[David Bridges]

Hey everyone!

Happy New Year to you all!

At 2pm today, CNN (ch. 33 on the North Shore) will be showing a documentary entitled "Autism in America". Apparently the focus is on the (allegedly) growing incidence of autism in North America, and the reasons behind it.

Thought you all might be interested. I'll probably tape it for those who can't watch.

Dave

[David Bridges]

To the last anonymous posting:

All I really have to say to your comment is, "hogwash!"

Yes, you should judge this organization based on these events. What else is that stuff inside your skull for, anyhow?

Not only does Gateway have a history of similar incidents, but it has contracts with School Districts (or did, at least, when my child had the misfortune of being in the public system). The so-called 'expertise' and advice provided in my son's case was crap and not worth the dollars spent on it.

Gee, I'm sure glad to know the woman who spoke on Gateway's behalf was at least "interested" in putting an end to such abuse in their group homes. Maybe one day they might get around to doing something about it, eh?

And by the way, being overworked is no excuse for beating on people who most definitely ARE dependent on their caregivers. Sickening to see this pathetic attempt to excuse the low-life who did this.

Dave (my stomach's churning) Bridges

[David Bridges]

Basically, Dr. Stainton's counter-claims amount to nothing. Mostly a lot of hedging and weasel-words, as far as I'm concerned. He says the group doesn't "fundamentally" disagree with ABA -hmm, sounds like room to manure…I mean, manoeuvre there, don't you think?

He says we should just 'wait and see' and basically have faith that his group has OUR (and more importantly, our children's) best interests at heart. Well, I DON'T and I WON'T! Faith might be justified when there is a good track record, but that's not the case here. Like respect, faith is not owed but must be EARNED, Dr. Stainton, especially when it has been betrayed so often by government types, bureaucrats and social engineers like yourself.

Ignore Dr. Stainton and his hurt feelings, Sabrina. Your critique, as always, was bang-on!

Dave (Prince of Darkness) Bridges

[David Bridges]

Nenad Ivanovic and Mr. or Mrs. Qualizza:

Sorry to use this board for this purpose, but I really need to get in touch with you regarding
someone who has applied for a therapist position.

I've tried leaving messages but there has been no response.

Please call me at 604-913-3343 or 604-306-7429. Or you can email me at dbridges1@shaw.ca

Thanks for your help,

Dave Bridges

[David Bridges]

RE: CUPE

Good point, Anonymous!

You probably know this already, but CUPE and the BCTF have for years now attempted (successfully, in many cases) to infiltrate School Boards.

How else could we have wound up with such mind-boggling, ridiculous collective agreements, including clauses that allow for the trampling of our children's rights (all in the cause of protecting employees)?

The fox is in the henhouse, folks!

So get organized youselves and make sure you vote, unless you think this arrangement is beneficial to your children. I don't, and that why my kids are in the private system, where this rubbish is not tolerated (it helps that I can afford to vote with my feet, of course!)

Dave (The Prince of Darkness) Bridges

[David Bridges]

Just a note to commiserate with Anonymous. We have a WONDERFUL team now; very loyal and hardworking. But there really isn't any solution to the high turnover (other than careful screening). You have to remember that the cohort group we recruit from:

a. usually are students,
b. do not consider this a lifetime vocation, and,
c. are young and therefore their lives are subject to a great deal of change.

All this plus the fact that the pay and benefits are low/non-existent adds up to a high turnover rate.

I'm sure none of this is news to you. I've been through this before and felt like wringing a few necks from time to time. Now I just try to create the best working atmosphere that I can for our 'staff', and accept the limited control that I have over these things.

I find it helps to approach my child's program as if it was a business, with staffing issues, morale, politics, etc.: the 'business', if you will, of his well-being.

Take care. Things usually work out in the end.

In sympathy,

Dave B.

[David Bridges]

Mike & Tamara Leger:

Good to see you at the ASBC meeting last week. Call me at 604-913-3343 or email dbridges1@shaw.ca when you get a chance.

Cheers,
Dave

[David Bridges]

Well-put as usual, Sabrina!

Thanks for your tireless work.

Dave Bridges

[David Bridges]

I find myself in total agreement with Anonymous (1:07pm). And with the next anonymous posting.

Looking back on my experience when my son was first diagnosed, the Autism Society did NOTHING for me. Rather it was the help and guidance of some Feat members that set us on the right track.

One final point regarding the writer who brought out the spectre of racism – what a cheap and cowardly attempt at smearing this org.'s reputation! A good tactic when you have no real argument.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Dave Bridges (unlike you I am not afraid of standing by what I say)

[David Bridges]

Hey Anonymous!

Why are you even posting in this forum? You are parroting all the specious arguments made by the government in its attempt to deny our kids ABA funding.

In case you didn't know, this is a group for folks who, like most of the scientific community, accept that ABA is a NECESSARY element in their kids' progress and in their quest to lead fuller, more enjoyable lives.

Do yourself (and us) a favour: join another discusson group and stop getting pissed off by what you read here.

I hear Families for Early Dolphin Treatment are taking new members.

Dave Bridges

[Author]

Posts