16
advanced training for this therapy
approach. The course specifically
focused on feeding the autistic
child and engaging parents as
partners in the therapy process and,
given BUSHkids’ strong emphasis
on family-centered practice, the
information learnt in the course
was invaluable to my practice.
I have realised that working with
‘
picky eaters’ and children with oral
sensory sensitivities is a particular
special interest area of mine.
Throughout 2012, I have been
delighted to accept some children
into our service who have such
difficulties, and it has been such a
great learning curve to put some
of the theory into practice. I’ve
spent some fun (and messy!) times
with the children doing things
like painting with yogurt, hiding
oranges in our hands, and ‘kissing’
apple pieces, all in an attempt to get
the children to ‘interact’ with their
foods in the hope they will one day
build up a tolerance for touching
and tasting off-putting foods!
This year I have trialled a new
approach for managing referrals for
toileting. To maximise both parent
understanding of the complexities
associated with toileting and parent
engagement and follow-through
at home, I have begun education
sessions with their parents prior to
commencing work with the child.
While still in the trial phase, I have
had a number of parents attend the
course, and found the group to be
useful in imparting information,
reinforcing parent involvement.
I plan to continue to refine the
education session and the process
for managing toileting referrals as a
whole to ensure best outcomes for
these particular children.
In July, national registration was
introduced by a new governing
body: the Australian Health
Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Along with all OTs, I am now
required to accumulate and
document continuing professional
development hours throughout the
year. This stipulation makes my
involvement in opportunities such
as the fortnightly BUSHkids OT
teleconferences and monthly
Bundaberg Paediatric OT Special
Interest Group more important.
In all, 2012 has been an incredibly
satisfying year. It is wonderful to
work alongside my wonderful team
here in Bundaberg and I am finding
continual joy in working closely
with children and families to see
new skills learned, problems solved
and progress made in all sorts of
areas of development!
FHSW – reflections by
Janie Stupart
Wow, how quickly time flies when
you’re having fun! In February,
I celebrated my first anniversary
with BUSHkids. As I glance back
on my journey so far, I am proud
of my professional growth and
the knowledge I have gained from
working with a wonderful team of
therapists.
A number of exciting new groups
have been taken on – including fine
motor and hand-writing groups
for children on our OT waiting
list. I have a passion for creating
programs utilising art and craft and
believe in the benefits.
Combined with Claire’s support
and wisdom, these groups have
proven to be both successful and
enjoyable. I have received an over-
whelming positive response and
hope to introduce these programs
in the community, targeted at Prep
and Pre-Prep institutions, in 2013.
This year, it was my goal to help the
therapists with their long waiting
lists, by providing groups for
clients while they waited for their
individual therapy.
Some groups I have facilitated
at the centre and in local schools
include:
Friends for Life/Stop Think
Do
,
Friendship groups,
Fun Friends
,
PALS, Fine Motor, Art and Literacy,
Hand-writing and Holiday Craft.
My Easter holiday craft program
was awesome, hosting no less than
seven separate sessions with up to
10
children in each group. Many
of the participants were current or
waiting list clients, as well as a
variety of new faces from local
schools and vacation care centres.
The creations were impressive
and the children participated with
enjoyment and enthusiasm, and I
designed a further program for the
September school holidays. My
lists are now full with 12 children
participating in each of the four
group sessions.
With the increase of childhood
anxiety and depression in our
community, we have had a steady
and continual rise of referrals
for the friendship groups. These
groups are a wonderful tool for
promoting confidence, developing
social and emotional skills. At each
weekly session, I have engaged the
parents in discussions, reviews and
role plays, contributing greatly to
successful outcomes.
In May I attended the ‘Body Think’
early intervention PD in Brisbane.
This workshop followed the ‘Free
To Be’ Body Esteem Program which
I completed in 2011. It provided the
opportunity to learn more about
early detection of eating disorders
in young people. I also became a
supporter of the local Let’s Read
organisation and attended the
workshop in June this year.
Finally, I want to thank our new
FHSW mentor: Jane, a warm,
encouraging person who provides
guidance and recognition for the
work we do.
BUNDABERG