[Ursula Lee]

I am just getting my own program started. I have decided to treat my therapists as independent contractors who are self employed so I do not have to do any payroll deductions. As I understand it (but note, I am not a tax expert or accountant, just a humble parent navigating these new waters), as long as you are not the sole source of their income, you are OK to do this.
I spoke with someone from WCB today as I am concerned about coverage should anyone (who hasn't already got WCB coverage) get injured while working in my home, for eg slipping on the ice while walking up my driveway. You can get WCB insurance for that sort of thing(I don't think your home insurance will cover that sort of thing if the person is working in your home). It is inexpensive (0.89% of total amount paid to the individual) and relatively easy to do. Go to WorkSafebc.com or call 604-276-3100 or 1-888-621-7233.

[Ursula Lee]

OK let's see if I can do this

[Ursula Lee]

To the Michele Dawsons of the world:

There is no question, of course, that ASD is a clinical entity, and costly to society in terms of purely medical treatment but also in terms of lost productivity of those caring for affected individuals as well as lost potential productivity of the affected individuals themselves. Not to mention the very real (but "soft") effects of pure human suffering, parental grief and children's frustrations with suboptimal quality of life experienced by affected children. While people like Ms. Dawson have a different philosophy and experience, and have a right to their own opinions, there are at least 2 indisputable facts which are not open to debate or interpretation. First, ASD is a neurologically based disorder with replicable findings and consistent genetic abnormalities. No one will dispute these facts. There is very good data from brain research and imaging that ASD has distinct findings.
The second indisputable fact is that adults with mental disabilities represent a very large segment of health care costs incurred by society as a result of institutionalized care and lost productivity. Without intervention, it can be assumed that close to 100% of children with ASD (reported by Rutter, 1970, but I'm sure there is more recent literature to support this) will fail to fully contribute to the economic health of society and many of whom will go on to become dependent on state-funded care as adults. With intervention, and here, the only reported methods being early behavioral intervention (very similar but not restricted to Lovaas ABA however,) about 50% of affected children may be expected to recover, and do not go on to incur health care costs to society. The studies by Jacobsen show a net savings of about $1 million per individual. Therefore, those who are inclined to argue that it is an unnecessary expense to society should be convinced that in fact, there is a net savings to society and on that basis alone, should be motivated to support treatment since it is actually a net benefit to society ( in terms of both cold hard cash plus the addition of productive individuals to enrich the human race) and not simply society bending to the wishes of a few hysterical parents.

I have several artciles on cost benefit analysis and review artciles of ASD as a clinical entity which I will be happy to share with anyone who wants. I just don't know how to post articles on this chat board.

Ursula Lee

[Ursula Lee]

I mam looking for a consultant for my newly dx 2yo son. Has anyone had any experience with Michele Shilvock? Let me know what you think. PLease contact:
ursulalee@telus.net
tel: 604-535-8082

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