April 2015
CanChild Today
 

Welcome to the April edition of CanChild Today!

 

Our researchers have been busy preparing several new resources for the CanChild community. Read on for information regarding a new study on our Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) module for physiotherapists, an updated resource outlining the goals and benefits of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and health (ICF), and a survey summary focused on physical activity in youth with cerebral palsy. Also highlighted are recent publications by CanChild members.     

 

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New Resource by CanChild!
CanChild In Brief | A DCD module for physiotherapists: Increase in self-reported knowledge and skills 

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a chronic condition that affects a child's ability to perform everyday tasks. Physiotherapists (PTs) play an important role in the management of DCD, but can only work effectively when they use evidence-based approaches. To respond to this need, CanChild prepared a DCD module to support PTs in developing the knowledge and skills required to implement best DCD practice. This 'In Brief' outlines why and how the DCD module was developed, how it will be evaluated, and what was observed when physiotherapists made use of it. Additionally, it will outline the potential benefits of using the module. 

Read more. 


CanChild Keeping Current | The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF): There is Always More Than a Single Story

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, or "ICF", helps families and clinicians come to a broader understanding of health by considering how medical and social aspects weave together to form a unique profile. The ICF can benefit families and patients in many ways. It can help identify priorities and ensure that all health and treatment decisions are informed by unique life situations and individual goals. When the ICF grants legitimacy to priorities and concerns, families and children feel more empowered to voice their needs and better equipped to communicate them to clinicians. Moreover, individual stories created using the ICF come together to form a complex body of information that can empower whole communities. Read this Keeping Current to learn more about the many ways using the ICF can benefit you, your child, and your family. 

CanChild Survey Summary | How can we help youth with cerebral palsy to be physically active? 
 
This document summarizes the results of an online survey completed by109 pediatric rehabilitation professionals from the Ontario Association for Children's Rehabilitation Services centres. Survey respondents assessed their perceptions of the knowledge and attitudes of stakeholders regarding short- and long-term benefits, motivations, and other factors that influence participation in physical activity. In addition, respondents were asked to propose strategies for promoting participation in physical activity. This survey was conducted as part of the Stay-Fit program of research.  

CanChild Community News

Image courtesy of Jooay / CHILD LeisureNET
Jooay: Connecting Children & Youth with Disabilities to Leisure 

Children with disabilities have the same needs for fun and fitness as all children, but may have difficulty finding leisure activities that are accessible and suit their needs and interests.

McGill occupational therapist and CanChild / NeuroDevNet researcher Keiko Shikako-Thomas has played a lead role in the development of Jooay, a forthcoming app that will help families find local leisure activities for children with disabilities.

Jooay will allow families to browse nearby activities by category, keyword, or disability type. It will also have a social networking function, with users able to add their own activities and connect with each other through message boards.

For more information about the Jooay app, visit http://jooay.com/

This item originally appeared in the April edition of CP-NET Today!
 
Recent Publications by CanChild Members

Residential immersive life skills programs for youth with disabilities: service providers' perceptions of experiential benefits and key program features.
Youth with disabilities have the same desires to succeed in education, employment, independent living and the development of meaningful personal relationships as their peers without disabilities; however, they are significantly less likely to achieve these outcomes in adult life. A deficit in life skills, including goal-setting, problem solving, assertiveness and self-awareness, is an important contributing factor to why young people with disabilities lag behind their peers. In this study, service providers took part in interviews to determine their perceptions of the benefits of residential immersive life skills (RILS) programs for youth with disabilities, along with evaluating key program features. Authors: King G, McPherson A, Kingsnorth S, Stewart D, Glencross-Eimantas T, Gorter JW, Jones-Galley K, Morrison A, Isihi AM. Disabil Rehabil. 2014 Aug 19:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] 

 

Pathways toward Positive Psychosocial Outcomes and Mental Health for Youth with Disabilities: A Knowledge Synthesis of Developmental Trajectories.
With improvements in neonatal and paediatric care, most children with developmental conditions now survive into adulthood. Mounting evidence indicates that youth with lifelong impairments/conditions can experience similar life trajectories as peers without disabilities, provided they have adequate opportunities to participate in positive life experiences and support to develop adult social roles. This paper synthesizes and disseminates existing knowledge on the developmental trajectories of youth with disabilities, with a specific focus on mental health and the complex factors that cumulatively affect adult outcomes. Authors: Gorter JW, Stewart D, Woodbury Smith M, King, G, Wright M, Nguyen T, Freeman M, Swinton M. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 2014, 33(1): 45-61, 10.7870/cjcmh-2014-005

 

Exertion Testing in Youth with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion.
Deciding when a child can return to activity (RTA) following a concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is one of the most difficult and controversial aspects of concussion management. This study examines the effects of exertion on youth with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), and whether standardized exertion testing can play a role in determining a timeline for RTA. The study involved 54 youth (8.5 - 18.3 yrs) with a previously confirmed concussion, and concludes that exertion testing has a significant role in symptom assessment and readiness to RTA. Authors: DeMatteo C, Volterman KA, Breithaupt PG, Claridge EA, Adamich J, Timmons BW. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Apr 11. [Epub ahead of print] 
 
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