[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.

[Author]

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