Our Social Group, known as our work and leisure
group will focus on guiding our children to develop in two areas: dynamic
interaction and a work and leisure skill. The group will
be led by a psychologist who will give the children the opportunity to work on
developing dynamic interaction processes, such as, dynamic thinking, mindful
communication and social interaction. The goal for each child will be based on
their developmental level.
As our children grow, we want them to be
exposed to opportunities that can enrich their lives. With some of our older
kids in particular, they may have talents that are undiscovered or undeveloped.
We hope to help them discover and develop their talents, which can be used for
leisure and perhaps for work should they show the aptitude and interest. Areas
that we will focus on will be either Art or Gardening.
Sherlyn, one of our psychologists, has a hobby in the arts.
Here we take a neurodevelopmental approach in our interventions. We work towards building neural pathways that support thinking associated with the prefrontal cortex, the front part of your brain. Research has shown that people with developmental concerns struggle with thinking associated with that area of the brain. Actions that involve the prefrontal cortex include moderating one’s own social behaviour and making decisions for themselves (Raine, 2009).
We also look towards building connections in other part of the child’s brain that might be impacted in their development. For example, movement might be used to build areas in the brainstem. We also use different modalities to help the child regulate their emotions typically associated with the limbic area of the brain, its inner central part.
As our children grow, we want them to be exposed to opportunities that can enrich their lives. With some of our older kids in particular, they may have talents that are undiscovered or they may like talents that are undeveloped. We hope to help them discover and develop their talents, which can be used for leisure and perhaps for work should they show the aptitude and interest.
Basic DSLR Camera Photography Course
Through this photography course, your child will learn the basic skills of DSLR photography. They will learn about the camera, the different terminologies commonly used, and how to apply these so as to take the best photographs in a variety of settings. They will also be able to explore their own areas of interest. Through this course, your child will learn to see things from a different perspective, develop a sense of agency as they are in control of the shots they take, build confidence through each photograph, and as well as learn how to make decisions such as choosing what to focus on in a shot.
Sports Programmes
The
sports programme caters to a range of different needs and abilities. As we
know, movement is beneficial for the brain. John Ratey, author of ‘A User’s
Guide to the Brain’ terms exercise as “Miracle-Gro” for the brain because of
how it can stimulate nerve growth factors. Researchers have found that when
children are given the chance to run 15 – 45 minutes before class, they were
less distracted and more attentive. Another study showed that brisk walking 30
– 40 minutes a day, three times a week could regrow structures in the brain
linked to cognitive decline. Dr Daniel Siegel has suggested that movement can
be a powerful way to change emotions. Many of us regulate via movement. Sports
can also be a fun way to engage socially with others.
Sometimes a child may experience difficulties in specific settings. In that case, it is often more fruitful to have our psychologists conduct an observation in those types of settings (e.g. in school, at playgroup, etc.) instead of having a 1-to-1 session with the child in a clinical setting. At the end of each off-site observation, feedback will be given, along with a report, as well as intervention plans and referrals for appropriate services if necessary.
The initial consultation is carried out for the purpose of looking into the needs of the child and the family.
The session will include observations of the child and interview with parents and caregivers.
At the end of the session, a management plan in consultation
with the family, that works towards the long term goals for the child
will be developed.
How can parents prepare for the session?
Send in information on the child’s developmental history (e.g. when communication started and what forms of communication are used), behaviour, communication and social skills in a variety of settings with a variety of people and feedback from the school (if any) prior to the session.
It is recommended that your child have a good night’s sleep the night before.
It is advisable to have breakfast before the session starts. You
may want to bring some finger food and drinks, should your child get
hungry during the session.
In discussing your concerns, the assessment and diagnostic process will help in evaluating your child’s level of skills and ability in various areas, such as, communication, socialization, play and cognition.
The session will help us to determine the individual needs of
your child. We will be able to work out a management plan in
consultation with the family, towards the long term goals of your child.
The session will include a standardized cognitive assessment,
observations of the child and an extensive interview with parents and
caregivers.
We also carry out assessments to arrange school placements that meets the various requirements of the different schools.
