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REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.
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This information exchange, sponsored by Reach, is by parents for parents. It's content is guided by Reach's mission to provide choices for families, be family centered, facilitate inclusion, and exist as a quality resource. The information is meant to meet the needs of a multitude of families' interests. We caution readers that Reach does not investigate all claims, and that claims made are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Reach. Readers are encouraged to undertake further investigation on their own of items noted.
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 Reach News -
New Support Group for Reach Parents at Two Locations
A recent Vancouver Sun article highlighted a disturbing trend in waitlists for mental health resources across the province (Click here to read article). Families in the province and here at Reach are waiting over a year for counselling services due to the need exceeding the resources.
Almost four years ago Reach began a new program called Reach Counselling Services to address many issues that staff were seeing with parents and children in our programs relating to mental health issues including depression, anxiety, coping with loss, difficult family relationships and difficulty coping with life stressors. Currently this program is approximately one day a week with one counsellor, Yvonne McKenna, who reports,
"In 2009 25 clients were seen in this program, but by 2011 39 clients were seen. Even with that number, there are many still on the waiting list which has resulted in fewer sessions per client and some new programs to address this wait."
Starting in January 2013 there will be two parent/caregiver support groups for those who want to talk about anything related to parenting a child with special needs. The focus will be on coping skills, how to be an advocate without burning out, and surviving and thriving. New families to Reach and those who have been with us a long time are all invited.
The North Delta group will be held on the second Tuesday of the month at our Play and Learn Centre at 11425 84th Avenue at 6:30 to 8:00pm. The South Delta group will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at our main Reach facility at #3 - 3800 72nd Street in Ladner at 6:30 to 8:00pm. All are welcome to attend either or both of the groups. These groups are also in addition to the ADHD Parent Support Group that meets at our South Delta office on the last Friday of the month.
If you would like more information or would like to meet with Yvonne before the groups start, please call (604) 946-6622 Ext. 347.
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NEW NAME for Kids Friendship Club - Social Smart Group - Learning Social Skills
and Using them! Social skills are one of the most important skills that children need to learn. More importantly, children need to have the opportunity to use the social skills they have learned. Social Smart Group is a program that provides a natural setting where children will be learning and practicing the social skills through playing, chatting, snacking, outing, and more. Social Smart Group is a 1.5-hour program that runs once a week for 10 weeks. There will be 6 - 8 children in the group, programmed by one behaviour consultant and one group facilitator. Throughout the 10 weeks, our goal is to help strengthen your child's social skills by guiding, coaching, and supporting their social interaction with their peers.
- Grade 2 - 4 boys and girls Time: Wednesday, 6pm - 7:30pm Dates: Jan 9 - March 13, 2013 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
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Grade 5 - 7 boys and girls Time: Tuesday, 6pm - 7:30pm Dates: Jan 8 - March 12, 2013 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
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Grade 8 - 12 boys and girls Time: Saturday, 10am - 1pm Dates: Jan 5 - March 9, 2013 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $950 per child for 10 weeks. Social Smart Group is a program that provides a natural setting where teens will be learning and practicing the social skills through playing, chatting, snacking, outing, and more. Social Smart Group is a 3-hour program that runs once a week for 10 weeks. There will be 10 teenagers in the group, programmed by one behaviour consultant and one group facilitator.
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**Most families use the autism funding to cover the cost of the program
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Registration - please contact Carol Ywan TEL: 604-946-6622, ext 343 or Email here
- Parent Circle: Parent Support Circle is a free, monthly, confidential parent gathering with a focus on parenting children with ADHD or behaviour challenges. Led by trained facilitators. The last Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
at Reach, #3 3800 72nd street Ladner
To register call Lisa at 604-946-6622 ext.342 or email here
or call Bella at 604-569-3110 or email here
- We're building a child development centre in the heart of the community. Click here to find out how you can help.
Click here to see our WEBSITE! 
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Help a Parent?
- Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Surrey! If your child has "special needs" (any special need, diagnosed or not), you are invited to join us for a district-wide meeting. Our first meeting November 20 was a great success. A second meeting will be held on January 15, 2013 (Tuesday) at 7pm at Surrey School District Administration Centre, 14033 92nd Avenue, Surrey BC. The purposes of this group are:
- to make sure that every parent/caregiver of a special needs child is aware of the resources available to them
- to enhance communication in a positive way with the Surrey School District so we can work together to better assist our children
- to create a support network for parents/caregivers of special needs children
- Please share this information with as many people as you can and let's get the word out. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact Bill Jensen, cell 604-835-7771 or email here
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Autism - DSMV Controversy
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Psychiatrists Approve New DSM, Asperger's Dropped
By Michelle Diament December 3, 2012. Major changes to the diagnostic criteria for autism and other conditions are on track to take effect after the nation's psychiatrists gave final approval to a new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders this weekend. The American Psychiatric Association's board of trustees gave a green light Saturday to the DSM's fifth version, paving the way for the manual's publication in May 2013 after more than a decade of consideration. Click here to read more - Psychiatric association approves changes to diagnostic manual.
(CNN) -- Starting next year, the process of diagnosing autism may see drastic changes following the revision of the official guide to classifying psychiatric illnesses.
After years of reviewing and refining criteria used by psychiatrists and other experts to diagnose mental health disorders, the American Psychiatric Association board of trustees on Saturday approved major changes to the manual, better known as DSM-5. Click here to read more
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DSM 5 Is Guide Not Bible-Ignore Its Ten Worst Changes. APA approval of DSM-5 is a sad day for psychiatry. This is the saddest moment in my 45 year career of studying, practicing, and teaching psychiatry. The Board of Trustees of the American Psychiatric Association has given its final approval to a deeply flawed DSM 5 containing many changes that seem clearly unsafe and scientifically unsound. My best advice to clinicians, to the press, and to the general public - be skeptical and don't follow DSM 5 blindly down a road likely to lead to massive over-diagnosis and harmful over-medication. Just ignore the ten changes that make no sense. Click here to read more
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Psychiatrists Redefine Disorders Including Autism. New guidance for the diagnosis of some mental disorders, including autism, was endorsed by U.S. doctors over the weekend, clearing the way for changes that will influence the way patients are treated and payments reimbursed. The vote by the American Psychiatric Association follows a seven-year debate that split the mental health community over whether the changes will spur over-diagnosis of some disorders, and limit treatment for others. The guide collapses several conditions into a broadened definition for autism. It also adds new maladies, including one called disruptive mood dysregulation disorder for children who have multiple temper tantrums weekly. Click here to read more
- Making Santa Visits Fun for Children with Autism by Jenny Wagner. Holiday tunes act as a soundtrack for shopping. Strings of lights twinkle in trees and hang from high ceilings.
And lines of parents wait with children dressed in cute Christmas outfits for the chance to take pictures with Santa and whisper in his ear. The hustle and bustle at malls this time of year can quickly become overwhelming for anyone as the holidays loom closer. But for the nearly 2 million children nationwide with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, a trip through the mall to visit Santa's workshop can be downright traumatic. Click here to read more
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Enjoying the magic of Christmas - autism style. As Christmas approaches I can't help but reflect on the years past and how my son Matt has changed in his own way to embrace the spirit of the season. Matt is almost 26 years old, so there's plenty to reflect upon. As I thought about all of our unique experiences I wondered, "Do other parents of autistic children have this much fun?" Click here to read more
- Early Intervention for ASD: Effectiveness of a Novel Model presented by Isabel Smith, PhD. There is strong research evidence that early intensive intervention based on principles of applied behavioural analysis (ABA) improves the skills of preschoolers with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite this, it remains a challenge to implement such programs at the community level, especially in regions with relatively fewer resources. Each province has approached these challenges differently. In 2005, Nova Scotia initiated a program based on a specific ABA-based intervention, Pivotal Response Treatment, within a less intensive service delivery model (Bryson et al., 2007). Dr. Smith will describe the model and its rationale, and will present evidence of the program's short-term impact on outcomes for children with ASD and their families. Following one year of intervention in the Nova Scotia program, children's average gains are comparable to those reported for programs that are far more intensive (Smith et al., 2010). Given these encouraging findings, discussion will focus on outstanding questions, and on next steps for research and for services. Click here to see the video
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Video: How to Recognize an Aspie. My aspie doctor character, Dr. Harry Fellowes, goes on a talk show to inform people how to recognize when someone might have Asperger's syndrome. Click here to see the video
- Boy With Asperger's Lands 'Jeopardy!' Tryout.
A Colorado boy with Asperger's syndrome may soon go head-to-head with Alex Trebek on national television as a contestant on "Jeopardy!" Gabriel Harris, 11, passed a first-round online test to participate in the game show's 2013 Kids Week and has been invited to Los Angeles for a second-round assessment. A regular viewer of the show, Harris rarely gets a question wrong. The fifth-grader is an avid reader with a keen memory for facts.
Despite Harris's aptitude, however, continuing his quest to appear on "Jeopardy!" was not a sure bet until recently. Harris's family could not afford the trip for him and a parent from their Greeley, Colo.-area home to California. But after the the boy's story appeared in the local newspaper, donations poured in. Now, Harris is packing his bags and prepping for the second-round test this Saturday, reports The Greeley (Colo.) Tribune.
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Max From NBC's 'Parenthood' Talks Asperger's. When NBC's "Parenthood" premiered in March, viewers quickly learned that 8-year-old Max Braverman has Asperger's syndrome. Since then, autism has emerged as a central part of nearly every episode of the drama, which focuses on the experiences of three generations of a California family. The Asperger's storyline follows the family's journey to accept Max's diagnosis and help him progress, all while dealing with their own emotions. The show's heavy focus on life with a developmental disability is believed to be a first and so far audiences both with and without ties to autism seem to be responding. Click here to read more
- Melt-downs: An insider's view. In this blog post, dusty7star, details a melt down of hers and how her mother slowly brought her out of her meltdown..... Then my brain just shut down... I couldnt look at anything other than a pink spot on my dressing gown or think about anything other than the pink spot. Somewhere inside me I was freaking out as iv never had a full blown melt down and didnt know what was happening. Click here to read more
- Lateral movement and autism Eric Chessen, M.S. When discussing sports or, more importantly, preparing for life skills and daily challenges, it is necessary to address all facets of movement. Basically, we move in all sorts of directions throughout the day, and the more we can practice or train the proper way to perform these actions, the less likelihood of injury, greater ability to perform complex movements, and more joy of movement we are able to develop. Forgive my Andy Rooney approach here, but I think joy of movement is something that children have lost over the last decade. I can recall playing outside, running around, tumbling, falling, getting back up, and climbing around for hours. I do not see too many young individuals playing outside anymore, and when I see adolescents and teenagers playing pickup games of basketball or football, the hours spent in front of the television or playing video games is clearly evident. Within the world of autism, I notice a consistent trend of poor lifestyle accommodations (television, sitting for long periods of time, little physical activity) being combined with the movement inhibition and difficulties that many young individuals with autism experience. Click here to read more
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Autism Therapy Named To Time Magazine's Top 10. By Shaun Heasley
December 10, 2012.A new finding about the potential of behavior therapy for kids with autism is one of Time Magazine's "Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs" for the year.
The newsweekly called out the autism development in one of a series of year-end lists featuring the highs and lows of 2012.The study highlighted by Time found that an approach known as the Early Start Denver Model has the potential to normalize brain patterns in children with autism in addition to helping them improve social skills. The research, which was published this fall in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, came in at number five on the Time list under the headline "hope for reversing autism." Other remarkable medical advancements that made the magazine's medical breakthroughs list include new findings about breast cancer, HIV and the human genome.
- Bridges Youth Development and Education Sessions!
- Friday Night Hangout is an exciting new group that offers youth a safe and supportive environment to socialize with friends on a Friday night. Group members will have the opportunity to play video games, board games, air hockey, fooseball and other fun activities. There will also be arts & crafts, a great movie and great food! Participating in social activities with friends presents youth with the opporunity to practice and apply a variety of skills in a practical context. Some of these skills include: learning to compromise, building friendships, problem solving, turn taking, and more. Most importantly, your youth will learn that being social is fun!
- Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $45/night $270 full session (6 nights)
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm Unit 401 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
Dates: Winter 2013 Fridays, January 11, 25, February 8, 22, March 8, 22
- Life Skills Unlimited was created to assist youth and teens in developing attitudes and skills necessary to help them prepare for their future. It is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Disorder, High Functioning Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. Our goal is to provide a variety of activities, discussions, and educational experiences that teach our group members skills and nurture independence. We believe that building on strengths helps to instil positive self esteem and teaches youth the confidence required to take charge of their own lives. Together we strive to build the philosophy that they have the ability to contribute to society and have a positive impact on the world around them.
Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $60/night $600 full session
(10 weeks) Thursday, January 10,17, 24, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14
Unit 401-14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC - Teen Eatz. Why Cook? teaches teamwork by working and sharing with others in the kitchen builds organizational skills builds confidence, responsibility and self esteem encourages creativity builds sensory skills through tasting, hearing, touching, smelling and seeing different foods builds a foundation for healthy habits and nutrition skills that will be carried on through adulthood fosters independence and life skill development teaches vocational skills
- Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $35/hr = $70/night $700 full session
(10 weeks)Monday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm Unit 401- 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
- The Community HUB was created to assist teens in developing and practicing social skills and life skills in their own community. Through participating in fun, age-appropriate social/recreational activities, your teen will have the opportunity to build long lasting friendships, increase their confidence and develop independence.
Group members will be given their own budgets, navigate menus and activity options, interact with community members & servers, practice making joint decisions with group members and more! The Community Hub is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $90/evening = $180/session
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday, January 18, 2012 - Dinner and Laser Tag
Friday, February 15, 2012 - Empire Movie Extravaganza
- Click here for the ABA Support Network's Calendar of courses and events
- Fraser Valley Autism Society (FVAS) Click here for website!
- The Fraser Valley Autism Society has resumed its free monthly meetings
for the season. Meetings will alternate between Chilliwack and Abbotsford on a monthly basis. For more information please visit Our website here or email HERE
Karen Davis,President, Fraser Valley Autism Society
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ADD/ADHD - When Mom's On Mute: Communicating With Your ADHD Teen. Tough time getting through to your ADHD teen? It's time to change your communication strategy. Here are some ways to relate to your child that won't make her tune you out. Do these situations sound familiar? You want to help your teenager, who has ADHD, apply for a job, but you don't know how to do it without his thinking that you're stepping on his toes. Or perhaps you gave your teen good advice on how to handle a problem with her boyfriend, but she didn't listen to you. Maybe you've read books on helping children with ADHD, and found that none of the suggested strategies work for your teen. Click here to read more
- ADD/ADHD Parenting Tips From an ADHD Coach. Tips from an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) coach about how parents can help their ADD/ADHD child thrive in school and at home. I have coached a lot of kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) to be successful in school. Parents often ask how I am able to help their children learn skills and strategies when they can't. The biggest difference is that I step back and guide my clients in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. This is not easy for a parent to do, nor is it always easy for me. Here are some tips from my coaching playbook that parents can use to help their kids succeed at school. Click here to read more
- Holiday Gifts for the Whole ADHD Family. Our holiday gift picks for the ADHD child, tween, teen, or adult in your life. It's the holiday season again! And since we know how ADDitude readers are always looking for information, products, and inspiration to help them manage their own, or a loved one's, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) symptoms, we've chosen a range of gifts that offer a mix of sparkle, entertainment value, and practicality. Click here to read more
- Making Three Lists and Checking Them A Lot.
Break your seasonal to-do list into three master lists to ensure a smooth and joyous holiday. For those of you who are impulsive and/or disorganized, making a "Holiday To-Do List" early is a must. Deciding what to put on it (and what NOT to put on it) however can be confusing. There are activities to schedule, parties to attend, gifts to buy and greetings to send. I suggest you break your holiday agenda down into three master lists. Click here to read more
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Down Syndrome
- You are Invited to a Delta Down Syndrome Support Group meeting: OUR GOALS ARE
ˇ To provide guest speakers (Reach therapists, community
professionals and other programs) to discuss common issues
ˇ To provide support and information to families in Delta who
have a child with Down Syndrome
ˇ To help connect parents of children with Down Syndrome
ˇ To provide monthly meetings for parents and their children
ˇ To provide on-site child minding while you attend the
discussion
When: First Thursday of each month
Where: Reach Developmental Preschool North Delta
10921 - 82nd Avenue, Delta, BC
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Cost: No charge
Light refreshments provided
Please RSVP to Sarah Garnham at 604-946-6622 extension 321.
or email here
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FASD -
How booze rots your baby's brain. BABIES born with brain damage from their mothers' drinking should be given the same government benefits as Down syndrome or blind children, a parliamentary inquiry has concluded. Children born with the "invisible birth defect" of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) do not automatically qualify for disability support. Click here to read more
- 10 Holiday Tips for Persons Living with the Challenges of Fetal Alcohol Offered by Adult Living with Challenges of FASDs. From Liz Kulp (adult with FASD and core network provider for young people with FASD) I prefer my life stable... every day I have a plan I can maintain. It keeps me on track. When the world moves so fast around me it is important that I take care of myself.
- Make appointments on the same day and the same time. Taking a break from an appointment may be a break for you, but for me it messes up my consistency.
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101 Holiday Strategies for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Supporting yourself and your family.
Holidays are a tough time for our kids. We may place pressure on ourselves to try to make holidays perfect. What matters is family and love and learning to live and appreciate each other for our unique gifts. Our kids do the best they can and if other people (aka, family) can't understand that and you have tried to explain numerous times, just ignore them. Cut yourself and your kids some slack-scale back, stay home and enjoy the moments whenever you can get them.
Holidays are meant to be joyful, happy occasions.
Do the best that you can.
You do not have to apologize for doing
what is appropriate for your family.
- Langley - FASD adoptive and foster parents. Monthly support group meetings for those with children who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Info: Jamie, 604-530-5917.
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Medical - NOTABLE PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY. As part of a series of stories on our blog, we will be profiling some notable people with epilepsy who have achieved great successes. This includes politicians, athletes, musicians, scientists, writers, actors, and artists. In our first post we feature some political, religious, and civil rights leaders who have lived or continue to live successfully despite the challenges of epilepsy. It's a reminder that having epilepsy does not exclude the possibility of major accomplishments and contributions to society. Click here to read more
- The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are pleased to announce an amazing lineup of educational events for the first half of the year 2013. Starting in January, we will be providing youth, families, educators and health professionals with opportunities to learn about topics from bullying, internet addiction, autism, cannabis use, and self-harm to developing self advocacy skills and involving dads in mental health care. These events are free of charge and open to everyone in British Columbia. To find out more about the dates, topics, and how you can join in, view our poster or visit our website HERE .
JANUARY 31 Anger Management
FEBRURARY 13 Grief & Loss
MARCH 21 Cross Cultural - Infant Mental Health
APRIL 11 Gender Identity
MAY 23 Role of Recreation in Recovery
JUNE 20 Parental Mental Illness
Time Thursdays, 12-1pm (PST)
Registration PHONE 604-875-2084 or 1-800-665-1822
EMAIL HERE
WEB HERE
- Mind Matters e-newsletter provides new resources and programs offered by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division and is committed to the mental health of British Columbians. Click here for the current edition
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Education -
A Teacher's Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder. Research shows that 20% of all school-age children in the U.S. have problems with sensory integration. However, teachers are given little or no training in how to work with these high needs kids. Finally, here's a commuter-friendly way to help teachers and other school professionals reach these kids and help them succeed in the classroom. Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of the best selling booksThe Out of Sync Child and The Goodenoughs Get in Sync, interviews expert occupational therapist Stacey Szklut about how to teach children with sensory integration problems. This audio CD set includes narration by public health physician Dr. David Silver. Click here to learn more
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Students with developmental disabilities attend and graduate from UBC. Register for classes, get involved in clubs, make friends, study, write exams, find a part-time job, pursue a passion, and graduate-it's the typical university experience. And it's now an experience accessible to students with developmental disabilties who attend UBC, thanks to a B.C. organization called Steps Forward. Click here to read more.
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Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Surrey! If your child has "special needs" (any special need, diagnosed or not), you are invited to join us for a district-wide meeting. Our first meeting November 20 was a great success. A second meeting will be held on January 15, 2013 (Tuesday) at 7pm at Surrey School District Administration Centre, 14033 92nd Avenue, Surrey BC. The purposes of this group are:
- to make sure that every parent/caregiver of a special needs child is aware of the resources available to them
- to enhance communication in a positive way with the Surrey School District so we can work together to better assist our children
- to create a support network for parents/caregivers of special needs children
Please share this information with as many people as you can and let's get the word out. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact Bill Jensen, cell 604-835-7771 or email here
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Ministry Information
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Workshops and Training - Pinwheel Education Series January-June 2013 Topics Lineup
- JANUARY 31 Anger Management
FEBRURARY 13 Grief & Loss
MARCH 21 Cross Cultural - Infant Mental Health
APRIL 11 Gender Identity
MAY 23 Role of Recreation in Recovery
JUNE 20 Parental Mental Illness
Time: Thursdays, from 12-1pm
Cost: Free, open to everyone!
To join the teleconference:
Telephone: DIAL 1.877.291.3022, enter CODE 4611577#, press *6 to mute after
you are connected
Questions? Contact us:
PHONE 604.875.2084 TOLL-FREE 1.800.665.1822 or email here
- Leaving High School....What's Next? For Parents. How do you prepare for this big change in your son's or daughter's life? This workshop is designed to help families understand how to prepare for their son's or daughter's transition from high school into a full life in the community. Drawing on the experiences of many parents and professionals, we will discuss roles and responsibilities, the planning process, planning tools and available resources and services. DCLS Resource Centre Saturday January 26, 2013 9:00 am - 3:00pm Facilitated by Wendi Mackintosh from the Family Support Institute. For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call her at 604-952-6490
- 16th Annual Children the Heart of the Matter Conference
February 1 & 2, 2013
Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey
We're excited to announce that our conference brochure is now available and registration is open. To view the list of workshops and keynote speakers please download the conference brochure. Registration is available through our website HERE
- Mentorying Boys: BOYS CAN WRITE: Unity Church, 5840 Oak Street, Vancouver February 2, 2013 (9am - 1pm) 2 for 1 pricing until December 15 Outstanding Value!
This NEW workshop is for parents AND teachers. Some of the agenda topics addressed:
* Why do different boys need different strategies?
* How to address the link between moving and writing?
* How to respond to boys who write about violence?
* How to write less so boys will write more?
* How do we make writing more relevant for boys?
* How can we ignite boys' enthusiasm to WRITE? Click here to register or for more information
- Introduction to the Assessment of Functional Living Skills - The AFLSTM. Friday, February 8th - Vancouver
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presented by: James W. Partington, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Individuals of all ages need to learn many critical functional living skills in order to successfully participate in a wide range of home, school and community-based activities. This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools to analyze and track a learner's functional living skills and develop an individualized intervention program to help a learner become less dependent upon assistance from others.
The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (The AFLSTM) reviews over 900 skills in 32 functional areas, such as; traveling in the community, making purchases, seeking assistance as required, preparing meals, helping with household chores, and participating in social and leisure. Click here for more information
- Families Promoting Employment First: For Parents and Professionals
This is designed to support families to develop a vision for employment with their sons or daughters, and to stimulate thinking about how families and their supporters could build an employment focus into planning for and with their sons' or daughters' future. The first workshop (1/2 day) will focus on preparing, planning and pursuing employment. The second workshop (1/2 day) will encourage an employment thinking perspective and approach and will provide families with examples and ideas to support them to profile, promote and support their sons and daughters towards employment. Saturday February 23, 2013 9:00am - 3:30pm at the DCLS Resource Centre.Facilitated by Rachelle Czerwindki of the Family Support Institute. For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call 604-952-6490 - Friend2Friend: Facilitator's Workshop: Register Now!
March 1 & 2, 2013 9am-4pm
- Getting Ready for the Real World How Schools & Families Can Prepare Adolescents with Autism for the Social Challenges of Adulthood. Children with ASD grow up, and as the numbers of adolescents and adults with ASD expand, we need to consider how to prepare them for the challenges of adult life. This presentation will provide an overview of the components of effective, behavioral analytic intervention with older learners. Specific topics include community transition, employment, behavior support, healthy sexuality, and quality of life.Friday, March 8th - Vancouver Presented by: Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D.Click here for more information
- Mentoring Boys:How to talk so boys will listen and listen so boys will talk... Vancouver, March 9, 2013
Barry MacDonald's most popular parenting workshop will provide you with practical wisdom to strengthen your parenting and mentor your son into a man of courage and compassion.
"This workshop changed our family life. I had no idea how frequently I was frustrating my son by expecting him to listen and attend to me in ways that were counterproductive. My son now smiles at me when I suggest that we should go for a walk to talk about a charged issue."
Rebecca Williams, Calgary Click here for more information or to register
- Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz™ with Autism (ASD). Finally, an advanced pediatric massage therapy training program for healthcare professionals who wish to provide touch therapy for children with Autism (ASD). The Liddle Kidz™ Foundation course is an intense, fun and effective way to advance your pediatric massage therapy skills and embrace children who have been diagnosed with one of many developmental disorders that includes autism, Asperger's Syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pervasive development disorder (PDD), and nonverbal learning disorder (NLD). Founded by master teacher and philanthropist Tina Allen, the Liddle Kidz™ Foundation offers a new, comprehensive, research based training course and teaches students what they really need to know to become an advanced professional in the area of pediatric massage therapy. Any experienced healthcare professional will tell you that there is a world of difference between learning how to massage a child from a book or DVD, and knowing how to provide the best care to meet a child and families needs, however, there are few opportunities to learn the skills they really need from a working healthcare professional who has provided infant and pediatric massage education throughout the world.
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Transition Planning and CLBC: Tuesday April 9, 2013 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the DCLS Resource Centre. Facilitated by CLBC For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call 604-952-6490
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Transition Planning and CLBC: Tuesday April 16, 2013 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the DCLS Scott Road Connections. Facilitated by CLBC For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call 604-952-6490
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The 2013 BC Summer Institute July 15 - 19, 2013 is led by the Family Support Institute in beautiful Vancouver. This event is designed to provide a robust learning environment that will facilitate strategic approaches to inclusion and belonging for all students in BC's elementary and secondary schools. Participants will include administrators, classroom teachers, resource teachers, other members of the School Based Team, paraprofessionals, therapists and parents. This institute is designed to give participants the foundation they have been looking for to complement good practice and give access to the resources necessary to properly facilitate belonging and inclusion for all students. Schools are encouraged to register as a team, ensuring that a variety of positions within it are represented. Individuals from across B.C. will be coming together to work with people who have been doing this work for decades and who have experienced success in all aspects of Inclusive Learning. (Attendees will have the option of enrolling in the Institute as a UBC undergraduate course for three credits.) Participants will leave with a common language around values, a shared understanding about how to facilitate strategies learned and an improved skill set to better put those strategies and values into action within their schools. Click here for more information
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Seasonal - Immeasurable Gifts. Daddy loved Christmas. He was one of those rare people who get the true spirit of the season. He whistled Christmas tunes everywhere he went and put up tacky decorations everywhere just for the joy of it. He couldn't care less about gifts. But he did give me a gift that I will always treasure. Anyone who loves you can give it as well. But few do -an unrelenting acceptance and a determination to take joy in that child, wherever he or she may be in development. Did that mean that Daddy didn't value therapy and progress? Of course not. But more than those things, he valued Callum. The delightful, smiling little boy he was right then. Click here to read more
- Budget- Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers and Therapists.Twenty Gifts Under $20
Budget-Friendly Gifts: Free and Heartfelt. 1. Don't just write a note, write a note with details. Put what you say to friends and family in writing. "You're the first teacher to make school fun for Riley." "Your positive attitude motivates my son more than any OT he's ever had." Click here to read more
- 101 Holiday Strategies for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (for all our children!) Supporting yourself and your family. Holidays are a tough time for our kids. We may place pressure on ourselves to try to make holidays perfect. What matters is family and love and learning to live and appreciate each other for our unique gifts. Our kids do the best they can and if other people (aka, family) can't understand that and you have tried to explain numerous times, just ignore them. Cut yourself and your kids some slack-scale back, stay home and enjoy the moments whenever you can get them.
Holidays are meant to be joyful, happy occasions.
Do the best that you can.
You do not have to apologize for doing
what is appropriate for your family.
- 10 Holiday Tips for Persons Living with the Challenges of Fetal Alcohol Offered (and others) by Adult Living with Challenges of FASDs. From Liz Kulp (adult with FASD and core network provider for young people with FASD) I prefer my life stable... every day I have a plan I can maintain. It keeps me on track. When the world moves so fast around me it is important that I take care of myself.
- Make appointments on the same day and the same time. Taking a break from an appointment may be a break for you, but for me it messes up my consistency. Click here to read more
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Enjoying the magic of Christmas - autism style. As Christmas approaches I can't help but reflect on the years past and how my son Matt has changed in his own way to embrace the spirit of the season. Matt is almost 26 years old, so there's plenty to reflect upon. As I thought about all of our unique experiences I wondered, "Do other parents of autistic children have this much fun?" Click here to read more
- Santa Claus meet and greet for children with autism prompts flood of positive reaction. Officials at Southcentre Mall are overwhelmed by the positive feedback they are receiving after setting up a special Santa Claus sitting for children with autism.
Krista Moroz, a representative of Southcentre Mall, came up with the idea. She says there have been dozens of phone calls and e-mails from Calgarians thanking them for making it happen. Click here to read more and see a video
- Making Santa Visits Fun for Children with Autism by Jenny Wagner. Holiday tunes act as a soundtrack for shopping. Strings of lights twinkle in trees and hang from high ceilings.
And lines of parents wait with children dressed in cute Christmas outfits for the chance to take pictures with Santa and whisper in his ear. The hustle and bustle at malls this time of year can quickly become overwhelming for anyone as the holidays loom closer. But for the nearly 2 million children nationwide with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, a trip through the mall to visit Santa's workshop can be downright traumatic. Click here to read more
- 5 Ways to Use Wrapping Paper for Sensory Diets. No matter what your faith tradition, it seems that at this is the time of year wrapping paper is ubiquitous. Instead of tossing your torn pieces out, try looking at them with an eye for sensory diet fun. Click here to learn how!
- Click here for Marc Landry's Holiday Sensory Tips!
- Holiday meal suggestions. Holidays are supposed to be Norman Rockwell picture-perfect moments: The extended family gathered 'round the heavily laden table with an enormous turkey, everyone happy and thankful. The only mischief involves children peeking through their fingers during the prayers. Okay, now back to reality! Frankly, how often is it really like that for any family, much less AS families like ours? Before we bask in cruel disappointment, with a little planning you can swing the odds in your favor to have a happy family holiday after all. Click here for some great tips from Kristi Sakai!
- Solutions to Your ADHD Holiday Problems. How to streamline and organize your holiday activities to maximize fun and minimize stress. Have you ever seen a kid in a candy store -- or been one yourself? That's what the holiday season is like for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). With so many things to do, sights to see, festivities to attend, it's tempting to try to do everything. As one of my clients put it, "I've never met an idea I didn't like." Of course, you can't do everything, and trying to do so will turn what should be a joyous season into a three-month whirlwind of stress and anxiety. Click here to read more
- Looking for a Holiday Family Photo - Check out Tara's website :here - She has beyond reasonable rates - She is the Purple Butterfly Photographer!
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Christmas Programs at Deltassist are Gearing Up!
Please mark these important dates on your calendar:
ˇ Christmas program registration opens - November 5th
ˇ Toy Depot dates - December 11th, 12th and 13th
ˇ Christmas Hamper deliver date - Saturday December 22nd
ˇ Deadline to register for the Toy Depot - December 7th
ˇ Deadline to register for a Hamper - December 14th
You can download all our Christmas forms or get more information about all the Christmas programs and activities here
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Other - QUOTE of the day: If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities. -Robert Conklin
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TED TALK: Ernesto Sirolli: Want to help someone? Shut up and listen! When most well-intentioned aid workers hear of a problem they think they can fix, they go to work. This, Ernesto Sirolli suggests, is naīve. In this funny and impassioned talk, he proposes that the first step is to listen to the people you're trying to help, and tap into their own entrepreneurial spirit. His advice on what works will help any entrepreneur.
Ernesto Sirolli got his start doing aid work in Africa in the 70's -- and quickly realised how ineffective it was. Click here to see this TED TALK.
- From Friend2Friend: Thank you! Thank you to the parents and professionals who attended our Information Evenings this year at the Friend 2 Friend Play Centre. The next information evening will be held on Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 7-8pm. This information evening is designed for parents of children who have or are going to participate in the F2F Programs at school or at our Play Centre, as well as educators and professionals.
Join us to visit our new state-of-the-art play centre, learn about our programs and models, meet other parents and get acquainted with our Master Guides. This is a free information evening and attendees must register in advance. Childcare is not available. Please register by e-mailing your full name to our office Here.
- NOTABLE PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY. As part of a series of stories on our blog, we will be profiling some notable people with epilepsy who have achieved great successes. This includes politicians, athletes, musicians, scientists, writers, actors, and artists. In our first post we feature some political, religious, and civil rights leaders who have lived or continue to live successfully despite the challenges of epilepsy. It's a reminder that having epilepsy does not exclude the possibility of major accomplishments and contributions to society. Click here to read more
- New Step Consultation Services new programs!
Description: -In small group settings, each participant will be given the opportunity to
interact with other children/teenagers of a similar age through a variety of
activities and games. -This class is especially suitable for children/teenagers with special needs (i.e., autism and other developmental disabilities) or typical
children/teenagers who are having difficulties forming friendships.-A summary will be given to parents after each session.Group A: 6 or under (2 spaces left for Tuesday afternoon session)-Description: Students will be put together in groups of 2 with one
instructorper group. For every 10-15min, each student will be switch to another group/instructor. And then, every 10-15min, each group of students will beswitching to a new activity.
Group B: 7-9 years old (3 spaces left)
Group C: 10-13 years old (2 spaces left)
Group D: 14 and above-Description:* Social Skills Topic: discussing, role-playing, practicing specific skills(i.e. using our eyes to talk, staring a conversation, how to join a
conversation, etc.)* DVD drill: A clip of a scene from social skills video clips or other
age-appropriate TV show clips will be shown to the group that is related to a specific topic.
* Games: board games, card games, or social skills game such as social skills Hangman or Sociopoloy (A social skills game that I designed with other previous social skills students).
* Relationship Development Intervention (RDIŽ)-based activities.
* Outings (for ages 12 year old or above)
Dates: -Jan-Mar. 2012
Location: -Unit 238-11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC (located beside the Cambie Public
Library)
Time-Each class is 1.5 hours (Weekly or twice a week)
Price:-$60 per class
Registration: Contact Joanna Chau: here or Tahnee Lam here or (604) 787-6221
- A 14 week social skills intervention, PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills), a program that teaches middle and high school students (grades 7-12) with high functioning autism or Aspergers Syndrome, to make and keep friends. PEERS is taught in weekly, small-group settings, using techniques including didactic instruction, modeling, coaching, behavioural rehearsal, performance feedback and weekly homework assignments supported by parents/caregivers.
Parent participation is a vital component of the PEERS model. There is a weekly parent group, run by a PEERS certified facilitator, in which caregivers learn to be effective social coaches for their child. This group runs at the same time as the teen session. Additionally, parents will help their child complete weekly assignments (eg. phoning a friend, hosting a get-together, etc.).
Program Topics Include:
How to use appropriate conversation skills
How to find common interests by trading information
How to appropriately use humour
How to enter and exit conversations between peers
How to handle rejection, teasing and bullying
How to be a good host during get-togethers
How to make phone calls to friends
How to choose appropriate friends
How to be a good sport
How to handle arguments and disagreements
How to change a bad reputation
For more information, or to request an intake package, please contact Lauren Smith, M.Ed., one of our PEERS certified facilitators: here
- Bridges Youth Development and Education Sessions!
- Friday Night Hangout is an exciting new group that offers youth a safe and supportive environment to socialize with friends on a Friday night. Group members will have the opportunity to play video games, board games, air hockey, fooseball and other fun activities. There will also be arts & crafts, a great movie and great food!
Participating in social activities with friends presents youth with the opporunity to practice and apply a variety of skills in a practical context. Some of these skills include: learning to compromise, building friendships, problem solving, turn taking, and more.Most importantly, your youth will learn that being social is fun! - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $45/night
$270 full session (6 nights)
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm Unit 401 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
Dates: Winter 2013 Fridays, January 11, 25, February 8, 22, March 8, 22
- Life Skills Unlimited was created to assist youth and teens in developing attitudes and skills necessary to help them prepare for their future. It is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Disorder, High Functioning Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. Our goal is to provide a variety of activities, discussions, and educational experiences that teach our group members skills and nurture independence. We believe that building on strengths helps to instil positive self esteem and teaches youth the confidence required to take charge of their own lives. Together we strive to build the philosophy that they have the ability to contribute to society and have a positive impact on the world around them.
Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $60/night $600 full session
(10 weeks) Thursday, January 10,17, 24, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14
Unit 401-14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC - Teen Eatz. Why Cook? teaches teamwork by working and sharing with others in the kitchen builds organizational skills builds confidence, responsibility and self esteem
encourages creativity builds sensory skills through tasting, hearing, touching, smelling and seeing different foods builds a foundation for healthy habits and nutrition skills that will be carried on through adulthood fosters independence and life skill development teaches vocational skills - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $35/hr = $70/night $700 full session
(10 weeks)Monday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm Unit 401- 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
- The Community HUB was created to assist teens in developing and practicing social skills and life skills in their own community. Through participating in fun, age-appropriate social/recreational activities, your teen will have the opportunity to build long lasting friendships, increase their confidence and develop independence.
Group members will be given their own budgets, navigate menus and activity options, interact with community members & servers, practice making joint decisions with group members and more! The Community Hub is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $90/evening = $180/session
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday, January 18, 2012 - Dinner and Laser Tag
Friday, February 15, 2012 - Empire Movie Extravaganza
- Special Olympics BC is a sport organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Our mission 'is to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities to enrich their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences'.Two new programs we are adding to Vancouver are called Active Start and FUNdamentals.Active Start is a program for children aged 2-6. The goal of this program is to teach basic motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, balancing etc. while having fun and interacting with peers. FUNdamentals is similar to Active Start but is for youth aged 7-11. During this program, we focus on basic sport skills like throwing (over and under hand), dribbling, kicking, batting, catching etc. They are both extremely fun programs and we are excited to bring this to the Vancouver local.Our new program is starting April 15th and will be taking place each Sunday at the Hastings Community Centre. It will run from 1-2pm and will be 12 weeks long.There is a fee of $15 for the entire program and this includes a t-shirt for each athlete. Click here for more information
- CALLING FOR ARTWORK! WE are Community: Defining Inclusion
May 22-25, 2013, Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, Vancouver, BC
The 2013 BCACL Conference Planning Committee is seeking submissions of visual artwork and photography from self advocate artists and artists with developmental disabilities. The theme of this year's conference is "WE are Community: Defining Inclusion". Together, united, we are able to build and grow as a movement. The artwork will be used on the cover of the 2013 Conference Program and on other promotional materials. The art must be created by a self advocate or a person with a developmental disability who is willing to give us permission to use the image of their artwork in these materials.
To submit a piece of art, send an email here that includes the artist's name and contact information and a scanned image or photo of the art here by January 11, 2013.
You could also mail a photo with the artist's name and contact information to Charlotte Kates c/o BCACL, 227 6th Street New Westminster, BC V3L 3A5. - Planning for the Future Part 1. Today I'm bringing to you the first in a series of posts about estate planning and long term savings for your special needs child.
We all worry about our kids and wonder what will happen to them as adults. CLBC is a complete mess at the moment and offers very little to a disabled child transitioning to adulthood. There exists a bare bones disability benefit known as the "Persons with Disabilities" or PWD benefit, but at about $900 per month this doesn't make for an existence with any luxuries. Click here to read more and see parts 2 and 3
- Click here for the current DELTA ASSIST EVENTS!
- FROM BACI: HandyCard news: HandyCARDS expiring on December 31st 2012 will not be renewed. When the COMPASS CARD is introduced in 2013 a new access card will be required for people with disabilities. Everyone should continue to use their expired HandyCARDS until Compass Cards are introduced. For more information please contact:
Linda McGowan, Consumer Advocacy Manager, MVT Canadian Bus Inc.
Email here or call 778.772.4432
- BCACL; "Values, Vision and Action" retreat for families in January, 2013 Do you dream of a good life for your family member with an intellectual disability? Do you struggle to achieve this dream? You are not alone. Many families are searching for ways to make their dreams a reality. Join us for a weekend of connecting, learning and sharing with others. Join BCACL, with the Canadian Association for Community Living, for a three-day retreat in Loon Lake. Email Jeremy Vis at BCACL for an application form: Here
- 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games to be held in Langley! We are pleased to announce that the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games will be held in the Township of Langley from July 11 to 14, 2013, with the support of the Township and the Langley School District. The Games will feature more than 1,100 Special Olympics athletes from the eight SOBC regions and the Yukon competing in 11 summer sports: 5- and 10-pin bowling, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer and softball. Athletes will show their love of sport and their inspiring sportsmanship as they compete for the opportunity to advance to the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, which will be held in Vancouver. Click here to read more
- Langley Parent Support! The FiT Network Society A Social Educational Network created to get Families in Touch. Monthly FiT meets, seasonal family fun events and casual coffee nights provide opportunities for families who have children with special needs to "Get FiT*" - *Families in Touch. Click here for their website and current events
- DCLS and DFAN present: In Transition: Delta Parents of Youth with Developmental Disabilities
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- Do you have a child with a developmental disability in Grade 10 or above?
- Do you wonder what will happen when High School is over?
Come and meet other parents, share ideas and experiences and
Begin to plan for your son's or daughter's future.
We meet Saturday morning, 9.30 - 12.30, most months either in Ladner or North Delta:
North Delta location: Delta Community Living Society, Scott Road Connections, #105-7953 Scott Rd.(behind the Greek Village Restaurant), North Delta, BC, V4C 6P6
Ladner location: Delta Community Living Society, #1 -3800-72nd Street, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2
- To find out more information about these events, please contact Si Stainton, Delta Community Living Society, Family Services Liaison, Email here , 604-952-6490 or visit our website Here
- Barry McDonald's BOYSMARTS Current Newsletter -December
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Writing, like any creative process, is not entirely linear, and does not work the same for every writer
How can teachers help reluctant writers appreciate the challenge of the entire process of writing-from discovering their subject to writing a draft-and revising, fine tuning that draft to make it more clear and interesting for a reader?
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Submissions or Questions?
To submit for our newsletter or have a question for Pam to research please contact her at
Parent Network
or 604-946-6622 ext 359.
You can sign up at the Reach Child and Youth Development Society website to receive this newsletter directly.
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Reach | danl@reachdevelopment.org | delta, BC |
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