Frequently Asked Questions

We believe each child is unique and should be treated as a whole person, with dignity and respect. Children thrive with boundaries and routines and so we bring this into our everyday practice with them and model for parents how to do the same. By getting to know your child's strengths and preferences, we use that to build up and promote skills in the areas where they may be experiencing challenges.

Since what works best for one child and family may for another child, you will receive a customized and child/family specific approach to your therapy. We work with each family and child to find the balance and strategies that fit their lifestyle, culture, and values as well. Family units may include step parents, grandparents, nannies, or aunts and uncles and so the dynamic of each family member brings with them their own set of beliefs and approaches. Children thrive when all family members are on the same page, so we work together to find a way that fits for all the major caregivers in the child's life. As such, we do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach.

​

When approaching feeding challenges, we believe that children try to do their best with the skills they have. Therefore, we believe it is important to rule out, or treat if needed, any oral motor and sensory concerns when addressing picky eating. Picky eating can sometimes result from an inability to easily manage foods and can often appear as if the child is just being difficult. Often times children will try to control their world in order to make it safer for them to navigate through. By building mutual trust and respect, we strive help guide your child and your family on that journey. 

​

Do you only target feeding skills?

Although feeding challenges are our focus, they do not happen in isolation. As a result, Pediatric Foundations is also able to support your child and family in many other areas such as sensory regulation, energy regulation, social skills, sleep, and fine motor skills.

​

We also added speech and language therapy support in order to work towards our goal of having a multi-disciplinary team that uses a strength based approach with a primary goal of empowering the child and family to gain primary goal skills and confidence in their communication and social skills. 

Does my child need a diagnosis?

No diagnosis is required and you can self-refer for services. We treat each child as unique and base our strategies and approach off of your child's unique strengths and challenges. 

​

A diagnosis may help us to understand why a child is having difficulty in a particular area, but it does not dictate our treatment approach and plan. 

Do you have an office?

Right now we are mobile so we come to you! We also feel there is something unique about providing treatment and strategies directly in the environment where the child spends their time. It helps to inspire strategies that will work for your space and family dynamic. Being in your home helps the child feel at ease so that there is greater chance of carryover when when the caregivers go to implement a strategy. This also allows us to offer unique programming such as community outings or daycare support to support you in finding strategies to support your family and child wherever you may find challenges appearing.

Do you work with other professionals?

Collaboration with other professionals is one of our strengths. As needed, we can refer you to other professionals to help with an area not in our scope of practice and find that a balance of strategies and support from a wide range of professionals will provide the most holistic approach for your child. In the past, we have worked with physiotherapists, speech and language pathologists, pediatricians, child care providers, teachers, educational assistants, developmental aides/support personnel, psychologists, and dieticians.

We have an aide, will you work with them?

We love working with aides and believe they bring such a wonderful parent coaching element to the table. We want to ensure we are balancing support amongst the aide and the parents/guardians as the parents/guardians are the constant support in the child's life and the overall expert on their child.

What level of parent/guardian involvement do you require?

We provide family based support and the parents are a valued member of the team. While we may bring evidence based strategies and supports, the parents bring the expertise on their child. Together we develop a plan for the family to implement. 

In our experience, when parents are active members in the child's therapy, the child shows greater gains and achievement of their goals across different settings.

What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept e-transfer for payment. If you have personal health insurance, check with your insurance company to see if you have occupational therapy coverage or a health spending account that will reimburse you.

We also work with FSCD funded families who submit our receipts to Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) for reimbursement. Find out more about FSCD here: https://www.alberta.ca/fscd.aspx