resources
Be sure to bookmark this page as it will be updated regularly. If there are any resources that you think are worth adding to our list, please email them to resources@perfectspirit.com.au
If you happen to find any of these resources particularly helpful please email me nicole@perfectspirit.com.au as I would love to hear about it. They've been collected over a period of almost 2 years so I would be thrilled to know that another parent has benefited from the research!
Organisations
The Spastic Centre
For information please visit www.thespasticcentre.org.au
CP Australia
CP Australia - works towards creating a national focus on cerebral palsy - to promote the interests, rights, roles and wellbeing of people with cerebral palsy and similar disorders.
For information please visit www.cpaustralia.com.au
DADHC
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care is one of the largest human services organisations in NSW. We provide support and services to more than 1 million older people, people with disabilities and their carers in NSW. We are committed to ensuring that older people, people with disabilities and their carers are valued, lead independent lives and have the opportunity to participate fully in community life.
DADHC offer a Family Assistance Fund (FAF) to parents caring for a child with a disability.
For more information please visit www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au or download the Family Assistance Fund fact sheet.
Centrelink
For information about Carers Allowance please click here
Siblings Australia
Siblings Australia is a unique national organisation committed to providing support for brothers and sisters of people with special needs; including disability, chronic illness and mental health issues.
For more information please visit www.siblingsaustralia.org.au
Variety - The Children's Charity
Variety provides grants to individuals and organisations for a great number of items such as special wheelchairs, vocal output speech devices, prosthetic limbs, special play equipment and liberty swings.
For more information please visit www.varietyaustralia.org.au
Northcott Disability Services
Northcott provides support and services to more than 6000 individuals and families across NSW and the ACT. Northcott provides close to 70 services across a broad range of disabilities including physical, intellectual, sensory, acquired and degenerative disabilities, as well as challenging behaviours.
For more information please visit www.northcott.com.au
Raising Children Network - the australian parenting website
On the Raising Children website, parents will find reliable, scientifically validated information and resources to support them in the day-to-day work of raising children, and looking after their own needs. The website is growing all the time, and covers a broad range of up-to-date parenting topics. In late 2007 'Children with a disability' was added to this resource.
For more information please visit www.raisingchildren.net.au/disabilities
Support Groups
Yahoo Groups - Brain Injury Alternative for Kids (BIA4KIDS)
Brain Injury Alternatives 4 Kids provides support and information for parents of children suffering from Brain Injury and related diagnosis.
For more information please visit http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BIA4KIDS
Yahoo Groups - Microcephaly
This is a discussion list for parents and caregivers of children (of any age) with Microcephaly and related developmental disabilities. Share stories about your kids ups and downs, get advice and support, or just have someone to "listen".
For more information please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microcephaly
Yahoo Groups - Cerebral Palsy
A space for parents of children with Cerebral Palsy to get together and exchange information.
For more information please visit http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/CPecialparents
Practitioners / Healthcare Services
Pymble Grove Health Centre
Pymble Grove Health Centre is a well established health centre which combines the best of complementary medicine with traditional medicine. Its doctors have trained in conventional medicine and have extended their knowledge and skills into alternative medicine .Its natural health practitioners also include naturopaths who have expertise in herbal and nutritional health. It also has an extensive herbal dispensary staffed by naturopaths who can guide you in your enquires. The centre is linked to Natural Dentistry which provides a holistic approach to Dental care.
Dr Antony Underwood
Dr Antony Underwood is a Consultant Paediatrician who is trained in anthroposophical medicine. This is an holistic approach to medicine, based on the works of Dr Rudolf Steiner. After completing his paediatric training in England, he travelled to Germany where he studied in a home for autistic and handicapped children. He further studied in a German hospital which uses anthroposophic medicine and therapies.
For more information or to make an appointment please contact www.pymblegrove.com or 02 9418 1388.
Oral Motor Function Therapy Clinic
The Oral Motor Function Therapy Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic that provides consultation for babies and children who have problems with saliva control, eg. drooling, tongue thrust, eating (oral dysphagia), and other problems using the oral or facial muscles such as kissing, blowing, and facial expression. Babies and children ages 0-10 years will receive an assessment and treatment if required. A Dentist, Speech Pathologist and a Dietitian are part of the team.
For more information or to make an appointment please contact 02 9845 7816.
Caswell Heathcare - Child First Paediatric Therapy
At Child First we specialise in working with children and adolescents 0-18 years who have neurological and long-term disabilities. We also help children with specific learning difficulties, poor fine motor skills, poor coordination or clumsy children, and those having difficulty with handwriting, language or speech.
Our aim is to improve your child's quality of life using goal-oriented therapies that are fun and enjoyable. Our therapists conduct a detailed assessment of your child and work with you to develop an effective therapy program. Progress is carefully monitored and we can prepare reports on assessments, recommendations and outcomes if required. We also liaise with school staff, paediatricians and other therapists in a collaborative approach that helps your child achieve measurable goals for home, school or play.
Our experienced team utilises a variety of treatment approaches including the latest evidence - based practices. Our team is able to assess and provide treatment for your child at home, school or at our treatment rooms located at Pymble.
For more information or to make an appointment please contact www.caswellhealthcare.com.au or 02 9440 1333.
Therapeutic / Sensory Equipment
Makaton Australia
Makaton uses key word signs and natural gestures to support communication. It is a means of encouraging language development in children and adults with communication difficulties.
For more information please visit www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/sed/makaton
DoAbility
Doability products are designed to make life easier for those in need, and our customer care reflects these requirements. DoAbility are the exclusive Australian distributors for Jenx, Chunc, Thies Vacu-Tec, Sleep-Safe, Kvistberga, TGA Electric, & Mobeli products.
For more information please visit www.doability.com.au
Technical Solutions Australia
Technical Solutions have a huge range of special equipment for people with disabilities (Assistive Technology). We design and manufacture our own equipment, source products world wide and also provide a service adapting toys, computers and other devices to improve accessibility.
For more information please visit www.tecsol.com.au
Therapy Bookshop
Co-ordinates Therapy Services has been a one stop shop service for paediatric occupational therapists and physiotherapists all over Australia and New Zealand since 1990. In 1994 our range of books, assessments, handwriting implements, game, specialised furniture, therapy and ADL equipment were expanded to also address adult related issues. This was to expand on our already wide range of child related products.
For more information please visit www.therapybookshop.com
SenseAbilities
SenseAbilities is committed to the provision of equipment and resources designed to assist with the sensory motor development of children. We provide supplies for parents, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physiotherapists, Teachers and other allied health professionals or just to people wanting to have a little fun with sensory toys.
For more information please visit www.senseabilities.com.au
Educational Experience
Educational Experience specialises in supplying toys and educational products.
For more information please visit www.edex.com.au
Adaptive Child
The Adaptive Child is dedicated to developing better therapeutic solutions for special needs children who can't get what they need from mainstream therapeutic devices. By offering a greater selection of special needs strollers, toys, clothing, learning tools and other adaptive equipment, the Adaptive Child is focused on educating the parents and teachers in new developments in the early intervention field. Our adaptive therapy products focus on movement, positioning, sensorimotor, exercise, aquatics and play.
For more information please visit www.adaptivechild.com
Adaptive Mall
Our services at the Adaptivemall.com® help families find the best equipment to support their children at their highest functioning level. We have created an experience for you that makes equipment selection a positive one. Our primary goal is to empower you with resources that allow you and your child’s primary caregivers to make the best decisions to meet your child’s unique needs.
For more information please visit www.adaptivemall.com
Achievement Products for Chldren
Achievement Products offers hundreds of top quality therapy products, special needs exercise products and special education products from walkers and standers to therapy balls, feeder seats, rolls and wedges to help children achieve their best.
For more information please visit www.specialkidszone.com
MiniMedia Productions
Minimedia Productions is the innovator and producer of Australia’s exciting new DVD series Bab-e-books®.
For more information please visit www.minimedia.com.au
Able Play
AblePlayTM toy evaluations are the key to unlocking the magic of play for children with special needs! Choosing toys for children with disabilities can be difficult. There are thousands of choices but finding just the right toy to match the varying abilities of each child with special needs can be a challenge. AblePlay's independent toy reviews and detailed information help you get "beyond the box" to understand each toy's unique features, creative ways each toy can be used with children with special needs and skills that will be enhanced as a result.
For more information please visit www.ableplay.org
The Able Company - Snuggle Wraps
Snuggle Wraps immobilise the elbow, assisting with weight bearing on arms, as part of therapy.
For more information please visit www.snugglewraps.com
Beyond Play
Beyond Play focuses on young children with special needs. Our goal is to bring you a great selection of products that are all appropriate for Early Intervention. Our catalog and web site are for professionals of all disciplines, as well as for parents and caregivers.
For more information please visit www.beyondplay.com
Hatchbacks
Hatchbacks developed and patented a hinged shoe that opened from the back to make it easy to fit a toddler with shoes. They specifically developed a shoe utilizing our patented "Easy Fit" System for use with AFOs.
For more information please visit www.hatchbacksfootwear.com
Bandana Bib
The Funky New Alternative to the Traditional Baby and Toddler Bib. The Banbib is functional yet fashionable ideal for Dribblers and Reflux or can double up as a Scarf. This is the Original Design of the Banbib which is short for Bandana Bib All Bibs have been designed and countoured to sit nicely and comfortably under the baby or toddlers chin, with a soft Velcro backing to easily adjust the sizing to accommodate for the childs growth. All designs have been carefully selected to tie in with different baby and toddler fashions of today.
For more information please visit www.cheekybubs.com.au/Bandana-Bib/c159/index.html
DryBib
The quick-drying bib. The DryBib Bandana is designed to catch all dribbles or feeding reflux, but not cover up clothing, in a groovy scarf look. The fleece absorbs the moisture and the air inside the fleece allows the moisture to evaporate immediately. No wet clothes, no saliva rash. Gives a close but comfy fit round the neck with a 9cm drop from under the neck. No potentially harmful PVC or plastic with nickel free poppers.
For more information please visit www.bellesfamilles.com.au and enter site then click on the DRYBIB logo.
Books
Rescuing Brain Injured Children
This revised and updated edition aims to show parents that brain injury need not be a life sentence. Instead, hurt children can make remarkable progress towards independence, despite a tradition which still regards such cases as hopeless. The book aims to offer simple, practical help.
ISBN: 9781853981111
Callum's Cure
When Callum Skyes was born with cerebral palsy and infant blindness, doctors said he would spend his life in a wheelchair, unable to walk or see. However, his extraordinary mother Shelley refused to accept the finality of this prognosis. She was determined to give Callum every chance of leading a normal life.
ISBN: 073181200X
Facing The Crowd - Managing other people's insensitivities to your disabled child
To order a copy please contact Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66.
Change Your Thinking
Positive and practical ways to overcome stress, negative emotions and self defeating behaviour.
ISBN: 0733310184
Lessons from my child: Parents' experiences of life with a disabled child
With the arrival of a child with intellectual or physical disabilities, parents must begin to deal with a new, unplanned reality and take the first tentative steps on a long and challenging life journey. In this collection of stories from parents of children with special needs from all around the world, the parents speak openly and honestly about their experiences and thoughts about raising a child with disabilities.
ISBN: 0733310184
Optimum Nutrition for your Child's Mind
Patrick Holford and Deborah Colson, leading nutritionists from London's Brain BioCentre, show how what you feed your child has an incredible effect on their brain function, behaviour and intelligence.
ISBN: 0749926856
Gut & Psychology Syndrome
This is a well-researched, science-based summary of the genetic-nutritional-biochemical factors that link Autism, ADD, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Depression and Schizophrenia.
ISBN: 0954852001
The Mozart Effect for Children: Awakening Your Child's Mind, Health and Creativity With Music
Drawing on solid research and many practical experiences, Campbell describes the effects of music to enhance the development of language, physical coordination, emotional skills, creativity, and imagination. He takes us on the adventure of human development from earliest life in utero through late childhood with music as a constant companion and facilitator. At the bottom of each page of his book are appropriate songs for each stage and at the end of the book is a rich bibliography of books, web sites, organizations, and musical selections and recordings.
ISBN: 0733613098
BABY GYM: Brain and Body Gym for Babies
Shows parents and caregivers how to make every precious moment with your baby really count. The first 2 years are full of opportunities for movement and play for optimal development of baby's brain, limbs, senses, reflexes, social and language skills. This book will enable you to make the most of those vital early years through brain and body gym.
ISBN: 0798143258
Buddhism for Mothers
A calm approach to caring for yourself and your children.
ISBN: 1741140102
Don't Sweat The Small Stuff … and it's all small stuff
Simple ways to keep the little things from taking over your life.
ISBN: 073380084X
The Vaccination Bible
The real risks they don't tell you about all the major vaccines. One of the most important decisions you will ever make about your child is whether or not to have him/her vaccinated.
ISBN: 0953473406
Vaccination - A Parent's Dilemma
Find out in this thoroughly researched and easy-to-read book why more and more parents are turning away from vaccination and choosing to raise their babies naturally. We now have a new stock of this popular title - ideal for parents new to the subject.
ISBN: 1876308001
Is your child's brain starving
Food not drugs for life and learning.
ISBN: 0968516866
How to repair children damaged by Mercury, Medicine & Politics
Read how:
- ADHD drugs can be eliminated
- new childhood disorders are related: ADD, Asperger, ADHD, autism, ODD
- to identify and repair the causes of these ‘Autism Spectrum Disorders’
- ADHD, RETTS, OCD, etc have become known as Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD
- the gut affects the brain in 80% of regressive ASD – and why
- in 3,486 ASD children 47% improved by removing refined sugars
- natural measles infection is good for healthy children
- milk and bread cause ‘brain fog’ in 64% of 900 ASD children
- natural chicken-pox gives 60% less brain tumours and less shingles
- fevers are a blessing in disguise
- refined sugar is a serious immune system retardant
- refined sugar causes hyperadrenalism/hyperactivity in many children
- mercury, lead and arsenic (major causes) can be detected and removed
- most natural infections protect for life, but not so with vaccines
- simple and safe natural child care works
- it is illegal that parents are not told the serious downside of immunisation
- hidden vaccine-generated immune damage can often be repaired
ISBN: 9780980364101
Films
Going The Distance
"Going The Distance" was a Lotteries Commission funded program for i.d.entity wa. The program gives an honest portrayal of the lives of three fathers of children who have intellectual disabilities. Brief comments from an experienced counselor are included as well as number of helpful coping strategies from the fathers. BRONZE WORLD MEDAL New York Film Festivals 2003.
For information on how to obtain a copy, please contact Elephant Productions at elephant@perthwa.com or call 08 9388 1788.
Count Us In!
"Count Us In!" was a series of programs developed for the Disability Services Commission and the Department of Education. The programs were developed for Early Childhood, Middle School and Adolescent target markets. The packages aim to demystify the image of people with disabilities. The enlightening and inspiring packages educate and inform the viewer that people with disabilities are just like everyone else with the same needs and desires, they just may do things differently and may need help doing them. The Count Us In package was distributed to over 1200 schools throughout Western Australia. People With Disabilities Media Award of Excellence 2006.
For information on how to obtain a copy, please contact Elephant Productions at elephant@perthwa.com or call 08 9388 1788.
Siblings
The Spastic Centre of NSW holds regular information sessions for people with cerebral palsy, families and disability service providers. In this session, Kate Strohm from Siblings Australia looks at the issues for brothers and sisters of children with a disability and some of the strategies for parents to address these issues.
For information on how to obtain a copy, please contact The Spastic Centre of NSW at www.thespasticcentre.org.au or call 02 9479 7200.