[FEAT BC Admin]

This area is for discussions in general topics.

Topic

[Cathy Fitzhugh]

*DISNEYLAND ADVICE*

Hello FEATers!

It's been way too long and I hope that things with you and your families are progressing as well as can be. As always… I have a question.

We are taking my daughter (who is now 11) to Disneyland for a week this month. Was wondering if any of you had some tips or advice regarding happily navigating The Land. My daughter is fairly high-functioning but has lots of gross and fine motor challenges and lots of picky eating problems. Finding her food and keeping her fed is certainly a concern.

Messages can be sent to: cathy.fitzhugh@gmail.com
Thanks very much in advance…

{Cathy}

[Amy Teng]

Hi,
My name is Amy. My son has just been diagnosed with autism. I have talked to a consultant and am in the process of assembling a home base ABA team.
Just wondering how much do you pay for your BIs (with and without experiences respectively). Would you please share your information with me? Pls send to chinpunt@shaw.ca

Thanks
Amy

[Stella Li]

Reminder of our upcoming ASBC Burnaby Support Group Meeting this coming Friday at 10am at the Autism Society of BC.

Date: October 4, 2013 (Friday)

Time: 10am-12noon

Place: Board Room, Autism Society of British Columbia

Address: #303 – 3701 East Hastings, Burnaby

(NE corner on Hastings and Boundary, walk on Hastings toward the east from Boundary. By the bus stop and a post box, walk a few steps up towards the building, find a flight of stairs going directly from G/F to 3/F. Our office is the first one at the right: Suite #303. Free parking on Hastings or the side or back streets)

Topic: Fitting In and Having Fun (video presentation and facilitated discussion)

For children and teens on the autism spectrum, to be able to “fitting in and having fun” may seem a hard-to-achieve social goal without intervention. Some of us may be at a loss of how to help our kids in this area.

Video modeling could be a powerful tool for our kids to learn, with guided follow up discussion and role play facilitated by professionals or trained workers/caregivers. Older students could fill out an action sheet to identify and implement strategies. Repeated viewing with discussion/role play could be helpful for many children.

During our meeting, we will show video clips according to parent choices, with facilitated discussion at the end of each topic.

Sample topics:

Taking a Joke too Far, Starting and Ending a Conversation, Dealing with Disappointment, Accepting Criticism, Getting Along, Making Friends, Staying Organized, Teasing and Bullying, Flirting, Completing Homework, Being Flexible, Resolving Disagreements, Asking for Help, Joining the Group, Taking Responsibility…

Handouts related to the Fitting In and Having Fun video will be provided.

Please RSVP to shui@autismbc.ca ASAP

[Dione Costanzo]

October ABA Support Network (and other) Meetings and Events:

We also have a full listing of events on our Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/abasupportnetwork
and on our online calendar on our website – http://abasupportnetwork.com/calendar.php

Our Neighborhood Network Meetings are groups of parents who hold monthly meetings to discuss setting up and running a home based intervention program as well as ongoing issues such as administration, funding, finding a consultant and BI's, school, etc… These groups are formed in different areas so that parents have local connections and support. If you cannot make it to your local meeting please contact any of our facilitators – parents from all areas are welcome at any meeting!

If you are a new parent who needs autism and ABA support and information PLEASE CONTACT any facilitator and they can connect you with a parent who can help.

Coquitlam SD#43 Board Meeting
Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 6:30pm
Location: 550 Poirer St, Coquitlam
Description: Agenda – http://www.sd43.bc.ca/Board/MeetingsMinutes/Agendas/2013%2010%2001%20Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda.pdf

Note this meeting will include information on CAST (Coquitlam Autism Spectrum Team)

Please RSVP to Jodi at jbtwickens@gmail.com or just show up!

Surrey SD#36 Advisory Meeting
Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 7:00pm
Location: 700-9260 140 St. Surrey BC
Topic: The Advisory will be discussing the latest parent concerns as well as issues and information from their recent meeting with District Administration.

Note new meeting location – Surrey Community College is in another building adjacent to the District Education Centre – same parking lot but at the back of the lot.

Neighborhood Network Meeting – Tri-Cities
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Place Millardville 1200 Cartier Ave Coquitlam
Topic: Come meet and network with parents from the Tricities areas and get autism and ABA support. Led by Jodi Wickens, this group is also actively pursuing the establishment of a system whereby ABA trained aides are hired by the Coquitlam School District.

RSVP to jbtwickens@gmail.com

Neighborhood Network Meeting – Surrey
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex
Topic: Parents from Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley meet to discuss issues about school as well as issues around setting up and maintaining a home based intervention program.
RSVP to tamara_desilva@hotmail.com

Neighborhood Network Meeting – South Surrey/White Rock
Date: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 7:30pm
Location: RSVP to abarocks@gmail.com for address
Topic: Parents from South Surrey/White Rock meet to discuss issues about school as well as issues around setting up and maintaining a home based intervention program.
RSVP to abarocks@gmail.com

Please forward this information to anyone who might be interested! Thank you!

[Jodie Wickens]

Dear Families,
My name is Jodie Wickens. I am the parent facilitator for the Tri-Cities ABA neighbourhood network. I have an 8 year old son in the Coquitlam school district, who lives with autism. I am writing you today for a very specific request, we need help!
You may or may not know that we are lobbying for SD 43 to adopt an ABA support worker program in Coquitlam, similar to what exists in Surrey. We have been told by the district that this program is in direct opposition to SD 43’s philosophies. We have a district here that is putting bandages on single family experiences and ignoring the needs of a large group.
There are no guarantees under the current system, for my child, or anyone’s. The ABA SW program would ensure that my child would pull out of a pool of SEA’s that have specific and supervised training in ABA. These SEA’s would more likely to be invested in using the principles and understand how to use these principals under the guidance of our Behaviour Consultants.
Right now, we need parents willing to talk about their experiences; willing to go public. We have a school district that is stating that they are the most inclusive and have the best graduation rates. We parents are liars!
Please think about sharing your story if you have one and joining us on this journey.
I thank you in Advanced! A fellow loving parent, Jodie Wickens jbtwickens@gmail.com and the Tri-Cities ABA support Network!

[Stella Li]

Our first ASBC Burnaby Support Group meeting for the school year will be:

Date: October 4, 2013 (Friday)

Time: 10am-12noon

Place: Board Room, Autism Society of British Columbia

Address: #303 – 3701 East Hastings, Burnaby

(NE corner on Hastings and Boundary, walk on Hastings toward the east from Boundary. By the bus stop and a post box, walk a few steps up towards the building, find a flight of stairs going directly from G/F to 3/F. Our office is the first one at the right: Suite #303. Free parking on Hastings or the side or back streets)

Topic: Fitting In and Having Fun (video presentation and facilitated discussion)

For children and teens on the autism spectrum, to be able to “fitting in and having fun” may seem a hard-to-achieve social goal without intervention. Some of us may be at a loss of how to help our kids in this area.

Video modeling could be a powerful tool for our kids to learn, with guided follow up discussion and role play facilitated by professionals or trained workers/caregivers. Older students could fill out an action sheet to identify and implement strategies. Repeated viewing with discussion/role play could be helpful for many children.

During our meeting, we will show video clips according to parent choices, with facilitated discussion at the end of each topic.

The three DVD series provides tips and strategies to help children connect their own behavior to the responses they are receiving from their peers, and to examine the impression or message they might be inadvertently sending to others. The 2nd DVD helps students who are entering or are in middle school and having a difficult time adjusting. It gives tips and advice on how students can handle the many new and common or complex situations and teach them strategies to improve organizational, academic, and social skills. The 3rd DVD teaches children how to use consequential thinking to direct their behavior, learn to problem solve, manage impulses and have awareness of their own behavior.

Sample topics:

Taking a Joke too Far, Starting and Ending a Conversation, Dealing with Disappointment, Accepting Criticism, Getting Along, Making Friends, Staying Organized, Teasing and Bullying, Flirting, Completing Homework, Being Flexible, Resolving Disagreements, Asking for Help, Joining the Group, Taking Responsibility…

Coffee/Tea and refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP to shui@autismbc.ca before October 2nd.

[Jodie Wickens]

Hi All

I am working on a project for school which will also be a project for the ABA support network website. I want to compile stories of "why we do ABA." So many people have misconceptions of ABA and there are way too many junk science testimonials! Please help me out and put a short story behind all of our hard work
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WhyIDoABA

[Christine Long]

*CUSTODY BATTLES – PLEASE HELP THIS MOM*

Hi Everyone,
A friend posted this on a Facebook group & I offered to re-post here in the hopes that someone would be able to help her!

POST:

"Anyone know anything about custody battles? My ex is going to file and I do not want him getting 50/50 or anything other than "access" for supervised visits etc. He is not abusive to him but there's all sorts of things like he has warrants in Ontario from about ten years ago and long time addiction issues with drugs and alcohol (recently cut down to only weed but still in excessive amounts), he is pretty well a criminal/con artist.

I left him in 2011 and got ex parté order sole custody, restraining order, etc but got back together months later and lifted the restraining order. I feel like I have been in a spell since I met him and have finally snapped out of it.

There are other things like when he's left to watch our son he forgets to feed him because he doesn't ask for food and my toilet training goes backwards because he doesn't pay attention for cues etc, he tries to force him to eat what he wants him to eat and only causes him to meltdown and forces him to have showers with him and put his head and face under the shower head so again more meltdowns instead of respecting that there are things he can't be forced to do or can be done different, but instead says he is only being a brat and does not agree that P has autism at all……

I realize I'm put it all out there and airing my dirty laundry but I have no choice Legal aid rejected me because my son is not being physically abused and I don't know anything about what I can do to protect my son. I have been the one who has done everything for my son since he was born and his father was running around behind my back etc. He has never really been involved in anyway except to buy him toys.

Ps.. What happens to P's ABA program that's 6 days per week? I hope he doesn't disrupt it….

If anyone has any knowledge they can share that will help me, I would really really appreciate it!

Sorry for the long winded message."

The mom also added "Worse part is his brother in law is a partner of a huge family law practice in Vancouver."

I can't imagine being in this situation – hoping by posting here I can rustle up some help for her. Her son is 3 (I'm pretty sure) and is newly diagnosed.

ANY HELP is greatly appreciated!
Christine

[Dione Costanzo]

September is a busy month and there is a lot of momentum for ABA in SCHOOLS! Please save the dates and pass this information on to your network:
Upcoming ABA Support Network Meetings and Events:

We also have a full listing of events on our Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/abasupportnetwork
and on our online calendar on our website – http://abasupportnetwork.com/calendar.php

Our Neighborhood Network Meetings are groups of parents who hold monthly meetings to discuss setting up and running a home based intervention program as well as ongoing issues such as administration, funding, finding a consultant and BI's, school, etc… These groups are formed in different areas so that parents have local connections and support. If you cannot make it to your local meeting please contact any of our facilitators – parents from all areas are welcome at any meeting!

If you are a new parent who needs autism and ABA support and information PLEASE CONTACT any facilitator and they can connect you with a parent who can help.

Neighborhood Network Meeting – Langley
Date: Thursday, September 5
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Langley please RSVP to lisa.hockley@gmail.com for address
Topic: This is a group of Langley parents who meet to discuss issues about school as well as issues around setting up and maintaining a home based intervention program. First on their agenda – ABA IN SCHOOLS! This group is preparing a presentation for the Langley School Board (September 24) about ABA in schools for the Langley School District (SD35) and welcome any parents who would like to advocate for these services as well.
RSVP to lisa.hockley@gmail.com

Coquitlam SD#43 School Board Meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 10
Time: 7:00pm
Location: SD#43 District Offices, 550 Poirier Street Coquitlam, BC V3J 6A7
Description: At the June 25 SD43 (Coquitlam) Board Meeting, Jodie Wickens of the Tri-Cities ABA Support Network presented a request for the district to collaborate with parents in developing a system whereby special education assistants who have received 1,000 hours of training in home based programs would be hired by the district. Watch the presentation here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMOdlJGVYXY

At this meeting, the Board will present their official response to the proposal. Please attend if you can and show your support for ABA in Schools. RSVP to Jodi at jbtwickens@gmail.com

Neighborhood Network Meeting – White Rock/South Surrey
Date: Wednesday, September 11
Time: 7:30pm
Location: South Surrey Please RSVP to abarocks@gmail.com for address
Topic: Parents from South Surrey/White Rock meet to discuss issues about school as well as issues around setting up and maintaining a home based intervention program.
RSVP to abarocks@gmail.com

Neighborhood Network Meeting – SURREY (Formerly East Surrey + Central/North Surrey)
Date: Thursday, September 12
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex, # 100- 16555 Fraser Highway
Topic: Parents from Surrey and Cloverdale meet to discuss issues about school as well as issues around setting up and maintaining a home based intervention program. This group is an amalgamation of the Central/North Surrey and East Surrey groups.
RSVP to tamara.disilva@hotmail.com

ABA in Schools Workshop! Saturday September 21 – There are some spots open https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/abainschoolsREGISTRATION or email dione@abasupportnetwork.com

Langley SD#35 School Board Meeeting
Date: Tuesday, September 24
Time: 7:00pm
Location: District Offices, 4875-222nd St., Langley, BC V3A 3Z7
The Langley chapter of the ABA Support Network is preparing a presentation to the School Board regarding the process of hiring ABA qualified aides to support children in school who are involved with home based ABA programs.
Please note ALL meetings are open to parents from ALL areas!!

6th Annual Vancouver Autism Speaks Walk
ABA Support Network will be at the resource fair at the Autism Speaks walk on September 29! Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a family-friendly FUNdraising event for the entire community! Come out and enjoy a playland of activities for children of all ages. Slides and bouncy houses, sand/water/bubble stations, crafts, face painting, mascots, music and more! Registration & Activities Open: 8:30 am Opening Ceremonies: 9:45 am Walk Starts: 10:00 am (short 3 km walk on flat route) Closing Ceremonies: 11:30 am Event Close: 12:00 Noon

Save these September Dates! We need lots of support at the Coquitlam and Langley board meetings. Can’t make it? Email the board or contact the local papers and express your support and why we need ABA in Schools.

Please forward this information to anyone who might be interested! Thank you!

[Bev Sharpe]

Nasal Spray therapy and Surf Therapy –Parents Beware

T V news broadcasts in the last 2 wks. Have made mention of so-called therapies
For Autism.

Parents – do your homework. The only science-based, data-backed, bonafide TREATMENT to date for Autism, is Intensive Behavioural Treatment (IBT) based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Parents you are your child’s advocate. Educate yourselves, do not waste one penny on scam therapies. Your child is worthy of “medically necessary treatment”. That treatment is Applied Behaviour Analysis.

When evaluating ANY treatment for Autism you must follow Dr. Sabrina Freeman’s
Advice. Ask the following questions:
1. Has the treatment been validated scientifically?
2. Show me the DATA.
3. Is the treatment replicable?
4. Are the Assessment Procedures specified?

[Author]

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