Category Archives: fundraising

Help support ACT and Double your Donation! $50,000 in matching funds for ACT’s Giving Tuesday Campaign

As of December 18th , ACT has received over $31,000 in our “Double Your Donation Campaign”,  made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Blair Dwyer (donor, sponsor and presenter) and his wife, Mary Ellen Ross (former ACT Board Vice-President). They are offering up to $50,000 in matching funds for donations from individuals. The $31,000 we have received translates to $62,000 – but we still have $19,000 to raise by December 25th!

Why has this Dwyer-Ross family chosen to support ACT?
“The reason for the gift is really quite simple. We feel a tremendous debt of gratitude for all the help that ACT gave to us in raising our two children. They are both doing better than we could have thought possible after we learned of their diagnosis. ACT is a big part of that.” explains Blair Dwyer, who is well known to the autism community thanks to his presentation available on Autism Videos @ ACT – Taking Control of the Future – Planning for Families with Children with Special Needs.

ACT will keep you posted on the campaign right up until Christmas via our Facebook page. There you can read why this weekend’s donors (including a researcher, a teacher, several parents, OT’s, SLP’s and Behavior Analysts, a grandparent, and a sibling) have given to ACT. Do you have words of encouragement for ACT’s campaign? Has ACT made a difference to your family or the people you work with? Have you benefited from an ACT bursary? Post your thoughts on Facebook and encourage others to donate!

ACT’s Accomplishments for 2018 – and why we need your support

This holiday season, we are sharing with you the new 2019 Autism Videos & Resource Guide – 12 pages of free online resources, including our new offerings for the Online Mental Health and Autism Project. This has been a very productive year with 14 live events and 13 new online videos. For details see ACT’s accomplishments for 2018.

In the process, ACT has drawn heavily on our financial reserves to fill the funding gap left by the 2017 cancellation of ACT’s government contract. Despite ACT’s track record, the BC government has not responded positively to requests to support our live training program utilized by nearly 2000 registrants in 2018. However, we have heard from hundreds of our users, urging ACT to continue our work as an independent promoter of a range of evidence-based resources.

Many share our concern that families of children with autism and related disorders are very vulnerable to false claims; ACT’s free information resources are used by thousands of parents and professionals each year because they promote evidence-informed practice. ACT’s library of nearly 40 online videos brings immediate access to clinical expertise to the autism community nationally and internationally. No password or registration is required for ACT’s wide range of free resources as one of our core values is make reliable information available to all to encourage informed decision-making.

While ACT remains committed and enthusiastic about meeting the vital training and information needs of the autism and special needs community, we are facing an economic reality: unless we are successful in fundraising $200,000 in the next three months, ACT will not be able to provide live and web streamed training in 2019. If the autism community can meet the challenge and raise $50,000, ACT will receive another $50,000 from Blair Dwyer and be halfway to our goal.

What are ACT’s Training Goals for 2019?

ACT is seeking $200,000 in funding to present 10 web streamed events in 2019, up from five in 2018. These will build on the tremendous response we have received from schools, clinics, agencies and families across BC and beyond.

Registrants tell us they are thrilled to be able to watch and listen to live presentations from leaders in the autism field that address the complexities of living with autism from a practical perspective focused on quality of life – without the costs of traveling to Vancouver. Just what those topics will be depends on a survey of our users which ACT is planning for January 2019 but we guarantee they will be thought provoking, practical and respect the diversity of the autism community.

ACT fills a province-wide training gap, which does not fit neatly into the mandate of any one government ministry. In the absence of government funding, we require an average of $20,000 per event to cover our overheads and to allow us to keep the cost of registering to a reasonable amount and allow us to continue our bursary program. $200,000 in donations and/or event sponsorship will allow us to meet this ambitious goal.

Maintaining ACT’s Free Online Information Resources

ACT’s free online resources are available 24/7, bringing evidence-based accessible resources to autistic adults, families and professionals with a simple keyword search. To remain useful, our databases and online videos must be maintained and updated. ACT’s resources have developed organically for over a decade, based on our experience of community needs, now we are calling on those who understand the diverse needs of those with autism and their families to support our commitment to remain an independent, active promoter of best practices in autism treatment, provincially, nationally and internationally.

BC Community Resources – 7,000 keyword searches in 2017 – Fundraising Goal: $20,000

Over 1,200 keyword searchable records on B.C. community resources ranging from speech pathologists to community groups, the most comprehensive database serving the special needs community in BC.

Autism Information Database – 31,800 searches in 2017 – Goal: $25,000

Over 1,400 searchable records linked to resources available internationally in over 30 languages. Overseen by a panel of international experts, the AID provides families and community professionals with resources that are practical and evidence-based.

Autism Videos @ ACT – 19,000 views in 2017 -Goal: $50,000

Nearly 40 online videos, from toilet training to mental health, provide instantly accessible information from leading clinicians and researchers to address practical priorities. Each video has been edited into to short segments that can be shared. No password or membership is required.

We hope that you will consider donating to ACT before December 25th so that ACT can benefit from the extraordinary generosity of the Ross-Dwyer family which will double your contribution.

Donate to ACT

ACT is a federally registered, not-for-profit society and we provide tax receipts. You can donate via Canada Helps by credit card, via telephone or by cheque. Donating by December 31st ensures that you receive a tax receipt for 2018, reducing the amount of tax you pay.

ACT can provide our audited financial statements for 2017. Need more information? Email ACT’s Executive Director, Deborah Pugh [email protected] or call the ACT office.

Transition Updates from MCFD: News Round-Up May 2017

Transition Updates from MCFD

The Ministry of Children and Family Development has just released information for parents and professionals on the upcoming transfer of individualized support and RASP services from ACT to MCFD.

Effective July 4, 2017, MCFD will offer services through Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC). Families, service providers, ministry staff, and the general public can reach AIS BC at:
3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1C7
Toll Free Line: 1-844-878-4700
Email – general information: [email protected]
Email – RASP: [email protected]
Website: live web link available July 4th (www.gov.bc.ca/autisminfo)

View MCFD’s full information releases: Transitioning Information and Support Services to MCFD.

ACT’s Mission Continues! Donate to Support ACT’s Free Resources

ACT is refocusing our work in 2017 to concentrate on training and information resources to ensure that the autism community continues to have access to evidence-based, community-focused information and training.

We will continue to provide these great resources:

During this time of transition and transformation, your financial support would be greatly appreciated. We know that families and professionals have many demands on your financial resources; ACT is approaching foundations and seeking sponsorship.
As a federally registered Canadian not-for-profit society, ACT can provide tax receipts for donations over $10. ACT’s Charitable Tax Number is #861691236RR0001.

How to Donate:

  • Online via Canada Helps or Chimp.net
  • By cheque (made out to ACT – Autism Community Training)
  • Via the United Way (search for ACT- Autism Community Training Society, Burnaby)
  • Call ACT at 604-205-5467 or toll-free 1-866-939-5188 to donate by telephone

Visit our Donations Page for more information: www.actcommunity.ca/donate

Upcoming ACT Conferences

ACT is hosting a number of live and online training this summer and fall. Register soon to ensure your seat and take advantage of early bird rates.

Live Web Streaming Now Available for Four Upcoming Events

Thank you to our sponsors and speakers who make ACT’s training possible.

At ACT we know that it is a challenge for some to come to Vancouver to attend an event in-person, so we have been working to make more of our events available for you to watch from your own device via live web streaming. We have four great presentations available for registration – bursaries are available:

Comments from Past Web Streaming Attendees
“Thank you for the chat opportunity, resources, webinar modality – I could hear and see very well.”
“The webinar worked really well and made it easy for me to attend.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to view this conference via webstreaming. It is such a great way to increase community education!”

New MCFD-funded Event Bursaries for Parents of Children with ASD
MCFD has provided ACT with funding for a bursary program for parents and caregivers of children with autism to attend ACT events at reduced registration rates ($25 a day*) until March 31, 2018. Seats will be filled on a first come, first registered basis. Each parent is eligible to receive one in-person event bursary up until March 31, 2018. Additional bursaries are available to register for web streamed events. *Learn more about how to register using the MCFD event bursary program.

ACT Bursaries
ACT continues to offer bursaries for para-professionals and professionals to improve accessibility to both our live and web streamed events. Please apply early and before you register for the event.

Upcoming Events

Applications of CBT to Address Emotional Functioning in Youth with ASD
July 24 & 25- Vancouver
Jonathan Weiss, Ph.D., CPsych, Chair in ASD Treatment and Care Research, York University
Day 1 available via web streaming
A Professional Development Opportunity

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD
July 31 – Aug. 4 – Surrey – only 2 spots left!
Aug. 14 – 18 -Vancouver
Kenneth Cole, Ph.D., RPsych
“Amazing and useful information. I wish our whole staff could attend!!”

Executive Functioning Conference
Aug. 10 & 11 – Sidney
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP (Boston)
“I learned strategies I can use with all of my students right away.”

Integrating ABA Methods in Schools: Supporting School Aged Children
Aug. 24 & 25 – Vancouver
Richard Stock, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Available via web streaming
“Powerful and easy to implement IEP suggestions”
(CEUs for BCBAs and BCaBAs are available. See event page for details).

Picturing Success: Visual Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD
October 20 & 21 – Vancouver
Brenda Fossett, PhD, BCBA-D
Popular ACT speaker, Dr. Fossett is the presenter in the ACT video Positive Behavior Support: What Parents Need to Know!

Two Social Thinking® Days for Young Children
November 16 & 17 – Vancouver
Kari Zweber Palmer, MA, CCC-SLP & Ryan Hendrix, MS, CCC-SLP, Social Thinking Training and Speakers’ Collaborative
Available via web streaming
“Wonderful strategies to use with my students and awesome ideas for ways to structure groups in the future.”

Biggest Jump in RASP Approvals since 2005Main Title Here

The BC professional community has responded with a dramatic increase in the number of applications to the RASP – up over 78% over the first five months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 – in response to ACT’s call to submit applications before the handover to MCFD (June 30th). ACT’s staff has been working intensively to process these applications, to ensure families have access to as many professionals as possible – approvals are up 88%.

In May, 26 RASP professionals were added or had their status updated – the largest one month increase since ACT took over the administration of the RASP in 2005. There are now 718 RASP professionals on the RASP, compared to 696 professionals at the end of April. Two people have stepped down. To search the RASP: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/search/

New RASP Consultants (including those who shifted category)

Behavior Consultants (Category A – Non-Supervised)

  • Bianca Andreone – Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Vancouver
  • Candace Brady – Mackenzie, Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof
  • Andrew Harrison – Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, Surrey, Vancouver
  • Felicia Harter – Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Langley, Surrey
  • Valerie Varasteh – Burnaby, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver

Behavior Consultants (Category B –Supervised)

  • Kelly Carlson – Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam

Speech-Language Pathologists (Non-Supervised)

  • Sarah Castell – Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Surrey
  • Nadine Fort – 100 Mile House, Barriere, Chase, Clearwater, Kamloops, Lillooet, Logan Lake, Merritt, Salmon Arm, Williams Lake
  • Nadine Gagnon – Agassiz, Chilliwack
  • Kelli Hansen – Powell River, Sunshine Coast
  • Pamela Lau – Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver
  • Hilary Scott – Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission
  • Jessica Sproat – Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Port Moody, Richmond, Squamish, Vancouver
  • Alicia Walker-Dighton – Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs
  • Karen Zacharias – Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope
  • Kyla Zachary – Saanich, Sidney, Victoria

Occupational Therapists (Non-Supervised)

  • Kathleen Brooke – Cherryville, Lumby, Vernon
  • Ashley Gorges – Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission
  • Maria Hammond – Oliver, Penticton, Princeton, Summerland
  • Brianne Kirkby – Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland
  • Janna Luck – Squamish, Whistler
  • Christine Pearce – Campbell River, Comox Valley, Parksville, Qualicum Beach

Occupational Therapists (Supervised)

  • Amanda Hoffus – Castlegar, Fruitvale, Genelle, Rossland, Trail
  • Kayla Ladouceur – Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Victoria
  • Marie Maratos – Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver
  • Alysha Paiaro – Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver

Professionals no longer listed on the RASP

RASP service providers leave the RASP due to retirement or moving to a different job or province. Since April 30, Margherita Jessa, and Laurie Patrick have been removed from the RASP.

Reminder: New RASP Applications will be given to MCFD for Processing in July.

ACT will hand over the management of the Registry of Autism Service Providers to MCFD as of June 30, 2017. ACT advises that all new applications will be given to MCFD for processing in July.

The RASP application process will remain the same after July 1st as it is a MCFD-regulated process, which ACT has managed on MCFD’s behalf since 2005. For more information on the RASP application process see: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/sp-info/ Early Years Professional Development Web Portal The Provincial Office of the Early Years has developed the EYPD web portal earlyyearsbc.ca. You can search for training events, post your own event, sign on to the Science of Early Child Development and more. Anyone working with young children can now find, plan and schedule professional development in the early years sector. For more information.

Special Needs Community Events in B.C:

Browse ACT’s Special Needs Community Events calendar at www.actcommunity.ca/special-needs-community-events/

Post your community events, and reach a new audience. This listing is a popular part of our monthly newsletter, which reaches over 7,300 people a month.

Self-Advocacy in B.C: Conference, Newsletter and Support Group

If you know of more self-advocate resources, please submit to info@actcommunity.

Survey: Inform Future Activities of the Kids Brain Health Network

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The results of the survey will be used to inform research and knowledge translation priorities for Kids Brain Health Network over the next several years. The survey is available online until June 30, 2017.

Teaching Individuals with Autism about Bodies and Privacy

Earlier this month there was an article in the Chicago Tribune about teaching young men with autism consent and personal boundaries. Commentary: Autistic men don’t always understand consent. We need to teach them. (Chicago Tribune)

Teaching children and young adults with autism about their bodies, privacy, personal boundaries and puberty can be difficult topics for parent and caretakers. ACT hosts an online video presentation on this topic, and has collected many resources in the Autism Information Database.:

Helping Medical Professionals Understand Autism and Mental Health

The need for GPs (family doctors) to receive proper training in autism is not unique to Canada, according to this article in a UK paper: GPs urgently need training on autism (the Independent).

ACT has long recognized this lack of training and provides the following resources:
Create a Medical Profile form (developed in collaboration with BC Children’s Hospital) to help family communicate effectively with emergency departments.

Mental health is a major concern for the autism community. The Online Mental Health & Autism Project provides two presentations, available for free online, with more planned for later this year.

Post-Secondary Opportunities: Upgrade your Skills

Looking to upgrade your skills or seeking professional certification? ACT lists B.C. Post-Secondary Programs for Professionals on our website. Capilano University and Douglas College are taking applications for programs that begin in September 2017.

Autism Videos @ ACT

ACT hosts over 25 free online videos in two languages. Browse for non-commercial, evidence-based presentations on a wide-range of topics relevant to families and community professionals including:

Browse for more free online video presentations: www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/

Autism in the Media

For more news and stories, follow ACT on Facebook

 

January 2017 News Round-Up

Update on the Ending of ACT’s Contract with MCFD

ACT’s staff and board thank all those who continue sending kind comments via Facebook, email and by telephone. It has been an honour for us to provide navigation and information services to families and professionals across B.C. since 2005. When we have information to share with the autism community from B.C.’s Ministry of Children and Family Development on their new vision of service provision, we will post it on our website and Facebook page.

In the meantime, ACT is continuing to provide our always friendly and efficient service as we work to re-design our programs – details below.

ACT’s Live Event Calendar for 2017 – Registration Now Open!

ACT is finalizing the details of our 2017 event calendar. At ACT’s live events, leading practitioners and researchers from across the world share their insights with B.C. parents and professionals. Join us for inspiration and information! See below for the events which have already been confirmed. Special thanks to our sponsors and speakers who make ACT’s training possible.

ACT’s 13th Annual Focus on Research Event – April 28 & 29, 2017

SFU Harbour Centre – Vancouver.
Mental Health is the focus of this year’s Focus on Research conference. We are delighted to announce our two keynote speakers, Dr. Christopher Gillberg (University of Gothenburg, Sweden) and Jonathan Weiss (York University, Toronto). ACT’s Online Mental Health and Autism Project committee will finalize the program over the next two weeks – save the dates for what will be a thought provoking two days!

Applications of CBT to Address Emotional Functioning in Youth with ASD – July 24 & 25- Vancouver

Jonathan Weiss, PhD, CPsych, Chair in ASD Treatment and Care Research, York University
Details & registration coming soon.

The events below are open for registration – register early and save!

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD
July 31 – Aug. 4 – Surrey
Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych

Executive Functioning Conference
Aug. 10 & 11 – Sidney
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP (Boston)

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD
Aug. 14 – 18 -Vancouver
Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych

Integrating ABA Methods in Schools: Supporting School Aged Children
Aug. 24 & 25 – Vancouver
Richard Stock, PhD, BCBA-D

Picturing Success: Visual Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD
Oct. 20 & 21, 2017 – Vancouver
Brenda Fossett, PhD, BCBA-D

Two Social Thinking® Days for Young Children
Nov. 16 & 17- Vancouver
Kari Zweber Palmer, MA, CCC-SLP & Ryan Hendrix, MS, CCC-SLP

Autism Videos @ ACT

ACT has added five new videos to AVA since the beginning of December 2016. This week we launch a new platform to make this free resource easier to navigate as we now have over 20 videos and we want to make sure our users don’t get lost! Take a look at our new Videos home page which allows you to easily scan all our video offerings and view them when convenient to you, with no passwords. This is a free service made possible thanks to donors, sponsors and of course our presenters, who donate their time to this rich source of evidence-based community training, available internationally to all who need access to positive information on autism and other special needs.

NEW AVA Video for 2017 – The Essentials of Advocacy

The Essentials of Advocacy: A Parent’s Guide to Advocating for their Child with Special Needs

This free online ACT video provides practical, positive guidance on how to navigate various government systems that control access to services for children with special needs.

ACT has several videos awaiting editing. If you would like to support AVA’s development, donate via cheque, online via Canada Helps, the United Way, or Employer Charitable funds. www.actcommunity.ca/donate

Autism Information Database

ACT is considering how we can fund the Autism Information Database as MCFD has indicated that they will not maintain this resource. The AID now has over 2,000 information and community resources carefully sourced from across B.C. and internationally. It is the only key-word searchable, non-commercial, multi-language resource of its kind internationally and we would like to continue it as an important resource for the autism community, nationally and internationally. Email [email protected] with any suggestions for sources of corporate/foundation funding.

Donating to ACT Thank you to our donors!

As a federally registered not-for-profit society, ACT can provide tax receipts for donations over $10. ACT’s Charitable Tax Number is #861691236RR0001.

How to Donate:

  • By cheque (send to office, made out to ACT – Autism Community Training)
  • Online via CanadaHelps or Chimp.net
  • Via the United Way (search for ACT- Autism Community Training Society, Burnaby)

Thank you to our donors and sponsors in 2016:

Individual donors and sponsors are listed on our donations page; thank you for contributing to world-class live and online training.

RASP Alert!

ACT is preparing to hand over the management of the Registry of Autism Service Providers to the Ministry of Children and Family Development as of June 30. In order to minimise delays for those planning to apply to the RASP, and to provide an efficient transition, ACT advises that all applications be submitted before May 1. Those applicants who fulfill the experience and coursework requirements, and have full documentation to support their applications, including references, will be processed by May 30th. ACT will not be accepting new RASP applications after May 15th.

MCFD will begin accepting new applications as of July 1st. Please note that the RASP application process will remain the same after July 1st as it a MCFD-regulated process which ACT has managed on MCFD’s behalf since 2005. For more information on the RASP application process see: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/sp-info/

RASP Updates for January 2017

Twelve RASP professionals have been added or had their status updated since December 31stth. As of January 26th, 2017, there are 669 professionals on the Registry for Autism Service Providers: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/search/.

Behavior Consultants (Non-Supervised)

  • Bella Siu Man – Burnaby, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver, West Vancouver
  • Larissa Davies – Bowen Island, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Port Moody, Salt Spring Island, Squamish, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria, West Vancouver
  • Jemana Elsharkawi – Campbell River, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Port Hardy, Port McNeil

Behavior Consultants (Supervised)

  • Brittney Mailloux – Kitimat

Speech-Language Pathologists (Non-Supervised)

  • Shadi Asadi – Cawston, Keremos, Oliver, Osoyoos
  • Clare Wolff – Prince George

Speech-Language Pathologists (Supervised)

  • Tara Casorso – Colwood, Langford, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria
  • Brianna Rosenberg – Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver

Occupational Therapists

  • Reetpal Brar – Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Vancouver
  • Darlene Clarke – Hazelton, Smithers
  • Emily Lee – Vancouver
  • Adelle Rama – Langford, Saanich, Sidney

RASP service providers leave the RASP for many reasons including retirement or moving out of province. No service providers were removed in January 2017.

RASP providers are urged to keep their contact information up to date either online or by contacting the ACT office. The RASP Service Providers page has information for new applicants; the criminal record check process and renewal and professional development.

ACT updates the RASP list weekly. See who is new in your community at www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/search/.

Autism on the Hill Seeking Photos for Ottawa event

Each year, Autism on the Hill holds a rally at the Parliament buildings in honour of World Autism Day. They are asking family members, caregivers, and people with autism to send in pictures to go on their banner to raise awareness of the diversity of Canada’s national autism community. Submit your photo.

Highlights from ACT’s Special Needs Community Events Listing

Sports and Recreation Programs for Children and Youth with Autism

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides highly supported sports and recreation programs for children, teens, and young adults living with autism in Kelowna, Kamloops, the Valley, the Lower Mainland, Victoria, Duncan, and Nanaimo. Online registration for CAN’s spring session of multi-week programs will take place from Monday, February 20th at noon, to Friday, February 24th at noon. Not yet a CAN member? Join today for only $25/year at www.canucksautism.ca/join.

ACT’s South Asian Autism Project’s Monthly Support Group

In collaboration with Surrey Schools and SFU, ACT hosts a monthly support group for South Asian Families raising a child with autism. Come to a meeting and raise your questions; topics are decided on at the meeting, and conversations are held in English and Punjabi.

Next Meeting: February 23, 2017 at École Henry Bose Elementary School, 6550 134 Street, Surrey. For more information, see the ASAAP Support Meeting flyer. Please see the Act in Punjabi page for more on the work of ACT’s South Asian Autism Awareness Project (ASAAP) Committee.

Upcoming Special Needs Community Events

See what is happening across B.C. or post your community/training event for the special needs community at www.actcommunity.ca/special-needs-community-events/. Here are some upcoming events in February:

View all events on our Special Needs Community Events page

Participate in Research & Build Knowledge!

Are you interested in participating in autism research? Some of the latest projects underway in Canada and internationally are posted on ACT’s website: www.actcommunity.ca/information/research/participate-research/.

Simon Fraser University Parent-Child Study

The Autism and Developmental Disorders Lab invites parents and children age 7-12 with or without ASD to participate in research about how children develop social skills for communication and interaction. Parents and children will work together on fun and interactive activities. Parents receive $30 and parking remuneration in thanks for participating in the 3 hour study. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Autism in the News

For more news and stories, follow ACT on Facebook

May News Round-up

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Volunteer or Donate: Seymour Triple G Fundraiser for ACT

The 1st Annual Seymour Triple G Road Cycling Fundraiser is less than a month away. Donate, register to ride or come cheer the cyclists on! Saturday, June 25th, 2016 at Mount Seymour in North Vancouver.

Sponsored by Loma Bike, Mt Seymour, Cycling BC, and Brite Coaching, this fundraiser will challenge riders with a 15 km ride up a 7-10% grade. This ride will demand heart, stamina and determination – much like the challenge autism presents for individuals and their families.

ACT is seeking volunteers for:

  • Promotions: Friendly, outgoing people to hand out brochures at high-traffic cycling areas including Horseshoe Bay, Mt. Seymour, SFU, Iona Beach, and Galileo Coffee near Britannia Beach, weekend mornings, until mid- June.
  • Photography: High quality photographers to take action photos of the riders and attendees on the day of the event. You’ll have to be fast!
  • Day of Event Support: Help us with setup and registration, cheer on the riders and serve (and eat!) breakfast at the top.

Email [email protected] to volunteer.

ACT’s goal is to raise $10,000 to help us host more of our practical presentations aimed at helping families and professionals learn more about all aspects of autism , Autism Videos @ ACT (AVA) currently hosts 16 high quality videos available for free across B.C. We are over half-way to our goal, thanks to generous donations from the employees of Walmart Penticton, Oceanside Fisheries, Maria Carinha, Seymour Triple G riders and pledges to the Loma Bike team! Donate now to support ACT’s free resources.

6 New RASP Professionals – Kelowna, Fraser Valley, Victoria & Vancouver

As of end of May, there are 638 professionals listed on the RASP. The RASP is updated daily and can be searched by name, city, profession or language. Each News Round-Up, we feature the RASP professionals who have been added. These are the new additions for May:

Behavior Consultants (Category B – Supervised)
  • Rebecca Keller – Serves: Saanich, Sooke, Victoria
  • Stephanie Sywak – Serves: Abbotsford, Agassiz, Aldergrove, Chilliwack, Hope, Maple Ridge, Mission, Port Coquitlam
Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Celeste Coldwell – Serves: Kelowna
  • Courtney Fearon – Serves: Surrey, White Rock
Occupational Therapists
  • Claire Feltham – Serves: Chilliwack
  • Amy Yee – Serves: Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver, West Vancouver

Correction from the April News Round-Up. This is a corrected listing for Carla Kirk- Behavior Consultant (Category B – Supervised): serves: Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Hope, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Surrey.

You may also be interested in Chapter 5 of ACT’s Autism Manual for B.C., Contracting with Professionals on the RASP with important information on contracts, timesheets and invoices.

ACT Seeking Designer & Translators in Arabic, Persian (Farsi) and Spanish

ACT is seeking to contract professional translators to translate MCFD’s A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Programs into Arabic, Persian (Farsi) or Spanish. A knowledge of autism and how the Autism Funding Programs work in B.C. is desirable. Interested candidates should contact Christine Hung [email protected] for more information.

ACT has already identified translation teams for the Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean and Punjabi versions of the Handbook. (See the MCFD News Release for details on this project) Work is beginning in June. If you are a native speaker of any of these languages and you would like to volunteer to proof or advise on wording, please contact Christine. As each version is completed we will announce it in the News Round-Up.

ACT is also seeking a contract print media designer, highly skilled in Adobe InDesign to support this project. Send your CV to Christine Hung [email protected]

“Dr. Joe” Wins UBC’s Killiam Teaching Prize

Dr. Joseph Lucyshyn, presenter for ACT, is the recipient of the 2015-2016 UBC Killam Teaching Prize. This prestigious award is in recognition of his dedication to students, teaching, and learning at the Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education Department at UBC: “His unwavering commitment to kindness and compassion shapes his teaching style, making for a unique and memorable learning experience for students.”

Parents of children with special needs across B.C. know Dr. Joe for his many presentations on behalf of ACT – from Sidney to Nanaimo, from Vancouver to Castlegar and North to Fort St. John. We respect him as an outstanding humanitarian whose commitment to helping parents use positive behavior support strategies to transform family life is inspirational. If you would like to see Dr. Joe present, go to AVA (Autism Videos @ ACT) and watch (free) Culturally Responsive PBS with Families of Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds.

New AID Resources for B.C. Families & Professionals

The Autism Information Database (AID) hosts over 2,000 information and community resources. ACT’s staff source great information resources internationally as well as B.C- based support groups and service providers. We want to ensure we cover the province – please submit a new resource from your community.

Summer Camps Searchable on the AID

In May we have been busy collecting information on summer camps – summer is almost here and camps are filling up fast. There are currently over 100 B.C. summer camps listed on the AID. Narrow the search further by searching a specific city or use your postal code to see the closest options. A few examples of camps available on the AID:

  • The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is running a Multisport Day Camp at the Shawnigan Lake School July 16 &17. See the AID link for CAN’s Vancouver Island programs for details.
  • Summer Social offers campers the opportunity to connect with peers while learning Social Thinking concepts. actcommunity.ca/resource/1615/
  • The Hands on Summer Camp from the Elizabeth Buckley School offers programming based on science, technology, engineering, arts and math and is for typical children as well as those with special needs, ages 4-12. actcommunity.ca/resource/1652/

New Tool: Identifying Levels of Social Communication

CanChild researchers at McMaster University have developed a new tool to help identify levels of social communication skills among children with ASD. The Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication (ACSF:SC) provides a standardized and simplified way for clinicians, therapists, teachers, and parents to talk about what a child’s social communication abilities are. See the AID to read up on this new tool for details and contact information.

Video: The History of Autism and Vaccines

A link to The Vaccines Controversy: The history of the alleged relationship between autism and vaccine is available on the AID. This eight minute video explains the alleged link between vaccines and ASD and outlines various research studies.

ACT Funded by Canada Summer Jobs to Hire Students to Enhance the AID

ACT has received funding from Canada Summer Jobs to hire two summer students to work on the AID and other projects. This federal program helps not-for-profits like ACT to create summer job opportunities to allow students to gain experience.

Focus on Adults

Simon Fraser University’s Autism Mentorship Program this Fall

The SFU Autism Mentorship Initiative (AMI) is designed to support and engage SFU students with ASD in university life and to increase their potential for academic retention and success. Students with ASD have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a trained student mentor for up to two hours per week throughout each semester. New intake for Fall 2016; details online.

EmploymentWorks Canada

The EmploymentWorks Canada program supports youth or young adults with ASD who would like support in developing the skills to succeed in the workplace. The program is 2.5 hours of structured learning and 2.5 hours of workplace sampling each week for 12 weeks starting August 8th, 2016.

For more information, contact Brooke Straith, at 604-700-8614 or [email protected]

Community Events Around B.C.

Did you know that ACT provides a free service to community organizations to advertise their events? Here are a few events that you may want to know more about – see details for these events and more at www.actcommunity.ca/education/non-act-events/

Abbotsford – Youth Choir & ASD Workshop

Auditions for The Mayday Club Youth Choir for Autism Advocacy
Supporting Children with Autism in Sports and Recreation

Burnaby – SFU Social Science Camp – July 16 & 23 – Register now!

This is the 5th Year that SFU has run this fun camp for children with and without autism or developmental disabilities. More info and registration details.

Squamish – Navigating Autism Intervention Services – Information for Parents

June 7, 2016, 9:30 am – 11:30 am at the Squamish Academy of Music. Join ACT in Squamish for a free information session led by Louise Broadley, Manager of Autism Information Services. Learn about navigating autism services and interventions available for children with autism living in B.C. RSVP via [email protected] or by calling 1-866-939-5188. Download the poster for details.

(If you would like to host a visit by ACT to your community – email [email protected])

Penticton – Navigating Autism Intervention Services – Information for Parents

ACT’s Executive Director, Deborah Pugh, will be in Penticton on Tuesday, June 14th (receiving a cheque from the generous employees of Walmart Penticton for the Seymour Triple G Fundraiser supporting Autism Videos @ ACT). We will be taking advantage of this opportunity to meet with families on Tuesday, June 14th, 10:30 -12:30 am. Deborah will be demonstrating ACT’s free resources, including: Autism Videos @ ACT; the Autism Information Database and the Registry of Autism Service Providers online search. Location will be confirmed. For updates, check www.actcommunity.ca/education/non-act-events/ or call [email protected] for details.

Richmond – Autism Speaks Canada Walks to the PAFC

Autism Speaks Canada’s annual fundraising walk has moved to the Pacific Autism Family Centre in Richmond, B.C. Join them this October. www.autismspeaks.ca

Submit your community event here.

Live Events: Michelle Winner, Pamela Crooke, Sarah Ward and Ken Cole

ACT hosts up to 20 events a year, bringing evidence-informed training to parents and professionals relevant to the autism and other special needs. These events are filling up rapidly. Register early to save and to ensure your seat. Not sure which event would be a good fit for you? Call an ACT Information Officer for individualized advice.

Download July – September Events Calendar

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications (POPARD) – Vancouver

July 11 – 15, 2016 (30 hours of instruction)

Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych
Consultant, Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders

“Amazing and useful information. I wish our whole staff could attend!!”

Details and registration here.

Two Days of Social Thinking®

August 4 & 5, 2016

Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP & Pamela Crooke, PhD, CCC-SLP
Social Thinking, San Jose, California

“You two have an amazing ability to engage listeners.”

Details and registration here.

($50 off if you register for both Social Thinking and Cutting Edge Strategies. See event page for details)

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications (POPARD) – Surrey

August 15 – 19, 2016 (30 hours of instruction)

Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych
Consultant, Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders

“The biggest thing I learned was dealing with behaviours. I was struggling with this as a SEA and now I definitely have some very valuable tools that I can use.”

Details and registration here.

Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills- Richmond

Sept. 15 & 16, 2016

Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, Co-Director,
Cognitive Connections LLP, Concord, Massachusetts

“I learned many practical strategies. I will definitely be implementing the “Get Ready, Do, Done” model and the clock!”

Details and registration here.

($50 off if you register for both Social Thinking and Cutting Edge Strategies. See event page for details)

Post-Secondary Training

ACT has just updated our website listing of post-secondary programs providing advanced and accredited training related to ASD at UBC, Douglas College, Capilano University and Surrey College. Browse the listings here and advance your education to the next level.

MCFD-Sponsored Online Autism Training

Are you a BI working with a child/youth in British Columbia? Are you a family member who wants to support children with behavior interventions based on the science of ABA? The MCFD sponsored Online Autism Training now accepts applicants from across B.C. Apply now – classes start in September. Reduced tuition – get academic credit for less half the price of other programs. Learn more.

Programs at Douglas College

Douglas College also has four ASD related programs: Behaviour Intervention, Classroom and Community Support, Disability and ABA, and Employment Supports Specialty. Application deadlines in June, most classes begin in September. All programs are for academic credit and can ladder into another as you move forward in your career. For more information: [email protected] Apply Now!

Autism in the News

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April News Round-Up

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Seymour Triple G – Volunteer or Donate to Support ACT’s Free Resources

ACT is delighted to announce the 1st Annual Seymour Triple G Road Cycling Fundraiser. Donate, sign up to ride or come cheer the riders on Saturday, June 25th, 2016, Mount Seymour, North Vancouver.

Sponsored by Loma Bike, Mt Seymour, Cycling BC, and Brite Coaching, this fundraiser will challenge riders with a 15 km ride up a 7-10% grade. This ride is considered “hors catégorie” (more than a Category 1 climb), and will demand heart, stamina and determination – much like the challenge autism presents for individuals and their families.

Challenge your friends, family and colleagues to put together a team for the Seymour Triple G or donate online.

ACT is seeking volunteers for:

  • Promotions: Friendly, outgoing people to hand out brochures at high-traffic cycling areas including Horseshoe Bay, Mt. Seymour, SFU, Iona Beach, or Galileo Coffee near Britannia Beach, weekend mornings, from May to mid- June.
  • Photography: High quality photographers to take action photos of the riders and attendees on the day of the event. You’ll have to be fast!
  • Day of Event Support: Help us with setup and registration, cheer on the riders and serve breakfast at the top.

Please email [email protected] if you are able to help.

Funds raised will go to the Autism Videos @ ACT (AVA) project, which hosts 16 free online videos on topics ranging from community recreation, education, toilet training, and the transition to adulthood. Funding will help expand and develop this free resource available to families and professionals when they need it as well as other autism awareness resources. All donations over $10 will receive a tax receipt. ACT’s Charitable Tax Number is #861691236RR0001

Go to www.seymourtripleg.ca for more information or email [email protected]

MCFD’s Parent’s Handbook to be Translated into 8 Languages

ACT- Autism Community Training is pleased to announce that we have been funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to manage the translation of MCFD’s A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Programs into eight languages. We anticipate that these translations will help ensure that more families will have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s intervention program.

This project was announced by B.C.‘s Minister of Children and Family Development, the Honourable Stephanie Cadieux, at ACT’s 12th Annual Focus on Research Conference on April 15. The handbook will be translated into Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Punjabi and Spanish. The work will begin this summer.

Download the English language version of A Parent’s Handbook. See the Ministry’s News Release for more details on this project.

Sign up for ACT’s Mailing List to receive ACT’s Monthly News Round-Up for updates on provincial autism news, including the release of these translations.

Key Ideas from the 12th Annual Focus on Research

ACT’s 12th Annual Focus on Research was a great success. There were opportunities to share at the lunch tables, on the posters in the foyer and during sessions. Selected presentations were webstreamed, reaching communities across B.C. When ACT has the funding available, the sessions we recorded will be edited and added to AVA – Autism Videos @ ACT.

Conference Highlights

Here are just few of the many interesting insights and ideas that came out of the conference:

The Invention and Reinvention of Autism – Dr. Roy Richard Grinker’s talk encouraged a second look at diagnostic tools to take into account cultural variations in child behavior. He encouraged professionals to consider whether or not it is culturally accepted to sustain eye contact, for adults and children to play together, or to point. If not, then these are insufficient diagnostic measures as it is necessary to consider cultural expectations for joint attention, play, or social interaction. Dr. Grinker’s fascinating book is well worth a read: Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism (www.unstrange.com).

An Aboriginal Perspective on Supporting Children and Families with Special Needs – Rona Sterling-Collins, a First Nations consultant and parent of an 18-year-old with autism, described how she organized the gathering of her extended family to share a meal and learn about autism after her son was diagnosed. The workshop included autism awareness information and an opportunity for discussion without the presence of Rona or her husband. This helped the extended family “have a better understanding of autism”.

Family Quality of Life and ASD Funding in B.C. – Dr. Grace Iarocci and Dr. Emily Gardiner talked about encouraging parents to engage in research by folding research into a fun summer camp for children. The tasks are embedded into games or puzzles, and the group (not individual) research results are eventually shared with families. See the ADDL lab page for details on 2016 camps.

Connecting with South Asian Families of Children with Autism – Preetinder Narang’s presentation focused on strategies for service providers to develop cross-cultural competence with the families they support. The content from this presentation will soon be available in a new chapter for ACT’s Manual for B.C. titled Guide to Working with South Asian Families Affected by Autism. Preetinder is a founding member of ACT’s South Asian Autism Project (ASAAP), a dedicated group of volunteers committed to raising awareness of autism in B.C.’s South Asian community.

Bilingualism and Language Development in Children with Autism – Dr. Pat Mirenda’s important presentation analyzed the research on whether the families of children with autism should continue to be discouraged from speaking their language of origin at home. Her conclusion was definitive – there is no reason to discourage families speaking multiple languages at home. Indeed to do so has many negative consequences including cutting off children with autism from their extended families and cultural and religious traditions. Download Dr. Mirenda’s handout for references to this research.

Memorable quotes

  • “Families experiences are likely to be different than those from the dominant culture and for those whose language is not the English language.” (Sunita Braich, Supporting Marginalized Families from the Trenches – the Perspective of Parent Professionals)
  • “Always say yes to tea” – speaking to the need to be polite and culturally sensitive. (Preetinder Narang, Connecting with South Asian Families of Children with Autism)
  • “Keep in mind the historical trauma that First Nations people, families and communities have gone through with colonization and residential schools.” (Rona Sterling-Collins, An Aboriginal Perspective on Supporting Children and Families with Special Needs)
  • “You know what I’m going to say, right? No significant difference” – with regards to language acquisition in bilingual homes. (Pat Mirenda, Bilingualism and Language Development in Children with Autism: One Language or Two?)
  • “Autism is not a ‘thing’, it is contextual and it is the intervention rather than the label that makes the difference” (comment on the poster board)

Seeking New Members for ACT’s Board of Directors

ACT – Autism Community Training is the primary source for objective information and support on autism in B.C. A not-for-profit society led by a Board of Directors, ACT is seeking three new board members in time for our AGM on May 31st. This year we are keen to identify candidates who understand the diverse concerns of families raising children with autism from the perspective of parents, siblings or other members of the extended family, as well as having professional expertise.

ACT’s Board is a governance board and does not involve itself in daily operations. Board members are called upon to provide the board with professional advice. Currently we would like to augment the considerable strength of ACT’s Board in the areas of human resources, media relations, marketing and fundraising.

For more information on ACT’s current Board see www.actcommunity.ca/about-us/board-members/. Those interested in finding out more, may contact the head of ACT’s Nominations Committee, Helga Marshall, c/o [email protected].

The deadline for submitting a resume and cover letter to [email protected] is May 9, 2016.

Submit Summer Camp info to the Autism Information Database

Parents are thinking about summer camps already, and contacting ACT for suggestions. ACT’s Autism Information Database (AID) has a list of B.C. summer camps. If you are a service provider or camp director, please:

If you are looking for Behavior Interventionists to attend camp with your child, the Autism Information Database (AID) has several listings that may help:

Four New RASP Professionals – Fraser Valley, Terrace and Vancouver

Over the 12 months of 2015, 93 RASP professionals were approved, and 13 Behavior Consultants moved from category B to category A. This April, traditionally a slower month, four new RASP professionals have been added to the RASP.

Behavior Consultants (Category A – Non-supervised)
  • Carla Kirk – Serves: Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Hope, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Surrey
Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Kaali Kelso – Serves: Kitimat, Terrace
Occupational Therapists
  • Nushabah Zakir – Serves: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, Maple Ridge, Richmond, Surrey, Tsawwassen, West Vancouver
Physical Therapist
  • Megan Mak – Serves: Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Vancouver

Information on RASP requirements:

For more about individual RASP Professionals, their credentials, certifications and degrees, search and view RASP Professionals online: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/search/

Upcoming ACT Events in Vancouver, Surrey and Richmond

ACT is bringing back popular speakers and courses this summer, including Intro to ASD (POPARD) with Dr. Kenneth Cole, in Vancouver and in Surrey; a Master Class in Social Thinking with Michelle Garcia Winner and Pamela Crooke and specialized instruction in Executive Function Skills with Sarah Ward.

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications (POPARD)

July 11 – 15, 2016 – Vancouver, B.C. Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych

 “Amazing and useful information. I wish our whole staff could attend!!”

“Ken was excellent in presenting the information in a very natural, straight- forward way. He was always available to answer questions- offer suggestions and re-explain a concept.”

Two Days of Social Thinking®

August 4 & 5, 2016 – Vancouver, B.C. Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP & Pamela Crooke, PhD, CCC-SLP

 “You two have an amazing ability to engage listeners.”

“Thank you for your passion, compassion and commitment to supporting people with Social Thinking challenges.”

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications (POPARD)

August 15 – 19, 2016 – Surrey, B.C. Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych

 “The biggest thing I learned was dealing with behaviours. I was struggling with this as a SEA and now I definitely have some very valuable tools that I can use.”

Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills

Sept. 15 & 16, 2016 – Richmond, B.C. Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, Co-Director, Cognitive Connections LLP

 · “Thank you so much, it was an absolute pleasure hearing you speak and learning such valuable skills to teach.””I learned many practical strategies. I will definitely be implementing the “Get Ready, Do, Done” model and the clock!”

Community Events

Training from Canucks Autism Network

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides autism training workshops throughout the year to build capacity in communities across British Columbia. Training equips community recreation staff, programmers, and managers with strategies for supporting children and youth with autism in community settings. Learn more about upcoming workshops in your community.

Autism Speaks Walks – Vancouver, Kitimat, Courtenay and Prince Rupert

Autism Speaks Canada Walk & Family Festival is open now for registration: www.autismspeaks.ca/get-involved/participate/walk-now-for-autism-speaks-canada/

BCaBA training at Capilano University

Capilano University has seats in both the Bachelor of Arts and Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism programs. Graduates meet the requirements to become Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analysts (BCaBA). For more information, and to inquire about on-line study, please email Dr. Richard Stock at [email protected]

Autism in the News

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