Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

Newsletter of the

ACT Chapter of Early Childhood Intervention Australia Inc.

Presidents Report - Term 1 Newsletter 2012 Welcome to all our members and friends for 2012. A particularly warm welcome also to all our returning committee members who ensure Early Childhood Intervention ACT is able to play such an important role in the community. Thank you so much Annemarie and Carol-Anne for continuing in your roles as Treasurer and Secretary and to Jill Corcoran and Sue Davies for continuing to be our National Council Representatives. Thank you to Sue Finn and Maryanne Pease for volunteering to produce our 2012 newsletters, Early Bird and to Jean Walker, Liz Holland and Cathy Radisich for being supportive members in so very many different ways. We have already organised and facilitated our first workshop for the year. Irmina Nahon, Physiotherapist and Continence Specialist presented Positive Approaches to Pees and Poos. The information evening on toilet training young children with additional needs was held in the Large Meeting Room at SHOUT on Tuesday 6th March. Despite the very rainy night, 35 interested people attended. Many questions were asked and Irmina, as usual, provided an extremely interesting and well received session. We have already made contacts with providers regarding further workshops this year. One planned workshop will be on the topic of Fussy Eaters. This is a subject which we know is of great interest to many of our members. We are hopeful of finalising details soon and will then distribute flyers to our members. ECI ACT Inc. continues to be in a position to subsidise costs for members, thereby ensuring we are better able to meet the needs of families and providers of young children with additional needs. Membership for ECI ACT Inc. is on an annual basis and all memberships are due for renewal at the beginning of each calendar year. I encourage you to join or to renew your membership now so you continue to be informed of all events and so that you can continue to provide your valued support to this association. A membership form is included with this newsletter. Pam Cording President ECI ACT Inc.

Early Childhood Intervention ACT Inc

PO Box 717 Mawson ACT 2607 Phone: (02) 6290 1984 [SHOUT] email: ecia_act@shout.org.au

Committee:
President: Pam Cording Secretary: Carol- Anne Karas Treasurer: Annemarie Banks

Committee Members: Jill Corcoran Cathy Radisich Maryanne Pease Sandy Leitch Liz Holland Sue Davies Sue Finn Jean Walker

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

MEMBERSHIP
Have you renewed your membership for 2012? All memberships are due for renewal in January each year. A membership form is provided on the last page of this newsletter. Membership entitles you to discounts on courses, and quarterly copies of the Early Bird Newsletter. Why not renew your membership today!

MY TIME Free School Holiday Playgroup

For families with children who have a disability or chronic medical condition. These groups are for parents and carers with children aged 0-12 years. Siblings are most welcome. When: Mon 23/4, Tues 24/4, Thurs 26/4, Fri 27/4 & Sat 28/4 Where: ACT PLAYGROUPS, 41 Templeton St. Cook. Contact: playgroupsact@ixa.net.au or Ph: 1800 171 882 (Bookings essential by 13th April)

Fussy Feeders Workshop COMING SOON

A workshop addressing FUSSY FEEDERS is in the process of being planned for TERM 2. This workshop, run by Learning Links, will no doubt be very popular so keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming booking information. In the words of the presenters: This workshop explores options for creating positive mealtime experiences. It identifies factors that impact on mealtimes and fussy eaters including environment, cultural issues, communication and sensory preferences. Strategies to address these issues are explored.

For more information about Learning Links go to: http://www.learninglinks.org.au

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

Following on from the very successful 9th Biennial National Conference (hosted by the ACT Chapter) in 2010, West Australia welcomes delegates to the 10th National Early Childhood Intervention Conference this August. Registrations for the 2012 conference with its title of 'Pathways to Participation: Engagement and choice for children and families are open now. Take a look at: www.ecia2012.com.au
In recent years in Australia, and internatio nally, there has been rapid and unprecedented changes in both the Early Childhood Intervention and Early Childhood fields. These changes have impacted on the way that services are provided to young children with disabilities, and their families. In conjunction with this, there is growing recognition of the importance of the early years on a child's development. This has culminated in a number of new Federal and State funding initiatives, leading to changes in the landscape in which practitioners operate Early Childhood Intervention and Early Childhood practitioners as well as families are questioning what these changes mean to them and how they can collaborate to translate these changes into meaningful practice and intervention? How do practitioners ensure families have real choice and engage with services? How can children's engagement and participation in everyday activities be facilitated ensuring successful inclusion in settings of their choice?

International speakers Peter Rosenbaum, Robin McWilliam, M'L isa Shelden, Mat Granlund, and Eva Bjrck-kesson will discuss effective strategies to facilitate participation and engagement of children and their families in Early Childhood settings and services. The conference will provide practitioners and families w ith a forum to gain current knowledge and information on both research and practice ; thus facilitating and supporting the participation and engagement of children with disabilities , and their families, in activities of their choice and context (be that at home, in early childhood settings or in their own communities). There is a strong likelihood that ECI will be offering subsidised attendance for eligible members. Stay tuned for more information.

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

POSITIVE APPROACHES TO PEES AND POOS Information Evening on Toilet Training Young Children with Additional Needs
Presented by Dr Irmina Nahon PhD, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist and Specialist in working with Families of Children with Additional Needs. On Tuesday 6 March, Irmina Nahon presented another information-filled workshop on toilet training. Irminas sessions are always well received and we are grateful that she continues to be so willing to share her vast knowledge and experience with us. Have you ever had a look at your toilet from a childs view-point? It may be a useful thing to do if your child is reluctant to enter the room. Why not make it a child friendly place? Have you thought about cutting a hole in a nappy so that an anxious child can wear the nappy while sitting on the toilet and the poo can fall through? These were just some of the practical suggestions offered. Irmina reminded us that before starting to toilet train it is good to do some planning (consider whether it is a good time, get others involved, start early as it takes a long time, and think about having a medical check-up to see if there are any reasons to delay). Look for clues that the child is ready (can they sit still, follow simple instructions, stay dry for 1 2 hours, seek privacy?). It is also helpful to take records (chart current habits for a minimum of 2 weeks with a half hour check of the nappy, look for patterns and target times that your child is most likely to go). How and when you start toilet training will depend on the individual and the support they need will vary (cue cards, signs, verbal prompts and physical assistance). Irmina stressed the need to think about the amount of fluid and fibre the child consumes to help the child produce good poos and to avoid acidic urine. Remember: You will need Patience, Consistency and a Positive Attitude. Some more helpful hints: Clean up using tepid water (prevents rewarding the behaviour) Ensure everyone involved is giving the same messages Give yourself a Toilet Training Holiday if things are going backwards Summary provided by Maryanne Pease

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

Toileting Resources recommended by Irmina

Irmina introduced the reprinted resource: One Step at a Time (booklet and CD). This is produced by the Victorian Continence Resource Centre Ph: (03) 9816 8266. She also showed the DVD Toms Toilet Triumph (available for purchase from www.shop.service.sa.gov.au ).

ECA Members are able to borrow a copy of Toms Toileting Triumph by contacting SHOUT office on Ph: 6290 1984

APRIL is Autism Awareness month

April is Autism Awareness Month, commencing with World Autism Day on April 2nd. Autism organisations around the world will be celebrating with a range of special events and fundraisers. The evening of the 1st April will see a number of iconic Australian buildings join with buildings around the world in the international Go Blue campaign. This is a great opportunity to get involved in helping raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders. Asperger and Autism ACT (AAACT) have a number of special events planned. To get involved and find out whats on visit their website: http://www.autismaspergeract.com.au/ For those looking for App information: Apps for Autism is a new book put together by Speech Pathologist Lois Jean Brady. Sells for approx. $35 and contains information on over 200 apps. A new computer-based interactive resource, called Nurturing Children with Autism, was recently launched by Autism Victoria (now trading as Amaze) and Playgroups Australia. For more information visit: http://www.amaze.org.au

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012 Bits & Pieces

Noahs Ark
Communication and Social Awareness Playgroups CASA playgroups are designed for children 2 years of age who have or are at risk of having severe communication and social difficulties. For further information please contact Juanita Moore at Noahs Ark Family and Community Centre. Ph: 62871117 Email: specialed@noahsarkact.com.au

ACT Playgroups
PlayConnect Playgroups for Children with Autism or Autism like symptoms Where: Therapy ACT, Holder, Tuesdays 10.00am 12.00midday Giralang AIU, Wednesdays 9.30am 11.30am Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre, Fridays 11.00am 1.00pm Cook Community Hub, Saturdays 1.00pm 3.00pm Contact: ACT Playgroup Association on 1800 171 882

ACT Playgroups
FREE Facilitated Playgroups for Children with a Chronic Illness, Delay or Disability Parents and Carers can: Connect with other available community support services. Socialise, share ideas and experiences with others who understand the rewards and challenges of caring for a child with complex needs or chronic medical condition. HAVE FUN. Children can: Engage in educationally based play activities suited to their individual needs in a safe secure environment. Make new friends, discover new things and have new experiences. Interact with their parents/carers, other children and adults. HAVE FUN. Contact: ACT Playgroup Association on 1800 171 882

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

ACT AND NSW SURROUNDS PRIVATE SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC JANUARY 2012
This list will be updated 3-6 monthly. If you are a speech pathologist working in ACT/NSW surrounds who is not listed here & would like to be, please ph. 6278 3072. The national peak body for the speech pathology profession in Australia is www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Name Rachael Ashmore Nina Bell Sarah Cording Georgina Hoch Larissa Hollier Renny Horsburgh Karen Ip Margaret Jacobs Claire Jamnik Phillip Voice difficulties in adolescents and adults, including chronic cough. Special interest in singers. Canberra Speech Therapy: Home visit service for children and adults who stutter. Calwell General practice: speech, language, literacy, special needs. Mainly children, some adults who have intellectual disability. Special interest in speech motor planning. General practice for children 0 - 6 years. Special interest in early communication, The Hanen Programs It Takes Two to Talk , More Than Words . Nursing homes Home/school visits Nursing home contracts. Special interest in Aged and Palliative Care. Location Deakin Name and Nature of Practice Brindabella Hearing Centre: general practice: adult/paediatric speech, language, fluency, voice, swallowing, auditory processing, literacy, ASD, learning difficulties. General practice for children and adults, including speech, language, some literacy. Special interest in adult communication and swallowing disorders. Brindabella Hearing & Speech Centre: general practice: paediatric population children 018 years (speech, language, social, literacy/learning difficulties, fluency, ASD). Work Hrs Full Time Rivett Part Time Deakin Full Time Part Time Buzz Speech Pathology: Mobile service for children aged 0 - 12 years. General practice including speech, language, literacy, auditory processing and fluency. Full Time Mon Thu Hawker Full Time Part Time Ainslie Saturdays 6281 2311 sarah@hearingandspeech.com.au 6288 2739 ghoch@bigpond.com 0402 704 199 buzzspeech@gmail.com 6292 6226 rennyh@grapevine.com.au 6278 3287 kipspeechclinic@gmail.com 0409 784 408 majacobs@bigpond.com info@canberraspeechtherapy.com.au Contact Details 6281 2311 rachael@hearingandspeech.com.au 6231 1841

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

Lyndal Le Bas Nicole Lobsey Eleanor McMillan Christine McNeill Sharon Moore Rita Sutherland Margaret Tong Lucinda Turland Chris Wills Judanne Young

Weetangera

Rhyme & Reason Speech Pathology: children with autism spectrum disorders up to 7 years of age at the first appointment. Trained in More Than Words and TalkAbility. Paediatrics. General practice including speech, language, stuttering, hearing impairment, literacy (special interest in early literacy), autism, learning. Paediatrics. Special interest in fluency, speech, language, literacy and learning.

Tue to Thu Term Time Part Time

6278 3072

Yass

6226 9316 nicole.lobsey@hotmail.com 0423 948 864 kiwispeechie@hotmail.com 6288 0725 cmcneill@internode.on.net 6299 8859/0466 501248 wellspoken@bigpond.com

Narrabundah

Part Time

Weston Creek

General practice. Mainly children 3 years old and over. Special interest in literacy.

Part Time

Jerrabomberra Kingston Banks/School Visits Aranda

Wellspoken Speech and Voice Matters: Voice, articulation, oral myology and fluency disorders. All ages. Sapphire Speech Pathology Services: General adult and paediatric speech and language. Special interest in school-age literacy (including essay-writing up to Yr 12). Special interest in literacy and auditory processing (incl. dyslexia). Also, tongue thrust problems and accent reduction for adults. Paediatric speech and language for 3 to 12 year olds.

Part Time

Part Time Tue & Wed

0466 301 709 sapphirespeech@iinet.net.au 6161 9794 or 0458 484 707

Rivett

Part Time

6287 5651 or 0411 092 313 lucindaturland@yahoo.com.au 6247 4217 or 0414 867 739 chriswills@grapevine.net.au

Hackett

General practice. Special interest in developmental disability (children and adults).

Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat

Duffy

This practice is currently closed

Early Bird Autumn Edition March 2012

EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION ACT INC.

ABN: 76 607 866 556 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Name: Organisation (if any).. Work address ... Phone.. Fax. Home address... Phone.. Fax.. Email address . Would you like to receive the newsletter by e-mail? YES NO (our preferred method) Would you like to receive other relevant information by e-mail? Please circle: I am: a parent/carer of a child with a developmental delay or disability, a teacher, a health professional, child care worker, other... Membership Rates $15 Parent/carer/full-time student $40 Professional $60 Organisation or school * Please send a cheque, money order or credit card payment to: ECI (ACT) Inc. PO Box 717, Mawson, ACT, 2607 Phone: 6290 1984 Visa / MasterCard Card number YES NO

Amount: ______________

Expiry Date

Cardholders Name Signature Date.. * This entitles the organisation or school to send two members of staff to seminars at the member rate.