Programs
Outpatient Program
Comprehensive rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology and social work) services are provided to children with motor and communication impairments.
Eligibility and Admission Process
Referrals are accepted from infancy to the age of 19. Some referrals may be redirected to the child’s local school board (speech and/or OT), other community providers (WordPlay) or the North East Local Health Integration Network's (NELHIN) Pediatric Program.
- A physician referral (family physician, paediatrician) or a nurse practitioner referral is required
- Service coordinators from the Children’s Community Network (CCN) complete the Intake for all non-urgent referrals. Once the Intake is completed, the Outpatient team reviews the Intake package to prioritize the referrals. There are waiting lists for all services.
- Services are available in English and French.
For more information with regards to outpatient services please contact 705-523-7120 ext. 1483.
PATH
PATH or Preschool Assessment and THerapy is the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre in-house preschool program dedicated to children with motor and communication delays. PATH children benefit from both one on one therapy and group therapy, within a structured play environment. The PATH programs promote:
- curiosity and choice making
- self-esteem
- play skills, turn-taking and respect of others
- gross motor skill development (e.g., positioning,moving, balancing, developing coordination)
- communication skill development (e.g., making sounds, signing, using words, etc.)
- fine motor skill development (e.g., colouring, cutting)
- self-care skill development (e.g., dressing, feeding, toileting)
- preparing a child for the transition to an integrated child care centre and/or school.
Therapies Involved/Team Members
The PATH team may consist of the following team members:
Family
Preschool Program Assistant
Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapist
Speech Language Pathologist
Communicative Disorders Assistant
Social Worker
Volunteers & Students
Duration, Frequency & Intensity
The PATH Program is held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This preschool program respects holidays and follows the academic calendar distributed in September. The PATH program is not offered in July and August. In the event of school bus cancellations due to weather, the NEO Kids CTC’s preschool program will also be closed, as driving conditions will be dangerous and the availability of staff may be reduced.
Structure
There are 3 terms during the academic year: September to November, December to March and March to June. Early in each term, a meeting will be held between parents & the PATH team to jointly determine goals for the term. At the end of each term, a transition meeting will be held between parent & the PATH team to discuss the next steps (eg. block off/home program, outpatient services, SPOT, community program, etc.).
Eligibility and Admission Process
Age Range
24 months to 4 years of age
Screening and Assessment Process
NEO Kids CTC therapists suggest to parents that he/she may benefit from attending our PATH Program. The purpose of these programs is to provide intensive therapies (physiotherapy, occupational and speech & language therapy) within a structured Preschool Program which emphasizes socialization and play.
Program Availability
The demand for the program may exceed the number of spaces available. If parents are interested in having their child participate, therapist will submit an application for PATH and a meeting will then be held to review all potential candidates. A fair selection process will be undertaken based on each child’s needs and set eligibility criteria. Parents will be informed by a PATH staff member if a space is available for their child. The programs run on 3 month sessions, and, if ineligible for one session, space may become available in the future.
Language Availability
PATH incorporates French and English, as well as sign language within the program.
SPOT
Speech, Physio, Occupational Therapy (SPOT) is a specific therapeutic program offered by the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre in partnership with licensed Early Learning & Child Care Programs within the City of Greater Sudbury.
Upon receipt of a referral, the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre therapists will visit a child at licensed Early Learning and Child Care Programs (ELCC) in the community to provide assessment, consultation, and programming. These services are provided to identified children having physically based difficulties. Therapists facilitate each child’s function and successful integration through recommendations regarding equipment, positioning, play, communication, feeding skills, etc.
For more information with regards to Child Care in the City of Greater Sudbury please refer to the city's website at www.greatersudbury.ca.
School Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS)
The NEO Kids Children's Treatment Centre delivers school-based rehabilitation services including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech language pathlogy services in public-funded schools in the Sudbury area. In addition, NEO Kids CTC is reponsible for the management of referrals and the waiting list. For more information, please call 705-523-7120 ext. 1468.
NEO Kids CTC therapists visit community schools and provide in-school assessment, consultation and treatment as appropriate. Therapy is designed to improve each child's independence, function and successful community school integration.
Referral Process
If your child is already receiving services at NEO Kids CTC, your therapist will facilitate the transition to school based rehabilitation services. If your child is not currently receiving services at NEO Kids CTC or in the schools, a referral by the school is preferred and is sent to NEO Kids CTC with a parent's permission. For more information, call 705-523-7120 ext. 1468.
Your school board may also have some resources and services for those in need. Please consult your school board directly for details.
Rural Services
The Rural Program provides community-based programming to outlying areas including Manitoulin Island, Espanola/Massey, Chapleau/Gogama/Foleyet, and Sudbury East. Speech and Language services (excluding Sudbury East and Espanola/Massey) Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy are provided by the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) in conjunction with Children’s Community Network (CCN).
Eligibility and Admission Process
- Children between the ages of 0 to 19 (21 if still enrolled in school) are seen on a consultative basis, at local clinics, homes, in the local school setting. If more intensive block programming is required, the use of an intervention worker can be accessed.
- Local service coordinators (CCN) complete the intake process upon receipt of a referral. Referrals are then directed to the appropriate therapies.
- If possible, services are provided in French and English.
- There are waitlists for all therapies, which vary throughout the programs, and referrals are prioritized based on need and not necessarily the date of referral. Waitlist times can be shared by service coordinators at the time of referral.
- There is no cost for the program.
- Equipment suggestions may be made by your therapist, who will suggest funding options.
Assistive Communications Clinic (ACC)
The Assistive Communication Clinic is an Assistive Devices Program (ADP) expanded level clinic for augmentative and alternative communication. The ACC provides assessment, consultation, intervention and training to assist clients in developing functional face to face and written communication. The ACC team is comprised of Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, a Communicative Disorders Assistant, an Equipment Manager and a Technician.
Eligibility and Admission Process
The ACC serves children from 0 to 21 years of age from Northeastern Ontario whose verbal and/or written communication skills are not meeting their daily needs. A referral to the ACC at the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre is required to be completed by a physician or nurse practitioner. In addition, the ACC Intake Questionnaire needs to be completed by the child’s SLP.
Once the ACC referral is received, a “While You Wait” package will be sent to the parent(s). Closer to the appointment date, a background information questionnaire is sent which is required to be completed by the parent(s) and returned to the ACC to help plan for the assessment. Relevant medical or therapy reports are also helpful. The ACC team will contact the parent(s) to arrange the appointment which will be held at the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre or virtually if appropriate.
For more information please contact 705-523-7120 ext. 3550.
Move 2 Improve
The Move 2 Improve Group was developed to provide a fun and stimulating group program for children with mild motor impairment to work on their gross motor skills, ball skills, balance, coordination, strength and cardiovascular fitness. Move 2 Improve consists of a warm-up followed by 3 sessions: Body Builders (strength exercises), Circus School (balance and coordination skills (i.e., walking on a beam, hopping, jumping jacks, etc.), and Fast and Furious (cardiovascular fitness and ball skills), ending in a group activity/sport (soccer, hockey, basketball, etc.).
A Parent Education week is included that focuses on providing parents/guardians with tools for success when teaching new motor skills or when practicing challenging skills. Parents were also encouraged to participate in a session during Parent Shadow Week. Parents have provided great feedback with some comments including: “better confidence”, “improved balance”, and “was very excited about actually being able to participate in group activities without being left behind”. One of our participants summed it up great by saying “I wish this didn’t have to end!”
Move 2 Improve sessions are offered in the Fall and Spring. Please contact the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre for more information.
Fit N’ Fun
The Fit 'N' Fun program was developed for children ages 5-18 who have had BOTOX injections to their lower extremities. It is a group training program that will optimize the effects of the BOTOX to improve muscle function through strengthening, stretching, gait training, balance, social interaction and FUN!
Fit 'N' Fun will challenge the children to be independent with their exercises which will help them maintain their health throughout their lives. The group runs 1 day/week with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 sessions, as determined by the physiotherapist.
"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Snoezelen Pool Therapy
The therapeutic pool at Health Sciences North is accessible to children with physical disabilities. The water is heated to 33°C (92°F) to provide therapeutic benefits such as relieving pain, promoting relaxation, mobilizing joints, strengthening muscles, developing balance and coordination and improving general fitness. The Snoezelen equipment promotes relaxation and exploration in an enhanced sensory environment with lighting and sound effects.
Children referred to the NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre can participate in various programs and groups including:
- morning juvenile arthritis group
- preschool program
- 'Parents and Tots' group
- after school pool program
A pool therapy referral by the child’s physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist is required.
What are the therapeutic benefits of pool therapy & exercise in warm water?
- Muscular relaxation and decreased muscle spasm.
- Decreased pain due to warmth and support.
- Gravity is countered by buoyancy.
- Increased muscle strength and endurance due to the greater resistance in water.
- Improvement in swelling, due to hydrostatic pressure.
- Enhanced balance and stabilization.
- Improved enjoyment and confidence to move better.
How does pool therapy (hydrotherapy) work?
The warmth increases circulation, reduces muscle spasm, and helps to relieve pain. Clients do not need to be able to swim in order to benefit from hydrotherapy (pool therapy). Hydrotherapy may be used alone or in conjunction with other rehabilitation programs. The program is often a stepping stone for patients to progress onto gym or land based exercise programs.
For specific information regarding program appropriateness for your child, eligibility and schedules, please contact your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Specialty Clinics
Feeding Service/Team
The Feeding Service/Team is comprised of an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Language Pathologist, with consultative services by a registered Dietitian. This team assesses children from birth to 19 years of age who experience or are at risk of feeding and swallowing difficulties. Early warning signs may include recurrent gagging or retching, vomiting and /or coughing during bottle and/or cup drinking, or while eating food at mealtime. Other signs may include reflux, limited intake (bottle and solids), a limited repertoire of foods eaten or the absence of foods from specific food groups, such that their nutritional status is compromised.
Each child requires a referral from their Family Physician, Paediatrician or Nurse Practitioner. The family is contacted by phone to arrange a time that one or both parents and their child can visit the centre. Parents are asked to bring specific foods for their child to eat during this visit. Oral sensory, oral motor and swallowing skills are assessed and a detailed history is obtained. In some cases, a modified barium swallow study is done to assess a child’s swallowing skills and determine whether food or liquid is entering the airway; this test involves taking x-rays of a child’s mouth and throat while he or she drinks and eats. Various strategies are used and discussed with parents, concerns are addressed, and parents leave with written recommendations to assist them in progressing their child’s feeding skills or foods. The option for treatment if required is discussed at this time. Our goal is to assist families in creating a safe, comfortable and nurturing feeding environment for their child and family.
Seating and Mobility Service
The Seating and Mobility Service provides seating and mobility assessments and prescriptions, as well as custom fabricated seating devices to adults and children throughout Northeastern Ontario. The pediatric seating and mobility services are provided by a physiotherapist through the NEO Kids Children's Treatment Centre.
For more information contact 705-523-7100 ext. 3162.
NEO Kids Clinics
NEO Kids CTC staff support/staff a number of NEO Kids clinics including the following:
Neonatal Follow-up Clinic
CF Clinic (Cystic Fibrosis)
FASD Clinic (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
Orthopedic Clinic
Rheumatology Clinic
BOTOX Clinic
For more information please refer to the NEO Kids section of the HSN website at www.hsnsudbury.ca.