BUSHkids Annual Report 2011-2012

BUNDABERG

families and kids have overcome a sometimes wobbly start and given it their best shot, meeting some of their goals. Whether it involved realising their unique skills and strengths, gaining confidence, overcoming fears of NAPLAN, learning to STOP, THINK, DO ( so difficult for those with ADHD), or learning to gain control over the Mad Max within, they have all enjoyed some successes. My first year has been rewarding and productive: my waitlist has become manageable and has finally re-opened (the local paediatricians are making sure it’s getting a good work-out once again!). A close observation of local needs has identified two gaps that I am keen to address. These are: • an initial screening service within childcare centres/kindergartens, and/or presentations to increase awareness, education and the identification of the presenting signs/symptoms along the Autism Spectrum – before school start; and • the paucity of groups promoting the practical application of social skills opportunities for boys 8-12. We currently provide social skills development groups, a learning function. However these boys would benefit significantly from the opportunity to practice their skills, with the support of a mentor and within a group environment. I look forward to investigating and then developing a group program that will assist these young boys to take the next step with their social skills. I also had the opportunity to attend a professional development course ( which in hindsight could be called ‘ Boot camp for Psychs’!) It was a very intense learning experience that challenged me and took me way outside my comfort zone. But I survived intact and was sufficiently motivated to pursue the assessment

of a young man who returned an amazing IQ score placing him in the 99.7 percentile rating. Nine years old going on 19 … yes, that can help explain some of those behavioural issues. Words that reflect my initiation into BUSHkids would be: Wow, good grief, really amazing, rewarding, and yes, I’m loving it! I look forward with anticipation to the challenges and rewards that responding to community needs will bring, and savour those little moments of personal satisfaction when I can assist a child or family to move ahead with confidence. SLP – reflections by Laura Back August 2012 was an exciting change and opportunity for me, relocating from Brisbane and starting as Speech-Language Pathologist for BUSHkids. I am very much looking forward to being a part of the team here and providing services and support for the local community as part of the BUSHkids organisation. I have a passion for helping and working with children and their families and with each year that I work as a SLP I find that it grows even more. I am excited about the new opportunities my role at BUSHkids will bring and the chance that it will provide to grow both professionally and personally. Having been here a short while, I feel I am learning the ropes and, hopefully, asking fewer questions of the others, who have been very welcoming and supportive and great in helping me to settle in. In taking over from Tanya Kozlova, I also have to say a big thank you for making my transition into the role as smooth as possible, and look forward to continuing the great work that she did here in Bundaberg.

I am thoroughly enjoying meeting and working individually with children and their families. I have been lucky enough to provide services to local community groups through a child health talk which was a great opportunity and I look forward to continuing to form these relationships and liaising more with local professionals, community groups, child cares and kindergartens. I am keen to continue with the PAL lit eracy groups that Tanya began, along with school readiness groups and other groups to best support the children on my caseload. I am looking forward to 2013 and the challenges and opportunities BUSHkids will bring. OT – reflections by Claire Muller 2012 has been yet another busy year, filled again with its fair share of challenges in complex, ‘tricky’ cases, but not to be outdone by many fun, rewarding experiences. Referrals for OT have flooded in throughout the year and this is keeping me on my toes, making sure that I am providing the best services that I can for our clients. The completion of our new outdoor play area with shade sail in late 2011 has proven a wonderful space for doing gross motor work and I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to take my therapy out of the office and into some natural light and fresh air – I think the kids have loved this too! The space is the perfect size for obstacle courses and scooter board work, and I must say my activities have become more creative with such a useable space! For professional development, I crossed the Tasman to attend a course in Auckland. I attended the basic training of the same course in 2011, and absolutely jumped at the chance to attend two more days of

15