PATIENT INFORMATION

Our objectives…

Our therapy addresses neurological disabilities caused by injury and/or the immature development of the nervous system. Symptoms can present themselves in a myriad of different ways from the characteristic behaviours of autistic children through to the difficulties of learning or processing information by children classified as Learning Disabled or ADD and ADHD. Traumatic brain injured patients and those who have suffered a stroke can lose function such as speech, mobility, vision, etc. Patients with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy often face challenges with the developmental of their nervous system.

All of these symptoms are just an expression of the fundamental problems caused by immaturity or injury of the brain and our treatment focuses on the cause of the problem and not merely on symptoms. We do not teach specific skills such as using vision better, or being more coordinated, but what we do teach is for the nervous system to become stronger so that the individual can learn better. If we address the cause and help the nervous system to mature and strengthen, all the symptoms will lessen and skills will improve. This is our one and only goal. If the brain works better, symptoms will diminish.

The program is designed to help individuals improve their learning, behaviour and performance abilities. By working towards a better organized, stronger and more efficient nervous system, individuals become better able to demonstrate and to access their true potential.

About the information we need before the interview…..

We ask our patients to complete the intake forms as thoroughly and honestly as possible. The more information you are able to provide, the more help we can offer. There will be questions about general-health, diet and nutrition, life-style, habits, personality, and life stresses which the patient may be experiencing.

Please bring any medical reports regarding health, including blood-work, genetic tests, x-rays, MRI’s, CAT scan, ultra-sound, thyroid tests, blood tests, psychological or educational evaluations, etc. Further information may be requested if required.

Information about your clinician…..

Your clinician is a specialist in developmental and functional neurology and has been trained to provide therapy for neurologically disabled children and adults. Here is a partial list of neurological disabilities that we have been able to help through our program: Acquired Brain Injury, Speech, Reading and Learning Disabilities including ADD and ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Brain Injury at Birth, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Perceptual Problems, Sensory Motor Disabilities and Stroke.

The interview, what to expect….

During the course of the interview the clinician will explain the objectives of the program. The appointment may last between two to three hours. During this time the clinician will obtain a detailed case history of present and previous health concerns as well as details of the family history. The clinician will evaluate the patient from a neurological point of view in order to determine the nature of problem and to develop a rehabilitation program specifically for the patient. Each patient is unique and we will need some time to study the case before presenting a complete treatment plan. Each plan is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Severely injured patients will require a more intensive program compared to those less severely injured.

Each program will include a number of stimulating activities and exercises that will be performed in the home 1-3 times a day depending on the age and severity of the case. It works on time, with each activity taking ½ a minute to two minutes. The order and time that you do the program is up to you but once it is chosen it must remain consistent every day.

We suggest that you spend about a week trying to determine the best time that fits into the family schedule. We have found that doing the program in the home provides a more consistent, caring and comfortable environment that produce better results. However, the same person does not have to administer the program each time. In fact, it is beneficial to have variety since it is much more stimulating. Nonetheless, the more consistently the program is done, the better it works.

It is important for children to develop a biological rhythm or pattern in sleeping, waking and eating and the exercises can act as an anchor around which everything else is stabilized. This structuring of the activities makes them more effective than if we did the exercises all day long in an unstructured way. Since the nervous system needs to function in an organized way, any attempt to help it also needs to be organized. With this combination of consistency and stimulation, we allow biology and nature to help resolve things. There may be occasions such as sickness, etc. during which it is impossible to do the program. Most families aim for 100% consistency; however, if the family can achieve 90%, this is acceptable. The success rate tends to diminish quite rapidly below 80% consistency.

The program is designed to specifically stimulate those parts of the nervous system requiring help. It will take effort, work and commitment. We have no miracles and no guarantees and we need to be realistic and give it enough time to work. Under normal circumstances, it takes more than six years for the brain to develop, so it will take some time to continue and alter the process it has already undergone. But we are confident that we can offer both child and adults a good opportunity for help and improved quality of life.

Follow up appointments…..

We suggest regular follow-up care for long-standing chronic conditions. The entire therapeutic process is dynamic and as improvements or changes occur they will also require changes in the treatment plan. We recommend return visits every 3 months, however, in some circumstances it will benefit the patients to return for follow ups more or less frequently. Subsequent visits will also last between two to three hours and we will continue to monitor the progress and modify the program accordingly.

Progress reports….

It is imperative that progress reports be returned to the office at least 2 weeks prior to your follow-up appointment so that the clinician has an opportunity to examine and consider a possible course of action. This will allow you to get the most out of your appointment time.

It is important to remember that your improvement depends greatly on your ability to make a commitment to yourself and the treatment plan.


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