BUSHkids Annual Report 2011-2012

advanced training for this therapy approach. The course specifically focused on feeding the autistic child and engaging parents as partners in the therapy process and, given BUSHkids’ strong emphasis on family-centered practice, the information learnt in the course was invaluable to my practice. I have realised that working with ‘ picky eaters’ and children with oral sensory sensitivities is a particular delighted to accept some children into our service who have such difficulties, and it has been such a great learning curve to put some of the theory into practice. I’ve spent some fun (and messy!) times with the children doing things like painting with yogurt, hiding oranges in our hands, and ‘kissing’ apple pieces, all in an attempt to get the children to ‘interact’ with their foods in the hope they will one day build up a tolerance for touching and tasting off-putting foods! This year I have trialled a new approach for managing referrals for toileting. To maximise both parent understanding of the complexities associated with toileting and parent engagement and follow-through at home, I have begun education sessions with their parents prior to commencing work with the child. While still in the trial phase, I have had a number of parents attend the course, and found the group to be useful in imparting information, reinforcing parent involvement. I plan to continue to refine the education session and the process for managing toileting referrals as a whole to ensure best outcomes for these particular children. In July, national registration was introduced by a new governing body: the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. BUNDABERG special interest area of mine. Throughout 2012, I have been

Along with all OTs, I am now required to accumulate and document continuing professional development hours throughout the year. This stipulation makes my involvement in opportunities such as the fortnightly BUSHkids OT teleconferences and monthly Bundaberg Paediatric OT Special Interest Group more important. In all, 2012 has been an incredibly satisfying year. It is wonderful to work alongside my wonderful team here in Bundaberg and I am finding continual joy in working closely with children and families to see new skills learned, problems solved and progress made in all sorts of areas of development! FHSW – reflections by Janie Stupart Wow, how quickly time flies when you’re having fun! In February, I celebrated my first anniversary with BUSHkids. As I glance back on my journey so far, I am proud of my professional growth and the knowledge I have gained from working with a wonderful team of therapists. A number of exciting new groups have been taken on – including fine motor and hand-writing groups for children on our OT waiting list. I have a passion for creating programs utilising art and craft and believe in the benefits. Combined with Claire’s support and wisdom, these groups have proven to be both successful and enjoyable. I have received an over- whelming positive response and hope to introduce these programs in the community, targeted at Prep and Pre-Prep institutions, in 2013. This year, it was my goal to help the therapists with their long waiting lists, by providing groups for clients while they waited for their individual therapy.

Some groups I have facilitated at the centre and in local schools include: Friends for Life/Stop Think Do , Friendship groups, Fun Friends , PALS, Fine Motor, Art and Literacy, Hand-writing and Holiday Craft. My Easter holiday craft program was awesome, hosting no less than seven separate sessions with up to 10 children in each group. Many of the participants were current or waiting list clients, as well as a variety of new faces from local schools and vacation care centres. The creations were impressive and the children participated with enjoyment and enthusiasm, and I designed a further program for the September school holidays. My lists are now full with 12 children participating in each of the four group sessions. With the increase of childhood anxiety and depression in our community, we have had a steady and continual rise of referrals for the friendship groups. These groups are a wonderful tool for promoting confidence, developing social and emotional skills. At each weekly session, I have engaged the parents in discussions, reviews and role plays, contributing greatly to successful outcomes. In May I attended the ‘Body Think’ early intervention PD in Brisbane. This workshop followed the ‘Free To Be’ Body Esteem Program which I completed in 2011. It provided the opportunity to learn more about early detection of eating disorders in young people. I also became a supporter of the local Let’s Read organisation and attended the workshop in June this year. Finally, I want to thank our new FHSW mentor: Jane, a warm, encouraging person who provides guidance and recognition for the work we do.

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