[FEAT BC Admin]

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Topic

[Lindsay Parrott]

Introductory and Intermediate
Behavioural Interventionist Training Workshop
Two-day training workshop on the implementation of behavioural autism treatment at Surrey College October 18th and 19th.

Autism Society of British Columbia (ASBC) is sponsoring a two-day workshop on the basics and intermediate level of Applied Behavioural Analysis training. The first day will cover introductory topics including general information on autism, behavioural theory and discrete trial training as well as the practical aspects of delivering effective behavioural autism treatment. The second day will cover intermediate level topics and will provide more in depth information on behavioural theory with a focus on practical aspects of delivering effective behavioural treatment.

Topics to be covered in introductory level:
Introductory workshop will include basic terminology and theory of ABA, with a focus on:
The core elements of discrete trial instruction
Basics of behaviour functions
The importance of and key issues in using reinforcement
Prompting techniques
The process of teaching from introduction to mastery
Issues of professionalism and confidentiality
The process of accurate data collection

Topics to be covered in intermediate level:
The role of the antecedent and establishing operations
Implementation of effective reinforcement assessment of preferences
Effective implementation of token economies
Implementation of effective prompting and prompt- fading strategies
Teaching techniques including behavioural chaining and total task presentation
A detailed discussion of the analysis of data
Strategies for effective peer play facilitation and working in school and community environments
Extended discussion of maintenance and generalization
of learned skills

Who can benefit from Introductory workshop:
Strategies in this workshop focus on training behaviour
interventionists, however, classroom assistants, parents of
children with ASD and individuals interested in working with
children with ASD will also benefit from this information.
Who can benefit from Intermediate workshop:
Behavior interventionists with at least 6 months experience;Parents of children with ASD; Classroom assistants (SEA, ABASW)

Please contact Lindsay Parrott at lindsayparrott@hotmail.com for additional information and registration details.

[Super Dad]

North Shore ASBC Lecture Series

The North Shore ASBC Support Group proudly presents:

Estate Planning

with
Pat and Ric Tesan
Parents, Mentors and Disability Advocates

at
7:00pm, Tue Oct 21

in the
Musto Room
West Vancouver Memorial Library

GUEST SPEAKERS:

Pat and Ric Tesan are parents of a disabled adult, mentors for parents of disabled children, and disability advocates who have made important changes. Prior to her retirement from PLAN (the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network), Pat has guided thousands of families with long-term planning, and has helped many disabled children achieve a level of independence and happiness previously considered unimaginable. Ric advocated for the creation of the Registered Disability Savings Plan, and has explained the RDSP to numerous families.

TOPIC:

This discussion will include the following:
* Planning for major transitions;
* Writing a Will;
* Establishing a Discretionary Trust and appointing trustees;
* Setting up a Microboard and appointing board members;
* The importance of the Representation Agreement Act.
* Person network development;
* Government financial support (RDSP).

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 <asbcnorthshore@yahoo.ca>.

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

[Dione Costanzo]

ABA Support Network : Parents Helping Parents
October Events:

Surrey SD#36 ABA Advisory Meeting
Date: Wed, October 8th
Time: 7pm
Location: Surrey College, 9260-140 St., Surrey
Description: This meeting is a forum for the ABA Advisory to update parents about their progress with district administration, as well as for parents to discuss issues affecting the health, wellbeing and education of our children.

Surrey Parent’s Night Out!!
Date: Tues, October 14th
Time: 7pm
Location: Ocean Park Village Pub, 12822-16th Ave, Surrey
Description: A casual, no-host night out for parents to connect and enjoy some conversation.

Burnaby Special Presentation – Sibling Issues
Date: Tues, October 21st
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Bonsor Rec Centre, 6550 Bonsor Ave., Burnaby
Description: Guest speaker Kathryn Theroux will present about siblings of children with autism and the various issues they face.

New Westminster Special Presentation – Welcome to Autism
Date: Mon, October 27th
Time: 7pm
Location: Community Living Society, 7th Floor – 713 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 1B2
Description: Guest speakers Louise Witt and Michelle Shilvock explore the journey from assessment and diagnosis through navigating the myriad of autism information out there and evaluating service providers. This popular presentation is a must for any new parents or anyone wondering about their current situation.

http://www.abasupportnetwork.com

[Dione Costanzo]

“Welcome to Autism"
Now What Do I Do?

Thursday, September 18th
7-9pm
Marpole/Oakridge Community Centre
Club Room on the Main Floor
990 West 59th St (at Oak)
Vancouver, BC

Guest Speakers:

Louise Witt, MSW, Parent, Community Advocate

Michele Shilvock, M. Ed, BCBA

Join Louise and Michele on Thursday evening for an engaging presentation and discussion about a parents' journey including diagnosis, treatment research, setting up and maintaining a quality program for your child and what it can do for your whole family.

The components of a quality, evidence based autism treatment program including evaluating and hiring Behaviour Consultants and Behaviour Interventionists will also be discussed..

Bring your stories and questions!

There will also be time for networking.

Please RSVP to dione@abasupportnetwork.com

The ABA Support Network – Parents Helping Parents
http://www.abasupportnetwork.com

[Bev Sharpe]

Hello everyone,

I am happy to share that the Summer 2014 issue of ASAT – Association for Science in Autism Treatment is here! You can download this latest issue and sign up for this free publication at:

http://asatonline.org/newsletters/index

ASAT is a not-for-profit organization of parents and professionals committed to improving the education, treatment, and care of people with autism. Since autism was first identified, there has been a long history of failed treatments and fads, levied on vulnerable individuals as well as on their families. From the scandal of the “refrigerator mother” theory, to the ongoing parade of “miracle cures” and “magical breakthroughs,” history has been dominated by improbable theories about causation and treatments.

Many of these treatments have been too quickly adopted by professionals, too readily sensationalized by the media, and too hastily embraced by hopeful consumers – well before supporting evidence or reasonable probability existed for their effectiveness or safety.

Since ASAT was established in 1998, it has been their goal to work toward adopting higher standards of accountability for the care, education and treatment of all individuals with autism.

[Christine Long]

*** LOOKING FOR FAMILIES AT FORT LANGLEY ELEMENTARY ***

As our son enters kindergarten at FORT LANGLEY ELEMENTARY (8877 Bartlett St, Langley), we would love to connect with any existing ASD (or other SN) families currently attending his future school, or LANGLEY FINE ARTS SCHOOL (9096 Trattle Street, Langley). We'd also love to meet families in the WALNUT GROVE & WILLOUGHBY areas.

We feel that would be wonderful to not only connect with some of our neighbours, but also to build a support community/ "village" within in our little pocket of the GVRD!

Please contact us at: christine.long@live.com

Thanks so much!

[Dione Costanzo]

From the ABA Support Network:

Did you know we have a chat group for parents on Facebook?

Log into Facebook and search "ABA Support Network – Parent Group"

or use this link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/345034582290211/

and ask to join the group and the conversation!

This ABA Support Network – Parent Group on Facebook is a forum for ABA parents to talk and share stories and concerns. We have kept this a closed group (you need to request to join) so that parents feel comfortable about posting and sharing personal stories about their families. The ABA Support Network also has a public Facebook page which is open to all for viewing and posting

The ABA Support Network
Parents Helping Parents!

[Dione Costanzo]

Upcoming Parent Support Meeting – Thurs, July 24 8pm in South Surrey:

Parents from all areas are welcome at this parent support meeting. Experienced parents network with new parents and discuss a range of topics from assessment and diagnosis to the next steps, school issues and transitioning to adulthood.

RSVP to juliane_khadra@yahoo.com
Location is in South Surrey please rsvp for address.

Sharing Resources:

The ABA Support Network is all about Parents Helping Parents, and we do a lot of "intake" – talking to parents with a new diagnosis, helping them understand the benefits and science behind ABA, helping them identify a quality consultant and build a team, and supporting them through the process. Here are some of our favorite resources which are helpful to parents with a new diagnosis:

Connect with us online!

The ABA Support Network holds regular parent support meetings as well as educational presentations and family events. Stay connected with us here:

Web: http://www.abasupportnetwork.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/abasupportnetwork

We also have a second facebook GROUP which is a chat room for parents. Search "ABA Support Network – Parent Group" on facebook and ask to be added to the conversation!

Twitter: @ABA_SN

There are so many therapies – how do I know what works?

ABA has for many years been confirmed by study and credible authorities as the most substantially evidence based effective autism intervention. There are too many sources to list here!

It is crucial to be able to ask the right questions and find the flaws in the science behind every purported treatment, or to find the evidence, where it exists, that the treatment is effective. "The Complete Guide to Autism Treatments" by Dr. Sabrina Freeman was inspired by parents of children afflicted with autism. After speaking with several thousands of parents about various treatments and answering similar questions over and over again, Dr. Freeman realized that parents need a clear way — a guide — to help make appropriate treatment decisions for their child.

To this end, Dr. Freeman gives her scientific evaluation of most of the major and minor autism treatments available today, and then personalizes the analysis by telling the reader whether or not she would use the treatment on her own child.

Borrow a copy from the ABA Support Network or purchase your own HERE

An Autism Parents "Bible" to funding and administration:

http://www.asdfunding.com

This site is maintained by a parent. It will become your go-to resource for all questions about funding and administration and also has an excellent section "ABA Team" which contains a roadmap for building a therapy team as well as examples of recruitment ads, interview questions, and tips for staying organized.

What is my life going to look like with an ABA team in the house?

This is a great video series for parents with a new diagnosis to watch.
It is hard for new parents to envision what a life with ABA looks like.
Here is a great series of youtube videos called the A Word which follows a family and their son Jack on their journey of diagnosis and therapy. A good resource for new parents who want to see what ABA in the home looks like!
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE42A23CA5EE8F7C6

The ABA Support Network – Parents Helping Parents!

[Margarete Fieguth]

Hello all,
I am a mother of an autistic adult son. We are a micro board and I am looking to find a good , trustworthy accountant who understands the ins and outs of Autism and microboards. We live in South Surrey/White Rock area, but I could also travel a bit if necessary. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you so much in advance,

Margarete Fieguth
hfss@shaw.ca

[Mike & Jean]

Parents,service providers, and therapists:

In case you didn't know, here's some important information….
It is highly unprofessional conduct to poach therapists off other people's ABA teams. It is really not acceptable to approach therapists who are clearly working with an individual in the community, school or elsewhere – and interrupt them, ask personal questions – then offer them a job on your team! It is both unethical and unprofessional. Also, using my name or saying you know me in order to entice potential recuits is as unethical as it is offensive.

There are many ethical ways to recruit for therapists. Please ensure that you or those who are recruiting on your behalf are acting professionally.

Parents – Please discuss confidentialty expectations with your ABA therapists and Behavioural Consultants to ensure they are properly prepared to protect your child's confidentiality and safety in the community.

[Author]

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