[Stella Li]

ASBC presents Dr James Mulick: Saturday April 19th 9:30-4:30 Executive Hotel, Lougheed Highway, Burnaby

I was reading Dr James Mulick's notes for tomorrow's conference. Can't help to type this although it's so late in the evening…

There are lots of wonderful information packed in this conference, not just ABA. You won't regret joining us but you will miss great info if you miss the conference.

So…if you have time to come but have not registered yet, we still have a few drop-in spots.

Registration starts at 8:45am. Conference starts at 9:30am. Hope to see you there.

Stella

[Stella Li]

Phemie:

Try to get the teaching goal of learning matter from the grade 2 teacher, adapt the goal that can meet your child's needs. e.g. your child's goal may be more practical and functional – how does matter (solid liquid gas) relate to his daily life? If it's something that he can relate to, chances are he will be able to learn it to a certain extent.

Use daily examples and lots of visuals – as Dave said real objects will be great. i.e. real solid, real liquid, real gas. Do the experiment with your son at home. E.g. Boiling water (liquid) will turn into steam (gas). Let him see the water before boiling, when it's boiling and turning into steam. Name the liquid and the gas…etc. When it snows/rains…when you see morning dew…use the opportunity to teach… Other than real objects, you can use photos, videos and books with clear big pictures to illustrate.

Make up a "matter" book for him – that will interest him, with lots of colorful pictures and simple ideas, easy to understand language. The more 'concrete' it looks, the easier your child will understand…

Repetition – repeat the same or different experiments and concepts again and again

Practice – practice with him as often as you can, consistently

Do not give up – as Dave said, don't give up… your son can learn the concept with time.

Ask your consultant – (if you have one) as she should be able to provide some ideas to you.

Stella

[Stella Li]

Thanks Monika and Mr P's mom for your posts. I agree with everything you said.

As parents if we suspect that our children have allergies, digestive issues, unknown pain or other medical problems that affect their behaviours and learning, we should take our children to the doctor ASAP to get them tested. Any medical cause for behaviours should be ruled out first, before the child can get the most from the ABA program. This is a very basic task for parents to do.

Take treating cancer as example again: some parents may do chemotherapy and a change of diet/dietary supplement for their children. When the child gets better the parent likes to say "hey change of diet is the most important cancer treatment I did for my child and with chemotherapy going side by side he gets better. Why didn't people tell me more about this change in diet but keep telling me about chemotherapy only?"…What can we say?

In the past couple of years I have the privilege to talk to many parents who have a newly diagnosed child. Some listened, made a wise choice and moved in the right direction. Their children benefit, learn the best they can when they are still young, at home and at school. For whatever reason some did not or could not… It's sad to see the divided autism community in BC. Parents can't get a consensus on what is right to do. There are so many "autism intervention" out there that claimed to be effective or claimed to treat the core issue of autism yet lack the scientific proofs… There are so many "service providers" out there but we lack a quality control college in BC to control the quality of their service. Unfortunately some parents "choose" the wrong treatment approach (or the wrong service provider) and wasted their child's precious time. Sigh!!

Lovaas ABA is the scientifically proven treatment for children with autism. A few years ago parents like Sabrina, Tamara, David, Jenny… spent time guiding me to the right direction. If not because of their help, my child won't be doing so well at home, at school and in the community now. Lovaas ABA works. We experienced the great results Lovaas ABA brought us and we like to pass it on!

At the ASBC, we have materials on different treatment approach. However when parents see us we like to guide them to the right direction ASAP so that no time is wasted on their young child's life. Parents are welcome to ask questions we will try our best to answer.

Stella
p.s. Let's be united. We need each other to fight the good fight. Hope to see you at the March 2nd rally.

[Stella Li]

Todd the questions you asked are very true. As parents we must first rule out any underlying cause for pain, stress and tension etc so as to understand the cause for behaviours that affect the child's ability to learn and to interact.

Ask the parents who came to the ASBC parents meeting in the office last month. We discussed exactly your questions.

Again, we have resource on this, way more than a couple of books.

If you like to discuss more, I can email you tomorrow.

[Stella Li]

Todd:

Thanks for your response.

First, I like to clarify that we have way more than "couple of books" as resources for parents.

Like yourself, I am a parent who likes to give my child the best therapy so that he can live out his full potential. I did my research when we first started a few years ago, including Lovaas ABA, bio-medical, and many other approaches.

What would you choose as the core therapy to help your child learn when he is young? I chose Lovaas ABA. That doesn't mean that I don't use other approach but Lovaas ABA is the core therapy, and is our family's life style.

A few years ago, like yourself, I went to the ASBC office to ask for help as I did not know what to do. I am grateful that the librarian guided me to the right direction so that no time was wasted. I listened and did my research, started therapy for my child ASAP and never looked back.

I took the position after the previous librarian left (her child recovered from autism).

As a professional in the rehab medicine field, I saw many children with autism during my practice years ago. Although I was giving them treatment, none of them had a chance to "recover" from autism.

Choosing whatever treatment approach for your child is a personal choice.

Good luck!

Stella

[Stella Li]

Todd:

"And while I'm on a roll here with questions, why on god's green earth is there no support from FEAT or ASBC for the Bio-Medical approach as a possible compliment to behavioral (ABA)therapy in a child's intervention program…."

The ASBC does provide info on bio-medical approach. Our older materials and the newest library materials from Dec 2007 all include information on this approach.

Call or email me if you like: 604 434 0880
shui @ autismbc . ca

Stella

[Stella Li]

Amber: I won't be in the office today and Thursday.
Email me at shui @ autismbc . ca (no space). I will provide relevant info to you. You may like to set up an appointment to see me.

All the best.

Stella Hui
Autism Society of BC

[Stella Li]

Re: my post on Dec 15 about clicker

Thank you Jean, Dave, Tyla, Mandana, Salma, Shalini for the information and suggestions. Appreciate it.

Special thanks to Jean for everything :-)

Cheers!

Stella

[Stella Li]

Hi all:

Do you know where I can get a clicker? Need one ASAP.

I got one before from Staples but heard that they are no longer selling clickers.

Daiso in Richmond sold out their clickers

Thanks.

Stella
shui @ autismbc . ca

[Stella Li]

Hi everyone,

After much hard work, our new library resources materials are ready to go :-)

Take a look at our new library book/DVD list. Come visit us or let us know if you like to be put on our waitlist to borrow these valuable materials.

Cheers!

Stella

Autism Society of British Columbia
New Library Resources Materials (December 2007)

DVDs

Conversation Cues – For Children with Autism, AS, PDD-NOS, NLD, Social Anxiety, LD (middle school to high school) – by Model Me Kids, http://www.modelmekids.com 2007
This DVD includes 12 topics: When to Start Conversation, Cue: interested, Cue: Not Interested, How to Start Conversation, Cue: Bored, Take Turns, maintain Conversation, Talk On Topic, Cue: Disbelief, Cue: Confused, My Cues, End Conversation.

Social Behavior Mapping – by Michelle Garcia Winner, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding 2007
Social Behavior Mapping, a valuable treatment strategy, helps students to understand how our behaviors impact how people feel, which then impacts how they treat us, which impacts how we feel about ourselves.

Growing Up Social: Exploring How Social Communication Develops…and strategies to help! (Disc 1& 2) – by Michelle Garcia Winner, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding 2007
This DVD looks at how social thinking supports the development of social skills from the first year of life, influencing language development and academic success, as well as skills for adult living.

A Day at School – by Special Kids http://www.speical-kids.com
What's a typical day at school like? There's a lot to do and it's a lot of fun! Join John and learn the alphabet, numbers, spelling, reading and writing. You'll sing a song, watch kids color pictures and play at recess. Plus you'll learn how to behave…from getting on the bus, to sitting quietly, to raising your hand or waiting your turn…

Books, Manuals, Workbooks

Graduated Applied Behavior Analysis – by Bobby Newman, Dove and Orca 2002
Applied Behavior Analysis has proven to be the most effective means of teaching children diagnosed with autistic-spectrum disorders. ABA is not, however, "one size fits all." Different teaching techniques within ABA must be chosen, based upon student need. In Graduated Applied Behavior Analysis, Dr. Bobby Newman and colleagues describe an approach that alters teaching methodologies based on the functioning level of the student. While there are many schools of thought within ABA, they are all part of the same basic science. Aspects of that science are outlined. Portions of an introductory manual and a study describing the effectiveness of an ABA preschool are included.

Social Behavior Mapping – Connecting Behavior, Emotions and Consequences Across the Day – by Michelle Garcia Winner, Think Social Publishing Inc. 2007
In this book, Michelle introduces a simple, predictable and systematic method of teaching students to better understand how their behavior impacts how other people think about them – a great example of how one can use black and white systems to objectively teach sensitive social realities.

Sticker Strategies – Practical Strategies to Encourage Social Thinking and Organization – by Michelle Garcia Winner, Think Social Publishing Inc. 2007
The sticker strategies are organized by topics: Asking for Help; Emotions and Problem Solving; Organization, Writing and Homework; Group Work; Social Thinking; Family Time – Home Strategies. These strategies can easily be applied to any child who needs that strong visual reminder which is a much more powerful teacher than an adult’s “nag”.

How to Find Your Groove – (Conversation Skills and Other Tips for Surviving the Social World) – by Laura K. Cornish, Groovy Kids 2005
Improve your students´ understanding of basic social skills with this book of characters depicting the right and wrong way to respond in common social situations. This reproducible book targets conversation skills, emotional awareness and control, and assertiveness training with concrete visual examples and ideas for role-playing. Use "Laura's Conversational Profiles" to determine where to begin with even your most challenging students.

The Social Skills Picture Book – Teaching Play, Emotion, and Communication to Children with Autism – by Jed Baker, Future Horizons Inc. 2001
This is a dynamic teaching tool that engages the attention and motivation of students who need extra help learning appropriate social skills by demonstrating nearly 30 social skills such as conversation, play, emotion management and empathy.

Building Social Relationships – A Systematic Approach to Teaching Social Interaction Skills to Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Difficulties – by Scott Bellini, Autism Aspergers Publishing Company (AAPC) 2006
This book addresses the need for social programming for children and adolescents with ASD by providing a comprehensive five-step model.

Louder Than Words – A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism – by Jenny McCarthy, DUTTON Penguin Group (USA) Inc. 2007
Jenny McCarthy wrote a book about her experience with an autistic son and what they did to reverse it.

The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook – The Ultimate Guide to The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet – by Pamela J. Compart and Dana Laake, Fair Winds Press 2006
Practical kid-friendly recipes and guide to the gluten-free milk-free diet for ADHD and Autism. What it is. Why it works. How to do it. This book provides successful suggestions for feeding the picky eater. The specialty ingredients are explained and extensive sources provided. There are testimonials from parents and children.

Preparing for Life – The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for those with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome – by Jed Baker, Future Horizons Inc. 2005
A comprehensive resource for students on the autism spectrum preparing for life after high school, the author offers "life skills training" on subjects such as non-verbal cues, body language, dealing with anger/frustration/anxiety, building and maintaining friendships/roommates/intimate relationships. He focuses on conversational and employment skills, ways to balance work/school with family demands, and problematic areas such as finances, emergencies and transportation matters.

A Strange World – Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-NOS – A Guide for Parents, Partners, Professional Carers, and People and ASDs – by Martine F. Delfos, Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2005
This book is a comprehensive guide to autistic spectrum disorders presented from a scientific perspective. It offers practical advice on how to approach these problems from the various perspectives of autistic children, adolescents and adults, as well as parents and carers of autistic people.

Asperger’s and Girls – Featuring Tony Attwood and Temple Grandin, plus 7 more experts, Future Horizons Inc. 2006
This book provides up-to-date information about girls with Asperger's Syndrome and recognizes the unique problems of girls on the spectrum. Covering topics include diagnoses, education, puberty, relationships, and careers.

Brotherly Feelings – Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger’s Syndrome – By Sam Frender and Robin Schiffmiller, Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2007
This book explores the emotions that siblings of children with Asperger's Syndrome commonly experience. It helps siblings to understand that their emotional responses – whatever they are – are natural and OK. It is intended for parents and professionals.

No Fishing Allowed – “Reel” in Bullying (Teacher Manual) – by Carol Gray and Judy Williams, Future Horizons Inc. 2006
No Fishing Allowed is a peer violence prevention program. The key to creating a peaceful learning community is the tone set by the classroom teacher. The purpose of this manual is to provide teachers with information, ideas and activities to address bullying attempts and other unfriendly social interactions in a classroom setting. The goal of the program is to allow all children to learn in a safe and secure school setting.

No Fishing Allowed – “Reel” in Bullying (Student Workbook) – by Carol Gray and Judy Williams, Future Horizons Inc. 2006

Good Friends Are Hard to Find – Help Your Child Find, Make and Keep Friends and Also Deal With: teasing, bullying, meanness & stormy relationships – by Fred Frankel, Perspective Publishing Inc. 1996
This book is for parent whose five to twelve-year-old has no one to play with, is outraged when other kids tease/pick on him/her… It provides step-by-step information for parents to help their youngsters make friends and solve problems with other kids. It is a guide that offers concrete help for teasing, bullying and meanness, both for the child who is picked on and for the tormentor. Based on the UCLA Children's Social Skills Program, this book teaches clinically tested techniques that really work. This is a valuable, practical, and applicable reference book for any parenting collection.

Replays – Using Play to Enhance Emotional and Behavioral Development for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders – by Karen Levine and Naomi Chedd, Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2007
Replays addresses the challenging behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorders through interactive symbolic play. It shows parents and professionals how to help children access their emotions. The chapters show readers how to implement Replays, and describe ways of adapting this intervention to address specific issues in different settings and circumstances.

Ten Things Every Child Wth Autism Wishes You Knew – by Ellen Notbohm, Future Horizons Inc. 2005
Framed with both humor and compassion, the book defines the top ten characteristics that illuminate the minds and hearts of children with autism.

Now I Get It! – Social Stories that build confidence & demonstrate appropriate behavior – plus comprehension questions after each story – by Natural Learning Concepts
Nine books, each book has two stories
1. Answering Questions; Saying “Hi’ and “Bye”
2. Saying “Excuse Me”; Please and Thank You
3. Getting ready for school; Getting ready for bed
4. I don’t understand; Getting help, Giving help
5. Talking about my day; When things change
6. Getting Angry; Sharing
7. Fire Drills; Assembly
8. The Playground; The Beach
9. The Restaurant; The Movies

How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends – by Don Gabor, FIRESIDE Simon & Schuster Inc. 2001
By following the simple and dynamic guidelines in this book, you'll learn how to start and to keep a conversation going by asking the right questions, using body language effectively, and avoiding conversation pitfalls. This book was packed with charts, hundreds of opening lines, real-life examples, FAQs, helpful hints, and solid professional advice…

[Author]

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