ASNB - Services & Agencies

Occupational Therapy
Description: OTs can help with difficulties performing routine daily tasks such as dressing, hygiene, eating, and mobility; using required tools such as scissors, pencils, forks, computer mice; and difficulties encountered while integrating into general school routines such as recess, assemblies, changes and transitions in the school day. They can provide strategies to develop skills, restore function, maintain abilities, or compensate for deficits in daily life.
Getting the Service: In most regions, hospitals cover the majority of preschool children and Extra-Mural covers service to school age children. Adults are seen by both hospitals and Extra Mural depending on their needs. A referral from a doctor is required for hospital services, while Extra-Mural referrals are open; parents may refer their children in the school system. (If a child has had service in one centre and is moving to another service area, ensure that you sign consent forms for reports to be released to the new service provider. This will ensure continuity in care.) Contact the occupational therapy department or resource teacher at school for specific referral procedures. These services are provided by Medicare. Private practice OTs may be covered by some medical insurance plans such as Blue Cross. For a list of registered occupational therapists, contact the New Brunswick Association of Occupational Therapists at 458-1011.

Extra Mural Programs
Description: Services include nursing, clinical, nutrition, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech language pathology, social work, and respiratory therapy. Service delivery options may include direct therapy, consultation, or general educational in-services.
Getting the Service: Referrals may come from many sources, such as a family doctor or a teacher. School aged children may be referred by filling out a "Request for Student Services" form and forwarding this to the local Extra-Mural office, signed by the principal and the parents.

Dental Care
Description: Most pediatric dentists have some training in working with children with special needs; however, you should contact the dentist in advance to discuss your child. The best strategy is to develop a good dental regime with your child before they develop an aversion to the dentist. If your child is extremely resistant to any attempts to provide dental care, you may wish to consider finding a dentist with hospital privileges so that a general anaesthetic can be used as a last resort.
Getting the Service: Contact ASNB for information on proactive dental care or dentists in your area, or contact the College of Dental Surgeons.

Dieticians
Description: Dieticians can make sure that what the child is eating is meeting his nutritional needs. If the diet is quite restricted due to sensory issues or food intolerances, an assessment could be warranted. Together with an occupational therapist, acceptable alternative food choices or preparation techniques may be suggested.
Getting the Service: Referrals may be made by your family doctor. The service is funded through the Dept. of Health and Wellness.

Genetic Counselling
Description: The Saint John Regional Hospital genetic counselling department offers preconception and prenatal diagnosis counseling to people with a history of genetic problems or an increased risk of having a child with a disability. Where appropriate, a full range of prenatal screening and diagnostic services are available, including genetic amniocentesis and detailed prenatal ultrasound examination.
Getting the Service: A referral must be made by a physician.

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ASNB

Last Updated: December 23rd, 2004