[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

[Dione Costanzo]

This Tuesday in North Vancouver!

A parent meeting and special presentation.

Tuesday November 10th, 6:30pm
North Vancouver District Public Library – Capilano Branch Library, 3045 Highland Boulevard, North Vancouver,

Order FREE tickets via Eventbrite:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/welcome-to-autism-tickets-18198547345?aff=efbevent

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.

About the Autism Support Network:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMnYOYO1rxs

[Anonymous]

ASBC’s Behavioural Interventionists Basics Training Workshops

WHERE:
Surrey
November 7th & 8th – 9:30am to 4:30pm

At Queen Elizabeth Secondary – 9457 King George Blvd., Surrey BC V3V 5W4

Prince George
November 28th & 29th – 9:30am to 4:30pm

At University of Northern British Columbia – 3333 University Way, Prince George BC V2N 4Z9

WHAT: The Autism Society of BC offers Behavioural Interventionists Basics Training Workshops at various times throughout the year. The course provides foundational training for individuals interested in working with a home-based Behavioural Intervention team under the supervision of an ABA Consultant and Lead Therapist, and/or parents and professionals looking to gain a better understanding of ABA Therapy.

This two-day training on the implementation of behavioural autism treatments is run by highly experienced behavioural consultants. Day 1 introductory level covers the core elements of discrete trial teaching, functions of behaviour, reinforcement techniques, prompting techniques, ethics and data collection. On day 2, participants delve deeper into the mechanics and learn about antecedent and established operations, reinforcement assessment of preferences, token economies, prompting and fading techniques, and data analysis.

Don’t be intimidated if these things are unfamiliar to you, this is exactly why we offer the training.

We offer these, and other workshops at discounted rates for members, so sign up today at http://www.autismbc.ca.

RSVP: To register, please visit https://www.autismbc.ca/programs/events/

If you are excited to see this training come to your community give us a call at 1-888-437-0880 or email events@autismbc.ca.

[Mike & Jean]

You can Hewko, too – School Advocacy Workshop Saturday, November 21st, 2015 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Coal Harbour Community Centre – Multi-purpose room 480 Broughton Street, Vancouver, BC

As a parent of a special needs child, you must represent your child’s interests at school, in the community, everywhere. You cannot leave this job to others! Advocacy is not a complex or mysterious process. It requires clarity, focus and persistence. To be successful in the school setting, parents really need to understand the precedent-setting Hewko decision and its powerful implications for every BC school-aged child with autism who is in an ABA treatment program (Hewko v. B.C. 2006 BCSC 1638). It also requires parents understand their school district’s obligations under the school act as well as those ordered in the Hewko decision.

Due to the enormous interest from parents, this workshop will focus specifically on how to leverage the Hewko decision for all school children in an ABA program, across all BC school districts.

This workshop will teach you how to:
Understand the basics of the Hewko decision Become your child’s case manager
Understand your school district’s “rules of the game” and help you identify who are the players and decision makers
Design an effective IEP
Create effective paper trails, prepare documentation and letters
Prepare for and manage school meetings
Get an SEA/school aide who is trained specifically in your child’s ABA treatment protocol hired as their aide
Gain school access for your child’s Behavioural Consultant
Replace an SEA “who has gone bad”
Identify when to “lawyer-up”

We believe people learn best by “doing” rather than watching – so – be prepared to participate and receive on-the-job coaching. We’ll create some of the most common and troubling “school scenarios” for us to practice our newly-acquired advocacy skills. You will also receive examples of effective advocacy letters. We promise you’ll have fun!

This workshop is for parents only, and will focus on ABA advocacy as defined in both the Auton and Hewko decisions.

Admission is by a minimum donation of $20.00 per person – all proceeds will go to Medicare for Autism Now’s advocacy initiatives.
Spaces are limited so register today.
Register today at: http://youcanhewkotoo.eventbrite.ca or email sherri@medicareforautismnow.org

About the presenters:
Dr. Sherri Brown is a lecturer at Simon Fraser University with research interests and experience in the politics of access to health care and treatment. She has lectured widely in HIV treatment access issues in Africa and has also been an organizer of community lecture and fundraising events around these issues. She is an award-winning scholar, including Canada’s Trudeau Scholarship. Sherri is also a published author and a book co-editor whose works address issues on advocacy and access to health care in Canada and the developing world. In 2013, following her son’s autism diagnosis, Sherri’s research and advocacy interest shifted as she navigated complex public health and social service systems to access health care and treatment for her son. She now orients part of her research and volunteer efforts to the autism community. She is the Vancouver facilitator for the Autism Support Network as well as the founder of http://www.projectbearings.com; a new website and blog dedicated to providing evidence-based and empowerment-centred navigational and advocacy resources for parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

David Marley has spent his professional career as a trial lawyer, public policy analyst or senior political advisor at both the federal and provincial government levels. Since 1972, he has performed leading roles in over a dozen election campaigns in BC or Ontario. David’s political activity has involved organizing and presenting at many campaign schools and constituency association training sessions. Throughout his career, he has served as a director of various not-for-profit organizations including, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!, providing them with strategic counsel. In 2005 and 2008, David designed and helped implement a national political strategy for FEAT of BC and is a co-founder of the Medicare for Autism Now! Society. David is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, David Marley was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Jean Lewis has been actively involved in the autism treatment movement since 1996, when her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. She became the co-founder and leading spokesperson for FEAT of BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC), an organization dedicated to obtaining science-based autism treatment (ABA) within BC’s healthcare system. Jean was the co-chair of the litigation steering committee for Auton, a Canadian landmark Charter disability case. She performed the same role in Hewko, litigation aimed at ensuring children with autism gain equal access to BC’s education system. In 2008, Jean co-founded the Medicare for Autism Now! Society, a non-partisan, national advocacy group focused on making science-based autism treatment (ABA) universally accessible and covered under Medicare. Since 1996, Jean has advised hundreds of parents about advocacy, treatment and education issues related to autism. Jean is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of her outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, Jean Lewis was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.She has presented at numerous rallies, workshops and conferences in BC, Ontario and the Maritimes. Jean is also a member of Civil Rights Now! board of directors.

[Mike & Jean]

You can Hewko, too – School Advocacy Workshop Saturday, November 21st, 2015 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Coal Harbour Community Centre – Multi-purpose room 480 Broughton Street, Vancouver, BC

As a parent of a special needs child, you must represent your child’s interests at school, in the community, everywhere. You cannot leave this job to others! Advocacy is not a complex or mysterious process. It requires clarity, focus and persistence. To be successful in the school setting, parents really need to understand the precedent-setting Hewko decision and its powerful implications for every BC school-aged child with autism who is in an ABA treatment program (Hewko v. B.C. 2006 BCSC 1638). It also requires parents understand their school district’s obligations under the school act as well as those ordered in the Hewko decision.

Due to the enormous interest from parents, this workshop will focus specifically on how to leverage the Hewko decision for all school children in an ABA program, across all BC school districts.

This workshop will teach you how to:
Understand the basics of the Hewko decision Become your child’s case manager
Understand your school district’s “rules of the game” and help you identify who are the players and decision makers
Design an effective IEP
Create effective paper trails, prepare documentation and letters
Prepare for and manage school meetings
Get an SEA/school aide who is trained specifically in your child’s ABA treatment protocol hired as their aide
Gain school access for your child’s Behavioural Consultant
Replace an SEA “who has gone bad”
Identify when to “lawyer-up”

We believe people learn best by “doing” rather than watching – so – be prepared to participate and receive on-the-job coaching. We’ll create some of the most common and troubling “school scenarios” for us to practice our newly-acquired advocacy skills. You will also receive examples of effective advocacy letters. We promise you’ll have fun!

This workshop is for parents only, and will focus on ABA advocacy as defined in both the Auton and Hewko decisions.

Admission is by a minimum donation of $20.00 per person – all proceeds will go to Medicare for Autism Now’s advocacy initiatives.
Spaces are limited so register today.
Register today at: http://youcanhewkotoo.eventbrite.ca or email sherri@medicareforautismnow.org

About the presenters:
Dr. Sherri Brown is a lecturer at Simon Fraser University with research interests and experience in the politics of access to health care and treatment. She has lectured widely in HIV treatment access issues in Africa and has also been an organizer of community lecture and fundraising events around these issues. She is an award-winning scholar, including Canada’s Trudeau Scholarship. Sherri is also a published author and a book co-editor whose works address issues on advocacy and access to health care in Canada and the developing world. In 2013, following her son’s autism diagnosis, Sherri’s research and advocacy interest shifted as she navigated complex public health and social service systems to access health care and treatment for her son. She now orients part of her research and volunteer efforts to the autism community. She is the Vancouver facilitator for the Autism Support Network as well as the founder of http://www.projectbearings.com; a new website and blog dedicated to providing evidence-based and empowerment-centred navigational and advocacy resources for parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

David Marley has spent his professional career as a trial lawyer, public policy analyst or senior political advisor at both the federal and provincial government levels. Since 1972, he has performed leading roles in over a dozen election campaigns in BC or Ontario. David’s political activity has involved organizing and presenting at many campaign schools and constituency association training sessions. Throughout his career, he has served as a director of various not-for-profit organizations including, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!, providing them with strategic counsel. In 2005 and 2008, David designed and helped implement a national political strategy for FEAT of BC and is a co-founder of the Medicare for Autism Now! Society. David is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, David Marley was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Jean Lewis has been actively involved in the autism treatment movement since 1996, when her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. She became the co-founder and leading spokesperson for FEAT of BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC), an organization dedicated to obtaining science-based autism treatment (ABA) within BC’s healthcare system. Jean was the co-chair of the litigation steering committee for Auton, a Canadian landmark Charter disability case. She performed the same role in Hewko, litigation aimed at ensuring children with autism gain equal access to BC’s education system. In 2008, Jean co-founded the Medicare for Autism Now! Society, a non-partisan, national advocacy group focused on making science-based autism treatment (ABA) universally accessible and covered under Medicare. Since 1996, Jean has advised hundreds of parents about advocacy, treatment and education issues related to autism. Jean is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of her outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, Jean Lewis was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.She has presented at numerous rallies, workshops and conferences in BC, Ontario and the Maritimes. Jean is also a member of Civil Rights Now! board of directors.

[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)

[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)

[Fei Wang]

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[Fei Wang]

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