daycares I see who worked as an OT in her home country, and is now trying to become qualified in Canada. She is completing a program through McMaster University that helps with this transition, and is in the process of working on assignments.

I have been trying to give her advice here and there, but I am not familiar enough with this program, and feel like I have been out of school too long to be much help with writing papers/assignments.

If anyone is willing/able to take on this student, I know she would really appreciate it. It would require being available by phone or email on occasion to answer questions and/or give advice about general OT questions, and questions specific to her assignments related to Pediatric OT.

Please let me know and I will pass on her contact info. (Please contact me by email: bbrewin@providencechildren.com)

Private OT needed

My neighbour is looking for an OT for her 10 year old son for a developmental aide contract with FSCD.  He has Down Syndrome with significant sensory processing issues so we need someone with a strong sensory background.  He lives in the NW but is able to travel and is available during the school hours Monday to Friday (he is mostly home schooled).  Please contact me if you are available.

Thanks,

Carol

kids4ot@gmail.com

Sensory Tool Kit Suggestions

I have a junior high/high school looking to develop a sensory/attention tool kit for use at their school. Just wondering if anyone had suggestions on what to put in the tool kit and what fidgets they have found best for this age group.

6th Edition VMI?

Hi there

We have been using the Beery VMI (5th Edition) and wondered if anyone is using the 6th edition and if so, what's it like?!!  Do we need to be upgrading to the 6th edition?

Any info appreciated!

Black Gold OTs

Building Blocks for Sensory Integration - Early Bird Deadline

Hi Colleagues,

The upcoming deadline for Early Bird pricing ($450 including GST) for Building Blocks for Sensory Integration: The Sensory Motor Foundations for Attention and Learning is coming...please have your registrations and cheques postdates or arrived by February 28, 2013.

"Do you feel that something is missing in your practice?  Do you feel you need something more in your tool box?  Sheila Frick is coming to Calgary in May 2013 to address just that.  Her hands-on workshop will explore the development of posture and reflexes, and its relationship to gross and fine motor skills along with visual and auditory function. This course will allow participants to fine tune their clinical observation skills for the clients who are often difficult to test. It will provide therapists with an in-depth understanding of the developmental and neurophysiological links between sensory integration and the basic primary movement patterns that provide the foundation (or building blocks) for sensory modulation and integration."

We hope you are able to join us!
Carol & Krista
(Kids4OT & Growing Skills Inc.)

Calgary Group Meeting

Our next meeting is Mon Feb 25 at 7:30pm

Sonya Sawers (OT) and Paula Cherrington (SLP) have been actively using ILS in their clinic with great success.  They will be sharing their use of ILS in their program and highlighting the therapeutic benefits and the OT-SLP connection in programming as well as some case examples.

Location: Bldg A2/Suite 004, 2531 Hochwald Ave, SW (Currie Barracks).  

Carol Vickery, OT

Meeting minutes can be found here.

Edmonton Group Meeting - February 28th

Thanks to the help of Kim Giesbrecht and Kathy Mulka, we are pleased to be resuming Edmonton-based meetings!  Please see below for details of the upcoming meeting:

Topic: Discussion around different programs and initiatives in the city.
When: Thursday February 28, 2013.
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Unlimited Potential Occupational Therapy for Children - #001; 5110 - 97A Street

Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided. 

All Edmonton and area OTs and other interested professionals are welcome to attend!

We hope to organize regular meetings and welcome suggestions for topics and guest speakers.  Please email ab.ot.pedintgroup@gmail.com or Kim Giesbrecht with any questions or suggestions.

Stay tuned for details on upcoming topics!

New Heights School OT Position

New Heights is currently seeking applications for an energetic, enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to work in a school, preschool, and specialized services home program with students on the Autism Spectrum and with other similar learning challenges.

Requirements:

• Entry level degree in Occupational Therapy required
• Active registration with ACOT required
• Experience with children and youths on the Autism Spectrum is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills required.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team environment required.
• Part time or Full time available 

Position is for the 2012/2013 school year.

Posting at www.newheightscalgary.com/careers.htm  or email new.heights@newheightscalgary.com 

Growing Changes Fine Motor Camp

A 5 week fun and interactive camp for children in Kindergarden and grades 1 - 3 who find printing, using scissors or other fine motor activities challenging. The camp will be run by two experienced pediatric occupational therapists. A multi-sensory approach will be used along with co-operative games and crafts to practice the skills needed for hand functioning. This camp is designed for children who may be experiencing mild to moderate delays in fine motor development or who would benefit from extra practice.

The camp places an emphasis on grasp development, formation of letters, legibility, review of lower case, copying, using school tools (scissors, glue) in hand manipulation skills, eye hand coordination and strength. This includes a summary report identifying individual children's strengths, areas of need, and suggestions for further skill development.This camp will use a multi-sensory approach combining fine and gross motor movement to enhance learning. Parents are welcome to attend the first of the 5 sessions in order to help
their child feel more at ease in the group and to learn how to support their child with printing practice at home.

Time: Printing Basics: 10:00 am - 11:15 am weekly (Saturdays: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11)

Cost: $250.00

Where: Highlands Community Centre: 6112 - 113 Avenue Edmonton, AB

Contact: Rebecca Summach at 780.965.4310 or email growingchanges@gmail.com to register.

Note: OT services may be covered depending on health plan and are tax deductible.