Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts

Monday, December 08, 2008

Webcast: What is ABA and Why is it Important in the Treatment of Autism?

Presented by Suzanne Jacobsen, Ed.D., BCBA
Clinical Director, ABA Learning Centre

Webcast available from Monday, December 15, 2008
Advance registration now open.

In B.C., once parents receive a diagnosis of autism for their child, they are expected to set up a treatment program grounded on Applied Behavior Analysis. But what exactly is ABA and why is it so crucial in autism treatment? This presentation explains the differences and overlap between commonly used terms that frequently confuse parents including:

  • Discrete trial
  • Lovaas therapy
  • Verbal Behavior
  • Pivotal Response Training
  • Positive Behavior Support
  • Natural Environment Teaching
This workshop is illustrated by wonderful video of children engaged in ABA and having fun while learning communication, academic and social skills.

The Speaker: Dr. Suzanne Jacobsen is well known to professionals and parents across B.C. for her exceptional range of expertise as a diagnostician, educator, psychologist and behavior consultant. She has lectured across North America and in Asia on various aspects of autism treatment. A registered psychologist and certified teacher, Dr. Jacobsen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a member of ACT's Advisory Council.

Who Should View this Webcast? This presentation was developed for parents primarily, but community professionals have found it to be informative in broadening their understanding of the breadth of ABA. To see feedback from previous participants, see the webcast overview page.

What is a Webcast? ACT webcasts are video-taped presentations that can be viewed over the internet by anyone with a fairly new computer and a high-speed internet connection. The webcast is an edited version of the live event. Subscribers can download a copy of the same handbook available at the event. This webcast is available at the convenience of the viewer, 24/7, for the full duration of your subscription. For information on ACT's move toward webcasts, see our fall 08 newsletter, ACT on Autism (.pdf).

A brief webcast preview is available for viewing on the ACT website. This will also ensure that your computer can access the webcast successfully. For further information on webcasting, including minimum technical requirements, see our webcasts FAQ.


To register call ACT* at 604-205-5467 or 1-866-939-5188.
*Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2008/9 subscription cost for What is ABA? (available from December 15, 2008 to December 31, 2009):

Category 1 - Individual family or para-professional or student – $35
Category 2 - Family & One-to-One Staff (focused on 1 child or siblings – 8 or fewer users) – $100
Category 3 - Individual Professional – $50
Category 4 - Small Organization (8 or fewer users) – $200
Category 5 - Large Organization (9 – 20 users) – $300
Special – Don’t find your circumstance on this list – Call or email ACT for advice!

Manual: For a preview of ACT's new Autism Manual for BC, see www.actcommunity.net/AI/Manual.htm.
Bursaries: If you are low income, ACT has some bursary funds available. Please apply for a bursary before registering. See www.actcommunity.net/Foot/bursaries.htm for more information.

Support & Information: ACT’s team of Information Officers can provide support and information on a wide range of autism-related topics and can advise on whether a workshop or webcast is appropriate for your needs.
Contact ACT by email at info@actcommunity.net
or by phone at 604-205-5467 or 1-866-939-5188.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

The Art of Advocacy for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Time sensitive

February 2, 2008 Surrey
Early Bird deadline January 11, 2008

March 1, 2008 Nanaimo
Early Bird deadline January 25, 2008

April 5, 2008 Castlegar
Early Bird deadline February 28, 2008

April 26, 2008 Kitimat
Early Bird deadline March 13, 2008

Clair Schuman, E.D., ACT - Autism Community Training

Many parents are confused and frustrated by the complexities of systems they must navigate to find help for their child with special needs. This workshop offers parents an overview of how to develop skills they need to navigate successfully through the hurdles they may sometimes encounter. Using the school system as an example, parents are guided through the components of empowerment necessary to become an effective advocate for their child. Specific guidelines and tips will be provided in this positive, practical, user-friendly and interactive seminar. This workshop is not disability specific but will be especially helpful for parents of children with "invisible" disabilities.

Bursaries: ACT has bursaries available for low-income registrants. View the bursaries page on our website for more information.

Information and Support: ACT offers extensive support and information on autism related topics through our office both by telephone and email. Contact us at info@actcommunity.net or 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188. Web: http://actcommunity.net/.

ACT - Autism Community Training is looking for interested individuals or groups in BC outside Vancouver to help in planning our autism training workshops. Please contact Simon Ladell, ACT's Website/Marketing Officer, at sladell@actcommunity.net or phone us toll-free at 1-866-939-5188.

Transitioning from High School to Work - Preparing Students with Autism for Adulthood

Time sensitive

January 12, 2008 Nanaimo
Regular rate deadline January 3, 2008

March 8, 2008 Surrey
Early Bird deadline January 25, 2008

Vicki Lundine, M.Ed. & Catherine Smith, M.Ed.

The emphasis on transition from high school to work is a focus in Grades 10-12 but the process should begin much earlier for students with ASD. Attitudes toward work combined with decisions we make for children with autism can significantly influence the path they may choose to follow. The workshop will define the roles and responsibilities for individuals supporting students as they mature, including parents, and will provide participants with information and strategies which help promote meaningful participation for students with ASD in the work world.

Bursaries: ACT has bursaries available for low-income registrants. View the bursaries page on our website for more information.

Information and Support: ACT offers extensive support and information on autism related topics through our office both by telephone and email. Contact us at info@actcommunity.net or 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188. Web: http://actcommunity.net/

ACT - Autism Community Training is looking for interested individuals or groups in BC outside Vancouver to help in planning our autism training workshops. Please contact Simon Ladell, ACT's Website/Marketing Officer, at sladell@actcommunity.net or phone us toll-free at 1-866-939-5188.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Autism Community Training Workshops

Time sensitive

ACT Autism Community Training Workshop announcements from
Fall - Winter Event Update
Selected workshops below. See website for complete listing of workshops

Bursaries: ACT has bursaries available for low-income registrants and those traveling from outside their home region. For more information contact us at info@actcommunity.net or 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188.

Information and Support: ACT offers extensive support and information on autism related topics through our office both by telephone and email. Contact us at 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188.

The Art of Advocacy for Parents of Children with Special Needs
October 27, 2007 - Prince George / February 16, 2008 - Surrey /
March 1, 2008 - Nanaimo / April 5, 2008 - Castlegar

Clair Schuman E.D., ACT - Autism Community Training

Many parents are confused and frustrated by the complexities of systems they must navigate to find help for their child with special needs. This workshop offers parents an overview of how to develop skills they need to navigate successfully through the hurdles they may sometimes encounter. Using the school system as an example, parents are guided through the components of empowerment necessary to become an effective advocate for their child. Specific guidelines and tips will be provided in this positive, practical, user-friendly and interactive seminar. This workshop is not disability specific but will be especially helpful for parents of children with
"invisible" disabilities.

Early Bird Deadlines September 28, 2007 - Prince George / January
11, 2008 - Surrey / January 25, 2008 - Nanaimo / February 27, 2008 - Castlegar
Information and registration form: http://www.actcommunity.net/


Transitioning from High School to Work - Preparing Students with Autism for Adulthood
January 12, 2008 - Nanaimo / March 8, 2008 - Surrey

Vicki Lundine, M.Ed., & Catherine Smith, M.Ed.

The emphasis on transition from high school to work is a focus in Grades 10-12 but the process should begin much earlier for students with ASD. Attitudes toward work combined with decisions we make for children with autism can significantly influence the path they may
choose to follow. The workshop will define the roles and responsibilities for individuals supporting students as they mature, including parents, and will provide participants with information and strategies which help promote meaningful participation for
students with ASD in the work world.

Early Bird Deadlines November 30, 2007 - Nanaimo / January 25, 2008 - Surrey
Information and registration form: http://www.actcommunity.net/


An Introduction to Autism Treatment - A Case Management Survival Guide for Parents & Community Professionals
September 29, 2007 - Prince George / October 27, 2007 - Gibsons / January 30, 2008 - Vancouver

Jill Calder, M.D. Clinical Director of Rehabilitation Services, Thompson Cariboo Shuswap Region

Dr. Calder provides important insights on how parents can develop their skills as knowledgeable team leaders for their child's intervention program - a case management approach. With a decade of experience parenting her own son with autism, Dr. Calder builds on her expertise as a respected rehabilitative medicine specialist and combines this with her own practical grasp of autism treatment. Her focus is on how parents can learn to manage their child's treatment.

Early Bird Deadline October 4 - Gibsons / Regular Rate Deadline September 21 - Prince George
Information and registration form: http://www.actcommunity.net/