[Pam Mihic]

That's great news, Dave. My son also graduated with a Dogwood five years ago even though he began grade 8 in an inappropriate, segregated program. After we started ABA, we changed schools (and school districts) and he ended up graduating with B honours. He has worked for the past 3 1/2 years in a plastics factory. His employer loves him as he is always on time, lets him know when the machinery is not working properly, and never takes more than his scheduled break. Just last month, he moved into his very own apartment with help from Langley Association for Community Living. There IS light at the end of the tunnel!!

[Pam Mihic]

Just to add to Michelle's post….

My son was also told that the treatment would not work for him because he was too old. We started his program when he was 14. At that time, he was in grade 8 in a segregated and modified (no report card marks) program. His 'duties' included collecting the attendance folders from other classes. "Integration" in elective courses consisted of him sitting all by himself at a table in art or foods class. He was sworn at, had pencils,erasers, etc. thrown at him, and was physically assaulted by other students. Our concerns were dismissed by the school administration.

We started our ABA program at the end of grade 8. Aside from academic skills, our program focused on social skills such as developing conversation, assertiveness, problem-solving, etc. We also decided a fresh start at a new school was appropriate. Today, he is in grade 12 in a fully-integrated regular program with limited SEA support. He is graduating with a 3.5 (B+) average and will be starting a preapprenticeship trade program in February 2005 at a local university/ college. He is the first person with special needs to be accepted into the program from our school district. Although he is still very shy, he is well liked and respected by other students who go out of their way to make him feel welcome. He is a member of the school's cross country team, student council, and global issues club. It has been a lot of hard work but we have his dedicated therapists (two in particular who have been with us for the past 3 years), his amazing consultant, and Sabrina (for encouraging us to go the ABA route) to thank.
It's unfortunate that the government and SCC can't look at the long term implications of their short-sighted decisions.

Pam Mihic
(N's mom and proud of it)

[Pam Mihic]

Susan,

I also have an older child with high-functioning autism. We started Lovaas ABA when our son was 14 and have met with great success. (We also had issues of bullying in a Langley school….) Please contact me at pmihic@shaw.ca for more info.

Pam Mihic

[Pam Mihic]

An earlier post had questioned the effectiveness of an ABA program for older children and whether the government should provide funding for these children. One of the government's contracted agencies recommended that our thirteen year old high-functioning autistic son be placed in a segregated program in high school…even though he had not been previously segregated. The results were disastrous. Apart from the academic expectations which we felt were inappropriate, our son developed 'interesting' (negative) behaviours and experienced physical assaults and emotional abuse from other students. When our son was fourteen, we BEGAN a Lovaas-based ABA program. He was enrolled in another school (in another school district, but that's another story) in a fully integrated program. He has just completed his grade 9 year with a "B" average (regular curriculum). He is happy, starting to come out of his shell, and the 'interesting' behaviours have disappeared. He also is no longer taking prozac. Our current school works with us (parents, therapists, and behavioural consultant) in incorporating our consultant's recommendations. Does ABA work for older children? Based on our experience, you bet it does. Should the government pay for our son's ABA therapy? Undeniably, yes. Our son will be able to live on his own, hold a job, and pay taxes. Our family will fight until this government corrects its discrimination against older children with autism.

Pam Mihic
Proud mother of Nicholas

[Pam Mihic]

Has anybody had a meeting to discuss ABA with Lynn Stephens (Langley MLA)? I've been trying to meet with her since October 15th. Her office finally scheduled an appointment for November 30th (after 3 weeks of waiting for them to get back to me) and then I received a message today that the meeting has to be postponed. Has anyone else experienced difficulty meeting with her? My email address is pmihic@home.com

[Pam Mihic]

Linda Cucek was interviewed by the Vancouver Sun regarding the 'broken promises' of the Liberal government in her quest for funding for Lovaas – based ABA therapy for her 17 year old son James. Linda was promised by Gordon Campbell during the election campaign that James' therapy would be funded if the Liberals were elected. The article and photograph should be published in Thursday or Friday's paper (Oct. 11/12). If you have any questions or feedback for Linda, she can be contacted at 604-936-3635 or cucek@home.com. Her computer is temporarily down so it may take a few days before she gets back to you.

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