Whether you’re looking for expert guidance, hands-on support, or customized solutions, we address a wide range of chronic conditions and provide reliable resources. Some of these are listed below.
ADHD (Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Within the Kelty site is a parent education course called Rolling with ADHD.
If your child or youth has been diagnosed with ADHD the first step is education about the diagnosis and management. I would suggest beginning this process at the:
Kelty Mental Health website: keltymentalhealth.ca and Centre for ADHD awareness Canada. caddac.ca
Environmental ways to improve your attention span include daily exercise, preferably in green space, good nutrition with a healthy balance of fresh food, and adequate sleep. Sleep needs vary but are typically 8-10 hours.
Reducing screen time and eliminating social media helps with attention and mental health.
If ADHD or anxiety is a concern for your teen, consider participating in an 8-week mindfulness program for teens available through BC Children’s Adolescent Medicine program: bcchildrens.ca/our-services/clinics/adolescent-health
Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing disorders that interfere with a person’s ability to acquire, process, or express information effectively. They affect specific areas of learning—such as reading, writing, math, or organization—and are not related to intelligence, hearing, or vision.
The family can also find information on children’s development at caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/your_babys_brain.
If your child is not yet in kindergarten another option is to connect with Strong Start which is run by Vancouver School Board. vsb.bc.ca/page/5281/strongstart
If your child is under 5 with language concerns please consider a language assessment through the appropriate public health agency. In Vancouver this is vch.ca/en/location-service/speech-language-services-children-pacific-spirit-community-health-centre
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by differences in social interaction, communication, behavior, and sensory processing, with a wide range of strengths and challenges that affect individuals uniquely across the lifespan.
If there are concerns suggestive of autism spectrum disorder. Publically funded assessments can occur through the BC Autism Assessment Network. This needs a referral.
To apply for funding to obtain a private autism assessment. The family can read about income and eligbility requirements on their website. variety.bc.ca/support/assessments
Resources related to autism spectrum disorder in BC can be found at the following sites:
Anxiety and behavior regulation refers to difficulties in managing stress, emotions, and actions, often involving heightened worry, impulsivity, or rigidity, which can interfere with daily functioning, social relationships, and overall neurological and psychological well-being.
If ADHD or anxiety is a concern for your teen, consider participating in an 8-week mindfulness program for teens available through BC Children’s Adolescent Medicine program: bcchildrens.ca/our-services/clinics/adolescent-health
A course to consider if your child has anxiety can be found on the Kelty site. This course is called Taming the worry dragons.
There are great resources on this site but is no longer being managed: anxietycanada.com
For parents and kids check out the BREATHR app created by BC Children’s hospital. This is a free app that provides some guided meditations.
Sensory Processing Issues are neurological differences in how the brain interprets and responds to sensory input, causing over- or under-sensitivity to sights, sounds, touch, movement, or other stimuli, which can affect comfort, behavior, and daily functioning.
If there are concerns suggestive of autism spectrum disorder. Publically funded assessments can occur through the BC Autism Assessment Network. This needs a referral.
To apply for funding to obtain a private autism assessment. The family can read about income and eligbility requirements on their website. variety.bc.ca/support/assessments
Resources related to autism spectrum disorder in BC can be found at the following sites:
Speech and Language Delays are neurological and developmental conditions where a child’s ability to produce sounds, use words, or understand language emerges later or progresses more slowly than expected, affecting communication, learning, and social interaction.
An excellent local resource for concern with learning is through the LDS, formerly known as Learning Disorders/Differences Society. ldsociety.ca
I also found this resource very helpful for reading issues: ldonline.org/ld-topics/reading-dyslexia/straight-talk-about-reading-how-parents-can-make-difference-during-early
Resource for dyslexia info: bowenlibrary.ca/digital-resources/subject-guides/literacy-struggling-readers
Information on developmental coordination disorder can be found at canchild.ca/en/diagnoses/developmental-coordination-disorder
Sleep and Feeding Concerns are neurological and developmental difficulties involving disrupted sleep patterns or challenges with eating and swallowing, which can affect growth, regulation, and overall health, often overlapping with other pediatric neurodevelopmental conditions.
School or Social Difficulties are neurodevelopmental challenges affecting learning, attention, behavior, or peer interactions, often linked to underlying neurological conditions, which can impact academic performance, self-esteem, and the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships.
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Bowen Island • Bowen Island Community Health Centre
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