Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
Mike & Jean
Participant*** An important lecture not to miss ***
'HOW TO EVALUATE AUTISM TREATMENTS: Make sure your child gets what works'
This post is about an upcoming lecture at SFU by Dr. Sabrina Freeman,
regarding how to navigate your way through the maze of autism treatments out there
and to ensure that your child (and wallet) are safeguarded from quacks and
opportunists that exist in abundant supply in the autism treatment universe.Over the past eight years, Dr. Freeman has had the opportunity to speak with
a great number of parents about autism treatments and the state of the science
in the field. Many parents have asked whether a given treatment they are
considering is hopefully effective for their child – or not. Dr. Freeman has
described ways in which parents can obtain this important information so as to
arrive at their own opinion. After many years, she has concluded that it is
just not good enough for parents to rely solely on the opinions of others about
one treatment over another. What every well informed parent needs to know is
how to evaluate — on their own — the science behind any given autism treatment
method. In other words, rather than relying on the opinions of others, it is
far better for parents to know the basic scientific principles that make for
a truly informed and savvy autism treatment consumer and advocate for their
child. This is especially important in the world of autism treatment where
there seems to be an annual crop of purported autism treatments. Without a
reference point that is grounded in the fundamentals of the scientific method,
parents are essentially traveling without a compass. How can parents choose
treatments that are most likely to be effective, rather than those most likely to be
a waste of precious time and resources?To this end, and to empower parents in their dealings with so-called autism
"experts," Dr. Freeman will present a two-hour lecture at Simon Fraser
University. The presentation is free of charge to ensure that everyone who needs this
information is able to attend. The lecture date is Saturday, February 28th,
at 2:00 PM, Lecture Hall K9500. Everyone who attends will receive a free copy
of the lecture video for his or her home library — the lecture will be
videotaped.Parents: We encourage you to suggest that your team members consider
attending this lecture if possible. This is a very valuable learning opportunity for
parents, therapists and consultants.For those planning to attend, please send a confirmation E-mail to
lectures@featbc.org, or fax a registration form to 604-534-9527. A registration form
can be downloaded at this address:
https://featbc.org/downloads/freemanlecture.pdf). Please E-mail or fax your registration soon to guarantee a seat.ParticipantYou can now find the EAI Eligible Expense Policy on the MCFD website (http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/index.htm and http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/eai.htm). The EAI Guidelines on the MCFD website will be amended early next week to include this information as well
ParticipantF.E.A.T. Meeting reminder
To all parents:
Just a reminder that the F.E.A.T. meeting is tomorrow night, Monday, November 17th at 7:00p.m. at St.Francis-in-the-wood Anglican church, West Vancouver. Executive Director, Sabrina Freeman will be giving a presentation called, "What's Science got to do with it?" or how to evaluate present and future treatments.
Once again, we will start at 7:00p.m. sharp and will conclude at 9:00p.m.
See you on Monday.
Regards,
JeanParticipantFEAT Meeting
Our next FEAT of BC meeting is on Monday, November 17th, 2003 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at St. Francis-in-the-Wood Anglican church in West Vancouver.(map downloadable from the web-page)
FEAT of BC Executive Director, Dr. Sabrina Freeman will be giving a presentation entitled:
"What's Science got to do with it? or "How to protect your child with autism by becoming a savvy consumer".
This is a very in-depth presentation designed for parents who want to understand the scientific method. The lecture will not discuss particular treatments for autism but will provide the tools to evaluate all current and future autism treatments.
The presentation will be approximately 11/2 hours in length plus time for questions.
We will start at 7:00pm rather than our normal 7:30pm.
This presentation is for parents only. Future presentations will include therapists.
Due to enormous interest in this topic we expect a large turnout so please RSVP to me at jean.lewis@telus.net to confirm attendance.
See you on the 17th.
Regards, Jean Lewis
Participant"The Road Back?"
I cannot begin the express my disappointment in the quality of journalism produced by the "Knowledge Networks?", The Road Back", autism documentary. What a disservice this program does to children affected with this most devastating disorder! This documentary portrays three treatments, LOVAAS-style A.B.A., DIR/Floortime and the governments own E.I.B.I. program. It fails to identify the scientific evidence or lack thereof for each of these treatments. This lack of key information is not new for those of us who know what the evidence is, but it may not be obvious to parents with newly diagnosed children who are struggling,trying to get factual treatment information. I will fill in some of the gaps the "Knowledge Network?" omitted.
1. The only science-based, peer reviewed,
evidence-based treatment is LOVAAS-style
applied behaviour analysis treatment. Amongst
other things, three B.C. courts found it to be
medically necessary treatment for the
condition of autism and the government has an
obligation to fund this treatment. See the
Auton and Anderson judgements (can be
downloaded on this website) for specific
details. Of significant note, these landmark
judgements and their precident setting
reasons are viewed as spectacular by a wide
variety of diverse international
organizations. These judgements and
their profound implications were not even
acknowledged in this program. There glaring
omission brings into question whether a
publicly funded broadcaster can be truly
objective.2. DIR/Floortime therapy:
There is no peer-reviewed evidence which
supports its efficacy.3. The government's own E.I.B.I program:
There is no peer-reviewed evidence which
supports its efficacy.Autism is a devastating disorder. Without
effective treatment those effected with it have a bleak future of isolation and institutionalization. Sadly, this is the truth despite what the "professionals" or misguided parents may report.
Autism is not a personality quirk or a "culture";like cancer
or diabetes, it needs to be treated.
Our children have a constitutional right to effective treatment which is grounded in science, not quackery. Anything less is wholly unacceptable. Anyone suppressing the facts
is morally reprehensible.For more information regarding science-based treatment contact: F.E.A.T. of B.C. or the Autism Society of B.C.
Our children are relying on us to be informed. Their futures depend on us.
Regards,
Jean Lewis, Director, F.E.A.T. of B.C.ParticipantFEAT Meeting
Hi Everyone:
The next FEAT meeting is on Monday, October 20th at St. Francis in-the-Wood Anglican church in West Vancouver – 7:30pm – 9:30pm (map available to download from the FEAT web-page)
The topic is:
"How to set up an Lovaas-style home based A.B.A. program"
– where do I find a consultant?
– where do I find therapists?
– how do I manage a team?See you there
Regards, Jean
ParticipantBobby Newman workshop – Oct. 24, 2003
I would agree with Barbara Rodrigues, and highly recommend anyone who is involved in an A.B.A. program attend this workshop. Make sure your S.E.A. and school district people attend, because October 24th is a provincial professional development day. We couldn't ask for better professional development.
Dr. Bobby Newman is the Director of Training at the Association for Metro area Autistic ChildrenAMAC. He is a licensed psychologist and was New Yorks first Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He received his Ph.D. in psychology, with a sub-specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis, in 1996. He is the author of several books, including The Reluctant Alliance: Behaviorism and Humanism, No Virtue in Accident, When Everybody Cares: Case Studies of ABA, Words from Those who Care, Graduated Applied Behavior Analysis, and the soon to be published Behaviorspeak. His research has centered around effective means of teaching children and adults with autistic-spectrum disorders, particularly in the area of self-management training. His original research has been published in Behavioral Interventions, Behavioral Disorders, Perceptual and Motor Skills, The Psychological Record, Analysis of Verbal Behavior, Education and Training in Mental Retardation, and elsewhere. Dr. Newman is a Past-President of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis, and lectures on the autistic-spectrum disorders and ABA throughout the United States and United Kingdom. He has been named as Autism Professional of the Year by New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC) and Empowering Long Islands Journey through Autism (ELIJA). Dr. Newman has also been an expert witness in Canadian litigation.
For registration information contact Arbutus Coast Presentations, Inc. at:
phone 403-394-9470
fax 403-394-9471
email ArbutusCoast@shaw.caRegards,
Jean Lewis, Director – F.E.A.T. of B.C.
ParticipantThis post is in response to several queries I have had from parents with respect to legal information being dispensed on the FEAT website.
To clarify:
. The FEAT of B.C. organization has no lawyer on
retainer.It should be understood that there are many parents of children with autism who are lawyers and have their own very definite and very individual opinions regarding the Auton/Anderson litigation. Several are directly involved with the Auton/Anderson litigation because they sit on the legal steering committee. All of these parents/lawyers have chosen not to disclose their professional or private views, or give legal advice regarding these cases on the FEAT website or any other public chat room for the following very important reason:
This matter is still before the courts. It is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada in March, 2004. In addition, a new development has occurred as of Sept. 18/03, the B.C. Government filed a notice of appeal for the Anderson decision of Aug. 22/03.
We all have a long road ahead of us in the courts. It has already been a long road for all of us involved in the Auton/Anderson cases, but the road will lead to success for all our children. Commentary on the possible consequences to our children by the Supreme Court of Canada and now, the B.C. Court of Appeal is purely speculative. How this will all play out is unknown until the Supreme Court of Canada makes its decision. Further speculation on the possible outcomes of these cases while they are still before the courts are not helpful in my opinion.
If you would like to know who is acting for the Auton/Anderson families and would like further clarification regarding these cases, please contact me directly.
Hopefully common sense, discretion and respect for the Auton/Anderson familes who have already paved a long, hard road on behalf of all of your children will prevail here.
I will not engage in any on-line anonymous or otherwise debate regarding this post. All of our children's futures are at stake.
Thankyou for your attention.
Jean Lewis – Director, FEAT of B.C
jean.lewis@telus.netParticipantThis post is in response to several queries I have had from parents with respect to legal information being dispensed on the FEAT website.
To clarify:
. The FEAT of B.C. organization has no lawyer on
retainer.It should be understood that there are many parents of children with autism who are lawyers and have their own very definite and very individual opinions regarding the Auton/Anderson litigation. Several are directly involved with the Auton/Anderson litigation because they sit on the legal steering committee. All of these parents/lawyers have chosen not to disclose their professional or private views, or give legal advice regarding these cases on the FEAT website or any other public chat room for the following very important reason:
This matter is still before the courts. It is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada in March, 2004. In addition, a new development has occurred as of Sept. 18/03, the B.C. Government filed a notice of appeal for the Anderson decision of Aug. 22/03.
We all have a long road ahead of us in the courts. It has already been a long road for all of us involved in the Auton/Anderson cases, but the road will lead to success for all our children. Commentary on the possible consequences to our children by the Supreme Court of Canada and now, the B.C. Court of Appeal is purely speculative. How this will all play out is unknown until the Supreme Court of Canada makes its decision. Further speculation on the possible outcomes of these cases while they are still before the courts are not helpful in my opinion.
If you would like to know who is acting for the Auton/Anderson families and would like further clarification regarding these cases, please contact me directly.
Hopefully common sense, discretion and respect for the Auton/Anderson familes who have already paved a long, hard road on behalf of all of your children will prevail here.
I will not engage in any on-line anonymous or otherwise debate regarding this post. All of our children's futures are at stake.
Thankyou for your attention.
Jean Lewis – Director, FEAT of B.C
jean.lewis@telus.netParticipantThis post is in response to several queries I have had from parents with respect to legal information being dispensed on the FEAT website.
To clarify:
. The FEAT of B.C. organization has no lawyer on
retainer.It should be understood that there are many parents of children with autism who are lawyers and have their own very definite and very individual opinions regarding the Auton/Anderson litigation. Several are directly involved with the Auton/Anderson litigation because they sit on the legal steering committee. All of these parents/lawyers have chosen not to disclose their professional or private views, or give legal advice regarding these cases on the FEAT website or any other public chat room for the following very important reason:
This matter is still before the courts. It is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada in March, 2004. In addition, a new development has occurred as of Sept. 18/03, the B.C. Government filed a notice of appeal for the Anderson decision of Aug. 22/03.
We all have a long road ahead of us in the courts. It has already been a long road for all of us involved in the Auton/Anderson cases, but the road will lead to success for all our children. Commentary on the possible consequences to our children by the Supreme Court of Canada and now, the B.C. Court of Appeal is purely speculative. How this will all play out is unknown until the Supreme Court of Canada makes its decision. Further speculation on the possible outcomes of these cases while they are still before the courts are not helpful in my opinion.
If you would like to know who is acting for the Auton/Anderson families and would like further clarification regarding these cases, please contact me directly.
Hopefully common sense, discretion and respect for the Auton/Anderson familes who have already paved a long, hard road on behalf of all of your children will prevail here.
I will not engage in any on-line anonymous or otherwise debate regarding this post. All of our children's futures are at stake.
Thankyou for your attention.
Jean Lewis – Director, FEAT of B.C
jean.lewis@telus.net -
AuthorPosts