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[Dione Costanzo]

Please note the time of this presentation in Victoria on October 22 will be 5-8pm

OCT 22, 5.00PM: Victoria – Welcome to Autism : A Special Presentation for Parents
2610 Rosebank Rd Victoria BC V9A 7N2 (CPAC) Regina Room
Presenters will discuss the journey from assessment through diagnosis and navigating the myriad of information that comes with an autism diagnosis.

The focus of this presentation is on supporting parents to identify the components of an evidence based therapy program that will best suit their child, including evaluating and hiring service providers.

Have a new diagnosis? Not sure if the therapy program your child is currently in is the right fit? This presentation is for you.

Refreshments will be served. This is a free event. PLEASE RSVP to so we can plan for space and refreshments.

Find a complete listing of our events and links to RSVP when you click into our online calendar on our website:

http://autismsupportbc.ca/parent-meetings-and-presentations/

[Dione Costanzo]

October Events with the Autism Support Network

Save the Dates next week we have some great education opportunities in important topics – seeing the dentist, learning how to swim, and a workshop on hiring and maintaining great BI's for your team!

“Welcome to Autism” will be presented in 2 locations on October 22 please pass this information on to parents in Victoria and Surrey areas!

We are Parents Helping Parents

OCT 13, 6:30PM: Coquitlam – Teaching ASD Children How to Swim with Courtney Phillips, M.Sc., BCBA
Coquitlam City Centre Library, 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, CA

Learn why it's important that children with an ASD learn to swim; Learn what the challenges of teaching individuals with an ASD are; Learn what pre-requisite skills are needed in order to successfully teach swimming; And lastly, learn more about how we can teach individuals with an ASD to swim, no matter what their challenge may be!

Courtney has a unique background of being a competitive swimming from a young age, provincial water polo player, and was previously a swim instructor. Her expertise in the pool, and knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis has helped her to develop a unique and very successful individually-tailored curriculum, for teaching children and adults with an ASD to swim. Courtney has created swim programs for many of her own clients Behavior Interventionists to run in the pool, as well, consults to many other consultant's clients as well.

OCT 14, 11:00AM: North Vancouver – What Makes a Great BI? Hiring and Maintaining BI’s with Jodie Wickens, Parent and BI
North Vancouver District Public Library – Capilano Branch Library, 3045 Highland Boulevard, North Vancouver, CA

Presenter Jodie Wickens is the Executive Director for the Autism Support Network. She has also worked as a BI, lead BI and as a parent has hired BIs.
The presentation will take parents through interview questions, different qualities and personalities needed in a great home team, paperwork, places to post ads and how to create a team that BIs want to stick with!

OCT 15, 6:30PM: Vancouver – Dental Desensitization – Children with ASD can be successful at the dentist
Creekside Community Recreation Centre, Vancouver, CA
This presentation has been created by Louise Witt (Parent and Director of the ASN) in collaboration with Kayla Ragosin-Miller (Registered Dental Hygienist at BC Children's Hospital). Kayla started the Dental Desensitization program at Children's and Louise's son Jack has participated in the program alongside his home ABA program. This presentation will outline how the principles of ABA can be used to help children with ASD to be successful at the dentist. These strategies can also be applied to a variety of activities such as doctors’ appointments, going for a haircut, to a restaurant etc.
Children with ASD deserve access to great oral care and it can be done! Please join us for this essential and informative presentation.

OCT 22, 6:30PM: Surrey – Welcome to Autism : A Special Presentation for Parents
Sources Community Resource Centre, 882 Maple St, White Rock, BC V4B 4M2

Presenters will discuss the journey from assessment through diagnosis and navigating the myriad of information that comes with an autism diagnosis.

The focus of this presentation is on supporting parents to identify the components of an evidence based therapy program that will best suit their child, including evaluating and hiring service providers.

Have a new diagnosis? Not sure if the therapy program your child is currently in is the right fit? This presentation is for you.

Refreshments will be served. This is a free event. PLEASE RSVP to so we can plan for space and refreshments.

OCT 22, 6:30PM: Victoria – Welcome to Autism : A Special Presentation for Parents
2610 Rosebank Rd Victoria BC V9A 7N2 (CPAC) Regina Room

Presenters will discuss the journey from assessment through diagnosis and navigating the myriad of information that comes with an autism diagnosis.

The focus of this presentation is on supporting parents to identify the components of an evidence based therapy program that will best suit their child, including evaluating and hiring service providers.

Have a new diagnosis? Not sure if the therapy program your child is currently in is the right fit? This presentation is for you.

Refreshments will be served. This is a free event. PLEASE RSVP to so we can plan for space and refreshments.

OCT 30, 9:30AM: Victoria – Neighborhood Network Meeting
For info and RSVP contact Franca at 250-516-9701 and/or francapastro@icloud.com for the address.

Find a complete listing of our events and links to RSVP when you click into our online calendar on our website:

http://autismsupportbc.ca/parent-meetings-and-presentations/

[Super Dad]

North Shore ASBC Lecture Series

The North Shore ASBC Support Group proudly presents:

Avoiding the Holiday Humbugs:
proactive strategies to increase your holiday joy

by
Victoria Burney, MSc. BCBA
Andrea Sharpe, MSc
Behaviour Consultants with the ABLE Developmental Clinic

at
7:00pm, Tue Oct 20

in
Welsh Hall West
downstairs in the
West Vancouver Memorial Library

GUEST SPEAKERS:

Andrea is a Behaviour Consultant with over 20 years experience working with people with developmental disabilities and their families. She completed her Masters in Health Psychology at the University of Southampton in England. She has worked as an intern in programs providing Applied Behaviour Analysis both in the UK and in California, before returning to Vancouver in 2001. Since then, she has worked as a Consultant in BC, Alberta, and Yukon. Andrea has completed a mentorship at Michelle Garcia Winner’s clinic for Social Thinking®, and specializes in developing social skills with a wide range of children and youth. In addition, she works with children and their families to develop strategies for reducing anxiety. Andrea does a combination of individual, group, and consulting work.

Victoria is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst who completed her Master's degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Victoria has worked extensively within autism communities in New Zealand to support children and young adults in the areas of communication, social skills, academic skills and functional life skills, as well as working to decrease problem behaviours. She has experience working with adolescents with challenging behaviour as well as clients with multiple diagnoses (including ADHD, Specific Learning Disorders, Anxiety). Victoria enjoys using her knowledge of, and experience in, applied behaviour analysis to help clients and families reach their behaviour change goals. Victoria has recently relocated to Vancouver from New Zealand and is excited to deliver behaviour consultant services within the Lower Mainland.

TOPIC:

We will be discussing common stressors that families face during the holidays. They will explore strategies for both parents and children with the goals of staying calm, reducing stress, and having successful social interactions. Examples they will look at include preparing children for Halloween, supporting children to eat different foods, strategies for successful lengthy travel, being a guest in others’ homes, and keeping the myth of Santa Claus. Please bring your ideas and questions to this interactive presentation.

DIRECTIONS:

The West Vancouver Memorial Library is 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.

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

Please RSVP to <northshore@autismbc.ca>.

David and Dragos
(Co-facilitators for ASBC North Shore Group)

[Stella Li]

Do you know what is Executive Function and how it affects our planning, organizing, attending to the right information at the right time, making decision accordingly…and our flexibility? We are pleased to have Michele Shilvock, Behavior Consultant, to present the following workshop in our October meeting. All are welcome.

Our upcoming Autism Society of BC (ASBC) Burnaby Support Group meeting details:

Date: October 16, 2015 (Friday)
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Place: Studio, Suite #301 – 3701 East Hastings, Burnaby BC (North East corner on Hastings and Boundary)

Topic: Executive Function Skills and how these play out in the school (elementary and high school)
Executive function plays a key role in all students learning and specifically looks to target skills that help one decide on what information to attend to, how to interpret the information and ultimately make decisions based on it. They allow a learner to organize, plan out, sustain attention and assist with task completion both in their social and academic worlds. The focus of this presentation is to offer attendees a greater understanding for the different components of executive function and how children on the autism spectrum may be impacted by deficits in one or more areas, both in the elementary and high school settings. Further more, strategies for how to improve in these areas will be discussed in a general format both for implementation in the home and school settings.

Speaker: Michele Shilvock, Behaviour Consultant, BCBA
Michele is a board certified behaviour analyst who has been working in the field of autism for over 15 years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for wanting to work with others. She is very dedicated to the training of individuals in the community through workshops and speaking engagements. She has and continues to work closely with families and school teams to assist in the facilitation of team oriented working relationships. Michele works closely with children in the home and school settings and has a keen interest in the social, emotional and executive function of individuals on the autism spectrum. Her focus ranges from working with infants and toddlers, to supporting skill development through the preschool years and into adolescents and teen years.

Coffee/tea and refreshments will be provided.

RSVP to shui@autismbc.ca ASAP, before October 14th.

[Dione Costanzo]

We are cram packed this week and have some great events in SURREY, VICTORIA and BURNABY! Please see below and don't miss out!

SEP 24, 6:30PM: South Surrey Neighbourhood Network Meeting
Semiahmoo Public Library

Come out to join other parents in South Surrey for our monthly neighbourhood network. Parents and family members of children with ASD can connect and converse!
The topic of discussion is back to school where experienced parents will be on hand to lend advice to new parents.

SEP 25, 11:00AM: Victoria Neighborhood Network Meeting *new group*
Please contact Franca for the address at 250-516-9701 and/or francapastro@icloud.com

Come with questions, meet and get to know other parents to network and share information and resources.

Find out about coming presentations and submit any ideas for topics that you would like more information on.

SEP 25, 6:30PM: Why do we teach things like matching?
The purpose and importance of early skill acquisition programming.
Edmonds Community Centre, Burnaby

This presentation will provide an overview of the rationale for teaching some of the skills often targeted early on in ABA programs, whose purpose may not always be clear. The presenters (Dr. Joan Broto, BCBA-D and Tyla Frewing, BCBA) will provide an explanation of why we need to teach pre-requisite skills such as matching, imitation, and learning readiness. We will also discuss a brief overview of program sequencing and how assessments conducted at the onset of treatment inform program development. Although this presentation will benefit all parents running ABA programs, it will be particularly useful to those who are just starting an ABA program for their younger child.

We highly recommend that anyone attending the ABA in Schools Workshop on Saturday also attend this free event on Friday.

SEP 26, 8:30am-4pm ABA in Schools Workshop in New Westminster
http://autismsupportbc.ca/special-events-2/aba-in-schools-workshop-2015/

SEP 27, 8:30am-noon : We will be in the resource fair at the AS Walk at Swanguard Stadium. Please stop by and say hi!

Find a complete listing of our events on our website:

http://www.autismsupportbc.ca

[Dione Costanzo]

THIS WEEK – Neighbourhood Networks and Workshops

Hosted by the Autism Support Network

SEP 16, 6:30PM: North Vancouver Neighbourhood Network Meeting
North Vancouver District Public Library – Capilano Branch Library

Come out to join other parents in North Vancouver for our monthly neighbourhood network. Parents and family members of children with ASD can connect and converse! There will be snacks and refreshments. Suggested topic of discussion is back to school where experienced parents will be on hand to lend advice to new parents.

SEP 17, 6:30PM: Welcome to Autism
Mission Public Library

Presenters Michele Shilvock, BCBA and Jodie Wickens, Parent will discuss the journey from assessment through diagnosis and navigating the myriad of information that comes with an autism diagnosis.

The focus of this presentation is on supporting parents to identify the components of a quality therapy program that will best suit their child, including evaluating and hiring service providers.

Have a new diagnosis? Not sure if the therapy program your child is currently in is the right fit? This presentation is for you.

SEP 17, 7:00PM: A Parents Guide to Effective Advocacy with School and Government Agencies
Dr. Sherri Brown, Creekside Community Recreation Centre in Vancouver

Sherri Brown is a Parent of a young child with autism. She is through doctoral training and professional experience, a health policy and politics researcher, lecturer, and consultant. She is an academic-turned-advocate mom who has a wealth of knowledge to share regarding advocacy issues. Please join us for this informative presentation.

Find a complete listing of our events on our website:

http://www.autismsupportbc.ca

[Mike & Jean]

Just taking a few moments away from our One in 68 campaign to let you all know that the date for our, "You can Hewko, too" advocacy workshop has been changed to Saturday, November 21st. It will be at the Coal Harbour Community Centre in Vancouver from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Circle the date and stay tuned for more details after the election….okay….back to campaigning.
Almost 3 months into the new school year is more than enough time for parents to experience a dose of "school reality" and be perfectly primed to learn necessary advocacy skills to ensure their child is getting what they need and is their right in school. Advocacy is not complex or mysterious, it requires clarity, focus, persistance and certain skills which you will learn in this highly interactive workshop….so circle November 21st. and stay tuned for details. Spaces will be limited. Check medicareforautismnow.org for details after October 19th.

[Shu]

We are looking for a Behavioral Interventionist to join our home based ABA team for our 5 years-old child. Candidates should have strong play skills, patience, be a good multi-tasker.

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements:

A. Fluent in English
B. Experience working with young children
C. Applicants in Psychology, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Speech & Language Pathology are encouraged to apply
D.Clear criminal record check completed within the last 12 months

Times of intervention are 6:30pm-8pm Monday/Tuesday/Friday or 10am-12pm Sunday. Successful applicant is expected to work 2 sessions per week.

Job Type: Part-time

Required experience:

Working with Children: 1 year

[Dione Costanzo]

OK just a few things scheduled for the next little while! Mark your calendars for our educational presentations featuring very special guest speakers! Attend one of our neighborhood networks to connect with other parents in your area!

Upcoming Neighbourhood Networks and Workshops
Hosted by the Autism Support Network

SEP 16, 6:30PM: North Vancouver Neighbourhood Network Meeting North Vancouver District Public Library – Capilano Branch Library

SEP 17, 6:30PM: Welcome to Autism Mission Public Library

SEP 17, 7:00PM: A Parents Guide to Effective Advocacy with School and Government Agencies Dr. Sherri Brown, Creekside Community Recreation Centre in Vancouver

SEP 24, 6:30PM: South Surrey Neighbourhood Network Meeting Semiahmoo Public Library

SEP 25, 6:30PM: Why do we teach things like matching? The purpose and importance of early skill acquisition programming Dr. Joan Broto, BCBA-D and Tyla Frewing, BCBA, Edmonds Community Centre in Burnaby

SEP 26, 8:30AM: ABA in Schools Workshop See our website for details on this full day workshop, Douglas College in New Westminster

SEP 29, 6:30PM: Tri-Cities Neighbourhood Network Meeting Coquitlam City Centre Library

OCT 13, 6:30PM: Teaching Children with ASD to Swim Courtney Phillips, M.Sc., BCBA, Coquitlam City Centre Library

OCT 14 6:30PM: North Vancouver Neighbourhood Network Meeting North Vancouver District Public Library – Capilano Branch Library

OCT 15, 7:00PM: Dental Desensitization: How Children with ASD can be successful at the dentist Creekside Community Recreation Centre in Vancouver.

OCT 22, 6:30PM: South Surrey Neighbourhood Network Meeting Semiahmoo Public Library

OCT 23, 6:30PM: Burnaby Neighbourhood Network Meeting Edmonds Community Centre in Burnaby

Find full event and RSVP information on our website:
http://www.autismsupportbc.ca

[Dione Costanzo]

New Job Posting Board Launched by the Autism Support Network

In addition to the FEAT board, parents and caregivers can now also post job ads for ABA Therapists/Behaviour Interventionists through the Autism Support Network website.

Once published, potential therapists can browse and respond directly to ads that interest them.

Just click on the link below, fill out the form with required information and submit.

http://autismsupportbc.ca/job-postings/

The Autism Support Network maintains a database of potential BI's that have expressed interest in the field at a Career Fair or attending an information session. We send them information about our job postings on a regular basis.

Don't forget to sign up for our mailing list for more news and event information!

[Author]

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