Your Content Goes Here Food selectivity can be characterized by food refusal, limited repertoire of food, excessive intake of food or certain food categories. Many children often will go through mild feeding or eating problems through their development, however those diagnosed with ASD areat higher rates. When looking at food selectivity, it is important to rule out any medical conditions first. What should be ruled out first? 1. A thorough dental examination should be conducted to determine if there are any hidden problems that may be causing your child pain. Oral hygiene can be a challenge for those diagnosed with ASD which can lead to cavities, root canals, gum infections or other abnormalities. 2. Alongside dental care, medical assessments evaluating oral motor function such as swallowing, food sensitivity/allergies, medications, and more should be assessed. Studies have shown and are not limited to the following factors: Medical conditions such as dental problems, esophageal problems, oral motor function and more Behavioural aspects such as pica (ingesting non-food substances), rumination (regurgitation, re-chewing, re-swallowing or vomiting food), eating disorders and more Sensory aspects such as the feel or touch of food, temperature, texture, smell of food, or even appearance. How to promote healthy eating habits for your child? It is no known secret that children like what they like and will prefer to eat the same things often or for every meal. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues. Introducing new foods gradually can help! Placing new food separate from what they enjoy and providing choices with no expectations can help your child try something new. They can get a feel for the texture, smell, or look of the new item being introduced. Also having siblings or family members model eating the food item might get your child to try it! References Cermak, S. A., Curtin, C., & Bandini, L. G. (2010). Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 110(2), 238–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2009.10.032 Ledford, Jennifer & Gast, David. (2006). Feeding Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders A Review. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. 21. 153-166.10.1177/10883576060210030401. Wheeler, M. (n.d.). Mealtime and children on the autism spectrum: Beyond picky, fussy, and fads. Indiana Resource Center for Autism https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/mealtime-and-children-on-the-autism- spectrum-beyond-picky-fussy-and-fads.html This blog was written by Behavioural Therapist, Neha. To book a free consultation with Neha, call us at 519.751.0728 or email pathwaystohopebrant@gmail.com.

Your Content Goes Here With golfing season in full swing, many people are experiencing the aches and pains that come with this sport. Sometimes it can be a minor inconvenient ache that impacts performance out on the course, or the injury may require the golfer to take time away from the game, thus missing out on the few short months Canadians get to enjoy this sport. In this article we will outline three common areas of injury that golfers experience, discuss how those injuries are treated by a physiotherapist and wrap up by talking about how you can prevent these injuries from happening in the first place. What is the most common area a golfer may experience pain? The most common area of pain that a golfer may experience is back pain. In fact, even if you do not play golf, back pain is one of the most common areas of the body that can get injured. When golfing, the low back area is required to twist or torque during the swing. This frequent twisting on the spine leads to injury because twisting the spine places stress on the weaker structures of the low back. Doing this over and over again throughout a game or practice time can inflame these structures and irritate them, creating a painful experience for the golfer. This is especially true if the golfer has not properly warmed up before the game by stretching. Stretching helps bring blood flow to the area and gets the tissues activated and ready to perform. If someone is experiencing back pain from golf, and stretching or other methods are not making a real difference, it might be time to call a professional, such as a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists will be able to assess, diagnose and properly treat the injury, allowing you to get back on the course quicker. Some of the methods they might use to treat low back pain include: Interferential Current (IFC) IFC can help increase blood flow to the area and reduces inflammation, which is a major cause of most pain that people experience. UltraSound If there is a specific tissue or muscle that has been injured, then Ultrasound can help heal the soft tissue. Cupping Exercise recommendations Once the healing has taken place and the inflammation has died down, exercises and other recommendations will be made, so that the low back pain has a less likely chance of coming back. What are other areas golfers may injure? 1. Shoulders Another common area for golfers to injure is their shoulder. Swinging a club repeatedly or striking the ground during follow through can place great strain on the muscles in the shoulder and cause pain and discomfort. The rotator cuff muscles are often affected, and when they are, it can impact range of motion, sleep and hinder performance on the course. Shoulders are also notorious for getting tight, which is why it is important to stretch the shoulder muscles before a game. If the muscles are loosened up [...]

Your Content Goes Here When school is out and there is a general lack of routine and structure, you might see an increase in your child’s anxiety, tantrums, or other challenging behaviour. It can be difficult to know how to manage this- here are some tips to help! 1. Create a daily routine/schedule for your child! It might look something like: · Wake up · Get dressed/ready for the day · Eat breakfast · Play outside · Eat lunch · Nap or quiet time (books or show for older child) · Go to the park or other outing · Eat dinner · Play or bath-time · Bed-time 2. Make your daily routine/schedule VISUAL! Many children love predictability and benefit from SEEING what is happening next (especially children on the autism spectrum). · Depending on your child’s developmental level, you can create the schedule with words or simple pictures. 3. Be consistent with bed time! While there will be times when you may allow your kids to be up late for a special occasion, it is important to prioritize sleep and ensuring your child is having a consistent bed-time. Well-rested kids generally mean more comfortable and happy kids! 4. Talk to your child about an event or new outing before it happens. This is especially important for children that desire predictability or struggle with transitions/change. · You may want to talk about the event a day or two ahead, the day of, and in the hour prior to the event. · When talking about the event, you might consider explaining what will happen, who will be there, and talk through any related anxieties. 5. Point out the positive When you see your child doing something positive, pay attention to it! Point it out and say something about it. Example: “Thanks for putting your shoes on the first time I asked!” “Wow, you are being so kind to your brother!” · You could even start filling up a jar with pom-poms- once it’s full you could take your child to get ice cream or another desired activity! 6. Get your child outside! Going outside is great for helping your child burn energy. Try to find activities and places your child enjoys going. This might be the park, a pool, splashpad, beach, hiking, riding a bike, going for a walk, etc.! We hope you have found the tips in this article helpful. This information was provided by Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Alisa Gagne. Alisa works at Pathways To Hope providing support to children and their families. For more information, or to book a complimentary consultation, call us at 519.751.0728 or email pathwaystohopebrant@gmail.com

Your Content Goes Here Whether you are a weekend warrior or high performance athlete, sports injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. All of a sudden your season is ruined by a silly play or accident on the field or you are feeling sore after the game, and not sure if you should participate again soon. Although sports injuries are not 100% preventable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of sports injuries happening, and ruining your season. Why Do Injuries Happen? Strengthening and conditioning your muscles and joints properly is the best way to prevent sports injuries. However, even the most conditioned athletes can still get injured. Sports injuries happen when the muscle or joint you are using is not prepared properly for the event or activity. Just like preparing for a big exam, you need to do your homework and perform the strength and conditioning exercises for the sport you are involved in. Each tissue in your body (muscles, bones, ligaments, etc) has a "breaking strength" and if your muscle or joint is moved beyond that point (twisting your ankle, etc) you end up injured. In some cases, it can be minor, such as a ligament sprain, but in other cases it can be catastrophic, such as a dislocation or complete tear. It all depends how far beyond the tissue's "breaking strength" the tissue is pushed. The good news is that you can increase the "breaking strength" of your body's muscles, joints and ligaments by performing proper exercises that train your body's tissues to remain strong even when they are in vulnerable positions. This type of training is known as Functional Range Conditioning, and is very effective at increasing the "breaking strength" of your muscles and joints so that you can withstand more impact and prevent injuries. It is a scientifically based program, performed by trained specialists that can take your athletic ability to the next level. Typically performed by Chiropractors, it is a system of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation that can fast track you back onto the field and provide you with ways to reduce injury risk in the future. 4 Things You Can Do To Prevent Injuries or Speed Recovery If You Are Already Injured: 1. See A Chiropractor Chiropractors are able to help with all kinds of aches and pains and if you are an athlete it should be part of a regular care regimen that helps maintain the health of your muscles and joints. A chiropractor trained in treating sports injuries, specifically someone who is trained in Functional Range Conditioning, would be the best professional to find and see on a regular basis. This will help increase the "breaking strength" of your tissues and if you do get injured, you will already have a professional you can trust to get you back to playing quickly. 2. Focus on your nutrition Our bodies are continually breaking down old cells and forming new ones in their [...]

Your Content Goes Here Most of us know that the brain can affect the gut - even thinking about food can start the digestion process with creation of saliva and stomach acids, but did you know that the gut can also send messages to the brain? "The vagus nerve is the largest nerve in your whole body and it is the ‘highway’ that connects the brain to the gut and the gut to the brain. This is why gut health is extremely important for our emotional regulation, moods, and overall mental health." Over the last few decades doctors have deemed our gut as our second brain! It has over 500 million neurons that connect to your brain. Our gut also produces about 95% of your serotonin, which is the chemical that contributes to feelings of happiness. You Are What You Eat Your brain requires a constant supply of fuel. That fuel comes from the foods that we choose to eat and nourish our bodies with. Focusing on whole foods is your best option to have a healthy gut and excellent functioning brain. Foods that are beneficial for the gut -brain axis: ➢ Omega-3 Fats ○ Omega- 3 can help to increase good bacteria in the gut and reduce risk of brain disorders. ○ Found in oily fish like Salmon, Sardine, Atlantic mackerel, and Cod. ➢ Fermented Foods ○ Healthy microbes and good bacteria for gut health ○ Help to alter brain activity ○ Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, raw cheese, and kombucha ➢ High-Fiber Foods ○ Contain prebiotic fibers that are good for your gut bacteria ○ Nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables ➢ Polyphenol-Rich Foods ○ Increase healthy gut bacteria and may help to improve cognition. ○ Coca, green tea, olive oil, and coffee. ➢ Tryptophan- Rich Foods ○ Amino acid that is converted into serotonin (happy chemical) ○ Turkey, eggs, and cheese. Eating a well balanced diet that incorporates healthy fats, proteins, carbs, and fibre will help to keep your mind sharp and mood balanced. Here is a great recipe to try out! Brain Power Smoothie Ingredients - 2 cups blueberries - 1 cup pomegranate juice - 1 cup ice cubes - 1 Tbsp chia seeds - 1 ripe banana, peeled - Half of an avocado, peeled and pitted Instructions - Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until combined and smooth. - TIP - too smooth - add more ice - TIP - too thick - add more juice (a little at a time) This blog was written by Holistic Nutritionist, Caitlin Schneider. For a complimentary consultation with Caitlin, feel free to reach out to either Brant Mental Health Solutions at 519.302.2300 or Pathways To Hope at 519.751.0728.

Your Content Goes Here We don’t often think about our health until something significant happens. This doesn’t have to be something extreme or drastic; it can even be a new or acute pain that begins to interfere with our daily lives, or that hits us out of the blue. We are busier than ever, often juggling more than one job, raising children, caring for family members and trying to keep up with the demands of daily life, meaning that taking care of ourselves can easily fall by the wayside. What does health mean to you? A lot of people find this hard to answer, but it is an important question to ask yourself. Once you know the answer to this, you can focus in on what is important to you and you can start making small achievable steps towards it. What are some preventative things that I can do for my health? We all know it’s important to eat well, get a good amount of sleep, exercise and so on, but there are other things that can be utilized for overall health and wellness. In this blog we will outline the benefits of chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage therapy when it comes to maintaining our health. Chiropractic Chiropractic can prevent and slow down the degeneration of our joints. Joint degeneration is something that affects all of us, especially as we age. Accidents and injury also accelerate the degeneration process. Joints in our spines can become "stuck" or "out of alignment" leading to dysfunction. Any dysfunction in the joint speeds up degeneration as the joint is not able to move properly. This causes nerve irritation, leading to pain, shooting pains, pins and needles and other numbness/tingling. Final thoughts about Chiropractic Chiropractic allows our nervous system to function optimally and given that our nervous system is the “fuse box” to our body, it plays a vital role in our overall health and wellbeing. The same way our cars need regular maintenance, so do our spine and joints to prevent things from “breaking down”. For children who have fragile nervous systems, it can be extremely beneficial for them to be adjusted too. When their nervous system is agitated it can cause symptoms such as colic and digestive issues, sleep issues and more. For more information about children and chiropractic, check out our previous blog here: https://www.pathwaystohope.ca/post/children-and-chiropractic-care Physiotherapy People typically seek out physiotherapy after a significant injury, or after multiple smaller injuries that they have tried to treat at home with pain medications, stretching and ice and/or heat. Whilst physiotherapists are trained to help with rehabilitation after injury, they can also help you maintain proper function of your joints through exercises, and hands on muscle treatments. Final thoughts about physiotherapy Minor injuries that are ignored can lead to issues with your joints and muscular health, so it’s good to seek the advice of a physiotherapist if you are concerned about your overall joint and muscle health. Massage Therapy We all hold [...]

Your Content Goes Here Many children with ASD, (up to 85%), struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This can make eating an extremely difficult and overwhelming task for both the child and their caregiver(s). Eating is one of the most sensory-rich experiences, it can be over stimulating for kids with ASD and/or SPD. What are some ways to help children with ASD cope while eating? 1. Notice patterns in the current foods they love and start to introduce foods with similar textures, flavours, shapes, colours, and/or tastes. 2. Start where they are comfortable and take it slow. Not just eating is a win but also smelling, touching, playing, chewing, and spitting out, are all wins! What to do if your child is struggling to try new foods: 1. Stay calm a. Many children need to taste food more than a dozen times before they are willing to eat it without issue, children with ASD may take longer. b. Be patient as your child explores new foods. If they still reject it after a dozen-plus time, maybe they don’t like it. c. Get creative! 2. Take steps toward tasting a. Help your child explore a new food by looking at it touching it, and smelling it. b. When they are ready for a taste, they can try and ‘kiss’ or lick the food. c. Mixing new foods with their favourites may also be an idea. 3. Tune into textures a. It may not be the taste of the food but instead the texture. Whether it is how it feels in their mouth, in the hands, etc. b. Try chopping or blending the foods in question. (For example, tomato can be blended into sauce or a salsa.) 4. Play with a new food a. Most times we do not want our children playing with their food but this is a great way for children with ASD to build familiarity and decrease mealtime anxiety with new food. Some examples could be; to paint with pasta sauce, make faces with veggies on pizza, and use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun shapes. Make sure your child sees you tasting and eating the food too. 5. Offer choices and control a. Your child may need to feel some control over what they are putting in their mouths. b. Offer broad variety and allow choices with the categories you care about. c. Remember, it is ok that they don't like some foods. If you are considered about feeding and nutrition for your child, make sure to discuss it with your family doctor, or pediatrician, they may be able to offer suggestions, or make an appropriate referral to a dietician and/or nutritionist. Your medical doctor will also be able to assess if there are any concerning or significant deficiencies that need to be addressed. This blog is not designed to replace seeking the advice of a healthcare professional. If you would like to set up a consultation with our holistic nutritionist, contact us at pathwaystohopebrant@gmail.com or call 519.751.0728. [...]

Your Content Goes Here Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles we can play in the lives of our children. Seldom do we feel prepared for all that parenting brings, especially when our child is facing challenges. Many parents and caregivers experience a wide range of emotions when they learn their child has an ASD diagnosis, and it is not uncommon to experience feelings of fear, anger, grief, worry and helplessness, to name a few. Instead of thinking of ASD as a disorder, it may be more helpful to think of it as a different way of thinking, being and experiencing. Having a positive mindset may help you as a parent to feel more hopeful and empowered as you support your child’s unique life journey. The following are some helpful strategies to consider when parenting your child with autism. What is Autism? Autism is a developmental disorder that is part of the autism spectrum and is often referred to as “ASD” or Autism Spectrum Disorder. While the experience of ASD is different for every child, some of the hallmarks include social impairment, non-verbal and verbal communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviours. Helpful Parenting Strategies: Learn about ASD– Knowledge is power. Learning about Autism and how it shows up for your child in different situations and people will help you plan and prepare for supporting your child throughout each developmental stage. Keep the following in mind: -What triggers challenging behaviour? -What elicits a positive response? -Why are transitions so hard? -What does your child find soothing? Knowing these things will help you to troubleshoot problems and prevent situations from developing. Be sure to seek reliable sources of information and professionals who can give you sound advice and support. Being open to learning from others who have experience with children and youth with ASD can be helpful- experience is an amazing teacher. Love and accept your child for who they are. The most critical thing that parents can offer their children is unconditional love and acceptance. See your child first, and the ASD second. Prize your child for who they are right now. Avoid comparing your child to other children the same age and instead embrace your child’s uniqueness. Celebrate each new achievement, new skill, when your child overcomes a fear and is willing to try new foods and new tasks. This will help you to shift from a deficit lens to a strength-based approach. Take parenting one day at a time, sometimes, one moment at a time. Be patient with them, and with yourself. Become an expert on your child and focus on positives. Discover your child’s strengths, interests, and affinities and build on those. Praise your child for positive behaviours, be specific about what you liked about their behaviour and reward them with things such as attention, time and play. Embrace the notion that all behaviour is communication. Learn about what triggers meltdowns and what causes stress for your child, and where you can, adjust the environment to reduce challenging behaviours and increase [...]

Your Content Goes Here Whilst many adults understand the need to take care of their spines, and what issues to look for, it can be trickier to determine when a child is in need of chiropractic care. Many children will not express that they are in pain and they are often able to continue their daily activities even if they are in mild discomfort. Younger children are also unsure of how to communicate that they are experiencing pain. Despite this, there are things you as the caregiver can be aware of that might help you know when it’s time to get their spine checked! Is it Safe? Before we dive in to the main topics of this article, most people are probably wondering if chiropractic care is even safe for their child. The good news is that chiropractic care is safe for anyone at any age, including new born babies. The trained chiropractor simply has to change the amount of pressure or treatment style according to the person’s size and condition. There are many different chiropractic methods and not all of them involve “twisting” or “cracking”. These methods employ an adjusting instrument that clicks, and applies a small force, making the adjustment to the spine. This is known as an Activator or adjusting instrument, and is usually the best treatment technique for children. However, the best treatment technique should be chosen by the chiropractor after examining your child and determining the cause of their problem. Headaches Children can develop headaches at almost any age, and if they do, it is important to get their spine checked as the neck or “cervical spine” is often where headaches can stem from. These types of headaches are known as “cervicogenic” headaches. What causes cervicogenic headaches? Any of the following can contribute to neck dysfunction and can lead to these types of headaches: * Bad posture, * Falling over, * Concussions, * Watching too much TV, * Eye strain, * Poor sleeping position. When visiting a chiropractor for headaches, the Doctor will do a history and examination to determine where the headaches are coming from. If he or she finds that the headaches are coming from the neck, they will recommend a treatment plan to help correct the dysfunction causing the problem. This may include spinal adjustments, muscle release work, posture advice and stretches. If the chiropractor determines the headaches are not coming from the spine, and perhaps are related the child’s diet, the doctor will make necessary recommendations or refer accordingly. Recurrent ear infections or other infections If children have trouble fighting off infections, or have recurrent infections, it may be a sign that their immune system is weak, which can relate back to their spine health. Of course, medical attention is necessary in these situations but if a child is requiring frequent visits to the medical doctor for antibiotics then it might be worthwhile to also visit the chiropractor. It has been shown that adjustments to the spine can boost an immune response, and [...]

Your Content Goes Here Myth #1: Autism is becoming an epidemic This is a myth. The growing number of people with ASD reflects our increased knowledge, understanding and ability to recognize ASD in children and youth, as well as the expansion of what the diagnosis includes. The growing population of adults being diagnosed is also reflected in these rising numbers. Many people who may have been seen as socially awkward, introverted, or insensitive in the past are now being recognized as having ASD. Myth #2: People with Autism do not experience emotions People with autism are completely capable of feeling all emotions. Because autism can impact one’s ability to communicate and socially interact, this is often misinterpreted as being an expression of a lack of interest or inability in making connections and relationships. Autistic people can also struggle with interpreting other people’s emotions, body language and expressions, and understanding social nuances. This different level of understanding and interacting might impact on their ability to connect and socialize but is not reflective of their unwillingness or disinterest. Therapy and professional intervention can help autistic individuals to implement their very human desire to connect. Myth #3: People with Autism have intellectual disabilities and are non-verbal The truth is that some people with autism do also have an accompanying intellectual disability and some people don’t. Some autistic people can speak and communicate verbally, others can’t. Some autistic people have higher IQs than other people and some have IQ levels within the average range. Not only is there a complete range in all of these areas, even those autistic individuals with late developing speech all develop at different rates and to different levels. There is a wide, wide range of skills, abilities, and communication levels among people on the autism spectrum. Myth #4: One can grow out of Autism One cannot grow out of autism. It is a lifelong disorder and there is no ‘cure’ for autism through either therapy or medicine. Autism is a spectrum and not only are autistic people all affected in different ways, but the level of impact and type of autistic traits can change and develop throughout the different life stages of an individual. Of course, appropriate therapy and intervention can help address areas of specific concern, help support the development of new skills and communication/social abilities, and improve their day to day life overall. Despite being a lifelong disorder, there is absolutely no reason why anyone with autism can’t lead as happy and meaningful a life as anyone else. Myth #5: All Autistic people have a savant skill The existence of savant syndrome is not a myth. It is a real thing. What is a myth is the assumption that ALL autistic people have a savant skill. In fact, no more than 1 in 10 (or 10%) of people with autism display some advanced level of a particular skill. Even among those who do have a ‘savant skill’, the skills themselves are very varied both in type and [...]