[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hi Jean:

I agree with Avery – I also conduct the interviews in the livingroom of my home. What I do first is – receive the resumes. Then from there I conduct a 'mini phone interview' to see if they are someone I would like to further interview. If they are then I have them come to the home – explain the set up – go over the basics, ask the questions, talk about my son, our program, our consultant, our expectations.

I also agree with Avery and have made the mistake of judging 'new' people by throwing them in with my son. It's not really fair – they are very nervous and you can't truly judge how they will interact with your child especially if they aren't trained or in my case -ever worked with a child with autism. I have also found out that even the old role playing doesn't work – I have therapists role play with me as the child and I thought 'oh, she's not very good' only to have her turn out to be great with the real child.

I also always make sure that they know there is a trial period when hired and that not everyone is capable of doing this very unique job – I am in the hinterlands so I have only hired untrained people – in the 5 years I have run a program – I have interviewed around 45 people and hired 30 people – out of the 30 people – only 5 have been able to qualify and remain therapists (although they have stayed with us – onwards of 5 years).

To the therapists out there – you are truly a gifted and rare group – thank you for what you do for our kids everyday.

Barbara

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hi Everyone:

Arbutus Coast is presenting the following workshop – it should be really great! Hope to see you all there.

Dr. Peter Gerhardt

Vancouver, British Columbia

Friday, 14 October, 2005

Bridges to Adulthood for Learners With Autism

Spectrum Disorders: Targeting Skills for the Next

Environment & Expanded Session on

Sexuality Issues

Bridges to Adulthood for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Targeting Skills for the Next Environment with

Expanded Session on Sexuality Issues

Dr. Gerhardt’s presentation is a compelling examination of the transition difficulties and challenges that adolescents and adults, their families & caring staff must face in order to bring about the elusive and necessary element called Quality of Life.

He discusses the real functionality of Applied Behaviour Analysis and how the failure to attend to the defining components of typical adulthood may lead to significant challenges in service development. More than merely a description of the challenges, Dr. Gerhardt takes us through the difficulties with successful strategies, plans, goals and examples.

A significant part of a child’s transition to adolescence and adulthood is sexuality. In this day-long presentation of successful strategies, plans & transition planning Dr. Gerhardt will present an expanded session on the issues of sexuality and those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In the world of Autism Spectrum Disorders Dr. Peter Gerhardt is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on issues of sexuality and transition to adulthood. This workshop is for every parent planning their child’s future and issues of sexuality; for school staff wanting to plan meaningful education and learning opportunities for kids with ASD in transition, and for all service providers, ministry program supervisors, and managers and staff of community living programs dealing with transition & sexual issues of their clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D.

Dr. Peter Gerhardt is a Consultant whose private practice is based in Baltimore, MD. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder, the school-to-work-transition process and analysis and intervention of problematic behavior. He has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. He currently serves on numerous professional advisory boards and is the Chairperson of the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) along with serving on the Board of Directors of GRASP. Previous professional positions include serving as the Executive Director Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism and an appointment as Research Asst. Professor at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology where he served as the Director of the Division of Transition and Adult Services at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. It was in this capacity the he co-founded the Douglass Group, a social skills and support service for adults with Aspergers Disorder or High Functioning Autism. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.

Dr. Peter Gerhardt

9 a.m.—4 p.m. Friday, 14 October, 2005

University of British Columbia, Student Union Bldg., Ballroom

REGISTER EARLY

Presented by—Arbutus Coast Presentations, Inc. (250) 655-4999 FAX (250) 655-4989

Bridges to Adulthood for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Targeting Skills for the Next Environment & Expanded Session on Sexuality Issues.

The following is a partial list of topics covered in Dr. Gerhardt’s presentation.

Understanding ABA as an Applied Science

Autism and the Neurotypical world

Failure to attend to the defining components of typical adulthood may lead to significant challenges to the development of services that support a positive quality of life

The universe of desirable skills

Problematic behaviours in adolescents and adults

Specific Deficits That May Predispose Individuals to Engage in Problematic Behavior

Functional Behavior Model

Inclusion and the transition process

The Middle School Years

The Journey Through High School

The Transition Process

An effective transition plan

Priorities of Instruction in Transition Programming

The Ultimate Transition Strategy

Criteria of Ultimate Functionality

Four Basic Transition Skills

Relevant to All Students

Specific Areas of Advocacy Instruction

Our Role As “Advocatees”

The Family, the Family, the Family

A special note to adolescent and adult support staff…

What do we mean by the term “SOCIAL SKILLS”?

Strategies to Promote Social Competence

Necessary, Preferred and Marginal Skills

Role Play, Social Stories or Scripts, Power Cards,

Self Monitoring

Support in the Work Place

Components of the Social Job Match

Leisure and Recreation:

The Ultimate Choice Activity

Sexuality Defined

Myths about Sexuality

The Learner with ASD and sexuality

Sexuality education should be proactive

Some guidelines for teaching sexuality

What to teach and when… some general guidelines

Goals of a comprehensive sexuality education

Promoting Positive Decision Making

Staff Training regarding sexuality issues

The Question of Personal Consent

Definitions of consent

Sexuality Education – Abuse and Exploitation

Challenges to Sexuality Education for Learners with ASD.

Case Study Discussions

Challenges to Supporting Adults

Quality of Life as a Transition Outcome

But what is meant by “Quality of Life?”

How can QOL be operationally defined?

Quality of Life is not …

Choice, control and competence in QOL

REGISTRATION FORM

(Please Print)

NAME ________________________________________

ADDRESS ________________________________________

DAY PHONE ________________________________________

FAX NUMBER ________________________________________

EMAIL ________________________________________

Credit Card Number ________________________________________

Expiry Date ________________________________________

Confirmation Preference ____Email

____FAX

For payment by cheque – Please include a cheque with a completed registration form, in the amount of $125.00 (must be received by 01 October, 2005. Late registration is $175.00). Make cheques payable to Arbutus Coast Presentations, Inc. and send to Arbutus Coast Presentations, Inc. 1691 Lands End Road, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 5L5

If paying by credit please complete the registration form with credit card details and FAX

to (250) 655-4989

For group rates please call (250) 655-4999.

10% discount applies to previous registrants of Arbutus Coast Presentations.

Make cheques payable to Arbutus Coast Presentations, Inc. and send to Arbutus Coast Presentations, Inc. 1691 Lands End Road, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 5L5

or visit the website http://www.arbutuscoast.com

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hi Aileen:

I don't know the program per say – but whenever anything has the word 'sensory' in it – I run not walk from it. Sensory Integration is an old – never proven – form of therapy used for many years and continues to be used with no scientific backing. Most times it can create not decrease behaviors and it does not work within an ABA program.

I am also passionately against it because my son's life was WASTED from the age of 2-4 with this treatment (I was unaware of ABA and since we didn't have access to the Internet until until he was almost 4 – unable to find out about it). The thing is – they make the programs sound so nice and comfortable and kind and fun – but the truth is – it's just a big waste of your child's time and your money – in my opinion. They used this tactic on me for years.

You never mentioned if your granddaughter was in a program (ABA) – if so I would get your consultant to see if at such a young age – she is even ready for a preschool environment – I know many typical kids at 22 months aren't able to cope. Then if she is maybe see if there is one that has a bit of structure – set times for things etc. – maybe decide what she is capable of participating in, etc.

Another thing to remember is how our kids learn – they usually don't learn from peers (especially at the beginning of programming).

It's a shame that someone hasn't thought up a ABA parents – parent/tot time with therapists available so new parents/grandparents & little ones can get together and chat and discuss things.

I am not sure if you have ever gone to any of the ASBC support groups in your area or the FEAT support groups but that is also a great way to get info.

If you do decide to go to this program Aileen – just be sure that you have a clear outline from Riley's consultant as to what you working on and how you reinforce and what you are using extinction on as Sensory is mainly the opposite of what we do – so the SI/natural learning can be detrimental to your little one's program.

Best of luck to you.

Barbara
Jeremy's Mom

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Quotes from the Mother in Ritchie's World –
"Julie Lafontaine, a provincial government-funded consultant who has worked with Sheri and Richie for the past three years.
"I think it's a good thing,'' says Lafontaine. "It's like an accepting thing — like let's just go with it
"There are some other families that have her approach,'' Lafontaine says. "But there are more parents out there that buy into this: 'Well, they have to be normal. They have to be like typical kids, we can't let them do bizarre behaviour in a restaurant.' Whereas Sheri is like: 'Well, this is who he is, this is what he does, and if you don't like it, don't look.'"

Did you notice that this person is a government funded consultant!!! – Does that mean that after she goes and sees Ritchie stim on videos and hit himself and tells Mom how great he’s doing– she then goes over to some unsuspecting new parent to ‘consult’ on IBI!!! Unbelievable.

Barbara

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Regarding the Dr. Peter Gerhardt conference – I just heard from someone that he will most likely be doing another workshop up here in Vancouver at UBC in October – so for those interested and in terms of cost saving you might want to attend that one. Will post more when confirmed for those interested.

Barbara

[Barbara Rodrigues]

I also post this (also my last posting for awhile) not to hear myself but to try and calify. My 'toughen up' was not meant meanly or derogatory – I apologize that so many of you took it that way – it was NOT my intention to insult you but to try and let you know some of us speak that way but it's not a personal attack. Obviously that point was not made.

I know many of you are angry and new to this – it's easy to forget the range of emotions that come in the early diagnosis. My emails were meant to say we are all alike -we have been there – we understand. Again this didn't come across I can only assume.

My intent was to neither riducule any of you – I was trying to give you some history and some background of what my friends with children with autism have gone through or done – it was not my intention to tell you what to do or how to do it. As I said you are the parents and these are your children – you must make those decisions.

You're right I don't support Chelation but that doesn't mean I don't support or offer you any guidance in dealing with ABA or the struggles in dealing with all that entails a life with a child with autism. I never attacked any of you personally or riduculed anything you said – yet I felt that I was certainly attacked – I reread my emails and I still don't understand what warrented this but I will try to be more sensitive in my wording if I return.

One of you said 'I would run buck naked singing 'God Save the Queen' if I thought that would help and I laughed not only because it's funny but 6 years ago one of my best friends said 'I would paint my bum blue and run naked through the streets of Vancouver if it would help my son'.

We may all disagree with each other but we all we have one very strong thing in common – we love our children and want to do what's very best for them. All I meant is don't let our harshness scare you – we really are a nice lot many times and we will help you in areas that we can – there are many lists that have vast info in other areas that I know many FEAT members are on but this is a designated ABA list – doesn't mean we don't want you on it if you try and do other things – just means most don't want to hear it – personally I don't care but again I am only a 'worker bee' not the ADMIN -I don't make the rules – I just skim or delete if I don't like/have no interest in what's being said but it's not my list and no there is no heirachy either – we all just try and 'pay it forward'.

Alan I hope you stay on – it was actually your apology email that inspired my first email as I felt that your feelings were hurt as were some of the other new parents (so much for that I seemed only to make matters worse).

Anyway, forgive the long email – again I apologize in that I offended anyone – that was not my intention. I wish all of you well.

Barbara
Jeremy's Mom & Advocate

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Nancy and anyone else:

I did not intend for my statement of 'toughen up' to mean that you should accept insults – it was meant that you need to be aware that there will be many people (principals, teachers, social workers, etc) that are NOT going to have your child's best interest at heart – who will try and steer you wrong and you are going to need to stand up to them – to fight for your child – I know because I was the biggest wimp when this all started – you can ask Sabrina – she is the one who coached me into being strong – being powerful and to fight. This is a hard road and a long road for many of us – you are going to need that strength to get you and your child/family through – that is what I meant. I meant don't take Dave's comments so hard -he never attacked anyone personally- (sorry Dave- don't mean to keep bringing you into this)

As for our goal of helping children receive ABA – I am well aware of that – and anyone who knows me knows that I have done more than my share.

Anyway, as much as many of you may dislike the tough stance of us old timers – the benefits your kids receive now are due to that frame of mind. But I have seen the FEAT chat board change much since Auton won -we are much bigger now (thankfully)and maybe it's time for an old timer to change or move on too.

Barbara
Jeremy's Mom & Advocate

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hello Everyone:

While Nancy and Karen have said it wonderfully – I just wanted to add my opinion onto this topic. As another old timer – this board when first went up was the ONLY forum of it's kind based in B.C. or Canada. We were a small yet tight group -who formed in order to provide the only science based treatment for our kids BUT also a forum to fight for that treatment to be covered for all our kids with autism. Many have struggled and suffered in terms that you newbies will never have to see because of sacrifices that these families have made not only in terms of money but time and effort and our children have suffered too. We are trying to save your children from ever having to go through that. When I got my diagnosis there was NOTHING in terms of information and if it wasn't for FEAT members of whom I believe there was like 10-20 – my son would be in an instution right now. We have fought through more BS than you can imagine and had to defend ABA from the get go – we were riduculed – tormented – laughed at – scoffed at – had beer bottles and pellet guns shot at us (yes I did while I was picketing for treatment for kids with autism) – we have had social workers lie to us, laugh at our faces and cut off our funds mid contract – but through it all we had this FEAT board – this has been our life line and our community – our ABA community – also again I reread Dave's original post and I don't think he was offensive to anyone – all he said was that the vaccine topic was 'crap' and could we please not discuss it any further – and ended with thanks. I have said this a million times to newbies – if you are offended and hurt here – you better get toughened up quick – you have a child with autism and you are unfortunately going to have to endure many many things in order to help them and advocate for them.

Trust me I know what you are going through – we all do – we have all been there – when I started it was 'the vision glasses – the kids wear pink sunglasses and it helps some vestible type of thing – I admit I ordered the book about it from the Autism Society to read and laughed at it – sent that back – I did my research on ABA – from experience I knew Sensory Integration didn't work as my poor baby had to endure 2 years of his life regressing with that treatment and we have all been through the hoopla of Secretin where countless thousands of kids have been put through that – they have done many medical trials also even in BC only to find out – it didn't work – it was only parents testimonies and an NBC show who showed one child who was also having ABA done. So as long as you are doing ABA and another treatment you can't say that Vitamins or Chelation or whatever worked BECAUSE you are doing something with it – it could be the ABA that's kicking in – it could be – so in order for these things to be tested properly – you can't do ABA and say detoxing – that's a chance most of you would not take I am sure. Many of my friends have done chelation, craniosacral thereapy, diet, secretin, auditory integration therapy, vitamins, etc. and you know what – it never helped – they wasted thousands of dollars and some even got side tracked from how to deal with behaviors and started blaming foods, this or that rather than using the principals of ABA to deal with problems. Their kids suffered and their programs suffered and in the end they are right back where they started. But you have to make your own decisions – it's not mine to judge you – but this board does hold itself to 'science based treatment' and it's not being mean to ask you to post the topics on another board – nor does it mean we aren't sympathetic to you or your struggles – we are – we just believe in science based ABA – it's what we fought for – what we still fight for. So give us a break also.

Don't think we don't understand what you are going through or that you want to research any and everything out there – but do that – research it before you turn your kids into human guinea pigs – check everything out -trust me if they came out with a scientific proven method tomorrow I would be first in line.

Our consultant has always said people don't like ABA because it's damn hard work – other stuff out there seems to offer everything and so absolute and so easy – just like Secretin was – it all seemed so easy. But in the end it wasn't the 'cure that it was made out to be'.

We are all in this together and we are all here for one another – we have to be – our kids need us united and strong – we have a big fight on our hands – their rights to treatment and their futures.

To that end – I hope that all of you especially the new ones are attending the FEAT/Autism Society of BC conference with Dr. Bobby Newman this weekend – it will be very empowering.

Barbara
Jeremy's Mom & Advocate

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hi:

Great job to the Parent's in Richmond!! Is anyone able to upload the BCTV news piece on the site?? I wasn't able to see it.

Barbara

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Tony:

You are taking a big risk. To add to Avery's remark – I totally agree – my son went to preschool prior to us finding out about ABA when he was 3-years-old. It was a HUGE waste of his time. These people aren't trained to teach our kids what they need to know -it's more than a waste – it's time you can never get back. So regardless if they know his 'diagnosis or not' it won't make a difference at all. Three hours a day is too much time to let go by when you could be teaching your son. When he's older and more able with ABA – you can integrate him to a preschool with an ABA aide – but I can tell you without a doubt – he's not learning a thing in the preschool right now. That's not just my opinion – that's backed by science.

As for the whining less – does that mean he's whining a lot in therapy? If so – ask your consultant for ideas – tape the sessions – etc. Plus unfortunately – if he is allowed free access to reinforcers in preschool and has to work for them at home – then there's a huge inconsitency there – hence the whining more at home. Also he could whining at preschool and then they give him what he wants – hence I whine – I get. Course could be a lot of other things – just throwing ideas out (not a consultant).

Anyway, I hope you don't take our emails the wrong way – just want to see you little guy achieve the best he can – remember as Catherine Maurice says – It's science that guides us, but love that inspires us and we will not fail our children.

Good luck to you.

Barbara

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