Wendy Digout Psychological Services

09/26/2025

IWK Health continues to follow the evidence-based best practices of credible Canadian medical bodies, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and Health Canada, which continue to recommend acetaminophen as a safe and appropriate first-line option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy when medically needed, at recommended doses and for the shortest duration necessary.

Untreated fever and pain in pregnant women can pose risks to the unborn child. Families and pregnant women should continue to follow the advice of their health care providers.

There is no conclusive evidence of a causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.

09/23/2025

Please talk to your doctor. There is a lot of dangerous misinformation coming out right now. I hope this information helps to clear some things up.

09/15/2025

SmartParent in Nova Scotia offers people who are pregnant the option of perinatal education being sent directly to their cell phones. The pilot program, available from IWK Health and Nova Scotia Health Public Health, offers text messages from pregnancy and child health experts that guide expectant parents through the transformative weeks of pregnancy and the first year of their child's life.

Parents can enrol in the free service by texting the keyword ‘Baby’ to 12323 or by going to www.smartparent.ca and clicking Enrol Now.

https://iwkhealth.ca/pregnancy/smartparent-prenatal-support-program

09/12/2025

Join us for Free Virtual Autism Education Sessions

Understanding Behaviour
• September 25, 10–11am
• October 17, 2–3pm

Toileting Skills
• September 29, 12–1pm
• October 17, 9–10am

These free sessions share practical, evidence-informed strategies from health professionals to help build confidence in supporting your child’s development and everyday routines.

Open to all families and caregivers. Hosted by the Provincial Preschool Autism Service (PPAS) – a partnership between IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health, Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia, and Autism Nova Scotia.

Save the dates and join us online.
https://iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/autism-education-series

Registration is full, but please stay tuned for new dates in the near future

06/29/2025

06/27/2025

06/21/2025

A Randomized Placebo- Controlled Trial of Sertraline vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Anxiety in Children and AdoLescents with NeurodevelopMental Disorders: The CALM study

Kids and Beyond-NeuroDevelopmental Trials Network (KINDtrials), Réseau KINDtrials- Essais Neurodéveloppementaux pour Tous, is researching genes, the brain, and behaviour to find potential treatments in neurodevelopmental disorders.

What is this study about?

We are currently studying a medication called sertraline to help reduce anxiety in children and teens with neurodevelopmental disorders!

Who can participate?

Children and teens between 8 and 17 years old
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, or genetic diagnosis of Fragile X, tuberous sclerosis or 22q11 deletions
Meet criteria for an anxiety disorder
Able to tolerate venipuncture (bloodwork)

What’s involved?

This study is comparing sertraline against a placebo for reducing anxiety symptoms
The trial is 16 weeks long
There are 7 study visits
Study procedures include bloodwork, smartwatch technology and questionnaires

Potential Benefits?

Sertraline may help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents.
This research will help other children and families with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Potential Risks?

The most common side effect is headache, nausea and dry mouth.

Participants will receive a gift card at each visit to thank them for their time.

For more information, contact Stacey or Kathryne at 902-470-7275 or CALMstudy@iwk.nshealth.ca

Principal Investigator: Dr Megan Thomas
REB # 1030467

06/16/2025

Community Posting:
Check out these summer camp opportunities with the YMCA!!

06/02/2025

05/12/2025

The StFX and Antigonish community has lost one of its very own treasures. I've heard Father Stan described in many ways, by the larger community, students, members of the StFX community and student athletes over the years. The consensus was that Fr Stan was an icon, the best (ever or anywhere!) supporter of student athletes, he was always calm and always cheery, he was always there for anyone who needed an ear or just someone to be present with and no matter what your faith or background he always treated you the same as everyone else. He was the one who stood up for our LGBTQ+ community on campus, and he was the one that would always offer to pray for you if you wanted. Father Stan was friend, priest, supporter and so many things to thousands of students over the years. He will be greatly missed.

My condolences to all who knew him, loved him and felt loved by him. RIP Father Stan. Thanks for everything. ❤️

05/09/2025

05/02/2025

Just one of many ways that we can support our mental health.....and remember knitting is for all ages!! (as long as they're safe with the needles! 😉)

🧶 May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and we’re celebrating the calming, uplifting, and empowering effects of knitting on our minds and hearts.

Science agrees: knitting isn’t just a cozy hobby. Studies show it can reduce stress, lower cortisol, boost dopamine, and even support long-term cognitive health. 💚 From repetitive motion that soothes the nervous system to the joy of finishing a project, knitting can be a powerful tool for your well-being.

✨ We dug into scientific research and mental health studies to create our new guide, How Knitting Affects Your Mental Health — and we’ll be sharing deeper looks at those findings all month long. Stay tuned for posts that explore how knitting supports community, creativity, and cognitive strength.