butterflytherapy.com

When should I have a Speech-Language assessment for my child? Karen Stenning SLP

Butterfly — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:31:28 +0000

Parents are usually uncertain as to what skills are expected at their child’s age. Anytime you as a parent have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, both you and your child would benefit from an assessment. Whatever the areas of concern, an assessment will give you an opportunity to discuss your observations and concerns with a professional who has knowledge of typical communication development.

Parents are usually correct in their hunch that their child is lagging behind in his speech or language development. In the assessment, they gain a greater understanding of the specific areas in which their child is having difficulty. Perhaps they cannot understand their child because he is not yet using the K and S sounds, because he lacks the vocabulary to express his ideas, or because he did not understand our question. A speech pathologist is able to pinpoint the areas that most greatly affect a child’s ability to communicate. Armed with accurate assessment information, we can then take the important steps of demonstrating strategies and discussing ideas of how we can best strengthen these skills. Where appropriate, the therapist and family also make plans for a course of treatment sessions.

Sometimes I am able to tell concerned parents that their child is on-target with their communication development. I let them know at what age to expect further skills to be acquired. In addition, I can give them ideas of how they can facilitate continued speech and language development.

Some parents seek early intervention because they know their child is at-risk for delayed development. For example, children with Down Syndrome are commonly seen for speech-language assessments prior to 1 year of age. Parents are keen to take an active role in facilitating their child’s learning. When children begin intervention at a young age, they have extra time and assistance in developing their communication skills.

Speech-language assessments are positive experiences for everyone. Children enjoy playing with new toys in a friendly and fun environment. And parents are encouraged and empowered by the information and recommendations they receive.

Karen Stenning, Speech Language Pathologist

What is Occupational Therapy for kids? Jacqueline Martin, OT

Butterfly — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:16:37 +0000

Despite what the name suggests, Occupational Therapists do not help children find jobs! Occupational Therapists help children with the occupations of childhood. Occupations are activities or roles that a child wants to do, needs to do or is expected to do in their day to day lives. Occupations are typically performed at home, school and in the community and are grouped into 3 categories:

self-care – feeding, toileting, dressing, personal hygiene
productivity – school, volunteering, work
leisure – play, extra-curricular activities

As you can see from this list, there are many areas that an Occupational Therapist may address. A child might be referred for Occupational Therapy services for concerns in one area or for concerns with performance across many areas. Regardless of the reason for referral, an Occupational Therapist will assess a combination of:

the child’s underlying skills (e.g., hand/arm strength, hand-eye coordination, motor planning, core stability, sensory processing);
the activity being learned (e.g., printing, cutting, self-feeding, dressing, toilet training, tying shoes, riding a bike); and
the environment where the activity is being done (e.g., classroom, school yard, home, community).

When a child is referred for Occupational Therapy services, the Occupational Therapist partners with families to determine what is contributing to a child’s issues, to set realistic goals for improving performance and to provide effective treatment strategies aimed at achieving those goals.

All of this is done with the ultimate goal of maximizing a child’s potential for participation and independence in daily occupations.

Parent Networking Evening: Alternative Therapeutic Options – Wednesday February 1 from 7-9 pm

Butterfly — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:34:42 +0000

This is just a reminder about our next Parent Networking Evening Wednesday February 1 from 7-9 pm at Butterfly.

Highlighted this meeting:

1. Alternative Therapeutic Options for Children!

The speakers will be sharing a brief overview of their specific type of therapy or treatment, and how this applies to children with special needs.

Confirmed at this time:

Aaron Stiller a Registered Massage Therapist from Aim2Walk who has a specific interest in Spinal Cord Injuries and Neurological Disorders;
Mhairi Watson, Senior Conductor, March of Dimes Conductive Education program; and
Sandhya Jain, registered Physiotherapist with interest and experience in paediatrics, Master of Osteopathic Manipulative Science MOMSc (candidate).

2. Brenda Agnew will be updating us on the ACE school in the GTA for kids with special needs.

3. Open Forum with Brenda Agnew – In response to your feedback, we would like to make this session be about YOUR kids! What specific things would YOU like to talk about. We’re in this together, let’s share and learn from each other and our own experiences. Please email if there are any specific things that you would like address.

No kids please! Light refreshments will be served.

Please call us at (905) 206-0300 if you are able to attend, or email us at info@butterflytherapy.com.

Upcoming Professional Activity Days

Butterfly — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:07:39 +0000

The following dates are Professional Activity Days within the Greater Toronto Area. Why not take advantage of having the kids at home and book a session during the day for Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Pathology or Occupational Therapy at Butterfly!

Friday January 27 – Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
Friday February 3 – Peel Catholic District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board, Halton District School Board
Friday February 17 – Toronto District School Board and Toronto District Catholic School Board

And also…Monday February 20 is Family Day and Butterfly will be closed - enjoy the long weekend!

Welcome new staff to Butterfly

Butterfly — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:56:26 +0000

Butterfly would like to give a belated but heartfelt welcome to new staff:

Adrienne Walker, Physiotherapist
Jacqueline Martin, Occupational Therapist
Laura Anne Sheehan, Administrative Assistant

We are excited about the quality of care that they have been providing and will continue to provide to our team. Look for upcoming blogs by Jacqueline on how Occupational Therapy can help your child and on the importance of play!

Happy New Year

Butterfly — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:48:22 +0000

Hello!

The holiday season is upon us and we hope you are all enjoying the hustle and bustle!!

We just wanted to let people know that Butterfly will be closed between Christmas and New Years. We will be open January 2-6 even though Monday January 2nd is a stat holiday and the kids are off school. Try to take advantage of this time while your kids are at home and book a session at Butterfly.

Keep in mind that December 31 is year-end for many extended health plans, so book your Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Language Pathology sessions now to maximize these health care dollars.

The staff at Butterfly wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Development of a new special needs school

Butterfly — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:39:16 +0000

Post by: Brenda Agnew

The following is a brief overview summary of the school that is being planned with assistance from The March of Dimes for the 2013/2014 school year. The goal is to have it operational for the 2012/2013 school year, with Ministry “stamp of approval” the following year.For any parents or caregivers that may be interested in learning more they can contact Brenda Agnew at brendaagnew@hotmail.com
or 905-505-0303. Our next meeting is scheduled for 10am on Dec 9th at the March
of Dimes offices located at 10 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, Ontario.

Conductive Education contrasts markedly with traditional therapies in the following ways:

Conductors: Specially trained rehabilitation educators who have completed a university degree specializing in conductive education. The conductor carries out the principles of CE. This method links speech, thought and movement together in a way that helps the child to focus on and internalize the movement.

Group Instruction: A key element of conductive education is that
individuals work as part of a small group of children with similar conditions. This offers an opportunity for individuals to face challenges, share solutionsand reward efforts to learn new skills within the dynamics of a group.

Environment: Provides for security of the child. Equipment is unique to CE and includes slated tables called plinths, ladder chairs, and boxes that promote body alignment and support the tasks designed to facilitate learning.

Rhythmical intention: Many of the activities are done with the use of
simple songs that relate to the activity. By pairing rhythm with movement, movements become more fluid and the lyrics provide verbal cues to the child.

Program and daily schedule: The child is viewed as a learner and the
conductor teacher promotes confidence, motivation and an understanding of how this child can learn to perform everyday movements to become more independent in their functioning within their homes, schools and eventually in the workforce.

Curriculum: Conductive education helps students build their cognitive skills and helps them learn to use alternate strategies to accomplish common motor tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, dressing, eating.

Involvement of the family: Emphasis is put on teaching family members to use these strategies at home to reinforce the application of CE skills in all aspects of daily life.

National Down Syndrome Awareness Week

Butterfly — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:13:11 +0000

National Down Syndrome Awareness Week runs from Nov 1-7, 2011.

Please take this time to recognize and celebrate the lives of people living with Down Syndrome and specifically the successes of your children. Down Syndrome Awareness Peel is a group of parents who are meeting monthly to network and create a support group for families with children with Down Syndrome.

If you are interested in attending a meeting or learning more about the group please contact Anju Mistry at anju.mistry@rogers.com

You can also check out their web-site at www.dsap.ca

Parent Networking Evening, Thursday Oct 6, 7-9pm

Butterfly — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:43:20 +0000

Please join us for our second

PARENT NETWORKING EVENING!

Share stories and resources with other parents!

Thursday October 6th, 7-9 pm

Butterfly Paediatric Therapy

Come on out, meet other parents, learn from each other. Michelle and Keiri are excited to bring people together, you are all great advocates for your children and have so much to share. Our goal
is to provide a forum in which to do so.

At our first meeting, parents had so many things to discuss, to learn from each other, and had hoped for monthly meetings/get-togethers. We also discussed a parent blog through Butterfly
which is up and running but we need your help. Aidan Crawford will be here to teach us all how to blog! Topics of discussion for further meetings will be discussed as well as recommendations for speakers/in-services.

All Parents welcome, no kids please!

Refreshments will be provided.

Please call 905-206-0300 or e-mail info@butterflytherapy.com to register.

We look forward to seeing you!

New Paradigms in Pediatric Foot and Ankle Deformity Management

Butterfly — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:27:23 +0000

Butterfly is hosting a Beverly Cusick Course this fall!

Part One:
New Paradigms in Pediatric Foot and Ankle Deformity Management

Thursday November 17 and Friday November 18, 2011

Part Two:
Assessment, Posting, and Orthotic Design Planning Labs

Saturday November 19, 2011

Instructor Information – Beverly Cusick, PT, MS

Beverly Cusick is a world-renowned lecturer and has
conducted more than 400 courses and guest presentations around the world. She is an associate Professor for the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Pediatrics Program. She has published several works on the management of equinus deformities across the lifespan. She maintains a private practice in Telluride, Colorado, devoting most of her professional effort to
generating literature and educational materials, to teaching, and to
develop therapeutic products, including her invention, TheraTogs orthotic systems.

Target Audience

This course is designed for the practitioner who has
experience in working with children with CNS neuromotor dysfunction, including physiotherapists, orthotists, pediatric orthopedists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians. We believe that team education fosters more effective teamwork.

Please call (905) 206-0300 or email info@butterflytherapy.com for further details and to register.