[FEAT BC Admin]

In this topic area, discussion is on all issues relating to setting up and running a home-based intervention program. Please feel free to bring up any problems or suggestions. Parents can help each other greatly by sharing information and giving suggestions.

In addition to parents helping parents, A.B.A. professionals on in the Discussion Group can also help provide insight and guidance.

Topic

[Karen Anthony]

Dear FEAT Members:

Unfortunately, we were unable to attend Andrea Sharpe's (Autism Partnership) presentation to FEAT members last Wednesday, July 18, 2001.

We understand that this presentation may have been videotaped. We, along with another FEAT family from Victoria, would greatly appreciate the opportunity to view this tape, and would be willing to pay for mailing costs.

We can be contacted:

by e-mail at andre.anthony@nrc.ca
or by telephone at (250) 386-1338.

Sincerely

Andre and Karen Anthony
(Parents of Ryan, who is on a Lovaas type program)

[FEAT BC Admin]

Attention autism therapists — upcoming training workshop
*********************************************************

Highly recommended to improve skills of the treatment team: the Autism Behavioural Therapist Training Workshop at S.F.U., a one day training workshop on the implementation of behavioural autism treatment.

On Saturday, August 18, F.E.A.T. of B.C. is sponsoring a 1-day workshop on the behavioural treatment of autism spectrum disorders based on techniques of Lovaas-style Applied Behavioural Analysis. The workshop will include general information on autism and behavioural theory, but will focus mainly on the practical aspects of delivering effective behavioural autism treatment.

For more information on the workshop leaders, a flyer and registration form is available at https://featbc.org/downloads/abtw.pdf

A fax copy of the workshop flyer and registration form can be obtained by calling the FEAT BC fax server, Ph. 604-513-7233 Ext. 321

[Michelle Weis]

Just another reminder about the upcoming FEAT Meeting this Wednesday, July 18th.

The presenter is Andrea Sharpe, consultant from Autism Partnership.

She will discuss research and practical information in regards to working with older children.

This is something you don't want to miss. Especially if you have an older child or in a new program.

Thanks
Michelle

[Dr. Glen Davies]

Dear Kathryn:

Thank you for inquiring about me on the FEAT web site. I hope it’s okay for me to answer you directly. Please do feel free to ask other families I’m involved with for their feedback.

I should point out to you that I am not an ABA consultant. I do not specialize in overseeing ABA programs and I have not apprenticed in a bona fide clinic or replication site. I am a clinical child psychologist (20 years) with training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) but not in the sub-specialty of Lovaas-type intensive ABA intervention. I am a strong supporter of this method and usually recommend that families retain consultants with this sub-specialty training and restricted area of practice. I have taken on some families engaged in Lovaas type ABA intervention in the following circumstances:

a. There is an out of town consultant involved and I am providing local support.
b. A very senior therapist is involved and I am mostly trouble shooting and providing general direction.
c. The children have atypical autism and other disorders that also require treatment (e.g., anxiety, OCD). Either the parents or a senior therapist needs to carry more responsibility with curricula and materials in this circumstance.
d. The families do not have a better alternative to my services by virtue of finances, consultant availability, etc.

I only take the families on if I truly believe that I am the best person to help them in their unique circumstance. I have no hesitation in recommending families to other practitioners if I believe they would be a better match. If you’re looking for someone to help march you through a detailed curriculum and provide close supervision of your staff and program, you are likely better off with a consultant specializing in this area.

Of the consultants I know (I don’t know them all), Dr. Richard Foxx and Shelly Davis are the two that see older children and are, in my opinion, truly gifted. Autism Partnership also sees older children (Drs. Leaf & McEachin) and one of their graduates, Andrea Sharp, is returning to Vancouver this summer. Finally, Rachel Russell is returning in January from New Jersey Early Autism Project and will be available to see some older children. Rachel is awesome and I am delighted she will be joining our clinic. If Rachel or the family would like a shrink involved, I’d be happy to oblige. I hope this information helps. Good luck in your quest.

Sincerely,

Glen Davies, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Director, ABLE Developmental Clinic Inc.

[Kristina Zoe]

Hi. I'm an ABA therapist and I'm wondering if anyone out there has heard of "positive behaviour support" and if so, if you could provide me with information about it. Is it in line with ABA doctrine?

[Sabrina Freeman]

Hi All!

I have more information regarding the Wednesday, July 18th presentation to be held at St. Frances-in-the-wood.

The presenter is Andrea Sharpe, consultant with Autism Partnership working with Dr. John McEachin. She is relocating to the Greater Vancouver area and is very happy to take on older children. Ms. Sharpe's presentation will discuss the research and practical information regarding working with older children.

A little information from Ms. Sharpe on her presentation:

*A widely held myth states that older children with autism do not benefit from applied behavior analysis (ABA). However research and treatment outcomes clearly show that ABA is beneficial to children of all ages. The similarities and differences between the programs set up for older children and adolescents will be discussed. Some examples of programs that Autism Partnership has set up for older clients will also be presented.*

All parents, professionals and para-professionals are welcome to attend. In particular, I strongly recommend that any parent considering starting an ABA program with an older child attend this presentation. Ms. Sharpe will be able to answer your questions in person and you will be much better able to make informed decisions.

In terms of credentials, we have been given the following information: Ms. Sharpe has a B.A. in Psychology from UBC and an MS. in Health Psychology from the University of Southampton, England; she started as a junior therapist in 1994 and has since worked at the P.E.A.Ch. Young Autism Project in England as a Trainee Senior Supervisor (1998-1992) and at Autism Partnership in California as a Intern and Program Supervisor (2000 – present).

I hope to see you there!

Sabrina
(Miki's mom)

[Deleted User]

Hello all, anyone interested in attend the FEAT Washington Conference? Here's some hotel info:

"DeeDee sure look forward to having you come south for a few days. The hotel
that we are booking out speakers is the Doubletree Hotel Bellevue, 300 112th
Ave SE, Bellevue, WA (425) 450-4712. In order to get a discount rate, they
were requiring us to guarentee at least 25 rooms. We just didn't feel that
we could do that. But tell them that you are coming with the conference and
that you hope they can give you a discount rate with FEAT of Washington. I
am just getting my payment into them so you might want to wait to book rooms
for two more weeks! They are charging us $79/night for single and $89/night
for doubles.

Hope this helps. I am sorry that they are so expensive. I would even check
with AAA for some less expensive rooms a bit farther from the Meydenbauer
Center.

Rori

[Sabrina Freeman]

Hello everyone!

Please mark off the following events on the calendar:

Andrea Sharpe, of Autism Partnership, will give a presentation on older children and intensive, behavioural programs — Wednesday, July 18th, 7:30 PM at St. Francis-in-the-wood; I will be posting more information soon.

Bodhanna Popovich — and others from Project WEAP — will give a one-day workshop on October 6th. Time and Place, TBA.

Sabrina

[Kathryn Edmondson]

Hello,
could anyone recommend consultants who are taking on children who are aged six and above, and who are currently in a home program? I've heard that Dr. Glen Davies is involved in this but don't really have any information on him. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kathy Edmondson.

[Peter McConnell]

I have contacted Steven a few times last month through email. I would appreciate whoever wants to contact Steven to email me directly, so I know who's looking for him.
Anna McConnell
annamc@telus.net

[Author]

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