[FEAT BC Admin]

This area is for discussions in general topics.

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[Melodie Pilloud]

Hello Everyone, I have a few questions for you (again). I was wondering if anyone in the group who lives in Surrey/White Rock or Langley areas would let my husband Jay and I sit in on a session or two with your child to see how it all works. The second question is that I was wondering if anyone in the guildford area would need someone to watch thier child(ren) while they are having a session. I am looking for a job that will keep me at home with my two. Thank you and have a great Wednesday. Melodie

[Deleted User]

This post is for Melodie Pilloud

Melodie, please email me your mailing address and I can ensure a FEAT Parents package is sent to you. Second, please feel free to call me at 604-467-7807 and we can talk about any further questions you have.

No, a hearing test will not determine your child is autistic but it is used to rule out hearing loss. Some of the early signs of autism mimic the signs of hearing loss such as not responding when spoken to.

Autism is a spectrum disorder meaning that children with autism can have a variety of "symptoms" as well as degrees of severity. Some children are labelled as "high funtioning" (which is a rather contentious term but that is another post) because they adapt more easily, have a higher level of language skills and may be slightly more social than the stereotype of autism.

Sometimes doctors are not fully informed on what autism is and how it presents. Like many people I've encountered they perceive autism as a type of retardation or think of someone like "rain man" as being the only definition of autism. It is not. Some children with autism are excessively bright, some are middle of the road others face great learning challenges.

I'm running out of time and must sign off but please do call me so we can talk about what the diagnosis of autism means (regardless of high functioning, mild and other adjectives) and what ABA is as well as issues of funding.

Michelle
467-7807
Mkarren1@aol.com
phone call is the quickest way of getting ahold of me.

[Deleted User]

This post is in response to the post about male therapists.

We have been fortunate enough to have had 2 male therapists on our teams. We initially hired 2 male psychology students to work with my 2 1/2 year old son in the early days of his program. I too was a bit apprehensive at first as my child was barely verbal and like you was used to women being around my children. As with all of my team members, I remained close by during sessions as we all got to know each other. We initially kept a baby monitor in the room, right from day one, to know what is going on with all of our new therpists. Later we began a sort of open door policy. My son was rigid about closing the therapy room door so it remained open at all times. That was great for me because I always knew exactly what was going on and was happy to realize all of my therapists were doing great! Both young men turned out to be an absolute delight on our team. They brought different perspectives to the team, were highly energetic and physical which my son LOVES and had great ideas on play (I have to admit it I do not "get" some of those typical boy toys on the market, how many times can one drive the hot wheel around the track and find it fun?!)

One of these then jr. therapists is training to be my son's sr. therapist, and also works on my daughters team as a jr. therapist, the other needed a semester off and is returning to our team in May.

I would highly recommend having a male therapist on your team, particularly when dealing with a male child with autism. AS with ALL therapists, check references thoroughly.

[David Bridges]

Well, it seems like there IS some interest in a fundraising event. What's needed is someone or a group of people to take the reins and organize. I'm too busy to do that, but I could help out a lot. I can arrange a venue: they're usually pretty cheap, at least in vancouver. A liquor licence would help a lot: I know nothing about that.

Anyways, this thing could be done easily if people see a need and if someone steps forward to lead. Any takers? If we start planning now, a summer date could be done.

Dave

[Deleted User]

Hi Dave,

I am part of an Irish Dancing school – Penk O'Donnell School of Irish Dancing – and we would love to perform for free for a fundraiser! I'd also be willing to offer to volunteer to help organize or anything else.

Michelle

[Elaine Gee]

Hi, We are looking for ABA therapists/ students who are interested in a home-based ABA program in the Richmond location, specifically for my 3-year autistic boy. Applicants need to be creative, organised and love kids. Training will be provided by the Wiscousin Early Autism Project consultant. Start date for training will be in May/June 2002. A minimum commitment of 1 year and about 4-6 hours per week. Please email me asap with your resume. Any already employed ABA therapists who would like extra hours are most welcomed to join our program.

[Melodie Pilloud]

Hello All, I have a question for you… Dr. Ward (in White Rock) is sending my son for a hearing test (apr.19th), while we wait for his other tests. I was wondering if they can tell that a child is autistic from a hearing test? Someone had told me they can but I wanted to ask all of you who would know better. Hope you all are having a great day. Melodie

[Deleted User]

Hi David,

I would be VERY willing to help. I think that is a great idea! However, I am in Victoria :( But I could help with advertising here.

Keep me posted,

Franca

[David Bridges]

Anyone wanna do a fundraising dance/soiree/party for FEAT of BC? I play bass for a real nice country duo that's willing to play for free – Steve Elliot & Lucie Walker – check it out at http://www.rockincountryblues.com

We could arrange a whole evening's worth of country/folk music, including some other acts if need be – you just need to organize it and staff with volunteers.

Let me know if there's any interest!

Dave

[Melodie Pilloud]

i would just like to say thank you very much to claire spencer, graham eqli and diane.t. for welcoming me to feat of bc and for all the info they have provided for my family. it has help us a great deal. melodie

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