[Debra Antifaev]

We also have a very low functioning child who is not served by full inclusion. In the lower grades Ben's "differences" were never too disruptive but now, he is almost 12.
In the lower grades some of the children actually enjoyed being little ABA tutors and they enjoyed how easy Ben was to "boss around".
The reality is that now Ben cannot participate in class discussions and is more interested in clapping, looking around and making noise. We have had him in a program for 9 years and we have taught him to sit still and be quiet. The question is, I guess, is this the best use of his time?
I remember, when I first heard about the Lovaas protocol, being told that all the programs were designed to be child specific. I was told that the Government only offered "cookie cutter/one-size-fits-all" programs. I would like to think that the lovaas model of individual choice and what is best for each child will be available in school too.
I am thrilled for those of you who have had the best outcomes from your home-based programs and will always support your right to have full inclusion for your children.

[Debra Antifaev]

Hey there Jacqueline,

Don't be bullied by your teacher on this one. They do have a tendency to try to make us feel a wee bit inferior and unknowledgable when it comes to our kids (no offence to the many great teachers out there).
Your instincts are correct. There is no evidence to support the use of weighted jackets and weighted blankets can, in fact, be very harmful.
There is some suggestion that weighted jackets can actually do the opposite of what was intended by reinforcing an incompatable behaviour.
When a teacher suggested this for my son I thought my consultant was going to have a stroke!
Talk to your consultant.
Read prior posts on this chat for links to studies, etc.

Well done sniffing out a dud…there will be many more!!

Deb

[Debra Antifaev]

I would like to add to Jean's post regarding ABA tutor requirements…
Always, always, ALWAYS ask for a criminal record check. Not only is this a great record for you to keep it is also a requirement from MCFD.
Most of you have probably never been through a Ministry "audit"…..it is not pleasant.
We were asked to provide Criminal Record checks, Social Insurance Numbers and Resumes for each of our tutors. They can disallow any funding that you have paid to someone who has not provided the correct documentation.

The other edge of this sword is the fact that I have hired tutors, asked for a copy of their CRC, etc and they have told me; "Noone else has ever asked me…." This results in another gut-wrenching decision…do I fire this person…keep waiting, asking and hoping….??
Parents who do not follow the MCFD mandated requirements do a huge disservice to those of us who do.
Get the records folks. It will save you time and money in the long run.
….and pray you never need to drag them all out!!

[Debra Antifaev]

Unfortunately Roxy is quite right. Part of the collective agreement that governs BCTF and CUPE members states that they are not allowed to criticize or "snitch" (if you will) on other members. This can be a large problem if parents have an issue with a teacher or SEA and is the very reason many parents of special needs children choose the additional expense of private school.
I had a friend (teacher) who wanted me to phone her complaint in to the radio one day. When I asked her why she didn't call herself she said, "I am afraid someone will recognise my voice and I will get into trouble". Can you imagine teachers afraid to speak out because of Union persecution?
How will they stand up for our children?
It is a good idea NOT to vote for candidates with any BCTF and/or CUPE ties because, although they may be quite wonderful people, they do a very poor job of policing themselves.

[Debra Antifaev]

We are looking for an ABA tutor for our 11 son. He has been in a program for 9 years. We are in South Surrey/ White Rock and have two 3 hour shifts available (Mon/Fri, 3:30-6:30)
Team meetings are once per month. (Usually Tuesday)
Our consultant is Sharon Baxter.
Call or email Deb:
(604)531-1846
dmantifaev @ shaw . ca

[Debra Antifaev]

It would be an understatement to say our “Medicare for Autism Now!” fundraiser at Capone’s last Saturday was a success. Not only did we exceed our monetary target for the evening, it would be safe to say that over half the attendees did not have a child with autism. Fair-minded Canadians are starting to see that autism affects us all and the treatment for children with autism should be as available as any other medical treatment. Let’s hope the Federal policy changers are starting to notice too!
We had such a hard working team and such a successful drive we did not have enough room to display all of our generously donated silent auction gifts, so we have decided to raffle the remainder off at our “Medicare for autism now!” rally on October 4th at Eaglequest Golf Club. This way the generous donations will still go to the intended cause.
The election is at hand and this may be the last time we have all the FEAT and ASBC volunteers working together to effect policy change in this manner. We have to make the politicians see that this is not a Provincial issue that they can ignore. It is a National election issue that could influence their ability to win or hold power. Please remember that prior to 1999 a select few, who were sworn to secrecy, did receive limited funding. It was snatched away. Unless Autism treatment funding is enshrined in the HealthCare Act you could lose the paltry amount of money you receive at any time.
It is incumbent on EVERY parent or relative of a child with autism, who is not receiving adequate funding, to ATTEND this rally. This is a minimum requirement. You will not be asked to volunteer. You will only be asked to give up two hours of your time to stand with your peers, listen to the speeches and support each other.
.
Medicare for Autism NOW!” Rally!
Eaglequest Golf Club
7778 – 152nd Street, Surrey BC
Saturday October 4th, 2008

Do it for the kids!

[Debra Antifaev]

It would be an understatement to say our “Medicare for Autism Now!” fundraiser at Capone’s last Saturday was a success. Not only did we exceed our monetary target for the evening, it would be safe to say that over half the attendees did not have a child with autism. Fair-minded Canadians are starting to see that autism affects us all and the treatment for children with autism should be as available as any other medical treatment. Let’s hope the Federal policy changers are starting to notice too!
We had such a hard working team and such a successful drive we did not have enough room to display all of our generously donated silent auction gifts, so we have decided to raffle the remainder off at our “Medicare for autism now!” rally on October 4th at Eaglequest Golf Club. This way the generous donations will still go to the intended cause.
The election is at hand and this may be the last time we have all the FEAT and ASBC volunteers working together to effect policy change in this manner. We have to make the politicians see that this is not a Provincial issue that they can ignore. It is a National election issue that could influence their ability to win or hold power. Please remember that prior to 1999 a select few, who were sworn to secrecy, did receive limited funding. It was snatched away. Unless Autism treatment funding is enshrined in the HealthCare Act you could lose the paltry amount of money you receive at any time.
It is incumbent on EVERY parent or relative of a child with autism, who is not receiving adequate funding, to ATTEND this rally. This is a minimum requirement. You will not be asked to volunteer. You will only be asked to give up two hours of your time to stand with your peers, listen to the speeches and support each other.
.
Medicare for Autism NOW!” Rally!
Eaglequest Golf Club
7778 – 152nd Street, Surrey BC
Saturday October 4th, 2008

Do it for the kids!

[Debra Antifaev]

It would be an understatement to say our “Medicare for Autism Now!” fundraiser at Capone’s last Saturday was a success. Not only did we exceed our monetary target for the evening, it would be safe to say that over half the attendees did not have a child with autism. Fair-minded Canadians are starting to see that autism affects us all and the treatment for children with autism should be as available as any other medical treatment. Let’s hope the Federal policy changers are starting to notice too!
We had such a hard working team and such a successful drive we did not have enough room to display all of our generously donated silent auction gifts, so we have decided to raffle the remainder off at our “Medicare for autism now!” rally on October 4th at Eaglequest Golf Club. This way the generous donations will still go to the intended cause.
The election is at hand and this may be the last time we have all the FEAT and ASBC volunteers working together to effect policy change in this manner. We have to make the politicians see that this is not a Provincial issue that they can ignore. It is a National election issue that could influence their ability to win or hold power. Please remember that prior to 1999 a select few, who were sworn to secrecy, did receive limited funding. It was snatched away. Unless Autism treatment funding is enshrined in the HealthCare Act you could lose the paltry amount of money you receive at any time.
It is incumbent on EVERY parent or relative of a child with autism, who is not receiving adequate funding, to ATTEND this rally. This is a minimum requirement. You will not be asked to volunteer. You will only be asked to give up two hours of your time to stand with your peers, listen to the speeches and support each other.
.
Medicare for Autism NOW!” Rally!
Eaglequest Golf Club
7778 – 152nd Street, Surrey BC
Saturday October 4th, 2008

Do it for the kids!

[Debra Antifaev]

It would be an understatement to say our “Medicare for Autism Now!” fundraiser at Capone’s last Saturday was a success. Not only did we exceed our monetary target for the evening, it would be safe to say that over half the attendees did not have a child with autism. Fair-minded Canadians are starting to see that autism affects us all and the treatment for children with autism should be as available as any other medical treatment. Let’s hope the Federal policy changers are starting to notice too!
We had such a hard working team and such a successful drive we did not have enough room to display all of our generously donated silent auction gifts, so we have decided to raffle the remainder off at our “Medicare for autism now!” rally on October 4th at Eaglequest Golf Club. This way the generous donations will still go to the intended cause.
The election is at hand and this may be the last time we have all the FEAT and ASBC volunteers working together to effect policy change in this manner. We have to make the politicians see that this is not a Provincial issue that they can ignore. It is a National election issue that could influence their ability to win or hold power. Please remember that prior to 1999 a select few, who were sworn to secrecy, did receive limited funding. It was snatched away. Unless Autism treatment funding is enshrined in the HealthCare Act you could lose the paltry amount of money you receive at any time.
It is incumbent on EVERY parent or relative of a child with autism, who is not receiving adequate funding, to ATTEND this rally. This is a minimum requirement. You will not be asked to volunteer. You will only be asked to give up two hours of your time to stand with your peers, listen to the speeches and support each other.
.
Medicare for Autism NOW!” Rally!
Eaglequest Golf Club
7778 – 152nd Street, Surrey BC
Saturday October 4th, 2008

Do it for the kids!

[Debra Antifaev]

Ah… but it could have happened here, Dave.
The only time I have ever seen my usually professional and demure consultant, Sharon Baxter, come up out of her chair was when a school district employee suggested a weighted jacket and/or blanket for my son.
She regained her composure almost immediately and started to expertly explain the lack of science behind this form of intervention…….good catch Sharon!!!
There is just so much misinformation out there and stuff can KILL our kids…..we have to be very, very vigilant.

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