[FEAT BC Admin]

This area is for discussions in general topics.

Topic

[Mike & Jean]

Parents: If you are trying to recruit ABA therapists, you should be aware of the following recruitment ad currently posted on craigslist. In my opinion, it is full of red flags. The recruiters only identify themselves as a group of "senior behavior therapists" Really? Who are they and more importantly, whose supervising them? And, offering to "fix resumes" is unethical.

SEEKING INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN HUMAN BEHAVIOUR- NO EXPERIENCE NEEDE

compensation: $15-16 start up to $40.00 increase with experience
employment type: employee's choice

This is an intensive 30-hour crash course in ABA (one of the branches in psychology) that can be completed either within one week or 2 months.

One of the branches of psychology is Behaviourism; the field concerned with understanding human behaviour. Behaviorism dates back to the 1950's with theorists testing to see if they can change animal's behaviours through certain reinforcing and punishing conditions. It worked.

65 years later, this field has flourished into being the only scientifically proven treatment for Autism. It is also widely used for the treatment of ADD, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Bipolar, Anxiety disorders, addictions and Phobias.

WHO ARE WE AND WHAT IS OUR MISSION:

As ABA has great scientific validity, it is high in demand by families who have children diagnosed with behavioural disorders. For this reason, there is a shortage of sufficiently trained individuals.
We are a group of Senior Behaviour Therapists seeking individuals with an interest and curiosity for human behaviour and psychology.
The Aim is to introduce newly trained individuals into the community of ABA.

We are looking for individuals who have always had the passion and curiosity in human behaviour, but never had the chance to explore.

WHAT IS THE COURSE CONTENT EXACTLY AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

This is a 30-hour intensive crash course in Applied Behaviour Analysis. We will cover the main principles of this treatment and give you a thorough training of the field. You will also be familiarized with the career aspect of this branch in psychology. I.e. How to move up in the field, all of the different career opportunities, etc.

Once we have your availability we will match you up with a group that matches your schedule. We have students who come in everyday, and others who come in one evening a week.

WHAT ELSE?

For students who successfully pass their final exam, we will assist you in "fixing up" your resume, cover letter, and interview skills required for the field. By the end of the course you should feel comfortable and confident in what this therapy is about, all of the main treatment principles, terminology used, behaviour functions, principles of changing behaviour, and an understanding of the field in terms of its career benefits.

COST OF COURSE?

419

WHAT ARE SOME OF MY CAREER OPTIONS IN THE FIELD OF ABA? AND WHAT IS THE PAY LIKE FOR EACH?

Junior behaviour therapist: working either in home or school setting with a group of professionals including a behaviour consultant and a speech pathologist. Pay starts around $15.00-$16.00 and can go up to $20.00 per hour.

Senior behaviour therapist: A more experienced therapist. Works either in home or school settings- responsible for training the new therapists on the team, works closely with the behaviour consultant. Pay starts around $20.00-$25.00 and can go up to $40.00 – $45.00 per hour.

SEA: Special Education Assistant. A Behaviour therapist working in a school board full time from 8:45-2:45. This would be a full time position with a school board and includes working union benefits. Pay starts around $25.00 and can go up to $30.00 per hour.

YOU DO NOT NEED EXPERIENCE BUT YOU DO NEED A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND TAKE IN FEEDBACK. YOU MUST ENJOY WORKING WITH CHLDREN AND HAVE A NATUARALLY TOLERANT AND PATIENT CHARACTER.

[David Bridges]

A great turnout for last Wednesday's North Shore Family Support Group talk at the West Vancouver Library, and lively discussion. Thanks to all who turned out, and especially to Katherine de Lisser for such a fantastic presentation.

I apologize, but I have misplaced the sign-in sheet with your contact information. For those who are interested in receiving an email copy of her handouts on Adult Transition, please contact Katherine directly at:

kndelisser@gmail.com

Please note that there will be no meeting in December, but mark your calendars for the next talk on January 20, 2016, on "Self-Care for Parents (& Caregivers!)" Katherine Theroux from ABLE will be the presenter. 7pm at West Van Public Library (Welsh Hall West).

And please sign up for your FREE membership in the Autism Society of BC, at our website: http://www.autismbc.ca

Regards,

Dave Bridges
Co-Facilitator

[Super Dad]

I am posting on behalf of a parent:

*********************************************
A long time FEAT parent would like to know if anyone has any experience, good or bad, with Community Ventures as a service provider for residential living. All responses will remain confidential.

You can email him at:
livewellaba@gmail.com

Thanks in advance for any information.
*********************************************

[David Bridges]

North Shore ASBC Lecture Series

The North Shore ASBC Support Group proudly presents:

Transitioning to Adulthood
Preparing your child for a whole new world

by
Kathryn de Lisser, MS, BCBA
Behaviour Consultant, ABLE Developmental Clinic

WHEN:

The presentation will start at 7:00pm sharp on November 18, 2015.

WHERE:

We will meet in Welsh Hall West which is downstairs in the West Vancouver Memorial Library, at 1950 Marine Drive:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=1950+Marine+Dr,+West+Vancouver,+BC+V7V+1J8

The library is easily accessible via Highway #1 Upper Levels, taking either the 15th Street or 20th St. exits.

WHO:

Kathryn de Lisser is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who obtained her Master of Science Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism from the Sage Colleges, in Troy, New York. Kathryn has worked with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders for over 15 years; beginning as an instructor prior to taking on the role of behaviour consultant. Kathryn works with individuals and their families through childhood and into adulthood, with a focus on working with individuals who demonstrate behavioural challenges. Kathryn has experience designing and implementing programs for many different learners with a broad spectrum of strengths and needs, as well as working with individuals who require support in home, community and residential settings.

WHAT:

This presentation will focus on preparing for the transition from youth to adulthood and how to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for young people and their families. We will discuss the need for adult services that best suit the individual, how adult services differ from children’s and how to teach skills now, to improve outcomes for adults. Topics covered will also include transitioning from children’s to adult services, how the focus of home programming may change, different types of services available for adults and fostering independence.

RSVP:

Coffee/Tea and snacks provided. Donations are greatly appreciated (but not required).

Please RSVP to <northshore@autismbc.ca>.

Sincerely yours,
Facilitators for ASBC North Shore Group

[Stella Li]

ASBC Burnaby Support Group Meeting

Whether you or your loved ones are at school, at work or at home, it’s important to manage our emotions in order to cope with the everyday demands effectively and be a happy camper.

In our upcoming ASBC Burnaby Support Group meeting, we’ll explore the topic “Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety, Sadness, and Anger”, a video presentation by Dr. Attwood, with facilitated discussion using handouts.

Date: November 13, 2015 (Friday)
Time: 10am- 12noon
Place: Board Room, Autism Society of BC, #303- 3701 East Hastings, Burnaby

Speaker in the video: Dr. Tony Attwood
Dr. Tony Attwood is a world-renowned psychologist, currently lives in Australia where he works at his clinic and as a Professor. He has over 40 years experiences in the autism field, from baby to elderly and from profoundly affected cases to those who are highly able, such as university professors. In recent years, Dr. Attwood became interested in Asperger’s Syndrome and has written more on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Theory of Mind, Special Interests and relationships where one partner has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Topic: “Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety, Sadness, and Anger”
If you have difficulty understanding what you and those around you are feeling, as people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome often do, the world can be a confusing and frustrating place. Misinterpretation of social and physical events can result in feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger. But with education and guidance, individuals with these challenges can learn how to understand and cope with their feelings in positive ways. In this intriguing presentation, world-renowned psychologist Dr. Tony Attwood teaches caregivers how to implement cognitive behaviour therapy. This therapy works from inside out. With a logical understanding of emotional triggers and responses (in themselves and in others), people can learn to recognize and control their emotions. Dr. Attwood offers important advice on: Assessing emotional needs; Avoiding and correcting misinterpretation of emotion; Building self-esteem and improving self-awareness; Managing anxiety, depression, and anger; and Defining physical and social “tools”.

Coffee/tea and refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP ASAP to burnaby@autismbc.ca. There will be limited seats due to the nature of this video presentation and facilitated discussion.

[Anonymous]

North Shore ASBC Lecture Series

The North Shore ASBC Support Group proudly presents:

Transitioning to Adulthood
Preparing your child for a whole new world

by
Kathryn de Lisser, MS, BCBA
Behaviour Consultant, ABLE Developmental Clinic

WHEN:

The presentation will start at 7:00pm sharp on November 18, 2015.

WHERE:

We will meet in Welsh Hall West which is downstairs in the West Vancouver Memorial Library, at 1950 Marine Drive:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=1950+Marine+Dr,+West+Vancouver,+BC+V7V+1J8

The library is easily accessible via Highway #1 Upper Levels, taking either the 15th Street or 20th St. exits.

WHO:

Kathryn de Lisser is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who obtained her Master of Science Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism from the Sage Colleges, in Troy, New York. Kathryn has worked with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders for over 15 years; beginning as an instructor prior to taking on the role of behaviour consultant. Kathryn works with individuals and their families through childhood and into adulthood, with a focus on working with individuals who demonstrate behavioural challenges. Kathryn has experience designing and implementing programs for many different learners with a broad spectrum of strengths and needs, as well as working with individuals who require support in home, community and residential settings.

WHAT:

This presentation will focus on preparing for the transition from youth to adulthood and how to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for young people and their families. We will discuss the need for adult services that best suit the individual, how adult services differ from children’s and how to teach skills now, to improve outcomes for adults. Topics covered will also include transitioning from children’s to adult services, how the focus of home programming may change, different types of services available for adults and fostering independence.

RSVP:

Coffee/Tea and snacks provided. Donations are greatly appreciated (but not required).

Please RSVP to <northshore@autismbc.ca>.

Sincerely yours,
Facilitators for ASBC North Shore Group

[Anonymous]

ASBC’s Behavioural Interventionists Basics Training Workshops

WHERE:
Surrey
November 7th & 8th – 9:30am to 4:30pm

At Queen Elizabeth Secondary – 9457 King George Blvd., Surrey BC V3V 5W4

Prince George
November 28th & 29th – 9:30am to 4:30pm

At University of Northern British Columbia – 3333 University Way, Prince George BC V2N 4Z9

WHAT: The Autism Society of BC offers Behavioural Interventionists Basics Training Workshops at various times throughout the year. The course provides foundational training for individuals interested in working with a home-based Behavioural Intervention team under the supervision of an ABA Consultant and Lead Therapist, and/or parents and professionals looking to gain a better understanding of ABA Therapy.

This two-day training on the implementation of behavioural autism treatments is run by highly experienced behavioural consultants. Day 1 introductory level covers the core elements of discrete trial teaching, functions of behaviour, reinforcement techniques, prompting techniques, ethics and data collection. On day 2, participants delve deeper into the mechanics and learn about antecedent and established operations, reinforcement assessment of preferences, token economies, prompting and fading techniques, and data analysis.

Don’t be intimidated if these things are unfamiliar to you, this is exactly why we offer the training.

We offer these, and other workshops at discounted rates for members, so sign up today at http://www.autismbc.ca.

RSVP: To register, please visit https://www.autismbc.ca/programs/events/

If you are excited to see this training come to your community give us a call at 1-888-437-0880 or email events@autismbc.ca.

[Mike & Jean]

You can Hewko, too – School Advocacy Workshop Saturday, November 21st, 2015 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Coal Harbour Community Centre – Multi-purpose room 480 Broughton Street, Vancouver, BC

As a parent of a special needs child, you must represent your child’s interests at school, in the community, everywhere. You cannot leave this job to others! Advocacy is not a complex or mysterious process. It requires clarity, focus and persistence. To be successful in the school setting, parents really need to understand the precedent-setting Hewko decision and its powerful implications for every BC school-aged child with autism who is in an ABA treatment program (Hewko v. B.C. 2006 BCSC 1638). It also requires parents understand their school district’s obligations under the school act as well as those ordered in the Hewko decision.

Due to the enormous interest from parents, this workshop will focus specifically on how to leverage the Hewko decision for all school children in an ABA program, across all BC school districts.

This workshop will teach you how to:
Understand the basics of the Hewko decision Become your child’s case manager
Understand your school district’s “rules of the game” and help you identify who are the players and decision makers
Design an effective IEP
Create effective paper trails, prepare documentation and letters
Prepare for and manage school meetings
Get an SEA/school aide who is trained specifically in your child’s ABA treatment protocol hired as their aide
Gain school access for your child’s Behavioural Consultant
Replace an SEA “who has gone bad”
Identify when to “lawyer-up”

We believe people learn best by “doing” rather than watching – so – be prepared to participate and receive on-the-job coaching. We’ll create some of the most common and troubling “school scenarios” for us to practice our newly-acquired advocacy skills. You will also receive examples of effective advocacy letters. We promise you’ll have fun!

This workshop is for parents only, and will focus on ABA advocacy as defined in both the Auton and Hewko decisions.

Admission is by a minimum donation of $20.00 per person – all proceeds will go to Medicare for Autism Now’s advocacy initiatives.
Spaces are limited so register today.
Register today at: http://youcanhewkotoo.eventbrite.ca or email sherri@medicareforautismnow.org

About the presenters:
Dr. Sherri Brown is a lecturer at Simon Fraser University with research interests and experience in the politics of access to health care and treatment. She has lectured widely in HIV treatment access issues in Africa and has also been an organizer of community lecture and fundraising events around these issues. She is an award-winning scholar, including Canada’s Trudeau Scholarship. Sherri is also a published author and a book co-editor whose works address issues on advocacy and access to health care in Canada and the developing world. In 2013, following her son’s autism diagnosis, Sherri’s research and advocacy interest shifted as she navigated complex public health and social service systems to access health care and treatment for her son. She now orients part of her research and volunteer efforts to the autism community. She is the Vancouver facilitator for the Autism Support Network as well as the founder of http://www.projectbearings.com; a new website and blog dedicated to providing evidence-based and empowerment-centred navigational and advocacy resources for parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

David Marley has spent his professional career as a trial lawyer, public policy analyst or senior political advisor at both the federal and provincial government levels. Since 1972, he has performed leading roles in over a dozen election campaigns in BC or Ontario. David’s political activity has involved organizing and presenting at many campaign schools and constituency association training sessions. Throughout his career, he has served as a director of various not-for-profit organizations including, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!, providing them with strategic counsel. In 2005 and 2008, David designed and helped implement a national political strategy for FEAT of BC and is a co-founder of the Medicare for Autism Now! Society. David is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, David Marley was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Jean Lewis has been actively involved in the autism treatment movement since 1996, when her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. She became the co-founder and leading spokesperson for FEAT of BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC), an organization dedicated to obtaining science-based autism treatment (ABA) within BC’s healthcare system. Jean was the co-chair of the litigation steering committee for Auton, a Canadian landmark Charter disability case. She performed the same role in Hewko, litigation aimed at ensuring children with autism gain equal access to BC’s education system. In 2008, Jean co-founded the Medicare for Autism Now! Society, a non-partisan, national advocacy group focused on making science-based autism treatment (ABA) universally accessible and covered under Medicare. Since 1996, Jean has advised hundreds of parents about advocacy, treatment and education issues related to autism. Jean is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of her outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, Jean Lewis was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.She has presented at numerous rallies, workshops and conferences in BC, Ontario and the Maritimes. Jean is also a member of Civil Rights Now! board of directors.

[Super Dad]

FREE MEMBERSHIP

Does everyone know it is now FREE to join the Autism Society of BC?

https://autismbc.z2systems.com/np/clients/autismbc/membershipJoin.jsp

[Mike & Jean]

You can Hewko, too – School Advocacy Workshop Saturday, November 21st, 2015 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Coal Harbour Community Centre – Multi-purpose room 480 Broughton Street, Vancouver, BC As a parent of a special needs child, you must represent your child’s interests at school, in the community, everywhere. You cannot leave this job to others! Advocacy is not a complex or mysterious process. It requires clarity, focus and persistence. To be successful in the school setting, parents really need to understand the precedent-setting Hewko decision and its powerful implications for every BC school-aged child with autism who is in an ABA treatment program (Hewko v. B.C. 2006 BCSC 1638). It also requires parents understand their school district’s obligations under the school act as well as those ordered in the Hewko decision. Due to the enormous interest from parents, this workshop will focus specifically on how to leverage the Hewko decision for all school children in an ABA program, across all BC school districts. This workshop will teach you how to: Understand the basics of the Hewko decision Become your child’s case manager Understand your school district’s “rules of the game” and help you identify who are the players and decision makers Design an effective IEP Create effective paper trails, prepare documentation and letters Prepare for and manage school meetings Get an SEA/school aide who is trained specifically in your child’s ABA treatment protocol hired as their aide Gain school access for your child’s Behavioural Consultant Replace an SEA “who has gone bad” Identify when to “lawyer-up” We believe people learn best by “doing” rather than watching – so – be prepared to participate and receive on-the-job coaching. We’ll create some of the most common and troubling “school scenarios” for us to practice our newly-acquired advocacy skills. You will also receive examples of effective advocacy letters. We promise you’ll have fun! This workshop is for parents only, and will focus on ABA advocacy as defined in both the Auton and Hewko decisions. Admission is by a minimum donation of $20.00 per person – all proceeds will go to Medicare for Autism Now’s advocacy initiatives. Spaces are limited so register today. Register today at: http://youcanhewkotoo.eventbrite.ca or email sherri@medicareforautismnow.org
About the presenters: Dr. Sherri Brown Dr. Brown is a lecturer at Simon Fraser University with research interests and experience in the politics of access to health care and treatment. She has lectured widely in HIV treatment access issues in Africa and has also been an organizer of community lecture and fundraising events around these issues. She is an award-winning scholar, including Canada’s Trudeau Scholarship. Sherri is also a published author and a book co-editor whose works address issues on advocacy and access to health care in Canada and the developing world. In 2013, following her son’s autism diagnosis, Sherri’s research and advocacy interest shifted as she navigated complex public health and social service systems to access health care and treatment for her son. She now orients part of her research and volunteer efforts to the autism community. She is the Vancouver facilitator for the Autism Support Network as well as the founder of http://www.projectbearings.com; a new website and blog dedicated to providing evidence-based and empowerment-centred navigational and advocacy resources for parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. David Marley David has spent his professional career as a trial lawyer, public policy analyst or senior political advisor at both the federal and provincial government levels. Since 1972, he has performed leading roles in over a dozen election campaigns in BC or Ontario. David’s political activity has involved organizing and presenting at many campaign schools and constituency association training sessions. Throughout his career, he has served as a director of various not-for-profit organizations including, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!, providing them with strategic counsel. In 2005 and 2008, David designed and helped implement a national political strategy for FEAT of BC and is a co-founder of the Medicare for Autism Now! Society. David is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, David Marley was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Jean Lewis Jean has been actively involved in the autism treatment movement since 1996, when her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. She became the co-founder and leading spokesperson for FEAT of BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC), an organization dedicated to obtaining science-based autism treatment (ABA) within BC’s healthcare system. Jean was the co-chair of the litigation steering committee for Auton, a Canadian landmark Charter disability case. She performed the same role in Hewko, litigation aimed at ensuring children with autism gain equal access to BC’s education system. In 2008, Jean co-founded the Medicare for Autism Now! Society, a non-partisan, national advocacy group focused on making science-based autism treatment (ABA) universally accessible and covered under Medicare. Since 1996, Jean has advised hundreds of parents about advocacy, treatment and education issues related to autism. Jean is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of her outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, Jean Lewis was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.She has presented at numerous rallies, workshops and conferences in BC, Ontario and the Maritimes. Jean is also a member of Civil Rights Now! board of directors.

[Author]

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