[FEAT BC Admin]

This area is for discussions in general topics.

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[Super Dad]

The MAPS thing reminds me of "Psychoneurophysiology":

http://www.swingleandassociates.com/

In Nov 2006, the RAPS (Richmond Autism Parent Support) group invited the Swingle person to give a live demo. I tried to convince the facilitator to make sure a more evidence-based point of view is represented in the discussion, and she took offence.

When you know what kind of information is being fed to parents in support groups everywhere, you know why we have to work so hard to reach out to newly diagnosed families.

Tony

[Debra Antifaev]

They probably thought she was being "hard" on the child, too.
What a great article, Isaac.
Another off-topic question and observation:

Did anyone watch the investigative report on the "treatment" called MAPS?
It was on The National with Peter Mansbridge on Monday night. I missed the first few minutes and keep meaning to re-watch it on the web. it was about absolute quakery sold to hope-filled parents as a CURE for autism.
The Government of Alberta even funded a portion of it for a spell. It was so heartbreaking to watch, but it is the reason we must all be vigilent about checking the science and study of all treatments the "experts" try to flog to our kids.

[Isaac]

Hello everyone,

This post may seem a bit off topic, but it really isn't.

The piece (link below) is about the special bond between a profoundly disabled child and the amazing special-needs therapist in her life. The story is about a teacher-child relationship that's 120 years old now, but it will never have an expiry date. I'm sure you'll recognize it's timeless quality.

The article confirms, in a very powerful way, what we already know: making the seemingly impossible possible … is possible! But it takes huge one-on-one effort, dedication and talent.

We don't say it often enough to those who work so hard to save our kids (likely because we're so stressed out … to the max) but our debt of gratitude is enormous.

Isaac

Follow link to article here –> http://tinyurl.com/yt8ln5

[Theresa Jouan]

Casual SHIFTS: Want a job with an opportunity for growth were you can make a difference?

A ground-breaking opportunity exists for you to become part of an exciting project:
A teaching home based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has been designed and has been running successfully for 16 months. This duration of science based treatment in this facility has resulted in previously unseen achievements now being demonstrated by the client.

If you have or are working towards a university degree in a related field (Psychology, Pre- Med, Human Kinetics, etc) and are motivated to apply yourself to daily making a difference in a youth’s life, then send us your resume. We are seeking professional, intelligent, athletic, motivated and reliable individuals to join our team of Clinical Instructors. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to be a part of a team; are interested in pursuing additional education/ career growth and development in this field but who also excel at working independently.

What you can expect:
1) Several casual positions are available with the potential to move into full or part time positions
2) Casual position entails
a. A minimum of 5 scheduled four hour shifts per month
b. Additional shifts for scheduled staff absences
c. Additional shifts on a “on-call” basis for staff illness
d. Shifts will include: 7-3pm, 3-11pm and a overnight awake shift from 11-7am.
3) Competitive wages ($17.46 to $19.46 per hour) commensurate with experience.

Successful applicants should have or obtain:
1) Experience: Previous experience is not necessary as all successful applicants will be required to participate in an initial period of intensive individualized training. Ongoing comprehensive on-site training and BCBA supervision will be provided.
2) A current First Aid/CPR certificate
3) Confirmed good health
4) Criminal Record Check
5) Valid driver’s license
6) Possess strong interpersonal skills
7) Have prior experience in working with children or adolescents
8) Own vehicle for transportation.

Fax Resumes to (604) 274-0060
Or email resumes to:
abahome@gmail.com
Attention: Clinical Supervisor

[Mike & Jean]

ASBC PRESENTS DR. JAMES MULICK
Probing the efficacy of therapies for the treatment of autism from diagnosis to adulthood
Executive Hotel and Conference Centre
4201 Lougheed Hwy
Burnaby, BC V5C 3Y6
Saturday, April 19, 2008

Please go to the ASBC web-site http://www.autismbc.ca , down near the bottom of the page you can download a brochure with more information including the registration form

James A. Mulick PhD
Professor in Pediatrics and Psychology at Ohio State University:
Dr. Mulick received his BA degree in Psychology at Rutgers College, his MA degree in Experimental Psychology and his Ph.D. in General Psychology at the University of Vermont. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Child Psychology at the University of North Carolina College of Medicine in the Division for Disorders of Learning and Development. Prior to his work at Ohio State University, Dr. Mulick taught at the University of Rhode Island, Brown University and Northeastern University. In 1983, Dr. Mulick joined Ohio State University where he currently is a full professor. His work as a psychologist at Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, has focused on early childhood, developmental disabilities, and behavioral assessment of drug action and habit disorders.
Dr. Mulick received a special recognition award in1991 from the American Association on Mental Retardation and in 1998 he received the Karl F. Heiser Award for Advocacy from the American Psychological Association’s Northeast Region. He is an Elected Fellow, American Psychological Association, a Clinical Fellow of the Behavior Therapy and Research Society, and was a Charter Fellow in the American Psychological Society and the American Association of Applied and Preventive Psychology.
Dr. Mulick is an internationally recognized consultant, lecturer, and writer. His most recent edited books are Handbook of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Springer, and Controversial Therapies for Developmental Disabilities with Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Why Should You Attend This Conference?

Until recently autism was considered to be lifelong and severely incapacitating,. However, scientific investigation has demonstrated that, with early, effective and validated intervention, individuals with autism can make significant improvements and lead lives filled with hope,. promise and purpose. Some, in fact, can achieve normal social and intellectual functioning. Despite these profound advances, parents and professionals still experience great difficulty in obtaining effective treatment for people with autism. Controversy over what constitutes effective treatment and confusion surrounding the distinction between science and pseudo-science all contribute to this difficulty. The aim of this conference is to offer clearly articulated, science-based, state-of-the-art information on behavioral research in autism treatment and provide vital information on scientifically validated best practises in the treatment of autism.

Who Should Attend This Conference?

This conference is designed for parents, professionals, including speech and language pathologists, educators and anyone who has an interest in scientifically sound information about autism and effective information.

[Louise Taylor]

A suggestion to parents – please go to your local library and ask them to order in a copy of "The Complete Guide to Autism Treatments – A parent's handbook: make sure your child gets what works!" The author is FEAT of BC founder, Sabrina Freeman, Ph.D.

It can be ordered on-line at skfbooks.com The cost is $29.95 plus tax.

[Debra Antifaev]

Hi again everyone!

What a fantastic turn-out at the “Medicare for Autism NOW” Rally. It was great to see so many family members, consultants, tutors, etc, joining the parents. Politicians should realise that we all have extended families and friends and we are all touched in some way by Autism.

It was so heart warming to see people donating to FEAT when they are already devastated financially by having to provide treatment for their children. One man actually opened his wallet and emptied out every last penny into the “Donation” jar.

Some people asked me where they could send donations. Please advise all of your families and friends that they can continue to support the Medicare for Autism campaign by sending cheques payable to “F.E.A.T of B.C.” to:

c/o
4485 Ross Lane
West Vancouver, B.C.
V7W 2Z2

Please remember that the few people running and organizing this drive, keeping autism in the news and meeting with MPs and MLAs are financing their own flights/travel/hotels. We have another hurdle when the feds call an election…….

Thanks again to everyone who cared enough to give up two hours of their day for ALL the victims of the disease! (And to all those who wrote offering support!!!!!)

Deb

[Luke’s mama]

Pls watch the news coverage.
so little time for us and so much hard work
to put this rally together.

I could not stop crying during the opening
video or music clip. Shows our kids with a future all because of ABA !!!!!!!!!!!

MEDICARE FOR AUTISM NOW !!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugln3lEBPrs

I was there !

Luke's very proud mom

[Mike & Jean]

I would like to thank all those who helped make today's "Medicare for Autism Now!" rally a wonderful success! Special thanks to Master of Ceremonies- Scott Hean, Dione Costanzo, Louise Witt, Debra Antifaev and all their helpers who took registrations, sold tee-shirs, wristbands, 50/50 tickets and books.

Thank you to all the speakers…your messages were powerful and motivational.

The crowd of 350-400 listened closely and responded very positively to our message.

For more info. on the rally check out our blog:

http:///www.medicareforautismnow.blogspot.com/

[Dione Costanzo]

Hi everyone,

Well what can I say about the Rally today except ****WOW****

While we were hoping for 200 people closer to 400 people showed up, and many more sent their support as they could not make it.

Sabrina, Jean, Dave, Louise, Dubravka, Dave, Dr Davie, Dr DeLevie, Bev, Stephan Marinoiu and Harold Doherty – all spoke from the heart and touched everyone there. THANK YOU to all of you for sharing your stories and spreading the word. As a member of the audience I watched many jaws drop as people heard how the Canadian government has discriminated against and continually ignored the plight of hundreds of thousands of Canadians with autism.

I am so proud to have had so many family members and friends out showing their support today. Obviously the word is spreading, support is growing and we are going to see some major changes leading up to and during the next election.

Thank you again to everyone that attended today and making it such a major success.

Please tune into News 1130, Global News and CTV that are running stories on todays event.

MEDICARE FOR AUTISM NOW!!

Cheers,
Dione

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