[FEAT BC Admin]

This area is for discussions in general topics.

Topic

[Sara White]

Hi everyone. We (the Autism Society of BC) are trying to get an informational website for siblings of children with autism. In order to make sure that we're doing something that's of interest/will be used be siblings we've decided to start with a survey. Below are two links (one for parents and one for siblings). I would appreciate it if you would take the time to respond and/or get your child to respond too.

Parent:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=aEiYBv776sO_2bmLRdBaXWOw_3d_3d

Sibling:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=B9El5oCCux8kbQ1NGvE09Q_3d_3d

Thanks so much!
Sara White, PhD, BCBA

[Mike & Jean]

Hello all,

Just a reminder to get your registrations in as soon as possible for the ASBC presentation of Dr. James Mulick on April 19th.

The info has been posted before but you simply go to the ASBC web-site at http://www.autismbc.ca and download the information brochure/registration form. The conference information is down near the bottom of the home-page.

Not that you need any further encouragement to attend this important and informative event but we are pleased to advise you that we have received confirmation that the registration fee is an acceptable expense within the parameters of your Autism Funding from MCFD.

Hopefully we will see you on April 19th.

Regards, Michael and Jean

[Lis Louwrier]

I am sending this message out to thank the many people who responded to my post on repeated illness with my 7 year old son. I have tried to respond to most of you but I am having trouble with my email yahoo account so I just want to say thank you for taking time out of your day to respond to my concerns.

I also write to share a story. My son will have been in program 5 years this May. When we started our ABA program he had limited communication skills and many tantrums. Life in general was a major challenge but we loved our son to bits and wanted to try ABA to see if it would help him. So we commenced a 40 hour a week for 3 years until he commenced grade one whereupon we have had to reduce to accomodate a school day but we continue to provide ABA to our son under the direction of a qualified consultant.

Now he is in grade two (still in program) and I would like to share a conversation I had the other night with him as I tucked him into bed. My son overheard my husband and I discussing our worries (beware they can hear everything) because like most families running programs for significant periods of time, finances are incredibly tight. Heck lets face all of us running program are in debt for life. So as I am tucking him into bed, our conversation began:

Mr. Bionicle (his favourite toy): Mom are we in trouble?
Me: What do you mean?
Mr. Bionicle: Well are we poor?
Me: Well no but we have to be careful with our money.
Mr. Bionicle: I heard you and dad talking. Why do we need to be careful?
Me: It is complicated but basically we just can't go out and buy anything we want whenever we want it. We have to count our money before we buy something. I think it is really thoughtful of you to ask me and find out more.
Mr. Bionicle: I have a piggy bank I could share with you and dad.
Me: You know you are pretty cool but I want you to keep you money for things you want to buy. That why we give you an allowance.
Mr. Bionicle: Oh…Okay, are we going to end up like the kids on TV?
Me: What kids?
Mr. Bionicle: The kids in poor countries who have nothing.
Me: It's not the same because you live in a house and have toys and some of those kids do not have a house or have toys or much food.
Mr. Bionicle: Maybe I should send them my toys or tools to build a house.
Me: Maybe we can find a way to send them something.
Mr. Bionicle: Okay I am tired I talked enough
Me: Me too. Good night.

I am telling this story for a reason. My son did not just emerge this way. He worked pretty darn hard over many years under the direction of some great ABA consultants to get there. He is not recovered but he does but he does well in life and has learned to fit in well with his society. I can not imagine how hard it must have been for him but these little guys are amazing when motivated with love and care. I know this level of advancement does not happen for all kids in program but the research shows it is possible for a good percentage…if only it could be funded as a full-time program. Either way, all kids in program benefit from a better life. I really want to thank those individuals this Easter/Passover time of year for continuing to fight and work for a cause that impoverishes so many families in BC and across Canada. One could never thank you enough.

Thanks
Lis (Mr. Bionicle's mom)

[Mike & Jean]

Hello all,

Just a reminder to get your registrations in as soon as possible for the ASBC presentation of Dr. James Mulick on April 19th.

The info has been posted before but you simply go to the ASBC web-site at http://www.autismbc.ca and download the information brochure/registration form. The conference information is down near the bottom of the home-page.

Not that you need any further encouragement to attend this important and informative event but we are pleased to advise you that we have received confirmation that the registration fee is an acceptable expense within the parameters of your Autism Funding from MCFD.

Hopefully we will see you on April 19th.

Regards, Michael and Jean

[Tiana Arruda]

FEAT FUNDRAISER

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We were at the MEDICARE FOR AUTISM RALLY on March 2nd and were really touched by everyone's story.
We would like to help by starting a fundraiser for FEAT. A chocolate company is willing to work with us.
All we need to do is sell as much chocolate covered almonds as we can.

For every case we sell, FEAT will get $25.
We live in Abbotsford and are willing to deliver them to you.
For more information please contact
lasksy@telus.

Vichie and Tiana

[Lis Louwrier]

Dear Parents,

I am wondering if I could pose a question to other FEAT parents. My son has been in an ABA program for 5 years with much success. However, my question is not really program related. My son is often ill and has lost a lot of school and therapy time this school year due to illness. I am wondering if other parents of ASD kids in program have had this experience? He has a very varied and healthy diet thanks to his ABA program. The GP has not been very helpful so now I am turning to some other parents of ASD kids. I would prefer to speak to parents running Lovaas programs as that if not something I am willing to sacrifice but I would like to hear of anything else which may have worked. If the Board does not find this question relevant or appropriate to this site, could parents please email me at louwrierlisbeth@yahoo.com. I really need to hear some other thoughts. I would like to get my son healthy again so he can spend more time in program and school.

All the best
Lis Louwrier
Vancouver Island

[Ed Hillman]

The Open Mic For Autism Team has some exciting news about "Open Mic For Autism" benefiting FEAT of BC!

After hours of mixing and arranging the recordings, we have a sneak peek of one of the tracks that will appear on the benefit album. "Mr.P" is performed by Joey Laguio from the St. Patrick's Regional Choir featuring DJ Hillman. This song is a dedication to Mr.P himself, who is a wonderful youth living and coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

To listen to the track, simply click HERE or go to http://www.openmicautism.blogspot.com
and press play on the Mini Ipod on the right side of the page!

Enjoy!

-The Open Mic For Autism Team-

[Theresa Jouan]

FEAT of BC Intermediate Workshop!

This event is taking place on Saturday, March 29th from 10am-4pm.

Cost: $35 per person

Location: Guildford Rec Center, Surrey, BC

Topics that will be covered:
– Task analysis
– Total task presentation
– Chaining
– Shaping
– ABA History
– Prompting Methods
– Reinforcement (including schedules of reinforcement and law of consequences)

Topic content has been altered to allow for additional group work time as the focus of the workshop will be the application of these theoretical constructs.

Individual feedback to attendees by presenters will also be provided.

Registration form can be found at: https://featbc.org/downloads/ibtw.pdf

Please note the new mailing address, fax number and email address for this workshop only.

Hope to see you all there!

[Diane Slootweg]

This month's Mid Island ASBC Community Group Meeting will be held on a new date and at a new location.

Due to Spring Break this month's meeting has been scheduled for *Wednesday March 12,2008 7-9pm*
Also, the location for this meeting only, has been changed to *Randerson Ridge Elementary School, located at 6021 Nelson Road Nanaimo BC

*This month's topic for discussion is : Supporting Students with Special Needs in our Schools

Included in this discussion will be a brief presentation by Jane Carroll, School District 68 coordinator of Low Incidence Programs, who is currently preparing an information guide for new parents transitioning their children to kindergarten.

In addition we will present tips and advice about how to research specific schools in your district and how to be an effective advocate for your child.

This meeting will provide an opportunity to share your concerns, experiences, challenges and successes with other parents.

This promises to be an informative session for all parents who will be entering and currently in the school system.

Please reply if you plan to attend in order to arrange for materials.

You may contact me at midisland.asbc.gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Regards,

Diane Slootweg

[Luke’s mama]

Everyone,

I love the story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. It does span the test of time and shows the dedication of one person.

With perseverance, one person can change another person's life one day at the time.

She is a great example of what we can expect if we have the right team for our ABA program.

I am new to the scene too but I am so glad for what I have in funding.

Bev Sharpe thanks for your speech at the rally. It validates that we all are in this because it works and that is why we CANNOT stop !!
I cannot stop crying when I think of how much emotion came out and how hard you fought to give your child the best treatment.
Sabrina, Jean, Dr. deLevie, Dubravka, and countless others that gave and gave from their time and own pocketbook…God Bless You for stepping out of your comfort zone.
Like a tide we must keep the wave going so one good wave after another will keep crashing with the truth.

Dione, I am hoping to connect with you. Please tell me if you recieved my email. I am waiting to connect to you per your request. Thx.

the proud parent of Luke

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