[Lis Louwrier]

Dear Cathy

I am writing again. I just got off the phone with the Times Colonist and spoke with their news editor. The editor I spoke with, said he will research this and I hope there will be coverage here in Victoria. As a former editor from the US, one thing that struck me is how much the US media bombarded the public with information on autism and the level of understanding and assistance increased tremendously as a result. Jean and all the dedicated parents working on Medicare for Autism Now are employing this strategy and if we support them by writing our own stories, contact local our local papers, etc, we will enable them and enable all of our children. Sorry if my post sounds naive, I have not worked in 8 years to care for my son, however I am trying to think of ways to help from my own home.

I wish everyone luck in their corner of BC.

Lis

[Lis Louwrier]

Dear Cathy,

I read you post and think you are right. If everyone here contacts relatives and friends in Ontario that would help too. In addition, I will see if my local paper would be willing to give this any coverage.

All the best
Lis

[Lis Louwrier]

I am sending this message out to thank the many people who responded to my post on repeated illness with my 7 year old son. I have tried to respond to most of you but I am having trouble with my email yahoo account so I just want to say thank you for taking time out of your day to respond to my concerns.

I also write to share a story. My son will have been in program 5 years this May. When we started our ABA program he had limited communication skills and many tantrums. Life in general was a major challenge but we loved our son to bits and wanted to try ABA to see if it would help him. So we commenced a 40 hour a week for 3 years until he commenced grade one whereupon we have had to reduce to accomodate a school day but we continue to provide ABA to our son under the direction of a qualified consultant.

Now he is in grade two (still in program) and I would like to share a conversation I had the other night with him as I tucked him into bed. My son overheard my husband and I discussing our worries (beware they can hear everything) because like most families running programs for significant periods of time, finances are incredibly tight. Heck lets face all of us running program are in debt for life. So as I am tucking him into bed, our conversation began:

Mr. Bionicle (his favourite toy): Mom are we in trouble?
Me: What do you mean?
Mr. Bionicle: Well are we poor?
Me: Well no but we have to be careful with our money.
Mr. Bionicle: I heard you and dad talking. Why do we need to be careful?
Me: It is complicated but basically we just can't go out and buy anything we want whenever we want it. We have to count our money before we buy something. I think it is really thoughtful of you to ask me and find out more.
Mr. Bionicle: I have a piggy bank I could share with you and dad.
Me: You know you are pretty cool but I want you to keep you money for things you want to buy. That why we give you an allowance.
Mr. Bionicle: Oh…Okay, are we going to end up like the kids on TV?
Me: What kids?
Mr. Bionicle: The kids in poor countries who have nothing.
Me: It's not the same because you live in a house and have toys and some of those kids do not have a house or have toys or much food.
Mr. Bionicle: Maybe I should send them my toys or tools to build a house.
Me: Maybe we can find a way to send them something.
Mr. Bionicle: Okay I am tired I talked enough
Me: Me too. Good night.

I am telling this story for a reason. My son did not just emerge this way. He worked pretty darn hard over many years under the direction of some great ABA consultants to get there. He is not recovered but he does but he does well in life and has learned to fit in well with his society. I can not imagine how hard it must have been for him but these little guys are amazing when motivated with love and care. I know this level of advancement does not happen for all kids in program but the research shows it is possible for a good percentage…if only it could be funded as a full-time program. Either way, all kids in program benefit from a better life. I really want to thank those individuals this Easter/Passover time of year for continuing to fight and work for a cause that impoverishes so many families in BC and across Canada. One could never thank you enough.

Thanks
Lis (Mr. Bionicle's mom)

[Lis Louwrier]

Dear Parents,

I am wondering if I could pose a question to other FEAT parents. My son has been in an ABA program for 5 years with much success. However, my question is not really program related. My son is often ill and has lost a lot of school and therapy time this school year due to illness. I am wondering if other parents of ASD kids in program have had this experience? He has a very varied and healthy diet thanks to his ABA program. The GP has not been very helpful so now I am turning to some other parents of ASD kids. I would prefer to speak to parents running Lovaas programs as that if not something I am willing to sacrifice but I would like to hear of anything else which may have worked. If the Board does not find this question relevant or appropriate to this site, could parents please email me at louwrierlisbeth@yahoo.com. I really need to hear some other thoughts. I would like to get my son healthy again so he can spend more time in program and school.

All the best
Lis Louwrier
Vancouver Island

[Lis Louwrier]

Dear Jamie,

My name is Lis and I am a parent living in Victoria. Email me with any questions. I will see if I can help from this part of the island. Have you contacted the Able Clinic to see if anyone can come out.

Good luck.
Lis
louwrier@shaw.ca

[Lis Louwrier]

Victoria Based-team seeks to add a new therapist to their team. Our 7 year old son has been in an ABA program for 4+ years and is working on later stages of programming. This is a unique learning experience for therapists wanting to expand their knowledge of later social programming and counseling-based matters related to high-functioning autism/Aspergers syndrome. Our consultant is Kathryn Theroux of Able Developmental Clinic. Team meetings are Thursday nights.

Therapists applying must be able to work 2 shifts per week after school. Shifts will take place in home and/or community and sports-based outings. Experience is preferred but strong candidates who have previous experience working with elementary age students are welcomed to apply. The most important thing you can bring is a positive attitude and a willingness to be part of a team. Training will be provided. The position will commence in January 2008 at the latest. Candidates who can commence training in November 2007 are strongly urged to apply.

Be part of an exciting journey.

Lis Louwrier
louwrier@shaw.ca or 250-294-0729.

[Lis Louwrier]

An enthusiastic and dependable ABA therapist is needed in Victoria for our 7 year old son with high functioning autism. Experience is preferred but not required. An interest in later stages of programming, social thinking, drawing and sports is highly desirable.

Therapists need to work two shifts per week and attend bi-weekly meetings on Thursday evenings. Our consultant is Kathryn Theroux from Able Development Clinic. Training will be provided in our home.

Qualifications:
-At least 19 years old
-Clear criminal record check
-Funny, a real sense of humour
-A team player
-Strong interest in sports (in particular gymnastics and swimming)
-Enjoy working hard but having fun
-Must love playing with playmobil knights and dragons, previous Jedi warriors may also apply.

Our son is adorable, smart and a lot of fun to work with. You will not be bored.

For more information, contact Lis Louwrier, 250-294-0729 or email louwrier@shaw.ca

[Lis Louwrier]

Hi Diane,

I live on Vancouver Island and have been told that there is a program called SIDES (South Island Distance Education Learning) which focuses on home-schooling children. I have just been informed by two parents that this organization gives funding for children with special needs so you can pay for a worker in your home to meet educational criteria for their age group. They may be able to point you in the direction of a sister program on the mainland. I know you have decided to hold your child back but they may have advice on what to do. Good luck.

Lis Louwrier

[Lis Louwrier]

Dear Dave

Thank you for forwarding that article to the site. I was horrified reading it. Poor little kid.

I just do not know what to say.

Lis

[Lis Louwrier]

Dear Doris,

Our family moved from England 4 years ago (our son is now almost 7). I know a big move and a diagnosis is a shock. I also know that many changes need to be made here but things have come a long way too. There are many qualified and talented consultants in BC now. I have done ABA myself and found much success with it. I have also made some dietary modifications but not gone for the whole biomedical approach. Everyone should have choices. When you are here longer, you will see that the fight is for the opportunity to make choices too. Without proper funding people will not be able to access those opportunities. Good luck with your path! I am happy to chat if you wish.

Lis Louwrier

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