CNS NEWS
Welcome Spring !!
It is hard to believe that it is spring already. The Lenoir office is quickly receiving referrals for new children. A new occupational therapist has been hired to cover the majority of the caseload in the Lenoir clinic. You can read more about her further along in the newsletter. April is Autism Awareness Month, Occupational Therapy Month, and Child Abuse Prevention Month. You can learn more about each of these topics within the newsletter. With spring, comes beautiful weather and outside activities. CNS is proud to work with Walkin’ Roll Activities League to sponsor the Braves T-ball team. The Walkin’ Roll Activities League is for physically and mentally challenged individuals. They offer T-ball, Bowling, swimming, choir, dancing, and other group activities. Their mission is to support and nurture children and adults who are mentally and physically challenged by providing team building opportunities to build self-esteem and confidence in individual performance in a nurturing atmosphere. T-ball began on March 15, 2008. The final game is scheduled for May 24, 2008 at 9:30 at the Crawdad’s Stadium. You can check out their calendar of events and schedules on their webpage at www.walkinroll.org or by calling 828-3265193, if you have any questions. This is great opportunity for your children to participate in sports activities.
Children's Neurotherapy Services
Volume I, Issue 2
Newsletter Date:April 2008
Inside this issue:
Staff Changes
2
PT Students
2
Employee of the Quarter
2
Scheduling Policy Change
Many of you that are patients of CNS Clinic may already be aware that we have recently updated our scheduling agreement. The new policy states that if an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours prior notification, a cancellation fee of $25 will be charged. The fee must be paid prior to the child’s next visit. The front office is having parents sign an updated copy of this new scheduling agreement and providing you with a copy of the new agreement. The policy has always been that three missed appointments without prior notification or excessive cancellations even with notification, may result in your child being discharged and a new prescription from the physician will be needed before services can resume.
OT Month
3
OT and Children
3
Encouraging Play
3
Autism Awareness
4
Treatment of Autism 5
Guest Speaker
5
Staff Changes
We are excited to have Sheri Toner, OTR/L as a new member of our team. She is working primarily out of the Lenoir office but is also seeing children in the Hickory office one day a week. Sheri is joining the team after gaining pediatric experience from Grace House Pediatric Rehab where she has worked for the past two years. She has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University and received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sheri lives in Morganton with her husband, two dogs, and a bunny. Dorie Evans, PTA, resigned from her full time position in March. We are still fortunate to have her working on an as needed basis for CNS Clinic. So you may still see her floating around from time to time.
PT Students
CNS Clinic was fortunate to have a PT student for six weeks at the beginning of the year. We will have four more Doctor of Physical Therapy students interning with us throughout the year from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. These students will be with us for the following dates: Raechel Bradford from April 28-June 20, LeeAnn Kemp from June 30-August 22, Bekah Caldwell Aulbaugh from August 25-October 17, and Marisa Ball from October 27—December 19. This is an invaluable part of their learning experience. Stephanie Ross, DPT and Glen Neal, MPT will be notifying you of their arrivals and if they will be working with your children. Please make them feel welcome.
Employee of the Quarter
The Employee of the Quarter is determined by all the employees at CNS Clinic. Everyone votes for the co-worker whom they feel is the best team player for that quarter. The chosen employee gets a special parking place, a gift card, and a certificate containing comments their co-workers wrote. The Employee of the Quarter is Kim Barlow, SLP. Comments written about Kim were that she cares about her teammates well being; always has a smile on her face and a kind word to say; has been wonderful with training and helping new employees to learn procedures; excellent team player; and is always willing to work with you and a patient. Kim has been with CNS since August of 2007. She previously worked for Caldwell County Schools for 8 years. She graduated from Appalachian State University. Kim is married and has a four year old son named Austin.
Volume I, Issue 2
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Occupational Therapy Month
April is Occupational Therapy Month. Many of your children may receive occupational therapy, but do you really know what it is. People of all ages receive OT to help them participate in the activities of their daily life. Sometimes people need OT to do things we take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, even socializing. They don’t just treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges. Occupational therapy is “outcomeoriented,” which means therapists Information obtained www.aota.org help people work toward achievable performance goals like working, driving, shopping, even preparing a meal. OT addresses one of the important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery-the return to a normal life. In recognition of all the ways occupational therapy contributes to society’s well-being, April has been designated as Occupational Therapy Month.
from
Occupational Therapy and Children
The primary goals of childhood are to grow up and play. It is often through play that children learn to make sense of the world around them. It is a child’s “job” to play to develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills to interact with other children, and self confidence to try new experiences and explore new environments. Occupational therapists have expertise in evaluating children’s neurological, muscular, and emotional development; and determining the effects of infant and childhood illness on growth and development. An OT can evaluate a child’s motor (movement), cognitive (thinking, reasoning), socialemotional, and behavioral development; recommend toys and play activities that promote healthy development and provide stimulation to the child; and intervene when needed to promote development and skills for living.
Encouraging Play
As parents or caregivers there are several things that you can do to facilitate play with your child or children. Encourage exploratory play by using balls, sand and water toys, slides, swings, finger paints, and magnets. During exploratory play, children use their senses as they explore, discover, examine, and organize their activities. Try manipulative play by asking the child to perform a task, such as stacking cereal boxes, slipping coins in a bank, or playing with a deck of cards. Handling items such as puzzles, pegboards, beads, and lacing cards test the child’s eye-hand coordination and dexterity. Suggest imaginative or symbolic play that includes role-playing, playing with dolls and stuffed animals, and telephones. This type of pretend play encourages good social skills and positive selfimage. Choose toys that are appropri-
ate for the child’s age. Common objects, such as pots and pans, empty boxes, spools of thread, shoelaces, and wooden spoons can stimulate activity. A child’s inability to play well could indicate another problem, such as a learning disability or behavioral problem. Information obtained from www.aota.org.
Volume I, Issue 2
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World Autism Awareness Day
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a persons lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is estimated that as many as 1 in 150 individuals is affected by autism, making it more common in most countries than pediatrics cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others, it is also associated with rigid roudaily diagnosis and early tines and repetitive intervention. Additionbehaviors, such as obally WAAD will celesessively arranging brate the unique talents objects or following and skills of persons very specific routines. with autism and it will Symptoms range from be a day when individuvery mild to quite seals with autism are vere. World Autism warmly welcomed and Awareness Day which Www.worldautismawareness embraced in community day.org is April 2nd will shine events around the globe. a birth light on autism as a growing global For more information go to health crisis. WAAD activities will www.AutismSpeaks.org help to increase and develop information regarding the impairment of
What is Autism?
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental DisorderNot Otherwise Specified), Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders. The cause of autism is unknown. There are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism. There are probably multiple causes. The best scientific evidence available today points towards various combinations of factors such as multiple genetic components on their own or possibly when combined with exposure to undetermined environmental factors. There is growing interest among researchers about the role of the functions and regulation of the immune system, both within the body and the brain in autism.
The Importance of Early Intervention.
It is important that you start early. There are a variety of services available to treat and educate your child. Early Intervention is your child’s best hope for the future. Early attention to improving the core behavioral symptoms of autism will give your child and the rest of the family– several important benefits that you will not gain if you take a wait-and-see approach until your child enters school at age four or five. A good early intervention program will provide your child with instruction that will build on his or her strengths to teach new skills, improve behaviors, and remediate areas of weakness. It will help you with information that will help you better understand your child’s behavior and needs. It will offer resources, support, and training that will enable you to work and play with your child more effectively. It will improve the outcome for your child. Taken from Does My Child Have Autism? By Wendy L. Stone, PhD, with Theresa For DiGeromino, Med from the AutismSpeaks.org website.
Volume I, Issue 2
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Treatment for Autism
Treatment for autism is usually a very intensive comprehensive undertaking that involves the entire family and a team of professionals. Intensive treatments for autism’s Core Systems address the Social, Communication & Cognitive Issues at the heart of autism. Occupational Therapy or Speech & Language Therapy are often integrated into one of the intensive therapy programs to address the Core Systems. Many children benefit from receiving multiple therapies provided in the same learning format. It requires research been scientifically on the part of the proven to be effecparents before begintive. It’s important to ning any treatment. remember that just as Whenever possible, each child with autism observe the therapies presents differently, in action. Talk to exso is their response to perienced parents and treatments. It is make sure that you helpful to collect inhave a thorough unformation about a www.AutismSpeaks.org derstanding of what is therapy that you are involved before begininterested in and disning any therapy for cuss it with your peyour child. Many pardiatrician and interents are eager to try new treatvention team for potential risks/ ments, even those that have not benefits.
Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month. This year, Toys “R” Us is serving as the national sponsor of the Autism Speaks Walk for Now Autism program, which is a series of more than 75 walk events to raise funds and generate awareness for autism. In addition, they are conducting a nine-week, in- store fundraising campaign in conjunction with Autism Awareness month. You can make a cash donation beginning Sunday, March 2 through Friday May 2 at any Toys “R” Us nationwide or online at www.Toysrus.com/ AutismSpeaks. Carolinas Walk Now for Autism will be held in Concord, NC at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday October 4, 2008. You can find out more information and register to walk by going to www.walknowforautism.org/ carolinas
Guest Speaker for Support Group Meeting
The Sensory Integration Support Group is having a special guest speaker for the April 29th meeting. Dr. Jean Corbier, a pediatric neurologist at NorthEast Medical Center in Concord, NC. His specialty areas of clinical and research interests include: Autism, pediatric stroke, epilepsy, metabolic disorders and nutritional neurology. The title of his presentation is “Autism and the RESTORATION Model”. This is a comprehensive model that can be used to understand and treat complex problems such as autism and related disorders. The meeting will be held on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne College in the McCrorie Center on April 29th from 6:30—8:30. Childcare will not be provided this month due to the change in location. Anyone is welcome to attend. Please call 828267-1688, to register if you plan to attend. The support group meets the last Tuesday of every month at CNS clinic in Hickory from 6:30 to 8:30.
Volume I, Issue 2
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Children's Neurotherapy Services
Children's Neurotherapy Services 1087 13th St. SE Hickory, NC 28602 Phone: 828-267-1688 Fax: 828-267-1690 Lenoir Clinic 144 Tremont Park Drive Lenoir, NC 28645 Phone: 828-754-5550 Fax: 828-754-5558 E-mail:
[email protected]
Are you looking for something for your child or children to do this summer. Family Support Network of North Carolina is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting and providing support for families with children who have special needs. They put together a resource guide each year for family members and service providers looking for day or residential summer camp experiences for children with special needs. You can view a copy of the 2008 Summer Camp Directory online at www.fsnnc.org or call to receive a hard copy by mail at 800.852.0042.
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Last year in North Carolina, over 100,000 children were reported to Child Protective Services as alleged victims of child abuse or neglect. In 2006, 34 children were victims of child abuse homicides in NC. Children who are physically abused may: be nervous around adults; be watchful as though preparing for something bad to happen; have difficulty playing; act aggressively towards adults and other children; suddenly underachieve or overachieve at school; find it difficult to trust people and make friends; or arrive at school too early or leave after the other children. Children who are neglected or emotionally abused may: have difficulty learning to talk; find it hard to develop close relationships; be overly friendly with strangers; be unable to play imaginatively; think badly of themselves; or underachieve at school. None of these signs prove that child maltreatment is present, since any of them may be noticeable at one time or another. But when they occur repeatedly or in combination with one another, the child may be suffering abuse. To help prevent child abuse, you can: be a nurturing parent; help a friend, neighbor, or relative who is having difficulty with family; educate parents you know about healthy child development and healthy parenting; get involved-advocate for services that help families; ask for help for yourself; tell parents in your community that parenting is hard; offer your support for parents in your community. If you suspect a child is being maltreated, the child must be protected. Call social services or 911. You can find more information on recognizing and preventing child abuse at www.preventchildabusenc.org or www.preventchildabuse.org.