Please note that the links to these information resources, services, and programs are provided to assist our families in meeting the needs of their children. We do not guarantee the accuracy of all medical information provided on those pages, nor should the links to programs and services be considered an endorsement or guarantee as to the quality of those services. Families are encouraged to access appropriate information and services and to exercise appropriate care, consultation, and judgment in their decisions.
ADHD
- Understanding ADHD by The Understood Team
- Understanding ADHD- Information for Parents About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Patient information: Symptoms and diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children (UpToDate – Beyond the Basics)
- Patient information: Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children (UpToDate – Beyond the Basics)
- ADHD and the Brain — Understood
- Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs • Evaluating Prescription Drugs Used to Treat: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- article contains some good information about various medications for treating ADHD
- not all of the medications mentioned in this report are available in Canada
- to get an idea of what local medication prices are, click the link below
- CADDRA Guide to ADHD Pharmacological Treatments in Canada – September 2019
- ADHD Medications and Costs at select Calgary Pharmacies – 2014-09 Please check current prices with the pharmacy. This is to give you a general idea of the costs of ADHD medications and to shop around if cost is a significant issue (e.g. no drug plan).
- Recommended Reading for ADHD – CADDRA
- ADHD information and resources (CADDRA)
- Misunderstood Minds – ADHD and Learning Disabilities
- Non-prescription interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Classroom Accommodations for Specific Behaviour (ADHD – CADDAC.ca)
- ADHD Resource Centre (Sick Kids) Information About ADHD
- ADDitude – Living Well with ADHD
- Amicus Social Skills Programs and Camps (for children with ADHD or learning disabilities, by Foothills Academy)
- Tips for Managing Adult ADHD – HelpGuide.org
- ADHD Parenting tips – HelpGuide.org
- Dr. Hallowell’s website about ADHD
- 50 Tips on the Classroom Management of Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.
- CanLearn Society – resources page
- Understood – for Learning and Attention Issues – Strategies for parents of children with learning, attention, social skills, behavior problems, etc. Parent Toolkit.
- Videos about ADHD
- BBC Horizon Documentary — Living With ADHD
- Take Back Control – Presentation on ADHD by Dr. Edward Hallowell
- ADHD and Executive Function – Dr. Russell Barkley
- ADHD: Essential Ideas for Parents – Dr. Russell Barkley
- ADD/ADHD | What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? – Dr. Thomas E. Brown PhD, Yale Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders
- CBC —The Nature of Things – ADHD: Not Just for Kids — Full Show
- IF the Poet – The ADHD Poem (consider this rated PG)
- CADDAC Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada — YouTube Channel
- About ADHD – OverviewCHADD – Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Parent Support Group
COVID-19
- How can we talk to kids about COVID-19? Be “realistically reassuring”
- Parenting during COVID-19: A new frontier
- Talking to kids about COVID-19: Three short videos
- Tips and tricks to help adolescents cope during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Mindfulness for Teens
- How to help youth tackle the blues during COVID-19 and #physicaldistancing
- When your child has ADHD: Coping during a pandemic
- COVID-19: Information for parents of immunocompromised children and children with chronic medical conditions
- Coronavirus and asthma
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Clinic parent information and strategies
- AnxietyBC – Resources. Results. Relief.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – Mayo Clinic page
- NIMH – Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers (good review of concerns about risk of suicide with SSRI medication.
- Test Anxiety Booklet (pdf – AnxietyBC™)
LEARNING DISABILITIES
- Misunderstood Minds – ADHD and Learning Disabilities
- National Center For Learning Disabilities – good information about learning disabilities (though it is a US site and references US legislation)
- LD Online (Learning Disabilities Online)
- Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
- Learning Disorders – MedlinePlus
- Eckert Psychology and Education Centre (tutoring, study skills, organization/time management, etc.)
- Sylvan Learning Centre Programs
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders (previously known as Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Delay)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (general info – healthychildren.org – AAP)
- Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): An Introduction
- Autism Speaks – 100 Day Kit (for newly diagnosed families – helpful but USA legislation referenced)
- Autism Fact Sheet – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- NINDS Autism Information Page
- Autism – Medline Plus
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (National Institute of Mental Health)
- A Parent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder
- The Autism Acceptance Project
Do it right the first time – get advocacy help and learn about the system from other parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Autism Calgary (help to navigate the system, learn about available resources. get help advocating for the needs of your child and family. Contact Autism Calgary to find out about next Negotiating with FSCD Seminar. Invaluable!)
Access the services your child and your family need.
- Family Support for Children With Disabilities (FSCD) – provides family support services and child focused services – child must be < 18 years old.
- FSCD Supports Table – overview of the types of family support services and child focused services provided by FSCD
- Providers of Specialized Services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Calgary (i.e. a treatment team for children with ASD with significant support needs in 2 or more areas including behavior, cognitive abilities, communication and socialization skills, physical and motor development, self-help and adaptive functioning skills. A specialized services team normally provides home-based therapy and includes a behavioral strategist or psychologist and a developmental/behavioral aide, a speech language pathologist, an occupational therapist, and if needed a physiotherapist)
- The Ability Hub (Helping adolescents and adults with autism achieve their potential).
- Society for Treatment of Autism
- Kids Etc. provides diagnostic, assessment, and intervention services for children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders (e.g. autism), disruptive behavior disorders, learning difficulties, and internalizing disorders.
- ASERT Resources Page
- Calgary SCOPE Society
- Skills To Learn Inc Information Flyer Fall 2019 — Social skills program for children ages 6 – 7, 8 – 9, and 10 – 11 with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, etc.
Social opportunities for children and adults with Autism
- Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Screening for and recognizing Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT) online – screen for Autism in 16 – 30 month old children
- ASD Video Glossary – First Signs – must register and login
Helping teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder with the transition to adulthood
- Alberta Human Services Information about Transitional Vocational Programs
- Mount Royal University – Transitional Vocational Program
- Olds College – Transitional Employment Program
- Red Deer College – Transitional Vocational Program
- Norquest College – Transitional Vocational Program
- Lake Land College – Vermillion – Transitional Vocational Program
Neurobiology of Autism
- NIH-funded study shows pre-birth brain growth problems linked to autism
- Disorganized cortical patches suggest prenatal origin of autism
- Dissecting the Neural Control of Social Attachment (video)
Other Autism Related links and books
- Parentbooks.ca book lists – book lists for many different parenting topics including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Disorder.
- Are there apps to help kids practice social interactions? – Common Sense Media
Movies about Autism
- Wretches and Jabberers – “two men with autism embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability and intelligence.”
- Temple Grandin – “fact-based story of an autistic woman who became an unlikely hero to America’s cattle industry–and to autistic people everywhere.”
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – Patient Information from the Mayo Clinic
- FASD Frequently Asked Questions: Parents/Families
- National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- FASD Strategies and Tools – Lutherwood
- Learn About FASD
- Tips for Parents and Caregivers
- FASD Strategies Not Solutions – PDF
- 8 Magic Keys to Supporting Individuals with FASD
- FASD Services (McMan brochure)
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Public Health Agency of Canada
- Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network
- Family Advocacy and Support Project – FASD MAPS – Hull Services
- Videos about FASD
PARENTING AND COUNSELING RESOURCES
- 1, 2, 3 Magic – Parenting, Child Discipline
- Triple P Parenting – Online and In-Person Parenting Courses
- Guiding your young child with positive discipline
- Calgary Counseling Centre
- Calgary Family Therapy Centre (formerly known as the University of Calgary Family Therapy Program)
- Calgary Psychologists Directory
- Carya (Formerly Calgary Family Services)– parenting, counseling, etc. (is not a government social services agency)
- Children’s Link (Support services for many types of needs)
- Common Sense Media – parent resources regarding screen time, cyberbullying, internet safety, social networking, etc. – many FAQs, articles, and videos.
- Community Education Service – current/upcoming parent education sessions regarding a variety of topics. Can also be viewed on newsletter link on the same site. By Family and Community Resource Centre, through Alberta Children’s Hospital and Alberta Health Services.
- Common Sense Media
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children or download the pdf here
- McMan – Pathways Program (supports families with children with complex behavioral needs)
- Parentbooks.ca book lists – book lists for many different parenting topics
- Sleep Workshop For Tired Parents – Register for the class – for parents of 6 – 12 month old babies.
- YWCA COMPASS Program (Community Parent and School Support)
- YWCA Counselling Services (for parents and children, group and individual, geared particularly toward high conflict custody situations, families affected by domestic violence, etc.)
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN
- Preschool options for children with special needs who qualify for program unit funding from Alberta Education (provided by Children’s Link)
- Providence provides therapeutic and educational services to children with disabilities.
- Providence Preschool and Kindergarten Registration Fair 2018-2019
- The City of Calgary – Programs for children, teens and youth
- Child Safe Canada Course List (anger, social skills, babysitting, etc.)
- Children’s Link (Support services for many types of needs)
- Amicus Social Skills Programs and Camps (for children with ADHD or learning disabilities, by Foothills Academy)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary
- Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society
- Scouts Canada
- Kids Programs – University of Calgary
- Children’s Programs – SAIT
- Group programs for children and youth run by Calgary Counseling Centre
• Children of Divorce
• Responsible Choices for Children (described lower down on same webpage as Children of Divorce) designed to help children with abusive or aggressive behaviours at home or at school. - Skills To Learn Inc. Social skills program for children, grouped by ages between 6 and 12 years of age, with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other social communication challenges.
- Cherrington Sawers
IMMUNIZATIONS
- Immunization Schedule Tool for children under 6 years of age
- Immunization Schedule Tool for school-age children in Grades 1 through 12
- Alberta Childhood Routine Immunization Schedule
- Vaccine Safety – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Vaccine Safety – Canadian Pediatric Society
- MMR vaccine: Myths and facts – Canadian Pediatric Society
- Immunize Canada
- Immuzation Action Coalition – Vaccine Information Statements
- Vaccines & Immunizations Topics
- Vaccines: Busting common myths
TRAVEL HEALTH
- Travel Information By Destination (from Centers For Disease Control)
- Odyssey Travel + Tropical Medicine Clinic
- Travel Health Services – Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
- University of Calgary Travel Clinic
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE
- Choosing Wisely (evidence-based recommendations physicians and patients should discuss to help make wise decisions about the most appropriate care)
- Evidence-Based Medicine Toolkit
- UpToDate – Free Beyond the Basics Patient and Caregiver Information (evidence based information for patients on almost all health topics)
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Quackwatch – Your Guide to Quackery, Health Fraud, and Intelligent Decisions
PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH STUDY
PILL SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES
ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA
- iCAN – Control Asthma Now
- Asthma Society of Canada
- How to Use EpiPen Auto-Injector
- Eczema Society of Canada – eczema treatment tips
- Milk Allergy or Lactose Intolerance in Adults
CHILDREN’S HEALTH & FITNESS
- Prescription to Get Active – Primary Care Networks have partnered with local recreation facilities to offer an actual prescription for physical activity (and yes, we are a member of the Calgary West Primary Care Network and can provide the prescription)
- MEND – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! A free healthy lifestyle program for children ages 2-13 and their families.
- Big Life Health Calculators – life expectancy and health calculator for adults
- Health Canada
- Caring For Kids – Canadian Paediatric Society
- Kids Health
- Just for You: Kids – Health Canada
- Safe Kids Canada
- Canadian Institute of Child Health
- Motherisk
- Just for you – Children. Health Canada
- Toilet Training
- MyHealth.Alberta.Ca-Health Information & Tools
- Children and heart disease (atherosclerosis) (UpToDate – Beyond the Basics)
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children or download the pdf here
NUTRITION
- Big Life Health Calculators – life expectancy and health calculator for adults
- Children and heart disease (atherosclerosis) (UpToDate – Beyond the Basics)
- Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide
- Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide – Printer Friendly
- Iron Needs of Babies and Children
- High Iron Diet
- Milk Allergy or Lactose Intolerance in Adults
- Feeding Your Baby In the First Year
- Recommendations for the Preparation and Handling of Powdered Infant Formula
- HIGH CALORIE MILK
- Starting Solid Foods: Around 6 Months – Alberta Health Services
- Sensitive Gag Reflex: Transition to Textured Foods
DISABILITY
- Vecova Centre – recreation etc.
- Access Calgary – Calgary Transit
- War Amps
- Canadian Association for Community Living
- Calgary SCOPE Society
- Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
- Family Support for Children With Disabilities (FSCD)
- FSCD Supports Table – overview of the types of family support services and child focused services provided by FSCD
- What is Program Unit Funding (PUF)?
- Arnika Centre – Developmental Disabilities Mental Health – for 16 years and older with below average intelligence and a mental health problem
- Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults with a disability
- Registered Disability Savings Plan
- T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate
- Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta – Programs and Services
- Transitional Vocational Programs
- Alberta Human Services Information about Transitional Vocational Programs
- Mount Royal University – Transitional Vocational Program
- Olds College – Transitional Employment Program
- Red Deer College – Transitional Vocational Program
- Norquest College – Transitional Vocational Program
- Lake Land College – Vermillion – Transitional Vocational Program
DOWN SYNDROME
- Canadian Down Syndrome Society
- National Down Syndrome Society
- Ups and Downs – Calgary Down Syndrome Association
- Health Supervision for Children With Down Syndrome
SAFETY
- Car Seats: Information for families for 2014 (from HealthyChildren.org)
- Car Seat Safety
- Safe Sleeping For Your Baby
- Car Seat ‘Yes Test’
- Safe Kids Canada
- Summer Safety Tips – American Academy of Pediatrics
- Birth and Babies – Courses including Infant CPR, Baby Safety, Baby Care, etc. Also site includes courses and information on breastfeeding, and other parenting issues (via Alberta Health Services).
- First Aid and CPR Courses – Canadian Red Cross
- Famous Last Words – Rhett and Link
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