Frequently Asked Questions

*How long have you been doing this work? ​

Years and years! I completed my full registration as a psychologist in 2013, but have dedicated my entire career to working with early child development. 

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*What can I expect during an assessment for my child?

1) free consultation call

2) intake and informed consent conversation and paperwork

3) various interviews, activities, and observations

4) feedback meeting to review and receive the report

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*I can also help you qualify for Disability Tax Credit, Family Support for Children with Disabilities, etc. Simply start the application and send me the reference number.

 

*What do I tell my child?

 

*Tell the truth

*Use language they will understand

*Give them the amount and type of information that they can handle

 

A good guideline is: if they are asking about it, they are ready for an answer about it! As I learn more about your child, I can recommend more personalized ideas. If appropriate, I provide short stories with pictures to help you speak with your child about their brain. ​

 

*How long will it take?

*It depends on what type of assessment we are doing. Full cognitive/autism assessments can range from 5-10 hours face-to-face time & 5-10 hours scoring and reporting. In-school observations are typically 2 hours, as they include the commute.

*Billable hours are always agreed upon before work begins, and can be re-visited throughout the process as appropriate. 

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*How much does it cost?

Fees are determined according to the schedule recommended by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta.

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*What do these acronyms/terms mean?

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DIR/Floortime

A play-based philosophy, developed by Stanley Greenspan, where Developmental stages, Individual Differences, and Relationship are always prioritized. 

 

CDS/Child Development Services

An Alberta Health Services clinic, located near the Alberta Children’s Hospital; children and families are often referred to the CDS by doctors or health care professionals; funded through Alberta Health Care

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FSCD/Family Support for Children with Disabilities 

Provincial program; if a child has a medical diagnosis or documented delays/difficulties/differences, supports are available, such as financial compensation for respite care and access to therapists* for support in the home

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• I.F.S.P./Individual Family Support Plan: document including goals, strategies, and responsibilities of family and community 

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• I.S.P./Individual Service Plan: document including goals, strategies, and responsibilities of family and therapy team

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*I am an approved provider for FSCD

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Neurodiversity Affirming

We all have our own unique developmental profile and we don't always fit into simple boxes. I listen to individuals, parents, and teachers. I help with building on strengths, incorporating interests and passions, and addressing challenges with validation and respect. I support parents and caregivers so that they can support their children and students.

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O.T./Occupational Therapist

Supports development of fine motor skills, or little movements, such as printing and grabbing, self-help skills such as eating and toileting, and sensory profile needs, such as a child's response to lights, sounds, movement, and smells 

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Psych/Registered Psychologist

Supports mental functioning, including social, emotional, behavioural, relational, and cognitive development, often through assessments, counselling, and consultation

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Psychiatrist

Medical doctor, supports mental health through treatments such as counselling and prescribing medication

 

PT/Physical Therapist

Supports gross motor development and big movements, such as walking, running, jumping, throwing, coordinating, and healing injuries

 

P.U.F./Special Education Coding and Funding in Schools

Program Unit Funding is also a provincial program; if a child has a medical diagnosis or documented delays/difficulties/differences, supports are available to build skills in the classroom. Teams of therapists, teachers, educational assistants, and parents collaborate on goals and strategies, recommend and model modified programming, and track and share progress. Support is more readily available in preschool and kindergarten, through early intervention and Program Unit Funding; requirements for extra support in grade 1+ are more specific.

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• I.P.P./Individual Program Plan: document including goals, strategies, and responsibilities of school team

 

SLP/Speech and Language Pathologist

Supports speech, language, and communication development

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