Wednesdays, April 7 – June 9

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – 10 sessions

Presented by Georgina Robinson PhD & 
Zoey Ryan BSc, PCC

Mindful Compassionate Parenting is a 10-week course that combines empirically-based practices from Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), along with research that supports caregiver and family wellbeing.

This small group program is limited to parents and caregivers in British Columbia, 20 spaces are available. ACT is providing full bursaries for applicants to attend for free. Please apply using this online bursary form. ACT will notify all applicants if they have received a space by March 16th, 2021. Please apply as soon as possible, as we will close the application process once all spots are filled.

The course content is relevant for caregivers who support any child or family member, including those who support adults. Participation will teach skills to help you recharge your emotional and physical reservoir, cope with stress effectively, improve your caregiving relationship and build associated skills in your child or family member.

For those who dedicate their lives to caring for others, this is an opportunity for you to dedicate some time to important self care, learning how to treat yourself with kindness, and soothe any ragged emotions during difficult times.

View Details & Registration

ACT’s Bursary Fund is made possible by the support of our individual donors. If you would like to contribute your support to ACT’s bursary fund, please consider making a donation.

Combating Compassion Fatigue

A new workshop on Autism Videos @ ACT – free!

Presented by Georgina Robinson, PhD 

Caring for children is frequently exhausting. Parenting children with special needs is even more demanding of families, compounded by the need to navigate and advocate across systems. Driven by love, these families are at high-risk of neglecting themselves and developing compassion fatigue. In this 13-part workshop we begin by exploring the “costs of caring” and its potential physical and emotional toll. Then we consider research supported strategies that can empower families and build their resistance to ward off compassion fatigue. Systems supports, self-care, and mindful self-compassion are featured.

Watch here

ACT has prepared a new set of guides to our free online resources, including Autism Videos @ ACT. These guides are organized to help educators, mental health professionals, and families to discover the many resources that ACT offers.

Visit the ACT Print Materials page to download these guides. ACT can mail copies to your school or organization upon request.

Special Needs Community Events

ACT’s Community Events listing highlights training and events provided by organizations across B.C. Below are a few of the upcoming events.

You are welcomed to submit your organization’s events.

September & October Events

Community Outreach Event at WE PLAY KIDS GYM
Saturday, September 21 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm , Surrey

Intuitive/Expressive Arts for Kids
Saturday, September 21 – Saturday, November 30 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm , Surrey

Mindfulness for Autistic Adults
Thursday, September 26 – Thursday, October 31, Online Workshop

TAGteach Workshop for Parents and Professionals
Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29, North Vancouver

Sibshops
Sunday, September 29, Surrey

CONNECT with PEERS for Teens
Tuesday, October 1 – Tuesday, December 17 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm , Burnaby

Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) Course – 8 Week Training & Silent Retreat
Tuesday, October 15 – Tuesday, December 10 6:15 pm – 8:45 pm , Vancouver

View more

Upcoming ACT Events

Starts next week! Web-streaming spots are still available. Details here.

Volunteers are needed for this event!
Volunteers receive complementary in-person registration and a certificate of attendance. Please email info@actcommunity.ca to apply.

In this one-day presentation, Alexandra Voroshina will present an overview of POPARD’s Student Cooperation Training (SCT) Model. Details here.

Save the date: Upcoming ACT Events

November 15, 2019
Introduction to Navigating BC’s School System
A POPARD Presentation

November 22, 2019
Supporting Indigenous Families Affected by Autism through Engagement and Research
ACT’s 2019 Focus on Research Gathering

November 29, 2019
Behaviors and Mental Health – an Introduction for Families of Children with Special Needs
A POPARD Presentation

Participate in Autism Research

ACT believes that encouraging research is crucial to building knowledge of evidence-informed approaches to help individuals with autism and other conditions. We devote a page on ACT’s website to informing autistic adults and parents of children with ASD about university-affiliated projects which may be of interest.

Visit the Participate in Autism Research page to see all current research projects and project contact information.

Here are few projects which are recruiting volunteers:

• Virtual Mindfulness for Autistic Adults
• “Autism in Practice”: Establishing, Maintaining, and Understanding Friendship Among Adults Diagnosed with Autism in British Columbia
• How People with ASD Experience and Understand Online Gaming as a Communication Learning Platform: A Phenomenological Approach

Submit Your Research Project

Use our online form to submit your university-affiliated research projects related to the field of autism and special needs. It may take up to one week to post.

Autism in the News

ACT carefully sources insightful stories, ranging from research and government policy, to the world of entertainment, culture, and lifestyle.

Join ACT’s Facebook page for all the latest updates.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is developing a service framework to guide how it provides and funds Children and Youth with Special Needs programs and services for implementation in Spring 2020.

Read the Summary of Engagement and Research Findings (PDF)

Details of the framework timeline are available on the MCFD’s website here.

Children with disabilities were excluded from B.C. schools more than 3,600 times last year: report – Global News

There’s no evidence caesarean sections cause autism or ADHD – The Conversation

Greta Thunberg is right: Autism is her superpower. Those who mock her should learn from her – Salon

Lawyer with autism finds her voice – ABA Journal

Artist with autism writes book to help others ‘get the help they need’ – BBC News

Father fuming, board investigating after autistic child sent home on bus with broken ankle – The Standard

“You’re Just Kooky”: Why Women With Autism Aren’t Taken Seriously – Yahoo News

Teen with autism upset after being transferred to a new school — without her knowledge – CBC News

Language expert teaches autistic child to communicate through pictures during long-haul flight – Independent

Autistic Vancouver boy gets to meet his Idol – Vancouver Sun

‘It can cause trauma’: Autism services group concerned after education minister lifts seclusion room ban – Edmonton Journal

Alberta lifts ban on seclusion rooms in schools – The Globe and Mail

A boy with autism wouldn’t sit still on a United Airlines flight. So crew and passengers stepped in to help. – CNN

After mother’s plea, kindergartner will go to school 5 days a week – CBC News

Autism Wristband That Predicts Aggressive Outbursts in Children With 84 Percent Accuracy Created by Scientists – Newsweek

Autism was tough on this B.C. pair. This is how they’re making it easier for others – CBC News

INVEST: Identify Needs, Validate, Educate, Strengthen and Thrive

Dori Zener, MSW, RSW

Girls and women with ASD largely camouflage their characteristics in an effort to pass as neurotypical. Due to their difficulties reading social cues, girls and women with ASD are disproportionately victims of bullying, sexual assault and abusive relationships. Mental health challenges such anxiety, depression, panic, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD and addictions often come to the attention of professionals before an ASD diagnosis is given, if at all.

The INVEST model has been developed by Dori Zener based on her extensive clinical experience with women and girls with ASD. The following are excerpts from her one day workshop on the INVEST model filmed at INVESTing in Girls and Women with ASD – November 2, 2018

Watch video

Dori Zener, MSW, RSW

Dori Zener is an Individual, Couple and Family Therapist in Toronto, Dori Zener has been working with individuals affected by ASD and learning differences for over a decade, with a particular interest in girls and women. She hosts “Asperfemme,” a free support group for women on the spectrum in Toronto.

Thanks to funding from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration (CIRCA) at the University of British Columbia, ACT is able to provide this edited version of INVESTing in Women and Girls with Autism.

The latest addition to Autism Videos @ ACT

Visual Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD

Brenda Fossett, PhD, BCBA-D,
Capilano University

Looking for a way to improve your parenting or teaching skills this summer? This two day workshop presented by Dr. Brenda Fossett has been edited by ACT into an online video available free! Whether you use visual support strategies now, or are looking to integrate them into your tool box, this is an essential resource for those supporting children, youth and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities who have communication challenges.

Dr. Fossett demonstrates how visual strategies can be used to increase independent functioning, teach specific skills, improve environmental awareness, teach rules and social expectations, reduce problem behavior and so much more! There is a large body of research to support the use of these strategies with children, youth, and adults in home, school, community and employment settings.

Dr. Brenda Fossett is an inspired teacher who is widely admired for her ability to convey complex concepts to those who work with children and adults with special needs, whether they are educational professionals or parent. Dr. Fossett has been on faculty in the Applied Behavior Analysis – Autism Department at Capilano University since 2013.

Watch video

Dr. Fossett’s comprehensive guide to visual support strategies is broken down into categorized sections, allowing you to quickly find the information you need:

• Introduction to Visual Support Strategies
  • Part 1: Overview of Visual Support Strategies
  • Part 2: What Does the Evidence Say?
• Symbol Assessment Preparation, Formats, and Planning
  • Part 1: Symbol Assessment
  • Part 2: Symbol Assessment Formats
  • Part 3: Planning for the Future
  • Part 4: Where to Get Symbols, Photographs, and Materials
• Visual Supports Guide
  • Part 1: Visual Supports to Provide Information
  • Part 2: Visual Schedules
  • Part 3: Using an Object Cue Schedule
  • Part 4: Using Visual Schedules
  • Part 5: Using Visual Schedules (continued)
  • Part 6: Visual Schedule Routines – with examples
  • Part 7: Creating and Using Within-Activity Schedules
  • Part 8: The Problem with Social Interactions and How Visual Supports Can Help
  • Part 9: Using Contingency Maps
  • Part 10: Rule Supports
• Improving Communication with AAC
  • Part 1: Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Part 2: Expressive Communication using Choice Making
  • Part 3: Improving Expressive Communications: Communication Boards & Books
  • Part 4: Improving Communication Using the Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS)
  • Part 5: PECS in Daily Activities
• Improving Conversation Skills
  • Part 1: Visual Support Strategies to Improve Conversation
  • Part 2: Improving Conversation Skills with Conversation Books
• Improving Skill Acquisition
  • Part 1: Improving Skill Acquisition with Video Modelling
  • Part 2: Implementing Video Modelling
• Improving Literacy Skills
  • Part 1: Academic Activities & Literacy
  • Part 2: Adapted Stories for Read-Alouds
  • Part 3: Graphic Organizers for Sequencing & Describing
  • Part 4: Visual Supports for Literacy Development
• Considerations and Planning for Visual Supports
• Resources recommended by Dr. Fossett

Thanks to funding from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration (CIRCA) at the University of British Columbia, ACT is able to provide this edited version of Picturing Success: Visual Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD.

Visit the Positive Behavior Support video release page

Behavior Technician Training for Paraprofessionals

This presentation discusses an innovative and highly successful program being implemented by the Surrey School District to improve the training of school-based paraprofessionals based on the BACB’s Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential.

Preetinder Narang, MEd, BCBA & Tina Gunn, MEd, BCBA, provide insight into the design and execution of a multi-component training program and offer practical recommendations to guide behavioral training for paraprofessionals supporting students with autism in both school and community settings. Watch now

How Classmates Can Facilitate Positive Social Behaviors for Children with ASD

Few evidence-based interventions target social-communication skills for children with ASD in the school setting. Dr. Ainsley Boudreau presents the evidence and practical applications for a variation on Pivotal Response Training, in which peers learn new ways to play with their classmates with ASD.

Watch now

Membership, Belonging, and Development of “Soft Skills” within a PBS framework

In this presentation, Dr. Victoria Knight articulates research on the importance of membership and belonging, along with development of soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving) within a PBS framework.

Watch now

Positive Behavior Support in Schools – Discussion and Question Period

This panel discussion, facilitated by Nathan Ngieng, Director of Instruction for Learning Support Services with the Abbotsford School District, features Preetinder Narang, Tina Gunn, Dr. Ainsley Boudreau, and Dr. Victoria Knight in a lively Q&A and discussion of PBS in schools.Topics include Peer Mediated Pivotal Response Treatment, social skills, and the Surrey School District District Action Team for Autism program.

Watch now

Thanks to funding from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration (CIRCA) at the University of British Columbia, ACT is able to provide an edited version of the 2018 Setting the Stage for Success: Positive Behavior Support in School, Home and Community conference.

Practical Ways to Decrease Challenging Behaviors in School, Home and Community Settings

Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel, respected internationally for her research and clinical practice, discusses various intervention procedures for decreasing challenging behaviors.

Dr. Kern Koegel also provides many example of how challenging behaviors can be avoided in the first place. This presentation will appeal to both professionals and families for its reliance on important research as well as respect for individuals with autism and challenging behaviors.

Watch now

WTF – What’s the Function?

Problem behaviors are one of the greatest barriers to student learning and is a significant problem for school staff and parents alike. Understanding why they occur is critical to developing preventative and educative solutions in-order-to benefit students and those who support them.

Dr. Richard Stock will dispel myths about why students engage in problem behaviors and teach participants about the four functions of behavior.

Watch now

Thanks to funding from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration (CIRCA) at the University of British Columbia, ACT is able to provide an edited version of the 2018 Setting the Stage for Success: Positive Behavior Support in School, Home and Community conference.

Visit the Positive Behavior Support video release page

New ACT Fundraiser

Songs on the Water:
A Musical Showcase in Support of ACT

June 4, 2019

Vancouver Rowing Club, Stanley Park

Welcome summer 2019 at the Vancouver Rowing Club, with a very special evening of music and friendship to benefit ACT – Autism Community Training. Featured artists include: Melanie Dekker, Yvonne McSkimming, and Mark James Fortin.

June 4th is an opportunity for the autism community and its friends to join with us for a fabulous evening in support of ACT’s free online resources. Organize a table or attend on your own. Either way you will meet old friends and make new ones.

Tickets for the evening are $50 – a $30 tax receipt will be provided. Demonstrate your support for ACT’s free online resources – sponsor a table – contact ACT for details.

ACT thanks the Synergy Collective Society, a community-based organization that blends art with social responsibility to support and create cooperative community programming.

Event Details & Tickets

Upcoming events

Two Social Thinking® Days for Young Children

April 11 & 12, 2019

Vancouver & Web streamed

Kari Zweber Palmer from the Social Thinking Speakers’ Collaborative is back in Vancouver with two days of training focused on younger learners. This is the fourth time ACT has presented this training and it always sells out! Save money and register by April 4th!

Live stream: Watch and participate live from anywhere by registering for web streaming.

Day 1 – Teaching Social Thinking through Stories and Play

Day 2 – What Does Play Have to Do with Classroom Learning? Exploring Social Executive Functioning and Social Emotional Learning for Early Learners
Event Details & Registration

Register by April 4th to save $50!

Please note that this training is geared for children with ASD who have age-appropriate language but struggle with social/emotional engagement. It is also effective for children with ADHD.

You may email ACT before registering if you have questions: info@actcommunity.ca

Special group rates of $150 per person for 3 or more people watching via web-streaming on the same screen – a great team-building opportunity for schools and clinics to train staff. Contact us to learn more.

Summer Camps are a hot topic! 

It is time to plan for summer camps! Parents are welcome to search ACT’s BC Community Listing for camps. We have 100 listed but you can narrow down the results by adding the name of the community where you live.

Are you a camp provider? You can submit your camp here!

If any listing is out of date please let us know or send us an update using the handy alert function on each record.

This week:

Understanding Mental Health Problems and ASD – Evidence-Based Case Conceptualization to Inform Treatment Planning

Jonathan Weiss, PhD, CPsych

This presentation is part of a free training series developed for mental health clinicians experienced in CBT with an interest in adaptations relevant to neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disability).

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common emotional and behavioual problems associated with ASD
• Differentiate mental health problems from ASD symptoms
• Conceptualize common case frameworks that can inform CBT planning
• Consider ethical issues in working with individuals with ASD using a CBT framework – including a panel discussion

As part of ACT’s Online Mental Health and Autism Project, we are launching a dozen new online videos this Fall/Winter season at Autism Videos @ ACT.

Watch video

Dr. Weiss holds the Canadian Institute of Health Research Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment and Care Research. He is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University in Toronto.

Dr. Weiss’ research focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental health problems in people with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities across the lifespan. He is interested in their health service needs, their emergency service use, and their experiences of psychiatric crisis. Among other research areas, Dr. Weiss is interested in cognitive-behavioural and social skill interventions to promote resilience and improve the mental health of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Watch Dr. Weiss speak on Thriving in Youth in ASD: What Does it Take? from October 2015.

Next week’s video: A panel discussion on the perspectives of Adults with ASD.

Diagnosing & Managing ASD in Adults

The University of British Columbia is responding to the chronic shortage of mental health professionals trained to work with adults with ASD with a two-day course from an international expert in autism, Dr. Anthony Bailey, MBBS, DCH, MRCPsych, FRCPC. Professor and Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, UBC.

Registration has now opened for Diagnosing & Managing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Feb 1-2 (Fri-Sat), 0900–1630
UBC Robson Square ,Vancouver – also available via web streaming.

Target audience: psychiatrists, family physicians, other mental health care professionals
Up to 10.5 Mainpro+/MOC Section 1
View course content details
Register here

ACT recently launched a 30 minute presentation by Dr. Bailey as part of the Online Mental Health and Autism Project on the Role of Medications in the Management of ASD

Pilot Project to Identify Best Treatments for Autism

The Laurel Foundation is requesting the help of the autism community in completing a short five-question Pilot Survey. The objective is to create a metadata analysis project with individualized web based therapy programs for children with ASD. The project will involve thousands of families anonymously inputting information about their child’s treatment and its effectiveness to find the most efficient strategies for her/his specific challenges. At this stage they are determining if families would like such a program to be set up and are willing to provide the data to form the information pool.

As a first step, they are asking five simple questions to shape the project with the goal of empowering families to identify and access the best treatments available.

Complete the survey here.

Autism in the News

Get the latest on ACT’s Facebook page

Vancouver teacher is schooling educators on the value of inclusive classrooms – The Globe and Mail

How history forgot the woman who defined autism – Spectrum News

Kelowna mom goes extra mile to help special needs son adjust to school life – Global News

Sensory issues in autism may have sex-specific roots – Spectrum News

Theatre class helping people with autism break out of their shells – CTV News

Dos and Don’ts of Classroom Decorations – Edutopia

Neighbor builds shelter for boy with autism to wait for school bus – Lincoln Journal Star

Dads open up about autism in new film – Community Care Review

Expecting autistic people to ‘fit in’ is cruel and unproductive; value us for our strengths – The Conversation

Small town unites to prevent autistic neighbor from becoming homeless – Yahoo

NDP government ‘open’ to alternative pay options for special needs educators – Global News

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: AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca
Email – RASP: RASP@gov.bc.ca
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:

• Live events – available both in-person and via web streaming; bursaries available.
• Autism Videos @ ACT – nearly 30 free online video.
• Autism Information Database – over 1,000 vetted information resources related to ASD, and other special needs, in multiple languages.
• ACT’s Special Needs Events Listing – information on what special needs organizations across BC are offering

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:

• July 24 – Applications of CBT
• Aug 24 & 25 – Integrating ABA Methods
• Oct 20 & 21 – Visual Support Strategies
• Nov 16 & 17 – Two Social Thinking Days

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 2005

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/

• June 5 Introduction to Executive Function – Richmond
• June 11 Mini Golf: for families living with autism – Coquitlam
• June 14-17 Inspired By Love Learning Event – Richmond
• June 14 Learning Together to Help Each Other Learn – Inclusive Education Summit – Richmond
• June 18 Parksville Mini Golf: for Families Living with Autism – Parksville
• June 19 When Should You Tell Your Child He/She Has ASD? – Richmond
• June 24 Autism’s Own Conference 2017 – Victoria

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

• The June Edition of the Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter for people with Diverse Abilities and their parents in B.C. is available now! Publisher Krystian Shaw is looking for contributors for upcoming issues. For more information see selfadvocatenet.com/kamloops-self-advocate-newsletter/.
• The Autism’s Own Conference is organized by people on the autism spectrum in Victoria. This year the theme is Conversations on Autism over the Lifespan and there will be panel discussions, musical and theatre performances and artistic displays. For more information see the ACT Special Needs Community Events Calendar.
• Self-Advocate Group (Surrey/White Rock)

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

Survey: Inform Future Activities of the Kids Brain Health Network

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.:

• Joy Becker “Navigating Puberty, Adolescence and Beyond: Supporting Individuals with Neuro-Developmental Challenges”
• AID resources available on romance, puberty, health, self-care, and sexuality.

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.

• Recognizing Mental Health Disorders in Children and Youth with ASD
• Treating Anxiety, Depression, and OCD in Children and Youth with ASD

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:

• Positive Behavior Support: What Parents Need to Know! Presented by Brenda Fossett, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• Parent Support for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Communities – a Global Perspective Presented by Mayada Elsabbagh, PhD, McGill University
• The Invention and Reinvention of Autism: Researching ASD Across Cultures. Presented by Dr. Roy Richard Grinker, Professor at George Washington University and author of Unstrange Minds –Remapping the World of Autism.
• Bilingualism and Language Development in Children with Autism Presented by: Pat Mirenda, PhD, BCBA
• Panel Discussion: Supporting Marginalized Families from the Trenches – Perspectives of Parent-Professionals
• The Essentials of Advocacy: A Parent’s Guide to Advocating for their Child with Special Needs. Presented by Deborah Pugh, Executive Director of ACT – Autism Community Training.

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

Autism in the Media

• For once, an autistic role will be played by an autistic actor (Salon.com)
• For families with autistic kids, a chance to dine out without stress or stares (Chicago Tribune)
• The Challenges of Autism in Small-Town America (the Atlantic)
• Parents can help children with autism become better storytellers (Spectrum News)
• How a new job fair is battling the stigma around autism (CBC News)
• Q&A: ‘I’m not going to hide’: Finding employment with autism (CBC News)
• The many walls of silence around autism (Boston Globe)
• One daughter has cancer and one has mental illness. Only one is able to find treatment (Global News BC)
• ‘Anything for Matty’: RCMP make man with intellectual disabilities honorary cadet (CBC News)
• Too many children being prescribed melatonin to aid sleep, experts warn (the Guardian)
• How an autistic child became world pinball champion (BBC News)

For more news and stories, follow ACT on Facebook

ACT continues to receive questions from parents and professionals confused about the new service the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD ) is planning as of July 1, 2017. This service will replace those ACT has been providing under contract to MCFD since 2005, including the individualized information and support function provided by ACT’s Information Officers and administration of the Registry of Autism Service Providers.

ACT has requested that MCFD provides details of their plan directly to the autism community, to enhance the transparency of this process. The lack of information makes it difficult for families to ask questions of election candidates about whether they support this initiative.

The results of the independent survey ‘Identifying Need, Delivering Service – The Autism Community Satisfaction Survey Report’ commissioned by ACT and released in April indicates that only 9% of the 1600 respondents support a move of services to MCFD. ACT is especially worried that many vulnerable families, aboriginal and immigrant families in particular, may decide not to approach this new service because it is part of MCFD.

For a list of questions from the autism community and more background on this issue see Parent Questions for MCFD and ACT’s Transitioning Information page.

ACT will update the autism community via ACT’s Facebook page when information becomes available. In the meantime, ACT is maintaining services and welcomes calls from parents, adults with autism and professionals.

Donate to ACT & Support Free Resources for the Autism and Special Needs Community

In June 2017, the Ministry of Children and Family Development is ending funding for a community-based contract to support families with children with ASD.

While ACT is disappointed at no longer being able to provide individualized support to families, our commitment to the autism community remains strong. ACT’s online, community-focused, information and training offer unique evidence-informed resources for the autism community nationally and internationally.

We are seeking sponsorship and donations to support our free online resources. These include Autism Videos @ ACT and the Autism Information Database.

For more information on how to support ACT’s work and to donate see www.actcommunity.ca/donate

Participating in the Political Process on May 9th

There are many organizations that have put together campaign information focused on the needs of families in British Columbia. See a comprehensive list at First Call BC.

Inclusion BC has created an information and participation guide to empower British Columbians with disabilities to vote. Download the guide here.

Report from CAN Family Festival

Despite the cold wind blowing off the Burrard Inlet, there was a great deal of warmth at the ACT Information Table and across the CAN Family Festival event on April 9th – though many of us were wishing that Autism Awareness Month was in July! ACT staff enjoyed seeing familiar faces and meeting new parents. While we are saddened that we will not be able to provide individualized support after June 30, we handed out our two latest publications: ACT’s 2017 Event Calendar and the 2017 Autism Videos @ ACT Guide.

CAN Volunteers Receive CAN/ACT Training Scholarships

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the CAN/ACT Volunteer Training Scholarship! Fariba Davoody, Ricky Tsang, Angelo Graffos and Maria Stolyarova were selected for the amazing level of support that they have provided to CAN programs as volunteers. This scholarship will provide each recipient with a $500 credit to be used towards registering for ACT’s live events. Find out more about the CAN/ACT Volunteer Training Scholarship

ACT’s Board of Directors is Seeking a New Treasurer – Volunteer Opportunity

ACT- Autism Community Training’s current treasurer will be stepping down this summer. We are seeking qualified candidates with a CPA designation and, ideally, experience in serving as a board member for a not-for-profit society.

The role of Board Treasurer is to provide oversight and provide the Board of Directors with guidance in maintaining their fiduciary responsibility to the society. ACT employs a chartered professional chartered accountant who completes all accounting procedures and prepares monthly financial statements; we have recently sailed through our 12th annual audit with a clean opinion. The workload for the Board Treasurer would average about 2-3 hours a month, with meetings being held about 4-5 times a year.

If you are interested in this opportunity to join a dynamic not-for-profit, with a commitment to building our considerable autism information and training resources, nationally and internationally, please send your resume to Deborah Pugh, Executive Director at dpugh@actcommunity.ca

Upcoming ACT Conferences

The Focus on Research Conference this Friday and Saturday is sold out (there are spots available for web streaming) but ACT is hosting five training opportunities this Spring and Summer with more booked for the rest of the year. Register soon to ensure your seat and take advantage of early bird rates.

A special thanks to our presenters and volunteers who make it possible for ACT to continue providing excellent training opportunities at a reasonable cost. 

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

A professional development opportunity for those who are involved in the mental health field and have a background in Cognitive Behavior Therapy. View Event +

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD

July 31 – Aug. 4 – Surrey
Aug. 14 – 18 – Vancouver
Kenneth Cole, Ph.D., RPsych

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

View Surrey Event +
View Vancouver Event + 

Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills

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

“I learned strategies I can use with all of my students right away.”

View Event +

Integrating ABA Methods in Schools: Supporting School Aged Children

Aug. 24 & 25 – Vancouver
In person & via live web streaming
Richard Stock, Ph.D., BCBA-D

“Powerful and easy to implement IEP suggestions”
(CEUs for BCBAs and BCaBAs are available. See event page for details).

View Event +

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 ($35 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.

Two New Free Videos – Autism Videos @ ACT

ACT added two new videos to Autism Videos @ ACT (AVA) in April. There are over 25 free online videos now available. Visit AVA for evidence-informed presentations on a wide-range of practical, autism- related topics aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with ASD and their families. www.actcommunity.ca/videos/

Family Quality of Life and ASD Funding in BC: Opportunities for Culturally Responsive Research

Grace Iarocci, PhD, R.Psych & Emily Gardiner, PhD, BCCH
Drs. Iarocci and Gardiner present findings from a study in which participants reported on their satisfaction with available funds and resources for autism in BC. This research revealed important insights into the strengths and challenges associated with the BC funding model, as perceived by service users. The video concludes with a discussion on the implications for provincial policy and practice, and strategies for including under-served families in research. Watch Video

Building a System of Culturally Sensitive Family Centred Positive Behavior Support

Parbs Bains, M.Ed., BCBA & Noreen Dunn, M.Ed., BCBA
As professionals working in culturally diverse communities in Metro Vancouver, Parbs Bains and Noreen Dunn are part of a working group on how to best deliver culturally-sensitive services to the many families for whom English is a second language. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for families and their children by empowering families to use culturally acceptable Positive Behaviour Support strategies effectively. This presentation describes a summary of the group’s work. Watch Video 

A Parent’s Handbook – French and Japanese Translations Ready Soon!

Since last summer, ACT has been working on a project on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, translating A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Programsinto eight languages. French and Japanese translations of the handbook will be ready the first week of May. The handbook is already available in Chinese, Korean and Spanish; they can all be found on ACT’s website. ACT is working with teams of proof-readers and translators on the remaining translations into Farsi (Persian), Arabic and Punjabi , they will be available by June 30th. See MCFD’s original News Release for details of this project. View all translations +

Free SFU Camp & Parent Workshop – Registration is Open!

Join the 6th Annual SFU Social Science Camp – a FREE, fun, and educational camp for children with and without ASD. At SFU Burnaby campus on July 15 & 22 (9am-3pm), the camp will offer a mix of social games and an opportunity to participate in research using fun activities. This year’s theme is “Celebrating our special interests and skills” and all children will receive a SFU Social Science Camp T-shirt! Parents can also attend a FREE workshops while children attend the camp. Spots are limited so sign up today.

Special Needs Community Events in B.C.

What to know what is happening in the autism/special needs community in B.C.? Browse ACT’s Special Needs Community Events Calendar

• May 1 & 2 – POPARD 2017 Conference – Richmond
• May 6 – English as an Additional Language for those Caring for Persons with Disabilities – Burnaby
• May 6 – Chris Rose Walk for Autism – Kamloops
• May 7 – July 16 – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Young Adults with ASD – Delta
• May 8 – Special Children Become Special Adults: and Then What? – Richmond
• May 25 – Moving Forward – Set your Plan in Motion (FamilyWORKS) – Vancouver
• May 28 – Family Bike with Canucks Autism Network – Shawnigan Lake

Post your community events, and reach a new audience. This listing is a popular part of ACT’s monthly newsletter, which reaches over 7,300 individual, schools and agencies each month.

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. 

RASP Updates for April 2017

A New RASP Category – Supervised Occupational Therapist

The new Supervised Occupational Therapist category for the RASP has been approved by MCFD and came into effect April 1, 2017. For details, see the ACT website:

• Supervised Occupational Therapist – for service providers
• Supervised OT Information – for families

Sharp Increase in RASP Applications and Approvals

12 RASP professionals have been added or had their status updated since March 30, 2017. As of April 26, 2017, there are 696 professionals on the Registry for Autism Service Providers: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/search/

Compared to the first four months of 2016, applications and approvals are up significantly in 2017, in part because ACT has urged new applicants to apply before May 1 (see Reminder below). ACT has received a 73% increase in the number of applications submitted, and a 47% increase in the numbers approved. We are working hard to process applicants quickly to ensure that families have access to as many qualified professionals as possible during the transition to MCFD management of the RASP.

Behavior Consultants (Category B –Supervised)

• Cherry Truong – Burnaby, North Vancouver, Vancouver

Speech-Language Pathologists (Non-Supervised)

• Abbey Massar – Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission

Speech-Language Pathologists (Supervised)

• Melanie Carrick – Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam
• David Herb –Vancouver
• Andrea Rushton – Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver

Occupational Therapists

• Jennifer Kennedy – Campbell River, Comox, Comox Valley, Denman Island, Hornby Island, Quadra Island, Tofino, Ucluelet, Victoria
• Andrea N. Schneider – Surrey, Vancouver
• Pamela Hood-Szivek – Victoria

Occupational Therapists (Supervised)

• Naomi Hill – Vancouver
• Tiffany Kobbero – Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Port Moody, Surrey, Vancouver
• Kimberly Long – Kelowna, Lake Country, Oliver, Osoyoos, Peachland, Penticton, Summerland, West Kelowna
• Sarah Tamosetis – 100 Mile House, Williams Lake

Professionals no longer listed on the RASP

RASP service providers may leave the RASP due to retirement or moving to a different job or province. Since March 30 listings for Kate Fitzherbert, Jeanine Harper, Louise Hill, and Stephanie Sywak have been removed from the RASP.

Reminder: New RASP Applications Received after May 15^th will be processed by MCFD.

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 should be submitted by Monday, May 1, 2017. RASP applications which arrive after May 15, 2017 will be processed by MCFD.

Please note that 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/

Autism in the News

• UVic allows student with autism to attend convocation after online campaign for change (CBC)
• Ontario suit alleges people with developmental disabilities denied services (Globe and Mail)
• Robots helping to teach students with autism in West Vancouver (Global News)
• Toronto man petitioning for ASD help for Aboriginal kids (Inside Toronto)
• Video: Sesame Street: Meet Julia (video clip on You tube)
• Video: Mike Lake Annual Autism Address in the House of Commons
• Mindfulness means putting the oxygen mask on yourself first: study (CBC)
• Opinion: 12 Years Of Autism Awareness Have Reshaped My Family’s World (Huffington Post)
• Autism: The children who find haircuts painful (BBC)
• For adults with autism, learning social skills – and finding love (UCLA NewsRoom)
• Opinion: When I was diagnosed with Asperger’s, toys helped me cope. They still do (the Guardian)
• Opinion: Travelling as a disabled person: I have autism – it takes me days to recover from one Tube journey (iNews)
• Money a barrier to independence for young adults with autism (EurekAlert!)
• Blind B.C. writer to speak to NASA about diversity in the workplace (CBC)
• The Danish beermakers brewing up work for autistic people (the Guardian)

For more news and stories, follow ACT on Facebook

We now have a library of over 25 online videos, by leading practitioners, allowing ACT to serve the autism community no matter where they live. Download and and share with your community.