Dr. Alison Nutter

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Dr. Alison Nutter

Dr. Alison NutterDr. Alison NutterDr. Alison Nutter
  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Nutter
  • Before your appointment
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  • ER HUB
  • Resources

dr. nutter's list of suggested resources - by topic:

Abuse, crisis intervention & online safety

If you are a child/youth and need to talk to someone: call Kids Help Phone (ages 5-20): 1-800-668-6868 to speak with a counsellor 24/7 or 1-800-784-2433 or call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234 or the BC Crisis Line 310-6789 (do not add 250 area code) which is also available 24/7 and confidential: more


If you think a child or youth <19 years is being abused or neglected, you have a legal duty to report concerns: call MCFD-Ministry of Children and Family Development via their centralized child protection reporting system: 1-800-663-9122 any time day or night in BC. If you believe the situation is an emergency: call 911.


Kelowna Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) is a not-for-profit organization that supports the long-term well-being of children who have been impacted by abuse, trauma. 


Parents/caregivers: teach your child self-regulation skills, build post traumatic growth/resilience

Tools to help keep children safe, more tips here, RCMP's My First Safety Book (ages 4-7)


Parents: start having basic safety discussions early: teach your child about consent, body autonomy & make sure anything your child (or you) post online you're comfortable sharing with the world; once it's online it's forever & don't post details ex. your child's school, home address or current location; online predators can easily use/track this info 


FBI safe surfing, NetSmartz, Thorn, watch "Childhood 2.0" documentary here

    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

    ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain's executive functions (including attention regulation, working memory, emotional control / self-regulation, planning, prioritizing, organization...). It is not a behavioral disorder. 


    ADHD myths, challenges & issues by age

    What is executive functioning? Read about 7 key deficits, behavioral therapy & games


    Boys are 3x more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to girls. Girls are consistently under-identified and underdiagnosed; girls tend to have less externally disruptive behaviors & often internalize their struggles (anxiety, poor self-esteem, low mood).  


    Adolescents with untreated ADHD are more likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs & they tend to experiment with all three at younger ages and are at a significantly greater risk for developing a substance use disorder


    ADHD is highly inheritable so when a child is diagnosed with ADHD both parents should also be screened. Left untreated, ADHD can cause lifelong impairments including increased  risk of anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol misuse, chronic underachievement, engaging in risky and/or impulsive behaviors (unsafe driving leading to car accidents, risky sexual behaviors leading unplanned pregnancy, etc.). 


    Common comorbidities include:


    • 9 in 10 people with Tourette’s (tic disorder) also have ADHD
    • about 2/ 3 of people with ADHD have some features of autism; other studies indicate 30-50% of those diagnosed with autism also have co-occurring ADHD so they often co-occur.
    • 50% have sleep problems (read about insomnia, Melatonin & info parents should know)
    • nearly 1 in 2 people with ADHD have specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia (diagnosed via psychoeducational assessment; current waitlists through the public school system are very long. Variety will fund private psychoeducational assessments - check eligibility criteria)
    • Symptoms of ADHD & anxiety disorder overlap; both cause restlessness, difficulty falling sleep& it can be easy to mistake anxiety for the hyperarousal of ADHD, or misinterpret a child's worries and obsessions as inattention. It often takes time to tease apart ADHD and anxiety


    Tools for PARENTS: 


    • BCCH offers a free online  Rolling with ADHD course for parents
    • Children with ADHD require different parenting strategies, positive reinforcement & empathy
    • Challenging behaviors, emotional dysregulation, Oppositional Defiant Disorder & lying
    • Strategies to deal with meltdowns, anger and some mindfulness activities to try at home
    • Physical activity: regular exercise & time spent outside in nature can help children with ADHD recover from "attention fatigue" and recharge their focus - physical activity tips


    Treatment should include behavior therapy (ie. parenting strategies, consistency, incentives) and long-acting stimulant medication is a first line treatment in children >age 6. For more info on medication see:


    • CADDRA medication chart (last updated November 2022)
    • BCCH factsheets on ADHD medications & managing common side effects
    • Comprehensive medication guide including a helpful Q&A section
    • Helpful tips re: how to teach your child to swallow pills


    Tools for TEACHERS: 


    • BCCH offers a free online Rolling with ADHD course for teachers
    • Examples of classroom accommodations, tools, behavioral strategies 
    • Tips to help students improve their attention & stay alert in class


    Tips re: Sensory Processing Challenges


    • Learn about sensory differences, fill out a Sensory Checklist
    • Making sense of sensory behavior: a practical approach for parents
    • Sensory behavior tracking tool, information on interoception & helpful strategies to try at home
    • Consult an Occupational Therapist (find an OT / search by city)   

      Allergy

      Food allergy prevention (last updated February 2022)

      Food allergy vs intolerance

      Allergy Check app is an assessment tool re: likelihood child has a food allergy

      Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan (includes photos/instructions on how to use an Epipen)

      Insect sting allergy: resources

      Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

      anxiety

      Anxiety Canada "MindShift" app (download here)

      Create a My Anxiety Plan & try these Everyday Activities to Ease Anxiety and other calming tools

      Psychoeducation, resources from Anxiety Canada & BC Children's

      How to manage stress, coping strategies


      Why is sleep so important? Track your child's sleep habits using this sleep diary

      Physical activity: regular exercise & time outside in nature helps decrease anxiety: physical activity tips

      BC Children's SSRI medication factsheet
      Find a Psychologist in BC-search by city 


      A note about MINDFULLNESS:


      Mindfulness is the art of being present & aware of what's happening right here & now in a non-judgmental way. There are many different ways to be mindful including meditation, breathing exercises, going for a walk in nature, etc. The best way to teach mindfulness is to practice it yourself and to talk about it with your child. Stress, worries or feelings of anxiety can get in the way of doing what you want/need to do and mindfulness can help a child be more aware of their feelings so they learn to act on them in socially appropriate ways (ie. stop & become more aware of the feelings of others , interact with empathy & respect).


      Mindfulness 101 and relaxation exercises 

      Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: link between thoughts. feelings & behaviors, thinking traps


      Smiling Mind app (download here) is a great resource for children struggling with anxiety; promotes mindfulness through breathing exercises, guided imaging and other practices to relax the body and mind (which helps reduce stress & anxiety). BCCH also offers a free Breathr app (download here)


      COMMUNITY RESOURCES:


      Kelowna Family Y: YMCA offers meditation classes, Teen Mindfulness Group: 7-week program: 13–18yo


      Kids Help Phone (ages 5-20): 1-800-668-6868 to speak with a counsellor 24/7 or 1-800-784-2433


      Child & Youth Mental Health: CYMH offers walk-in intake appointments for children of all ages (no referral needed however if <5yo parents must call ahead & book an appointment) 


      The Foundry Kelowna offers services for youth aged 12-24 and their caregivers (either by drop-in or you can also schedule virtual counselling appointments, find peer support, access primary care, groups & workshops). Download the Foundry's app & explore suggested apps/tools


      Confident Parents, Thriving Kids telephone-based parent coaching (requires a referral)

        Asthma

        Asthma Canada & Sick Kids Asthma Hub

        Guide for families/caregivers from BC Children's; handout (Child Health BC)

        Asthma Action Plan with instructions on how to use an MDI/aerochamber


        Smoking increases your kids (and your) risk of upper respiratory infections AND it also makes it harder to heal after infections when they (you) are sick. Even if you only smoke outside, the smoke particles remain in your clothing and exposure to second-hand smoke can trigger flares.


        If you don't want to quit for yourself, quit for your kids! Check out BC's free QuitNow program.

        autism

        Autism is a social-communication difference ie. a different way of communicating/interacting; some (but not all) have language delays and/or repetitive language & behaviors. 


        Every child is different & every child with autism is different.


        Autistic children often struggle to communicate how they're feeling in expected ways (ex. when stressed they can quickly go in "fight or flight" mode ie. get angry, shut down or hide/run away) and often struggle to recognize and/or understand their own feelings or other people’s intentions, feelings (ex. they may miss social cues, poor perspective-taking), have very specific or intense interests, highly sensitive & rigid (unpredictability, change/loss of routine, meeting new people/going to new places, transitions are difficult).


        Boys are diagnosed 4x more often than girls. Girls are often diagnosed years later compared to boys (if they are ever diagnosed) as girls tend to present with more subtle features & often mask their social challenges & internalize more (main presenting complaint is often anxiety), they may experience social 'burnout' , fatigue and more sensory processing challenges.


        Early screening, diagnosis and timely intervention helps improve the development & future outcomes in children with ASD. Early intervention can help autistic children learn how to manage feelings, self-regulate, respond/cope in stressful situations & social skills training can improve social communication skills (an important part of childhood development and future lifelong relationships, job success ex. team work, etc.).


        GPs and specialists can refer children for a public ASD assessment (IHCAN); parents can also choose to pay for a private assessment with a qualified professional (often a Child Psychologist with extra training).


        ACT-Autism Community Training provides info about the assessment process, treatment & support in BC. Variety can help families cover the cost of a private autism assessment (check eligibility criteria). 


        Autism BC has lots of helpful resources including the "waiting for assessment" workshop, how to prepare before an assessment, next steps after a diagnosis & how to build a support team: see RASP provider list


        General information: see Kelty Mental Health's resources & Sick Kids Autism Hub

        Evidence-based treatments, webinars: Social Thinking, courses & complementary approaches

        How to help prepare your child so they know what to expect before a medical visit, procedure, or hospital admission - try Boston Children's visual stories, Carol Gray's social stories, etc.


        Behavioral Challenges:


        Tracking and understanding behavior template

        Managing anxiety, irritability, challenging behaviors, anger

        PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance): suggested approach

        Autism Speaks toolkits (use NJ as the state, zip code 08540) ex. challenging behaviors

        Regular exercise & time outside in nature helps regulate children: see physical activity tips

        Sleep challenges: specific issues, tips, Melatonin factsheet

        BCCH factsheet on medications sometimes used to treat irritability/aggression


        Sensory Processing Challenges:


        Learn about sensory differences; Sensory Checklist

        Making sense of sensory behavior: a practical approach for parents

        Helpful sensory behavior tracking tool

        Information on interoception & strategies

        Find an Occupational Therapist (search by city)   

          screen time & emotional regulation

            MINDFULLNESS:


            Mindfulness is the art of being present & aware of what's happening right here & now in a non-judgmental way. There are many different ways to be mindful including meditation, breathing exercises, going for a walk in nature, etc. The best way to teach mindfulness is to practice it yourself and to talk about it with your child. Stress, worries or feelings of anxiety can get in the way of doing what you want/need to do and mindfulness can help a child be more aware of their feelings so they learn to act on them in socially appropriate ways (ie. stop & become more aware of the feelings of others , interact with empathy & respect).


            Mindfulness 101 and relaxation exercises 

            Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: link between thoughts. feelings & behaviors, common thinking traps  

            breastfeeding support

            Kelly Mom website

            Dr. Jack Newman Breastfeeding Centre

            Which medications are safe during breastfeeding? 

            cancer

            Children's Oncology Group has reliable information to help guide families starting from the initial diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up care and tips for coping with cancer

            cardiology (heart issues)

            BCCH resources: congenital heart disease

            What are benign or innocent murmurs?

            colic

            PURPLE crying (a must read for all new parents)

            concussion

            Parent guide and a guide for adolescents

            BC Centre for Ability program & more resources

            Use the free "Concussion Ed" app to record symptoms, support recovery

            CATT: Concussion Awareness Training Tool  (for youth, coaches, parents/caregivers, teachers)

            CONstipation & ENCOPRESIS

            CHEO's constipation guidelines

            Encopresis "The Poo in You" video-GI Kids

            Restoralax (PEG3350) stool softener

            Drink water and eat a high fibre diet

            DEPRESSION

            Depression & suicide prevention factsheet

            Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: understanding the link between thoughts, feelings & behaviors

            BCCH's Kelty Mental Health resources including how to manage stress, helpful coping strategies


            What is mindfulness? See list of mindfulness resources (including books, websites, apps) and try out the Smiling Mind app (download here) - a great resource with exercises that promote mindfulness (breathing exercises, guided imaging and other practices to relax the body and mind to help reduce stress & anxiety)


            Sleep is important for both mental and physical health: keep track with a sleep diary

            BCCH antidepressant medication factsheets

            Find a Psychologist-search by city


            COMMUNITY RESOURCES:


            Kids Help Phone (ages 5-20): 1-800-668-6868 to speak with a counsellor 24/7 or 1-800-784-2433


            Child & Youth Mental Health: CYMH offers walk-in intake appointments for children of all ages (no referral needed however if <5yo parents must call ahead & book an appointment) 


            The Foundry Kelowna offers services for youth aged 12-24 and their caregivers (either by drop-in or you can also schedule virtual counselling appointments, find peer support, access primary care, groups & workshops). Download the Foundry's app & explore suggested apps/tools

            DERMATOLOGY (skin issues)

            Society for Pediatric Dermatology - search by topic


            Handouts / tips for common issues in children:

            • Diaper rash
            • Eczema
            • Vulvovaginitis

            DEVELOPMENTal delay

            Milestones by age (2 months to age 5)

            Download the CDC milestone tracker app here; adapted milestones for premature infants


            Parents can still self-refer their children to Starbright for Speech, Occupational and/or Physical Therapy, Infant Development Program (to age 3), Supported Child Development, Clinical Counselling. The cut-off date for services is October 1st the year before child is eligible to enter Kindergarten (once a child starts school the services are provided through their school OR parents can choose to pay for private therapy).


            The new Family Connection Centre (FCC) located in Kelowna will support children, youth & families. Services will be based on needs (rather than diagnosis) or involvement with a CYSN social worker; Arc Programs and subcontractors (Meridian Rehab, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA and the Kids Physio Group) will provide therapies, interventions, supports & services for children/youth (0 to age 19). More info to come.

            DIABETES

            BCCH tips: diabetes management

            Sick Kids Hospital resources 

            ears, NOSE & THROAT (ENT)

            Sick Kids ENT resources: ear infections, strep throat, croup, nosebleeds, etc.  

            eating disorders

            Diagnoses of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and unspecified eating disorders have increased significantly worldwide. Many cases go undetected and untreated which is why it is important for families to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of these devastating disorders. 


            NEDA parent toolkit, NEDIC, BCCH's Kelty Eating Disorders

            Parent cheat sheet (what to do and what not to do), meal coaching tips (for parents)

            Information on body image & eating disorders

            Peer support: Looking Glass and Jessie's Legacy

            EMERGENCY medicine

            Sick Kids information on coughs, fever, common injuries: sprains, strains & fractures

            EPILEPSY & SEIZURES

            What to do if your child has a seizure?

            What is epilepsy?

            Information on febrile seizures & what all parents need to know about fever 

            Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)

            Asante Center, outreach, support for families

            Key Worker support and POPFASD

            FeVER

            Fever is associated with common viral infections (like the flu) and helps the immune system fight disease. Fever-reducing medications (like Tylenol) are strictly for comfort (won't cure or shorten illness). 


            Learn about fever  (38 degrees Celsius or higher) & how to measure your child's temperature: handout


            Infants (<3months) with fever MUST get an assessment (even if it's the only symptom) to avoid missing a potentially serious bacterial infection like sepsis/meningitis which requires urgent treatment/antibiotics.

            gastrointestinal (GI issues)

            Keep track of pain: Abdominal Pain Journal

            Watch these helpful videos (explains procedures such as colonoscopy, endoscopy & GI issues: EoE, GERD, IBD, cyclic vomiting, functional GI problems, Sick Kids hub: GI disorders, Celiac Hub

            Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: CMPA diet for breastfeeding mothers (McMaster handout)

            GERD/reflux: tips (NASPGHAN handout)

            HEADACHES

            Keep track: My Headache Diary

            Download the "Migraine Trainer" app here

            CHEO's migraine handout, BCCH migraine guideline & more info

            National Headache Foundation resources (includes: abdominal migraine, cyclic vomiting)

            LEARNING DISABILITies

            Psychoeducational assessments are recommended if the following is suspected:


            • Specific Learning Disability in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) and/or math (dyscalculia)
            • Intellectual Disability
            • Giftedness


            Psychoeducational assessments help identify areas of strength and need, suggest recommendations & accommodations in the classroom (and at home) and should be re-done every 3-4 years before important transitions (Middle School, High School). Current waitlists through the public school system are very long (2years+) so parents can also choose to pay for a private assessment with a qualified Child Psychologist.


            Helpful resources from Sick Kids & videos

            Learning Disability association of BC resources

            NEPHROLOGY (kidney issues)

            Info on kidney disease, CKD, cysts, single kidney, kidney stones & high blood pressure

            NUTRITION & feeding

            Feeding your child with love and good sense: tips from the Ellyn Satter Institute

            Sick Kids Hospital nutrition hub & "Live 5-2-1-0" healthy lifestyle guideline

            General tips on feeding your baby in the first year

            How to improve your child's iron intake

            Choose water for healthy hydration

            Read the helpful Caring for Kids article "when your child is a picky eater"

            How to calorie boost during the 1st year & in teens, children > 1 year

            Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

            What to do when unwanted thoughts, repetitive behaviors take over: NIMH

            Tools for parents, Anxiety Canada OCD tips, International OCD Foundation

            ophthalmology (eye ISSUEs)

            Sick Kids website: eye conditions, first aid

            Vision Therapy? (Canadian Ophthalmological Society)

            PAIN: acute & chronic

            Acute vs chronic pain

            Video that explains chronic pain

            Coping; help your child get active again

            Effective parenting for children with chronic pain for young children, older children and teens

            Teens can download and use the free WebMAP Mobile self-management app (Seattle Children's)

            MyCarePath is Pain BC’s free online tool to help youth aged 12-17 who live with chronic pain

            positive PARENTING & emotional regulation tools

            Self-care pyramid: parents/children - make sure everyone's basic needs are met first

            Video: why we lose control of our emotions (for elementary-aged children)

            Parenting tips: managing challenging behaviors using positive discipline and empathy


            Child Psychologist Dr. Laura Markham: website & books - positive parenting tips

            Mindfulness: list of helpful resources

            Triple P & The Incredible Years programs

            Consult a Counsellor, Psychologist or Occupational Therapist


            Helpful tools for PARENTS:


            • Free The Happy Child parenting app
            • How to have more positive conversations with your kids
            • Mind Masters: activities to improve your child's emotional regulation
            • Zones of Regulation (often used in school)

              PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS

              Pharmacy Compass: compares medication costs at different pharmacies; although cost is not always the most important factor in choosing where to fill your prescriptions.


              It is important to make sure that you choose a pharmacist that you trust and who helps you to understand your medications and how to take them most effectively.  

              RARE DISEASES, Genetic disorders

              Living Without a Diagnosis: roadmap, navigation tools for families

              Info on specific rare diseases, NORD's rare diseases database 

              Parent & community support

              SAFETY & INJURY PREVENTION

              Parachute charity: injury prevention

              Prevent unintentional cannabis poisoning

              Safety tips: babyproof your home, information on car seats & helmets

              Summer safety tips: playing in the sun or water, travelling or exploring nature (ex. burn prevention, poison ivy, insect/tick bites and wildfire smoke tips) and winter safety

              SCREEN TIME, SafetY & cyberbullyinG

              Numerous studies have found links between negative mental health effects in teens and an increase in social media use, including depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.   


              Technology is changing childhood. Screen use can become addictive; children to resist doing homework or other tasks to stay online. Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books and hanging out with family is happening a lot less often to make room for hours of snap chatting & watching YouTube. 


              Screen time recommendations for young children & school-age children, teens


              Up to 95% of youth ages 13–17 report using a social media platform, with >1/3 reporting they use social media “almost constantly.”  In the U.S., nearly 40% of children ages 8–12 use social media. Video games, social media and smartphones simultaneously provide both connection & disconnection. Technology is an inescapable — and important — facet of everyday life. 


              Dr. Vivek Murthy (U.S. Surgeon General) recently issued a landmark advisory on the impact of social media stating “it can have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents; in early adolescence, when identities and sense of self-worth are forming, brain development is especially susceptible to social pressures, peer opinions and peer comparison. Children are particularly impacted by too much exposure to apps such as TikTok and Instagram." 


              Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least 8th grade.

              Keep your family connected in a digital world

              Support healthy screen & videogame use

              FBI safe online surfing, NetSmartz, Thorn, safety tips, watch the Childhood 2.0 documentary here  

              guidelines: Screen time, SAFE sleep

                SleeP

                Safe sleep tips for babies (CPS-Caring for Kids)

                "Precious Little Sleep" guide for newborns up to preschool aged children

                Dr. Craig Canapari website & Decode Insomnia (for teens)


                Why is sleep important? Keep track of your child's sleep habits with this sleep diary

                What are night terrors and parasomnias?

                Use the Smiling Mind app (download here) for free mindfulness tools to help you fall asleep

                BC Children's factsheet on Melatonin

                Speech & language delay

                See "Developmental Milestones" section above for speech & language milestones

                Speech exercises to help your child now

                Consider working with a Speech Language Pathologist (find a SLP / search by city) 

                TEEN & PRETEEN HEALTH

                The transition between youth and adulthood can be overwhelming as young adults face new experiences, challenges and pressures. Read this parent guide on raising teens & red flags


                Read: Sick Kids Hospital Adolescent Health learning hub for preteens & teens

                Mental health resources & information on self-harm (for parents)

                Information on vaping and marijuana (for parents)

                Open Mind BC for physicians, parents, teachers & youth to learn more about support services


                Sick Kids Hospital sexual health & puberty Hub

                Sexual & reproductive health: information on contraception, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.  Resources (for kids and their parents - by age) 

                Contraception resources from the Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of Canada website; choosing the right birth control can be overwhelming. The "It’s a Plan" tool can help; discuss your options/see your GP 


                COMMUNITY RESOURCES:


                Kids Help Phone (up to age 20): 1-800-668-6868 to speak with a counsellor 24/7 or 1-800-784-2433


                Child & Youth Mental Health: CYMH offers free walk-in intake appointments. The Foundry Kelowna also offers services for youth aged 12-24 and their caregivers (either by drop-in or you can also schedule virtual counselling appointments, find peer support, access primary care, groups & workshops). Download the app.

                TODDLER HEALTH

                Sick Kids Hospital toddler learning hub for parents

                Challenging behaviors and positive discipline; "Zero to Three" resources

                Caring for Kids handout "when your child is a picky eater" 

                Toilet training tips

                TOrticollis & plagiocephaly

                Info on torticollis & plagiocephaly

                Consider working with a Pediatric Physiotherapist (find a PT / search by city)

                TOURETTE SYNDROME & TICS

                BCCH's Kelty Mental health resources

                Tic Helper course (for elementary-aged children)

                transgender cARE

                Rainbow Health Ontario's parent guide

                BCCH gender clinic roadmap 

                Peer support: The Foundry and Transcare BC

                traUMA

                Effects of childhood trauma on the brain - watch this YouTube video (UK Trauma Council)

                Caregivers can help by teaching self-regulation skills & encouraging post traumatic growth/resilience

                  urologY & bladder issues

                  Foreskin care & issues like phimosis

                  Sick Kids Urology Hub: bedwetting, toilet training, urinary tract infections, inguinal hernia, undescended testicle and hypospadias

                  VACCINES, bloodwork & Needle phobia

                  Vaccines teach the immune system how to recognize and fight off specific disease-causing germs. Vaccines can save your child's life. In BC, children and teens are offered free vaccines that protect against 15 diseases. Find out what vaccines your child should receive and at what age: BC's vaccine schedule. You can download the free CANimmunize app = an immunization record that helps parents keep track / access vaccine records


                  **If you choose not to immunize it's important that parents understand the risks**

                  Specific questions about certain vaccines? Read CHOP's vaccine education center

                  7 important reasons to immunize your child

                  Strategies to help your child, ease the pain associated with needles/bloodwork (tips by age)

                  CARD toolkit, specific tips: needle phobia

                  note re: Disability tax credit APPLICATION requests

                  The purpose is to help reduce the income tax that people with physical or mental impairments, or their supporting family members, may have to pay (aims to offset some of the costs related to severe impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or longer).


                  Your child may be eligible for the DTC if a medical practitioner certifies your child has a severe and prolonged impairment in 1 of the categories OR significant limitations in 2 or more categories OR if they receive therapy to support a vital function (at least 2 times per week, minimum 14 hours per week):


                  • Walking
                  • Mental functions
                  • Dressing
                  • Feeding
                  • Eliminating (bowel or bladder functions)
                  • Hearing
                  • Speaking
                  • Vision
                  • Life-sustaining therapy


                  Please review the DTC eligibility criteria carefully as applying does not guarantee approval.


                  **Filling out an application form is a service that is not covered by MSP so a fee is due for the professional time it takes Dr. Nutter to review your child’s chart & complete the online application.**


                  **SCAM ALERT re: companies that offer to "help" you apply for a DTC as they may charge up to 15-40% in contingency fees  (!) - not necessary - the application form is filled out by parent/caregiver & GP most often.


                  Note: child's GP, specialist , NP, Child Psychologist, PT, OT can complete the online application form.

                  I am grateful to live & work within the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.


                  Please note: content on this website is provided for the use of Dr. Nutter's patients and should not be considered medical advice. Copyright © 2021 Dr. Alison Nutter

                  Please note: the content and resources on this website are intended for the use of Dr. Nutter's patients and should not be considered medical advice or replace comprehensive medical care. If your child has any medical or developmental issues - contact your doctor.