A neuropsychologist specialises in the normal relations between the brain and behavior, as well as the changes that occur when a medical or psychiatric problem affects brain function. The focus of a neuropsychologist is the evaluation of neuropsychological disorders. The aim of a clinical neuropsychological assessment is to provide a comprehensive understanding of cognitive functioning. It allows clinical judgment of the nature of any neuropsychological disorder or cognitive impairment presented by the client. Neuropsychologist have unique skills that allow them to structure and integrate assessment methods adapted to the specific needs of each client and also to integrate and interpret information from different sources. A neuropsychological assessment is not a general evaluation, but rather is specific to each particular client. (Aqnp.ca) (aqnp.ca)

Neuropsychology is a crossroads discipline born mainly from the interaction between neurology and psychology, studying the different abilities of the brain. In this sense, a neuropsychological assessment is a diagnostic process illustrating the strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive functioning of the individual. To do this, the neuropsychologist measures and qualifies the different aspects of cognitive functioning using specialized, standardized tools and protocols specific to this discipline. This methodology allows the neuropsychologist to assess a person’s intellectual functioning, memory, attention, language, motor development, processing speed, perception, and many other functions that make up the daily life of an individual.

Neuropsychological assessment is often the starting point to any intervention, as it allows a customized and solid framework for the client, parents and members of their health care team.

A comprehensive assessment allows the neuropsychologist to develop the cognitive profile of the individual, as well as a diagnosis and a full report to the client. This report is an indispensable tool that provides access to accommodation and / or specialized services in hospitals, rehabilitations centers, in schools or even from their employer.

The following can benefit from consulting a neuropsychologist 1) young children for whom parents suspect various developmental issues (e.g. dysphasia, dyspraxia, global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder), 2) children / adolescents / adults with learning difficulties and / or behaviors (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, Tourette's), 3) adults who are experiencing difficulties in their work performance, and 4) adults and / or seniors acquired or live with a degenerative neurological disorder (e.g. stroke, head trauma, Alzheimer's disease).

Neuropsychology services are reimbursed by most insurance companies.

A Speech-language Pathologist is a specialist in communication and language development. Through evaluation and vigorous rehabilitation, SLP intervention is critical in the development of proper communication skills.

Speech-language Pathologists have all the skills and training needed to help maintain and / or improve the communication skills of the client regardless of their difficulties. The role of a Speech-language Pathologist is to help develop and support client independence. (Ooaq.qc.ca)(ooaq.qc.ca)

An SLP works with clients of all ages, from children as young as two years of age to the elderly, and each is treated according to their limitations and language problems. These may include individuals who have difficulty understanding questions or following instructions, have difficulty speaking, issues with pronunciation of certain words, forming sentences or following academic learning.

Examples of typical clients: Children who are not easily understood by strangers; who have speech delays, or omit words from their sentences; do not pronounce their words properly, or are unable to communicate an event that happened to them or even a story that they know well.

Later in their development, children, adolescents or adult voices diminish, or even tend to lose their voice, develop a nasal voice. They may respond inappropriately to questions (out of context), or confuse words that are similar (e.g.; boat /goat, could /should). Parents who have concerns regarding their child’s language and speech development will also benefit from an SLP consultation. Speech therapist supports clients of all ages who are dealing with issues that affect the expression or understanding of language. Speech therapy services are also reimbursed by most insurance companies.

Chiropractic Care is a health discipline that emphasizes the human body’s inherent capacity to stay healthy and to heal itself without drugs or surgery (homeostasis). It focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function as coordinated by the nervous system.

The chiropractic approach is both preventive and curative, that is to say, it aims not only to bring you relief, but also prevent you from developing symptoms or pain related to a malfunction of your spine or your other joints. To achieve this, chiropractors will primarily use chiropractic adjustment which is a specialized form of joint manipulation.

Chiropractors are partners in the recovery and maintenance of health. They are trained to give you the best advice to optimize your health and prevent the onset of health problems. (Ordredeschiropraticiens.ca)(ordredeschiropraticiens.ca)

Anyone with a spine!

There are also chiropractic techniques adapted to the elderly and children. Children generally like these treatments because they are painless and Chiropractors tend to use a playful approach when treating children.

These treatments are perfectly safe and effective modes of care as they are adjustable to each specific patient. Studies have shown that paediatric chiropractic care is particularly effective, with an 85% efficiency rate.

Because chiropractors adjust their techniques to adapt to each patient, it is an ideal modality for the elderly. Many elderly clients find that they have, vitality, increased their energy, as well as their strength and flexibility.

People visit a chiropractor when they are in pain and generally suffer from; headaches, cervical or lumbar stiffness, digestive problems, constipation, pain in the shoulders, hips or legs, herniated discs, or sciatic problems, nasal congestion or allergies, numbness in the hands, feet, insomnia, hypertension, etc. In children, the majority of consults are for ear infections, asthma, colic, chronic indigestion, etc. It is not only pain sufferers or those with health problems that seek chiropractic care.

In fact, anyone keen to stay healthy and prevent premature degeneration of the spine should regularly consult a chiropractor.

Chiropractic treatments are reimbursed by most insurance companies.

A psychologist objective is to try to understand a person and the ways in which they behave, act and interact. The psychologist studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint and applies this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behavior. A practicing psychologist is trained to assess and diagnose problems in thinking, feelings and behavior, as well as helping people overcome and manage their problems. They achieve this by using a variety of treatments or psychotherapies tailored to each individual. This is their main goal in practice. (Cpa.ca)(cpa.ca)

The psychologist supports clients of all ages, from children as young as two years of age, straight through to adulthood and beyond. They can assist clients with any of their concerns and the difficulties they may encounter in their daily lives. For example, children, adolescents and adults who have excessive fears, who are grieving a significant loss, who present difficulties with social integration, or personal fulfilment or even who simply strive for better knowledge of themselves. There are so many reasons to consult a psychologist each unique to each individual.

There are no good or bad reasons to consult a psychologist. Often people think they can handle things on their own, or that time will eventually work things out. Unfortunately, sometimes situations can also fester, which may in turn lead to physical health problems. It is therefore important to act quickly before the situation escalates and requires a more significant response. The reasons for the more frequent consultations in psychology are personal challenges, difficult trials or events (bereavement, illness, job loss, and separation), difficulties in interpersonal relationships, the search for a more fulfilled life, as well as personal and professional transitions. For all these reasons and more, the psychologist will be an asset to anyone who decides to visit.

Psychology visits are reimbursable by most insurance companies.

An occupational therapist is concerned with stimulating people's desire for autonomy. To that end, an O.T. takes care to put in place the conditions necessary for advancing that goal through the full development of their potential and their social integration.

Occupational therapists analyze an individual’s physical and mental fitness; assess their potential; their interests and limitations. They identify an individual’s goals to engage them in activities that enhance their functional abilities and skills (manual labor, household chores, artistic expression, physical and sports activities, educational and recreational games, etc.). Occupational therapists also help their clients adapt their environment to their functional limitations and offer ways to make their activities easier and recommend the use of orthotics or prostheses if necessary (www.oeq.org).(www.oeq.org)

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages. They can also serve groups, communities, organizations and even businesses. Indeed, the goal of the occupational therapist is to promote autonomy, to improve their clients’ quality of life, and to facilitate a client’s ability to maintain their autonomy in their living environment, as well as their integration into the community.

Occupational therapy allows people to organize and carry out activities they consider important; to take care of oneself and others, and allows this to be realized on a personal, academic and professional level. As well as to develop through leisure activities such as games and sports in particular. The occupational therapist intervenes with target clientele such as;

Neonatal: A preterm birth where the infant may present physiological problems due to neurological immaturity. This immaturity can lead to decreased tone, lack of suction reflex, coordination of the suction / breath / swallow rhythm, wake / sleep regulation, low endurance or poor positioning.

Pediatric: An occupational therapist works with children with genetic syndromes including Down syndrome (trisomy 21) , cerebral palsy, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder or other mental health problems. Their interventions include improvements in muscle tone, postural control, positioning, upper limb mobility and oral-facial mechanisms, normalization and stabilization of sensitivities, as well as the development of the skills required to perform the activities of life daily.

There are also some children that present with several feeding difficulties. An occupational therapist’s interventions aim to maximize the individual's ability to feed, in particular by improving postural control and oral-facial motor skills and by normalizing sensitivities. An O.T. will also teach appropriate feeding techniques to caregivers.

Persons presenting an intellectual disability: Such individuals may have motor and sensory deficits, as well as behavioral disturbances that may affect their eating ability. Eating disorders encountered by an O.T. are generally related to problems with muscle tone, reduced mobility of oral structures (opening of the mandible, lingual protrusion), poor salivary control and an inadequate feeding rhythm.

Occupational therapy services are reimbursable by the majority of insurance companies.

A Sexologist is a professional who studies sex and sexuality and works to provide sexual education to clients. Their knowledge can help the young and old in adopting more positive and healthy attitudes and behaviors in the exercise of their sexuality.

The sexologist may be interested in research in different areas of sexuality and sexology. Despite great advances in recent years, the vast and extensive field of study of human sexuality is still in its infancy in scientific research. (Association of sexologists) (associationdessexologues)

Many people experience sexual difficulties that they have never been able to talk about. A sexologist can help solve the sexual problems of anyone who does not have a fulfilling sex life. They can: give advice and solve certain problems of everyday life that may affect sexuality whether you are a woman, a man or a couple, they can help you regain desire and pleasure, allow healthy sexual fulfillment , restore self-confidence and much more.

Sex therapy is essentially a therapy in psychology, but it is specialized in sexual and relational problems. In order to improve your sexual and / or relational well-being, a sexologist tries to determine the root causes that are the basis of your problem in order to change the dysfunctional behaviors.

A sexologist may practice as a clinical sexologist and treat clients through sex therapy as individuals, couples, families, or group therapy. He or she must have a master's degree in sexology (profile counseling) and a psychotherapist's license.

Sexologists can address various difficulties and disorders, such as: Sexual difficulties: sexual assault, sexual compulsion, disgust of sexuality, addiction to pornography, penetration pain, exhibitionism, disturbing sexual fantasy, fetishism, incest, ejaculation disorder, erectile dysfunction, sexual identity, orgasm disorder, questioning about sexual orientation, etc.

Relationship difficulties: emotional dependence, difficulty in love, body image, excessive jealousy, extramarital relationship, intimacy disorder, etc.

Sexual difficulties related to health: abortion, miscarriage, pregnancy, infertility, disability, impact of STBBIs (STDs and AIDS) on sexuality, menopause, andropause, gynecological or urological problems.

Sexology services are refundable by the majority of the insurance companies.

A resource teacher is specialized in the field of educational sciences that evaluates and works with students who are likely to present, or who present difficulties with; learning, reading, writing or mathematics. This includes students with such learning disabilities as ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dysorthographia and dyscalculia.

Resource teaching is also defined by a set of teaching methods and procedures aimed at enabling children, adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties or learning disabilities to overcome their barriers and develop to their full potential. (Www.ladoq.ca) (www.ladoq.ca)

The role of a remedial teacher is to prevent the emergence of academic delays by pre-emptively identifying certain difficulties that may hinder the student's learning in the future, or an adult’s success in his or her job. The teacher must therefore evaluate the individual’s capabilities in order to detect the elements that need the most work. They can then intervene with the client by providing them with appropriate teaching strategies to address their specific difficulties. This work is carried out with the collaboration between the teacher and the client to help identify and rectify problem areas hindering success. The remedial teacher intervenes when academic or professional difficulties are persistent despite several efforts in the classroom or at work. The services of a remedial teacher are especially effective after a neuropsychological assessment which enables the teacher and student to focus on the underlying disorders, thus better targeting interventions to address the true causes of Academic difficulties.

Remedial follow-up is aimed at children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing delays in their academic or professional career, or who have learning difficulties such as ADD/ADHD, or reading and writing difficulties such as, dyslexia, dysorthographia and dyscalculia. This help is also available to students who have found little success in traditional tutoring. Our resource teachers offer effective intervention methods as they address the core of the problem. All services in resource are designed and offered to students of all levels of education, and offered at varying times to accommodate busy school and work schedules.

Resource (remedial) services are reimbursable by the majority of insurance companies.

A naturopath is a professional who uses nutrition therapy; a medical system that aims to be complete and coherent in focusing on the stimulation of the body's natural self-healing mechanisms. Naturopathic interventions are primarily aimed at activating, nurturing and strengthening these mechanisms rather than eliminating symptoms or directly attacking pathogens. The treatment also aims to be as effortless and non-invasive as possible.

In this sense, the naturopath favours a personalized diet, vitamins and minerals, nutritional supplements, medicinal plants and essential oils, hydrotherapy (water), physical activity, a stress management program, allergy testing as well as testing for heavy metals and free radicals. They also offer screening tests for functional diseases (intestines, stomach, adrenals), and deficiency tests (vitamins, minerals, trace elements), and evaluation of vitality. (Www.anaq.ca) (www.anaq.ca)

A naturopath is for all those who wish to live in good health. A naturopath can assist people of all ages. So, anyone who is eager to take charge and make prevention their health priority should consult a naturopath.

A naturopath establishes a customized therapeutic client protocol that includes: dietary recommendations, integration of natural health factors, improved lifestyle habits, drainage of toxin overloads that impede normal body functioning; The support and alignment of out-of-balance physiological functions so that they find their optimum rhythm.

Here is a general list of the various disorders or symptoms that can be relieved by a naturopath:

Nutrition: correcting dietary balance, weight management, pediatric nutrition and dietary disorders (ex.: gluten, lactose, etc.….).

Well-being: better sleep, puberty, pregnancy, mother-baby counseling, menstrual issues and menopause/andropause.

Stress management: at school or work, decreased physical tone and mood management.

Health: testing for better resistance to repeated infections, and / or various chronic disorders pertaining to skin, digestive, circulatory, metabolic and allergic problems. Naturopathic treatment is reimbursable by some insurance companies.

The acronym A.B.A. stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. ABA therapy is a method of intervention based on scientific knowledge and uses the principles of learning to modify behavior. The most effective treatment for children with autism or those with other forms of developmental delay is teaching that is based on the principles of ABA therapy. Please note that the Quebec Department of Health and Social Services considers ABA therapy as an essential service.

The majority of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or general developmental delay (GDD), have learning disabilities. They need support to develop basic skills for their daily lives. Their difficulties in communication, interaction and socialization cause them to have significant barriers in terms of adaptation and social integration. The objective of the ABA method is to equip them with the proper tools to better manage their behavior in a minimal way so that they can integrate into society.

ABA intervention consists of long-term strategies to assist children and adults in setting up an independence that will allow social, academic and professional integration. This is done by allowing the client to develop basic learning skills (language, autonomy, movement, school, play, etc.) and to reduce behavioral disorders (crying, aggressiveness, anxiety, etc.).

The goal of interventions in ABA is to maximize the potential of people with ASD, GERD or other developmental disabilities; to give them the tools to be full-fledged actors in their own lives; to make their own choices and express them and to facilitate their integration into society.

Also note that the ABA technique is only one of several approaches recommended for intervention with children and adults with ASD. Other approaches include; ICAC (Intensive Behavioral Intervention), TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-handicapped Children) and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).

Our specialists can also help guide you in your choice of intervention for the wellbeing of your loved one.

Acupuncture is one of the key disciplines of Chinese medicine based on the concept of positive Yang energy and negative Yin energy and the existence of favoured skin areas. The acupuncturist is a front-line practitioner who determines the root causes that lead the client to consult; investigates the problems manifested and, according to the traditional oriental method, proceeds to the clinical examination of the energy state of the client. The complexion, the tongue, the eyes, the radial pulse are studied closely. The treatment of acupuncture is performed by the implantation and manipulation of fine needles on certain specific areas of the skin, mucous membranes or subcutaneous tissues of the human body, called acupuncture points. Besides the needle, the acupuncturist can also use heat, pressure, electrical current or light rays. Acupuncture can be used either as an alternative or a complement to conventional medicine. (O-aq.org)(o-a-q.org)

An acupuncturist can treat newborns, young children, adolescents, adults, elderly and even pregnant women. Studies have shown that acupuncture results in the calming of many behavioural issues with clients.

Here are some examples of disorders for which acupuncture can be helpful;

Autonomic Nervous System: nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, stuttering, nervous tics, phobias, depressive states, general fatigue, obsessions, nightmares, bulimia, dizziness, tremors, loss of balance and panic attack.

Respiratory system: asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, laryngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, cold cough, flu and difficulty breathing.

Hearing system: certain deafness, ringing of ears, whistling, Meniere's syndrome, ear pain.

Ocular system: vision disorders, conjunctivitis, certain decreases in vision, glare, cataracts, glaucoma, and black spots. Acupuncture can also help with withdrawals from certain addictions such as cigarette, drugs, alcohol and food. These are just a few of the issues Acupuncture can help resolve. Acupuncture treatments are refundable by some insurance companies.

Neurofeedback is a neuroimaging technique used to train the brain. It aims to increase the brain’s performance and reduce the effects of several pathologies.

During the quantitative electroencephalographic evaluation (EEGq), the medical electrophysiology technologist places a helmet with 19 electrodes on your head. To promote good transmission between the electrical activity of your brain, the scalp and the electrodes of the helmet, a conductive gel (a water and salt based solution ) is applied in each of the sensors. When recording the EEGq, the electrodes placed on your scalp transmit the information to a computer program, which allows you to visualize, in real time, the electric waves generated by the brain.

The EEGq assessment measures the breadth of the electrical activity of the brain and compares it with a normative database. This makes it possible to compare the functioning of the brain regions and underlying cognitive functions and to identify which regions of the brain deviate from the norm.

The neurofeedback technique allows the brain to learn how to restore the functioning of underperforming regions. When the brain generates the desired electrical activity, a sound or visual reward is given. When viewing the video or listening to music, if the electrical activity emitted by the brain changes and is no longer optimal, the movie or music stops for a few seconds and resumes when the desired activity is again unconsciously produced by the brain. Neurofeedback allows for the optimization of the neuro-electrical functioning of the brain, in most cases, to remedy, in part or in total, the root cause of the cognitive difficulties in the regions of the brain which are altered

Neurofeedback is recognized and scientifically proven. First recognized to reduce or eliminate seizures in people with epilepsy, neurofeedback is based on more than 40 years of scientific research. In 2012, the American Pediatric Association even recognized neurofeedback training as being as effective as medication for treating ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

NASA and the US military use it to improve the performance of pilots and other specialized agents and representatives in these fields. In fact, neurofeedback is central to the US Army’s rehabilitation program for soldiers who have suffered post-traumatic stress disorders/injuries or traumatic brain injury. Neurofeedback is also used by athletes to improve performance and by business leaders to optimize their success and effectively manage stress.

Neurofeedback will allow you to realize all the power you have over your mental state. It is also just as effective in children as it is in adults.

Neurofeedback will help you to improve:

Your level of attention and concentration