Frequently Asked Questions

What approaches are used at Thrive Pediatric Clinic?

At Thrive we believe in following client-centered and family-centered approaches to therapy. We need to understand your needs in order to create the best therapy interventions specifically for you and your loved ones.

A client-centered approach means putting the client first (in this case the person receiving therapy). Their needs are assessed and goals made which are specific and unique to them. When working with children, processes are followed to include the child as much as possible in these decisions - if they don't have the motivation for it, they won't want to do it!

A family-centered approach means respecting the family's beliefs, roles, expectations and input in the child's life. This is considered when creating goals and therapy programs to ensure they are practical and attainable within the family environment.

Which frameworks are used in Thrives therapy model? 

A variety of frameworks and models are used when assessing and providing intervention for our clients. We use a combination of Top-Down (where decision making process occurs at the highest level like thinking, using knowledge, and other cognitive mechanisms) and Bottom-Up (working on the underlying skills and development such as those found in our brain’s limbic system, help detect meaningful stimuli and generate, usually appropriate, emotional responses to sensory information like touch, taste, smell, hearing, seeing, movement and more. strategies to address goals. Sensory Integration Therapy is a particular focus for therapy programs. Some Neuro-Developmental Therapy is also considered, such as inhibiting retained reflexes which can cause difficulties to development.

We strive to keep up-to-date with Professional Development and Continuing Education. A variety of workshops and courses are attended as often as possible and we believe this is reflected in our high standard of practice.

What age range do you see for therapy services? 

We have experience working with all children under the age of 16. 

Do you see kids with feeding tubes for feeding therapy?

We are not specialized in this area and therefore refer out to a variety of our colleagues and peers at various clinics in the area. 

How do I know if me or my child needs Occupational Therapy?

Many parents will often say that they have a ‘feeling’ something is not right with the situation. Often a child or teenager with social or development issues will show through with behavior difficulties and be classed as the ‘naughty’ or ‘oppositional’ child. This can continue into adult life as display as anxiety and/or depression. While there may be behaviour difficulties, other areas must be assessed to rule out possible developmental challenges. If you or your child display any of the following traits, occupational therapy will be of benefit:

• sensitive to the feeling of certain clothes
• limited diet due to sensitivity to texture, taste or gagging on foods
• rely heavily on fixed routines and habits
• have difficulty using silverware or writing utensils
• constantly bump into things
• can not function within busy places such as malls and concerts
• fluorescent lights are too bright to tolerate
• emotional outbursts
• difficulty coping with change
• difficulty learning to ride a bike
• resistant to light touch/hits or acts out when someone brushes  lightly past them
• always moving and fidgeting (especially when trying to concentrate)

Do I have to pay for services?

Thrive Pediatric Clinic is a  is a privately run practice. This means that intervention must be paid for by the client.