MOOSE JAW - Parents whose children don't participate in organized sports or other recreational programs due to developmental disorders now have an exciting opportunity thanks to an occupational therapist whose new business has them in mind.
Cara Chow Occupational Therapy opened on a full-time basis on Jan. 8, and this fall the business is launching a boot-camp program called “ExerShineKids Power Bootcamps.”
The program is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages six to eight and from 6 to 6:45 p.m. for children ages eight to 12 starting Sept. 10.
“I see children with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental delays and help them to work with their sensory processing, sensory regulation, motor difficulties, and I consult with the daycares in the schools that these children might be attending,” announced Chow.
Chow’s home-based business quickly became a full-time commitment and her inspiration came from 10 years of experience working with children as a licensed occupational therapist.
“I wanted to open a private practice so that I could do more things, and this was one of them,” she said.
“Unfortunately, we have a shortage of all kinds of therapists in Saskatchewan, and our physical-, speech language-, and occupational therapists are… a limited resource,” she said, stating that her goal is to provide as much service as she can to assist these children.
Chow then earned her certification from Amy Wheadon who designed the program using occupational therapy models, practices, and high-intensity exercise.
During the course, all therapy- and exercise-related activities are delivered through a fun weekly theme with ideas that include Star Wars, rescue animals, and pirates so children don’t view it begrudgingly as therapy work.
In one example, Chow said a weekly theme of “rescue animals” might entail children selecting one from six or seven available animals.
“OK, what does that animal do?” she asked hypothetically. “If it’s a dog, he does the yoga pose downward dog, right?”
The child is then guided through an exercise and everyone learns about social skills through sharing what they’ve learned in a group setting. Other activities may include lifting, carrying objects, jumping, or navigating an obstacle course.
Using the concept of activity adaptation, Chow and her team adapt their instruction to the unique needs of each individual child. This process may include visuals, breaking tasks into simpler steps, or simple forms of behaviour modelling.
“Seeing that change in… mood and self-esteem, and then seeing them improve with their balance and their coordination, its really awesome for them.”
Plus, she said, “physical activity is really good for everyone to help with just feeling better in our bodies, feeling regulated, and (to build) … strength and coordination.”
Although the fall boot camp has already started, parents are welcome to register for the next available session.
“There’s a new theme every week, so they’ll (still) benefit from coming to the exercises and things that we do in the group,” she clarified. “There’s some repetition because that helps children learn these new skills, but it’s fresh (material) every week.”
Sessions begin at $390 per child, and parents can use their insurance to help cover costs. Children diagnosed with autism may be able to use funding from Autism Spectrum Disorder Individualized Funding (ASD-IF) offered by the provincial government.
For more information about ASD-IF, contact the Ministry of Social Services at 1-833-304-1774 or by email at [email protected].
To enrol your child in the next available program, call Chow for more information or register online at CaraChowOT.Therabyte.app. She’s also offering individual occupational therapy treatments.
Cara Chow Occupational Therapy is located at 832 Athabasca Street West and can be reached at 306-690-4249 or by email at [email protected].
This fall, the ExerShineKids Power Bootcamps will be held indoors at the Zion Church downstairs in the gymnasium at 423 Main Street North.
