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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

December 18, 2013

 

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 

Help a Parent?

 Autism

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome  

Education  

FASD

Medical and Mental Health 

 Sensory   

Technology

Ministry Information

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

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Reach
Reach News
 
  • Social Smart Group(SSG)- 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 with Autism and Special Needs will be learning and practicing the social skills through playing, chatting, snacking, outings, 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.
    • Who: Grade 2 - 4 boys and girls Time: Wednesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: Jan.8th -March 12th, 2014 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
    • Who: Grade 5 - 7 boys and girls Time: Tuesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: Jan.7th- March.11th, 2014 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
    • Registration - Monisha Jassi: TEL: 604-946-6622, ext 315 or Email here. **Most families use the autism funding to cover the cost of the program
  • FINDS - Thriftshop at REACH! Raising funds to help support Reach programs 
    Open Every Monday 9:00am - 11:30am  CASH ONLY purchases (no credit cards or debit cards) #3-3800 72nd Street, Delta, BC 604.946.6622 ext. 300
    Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
    Please bring in your clean, resalable quality items for children 12 years and under: children's clothing, shoes, bedding, books, toys, DVD's, and games including functioning electronic games. We will also accept and sell maternity wear. 
  • REACH PARENT SUPPORT GROUP  
    This group is for you if you are a parent or guardian of a child with additional needs who would like to talk with other parents about your struggles, concerns, successes and strategies. We meet to talk about certain topics and local resources, but mostly we are meeting to support each other in our journey with our children.
    Led by clinical counsellor, Yvonne McKenna, this monthly drop-in group might just be what you need.
    Where: Reach Play and Learn Centre, 11425 84th Ave, Delta
    When: The 2nd Tuesday of the month - 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Fall Schedule
    November 12 - Setting Positive Limits
    December 10 - Celebrating Achievements
    Call (604) 946-6622 Ext 347 for more information. If you come or call, Yvonne will email you monthly to remind you of the upcoming event and other resources.  
  • 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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Autism

Autism
  • Op-Ed: How to talk to a child with autism. The holiday season means most of us will be socializing with colleagues and neighbours, friends and family. Chances are good this circle of friendly acquaintances and loved ones will include a child with autism. An estimated one in 88 children are now diagnosed with the neurological disorder, with a four-times prevalence for boys. Among other challenges, those with autism often have difficulties with social communication (verbally or via a device) which can make casual conversation challenging. But that doesn't mean they should be left out. Click here to read more 

     

     
  • The Optimal Practice of Evidence-Based Medicine Incorporating Patient Preferences in Practice Guidelines Guideline panelists must recognize, with humility, the challenges they face in working often without access to informed patient preferences and acknowledge that their recommendations should rarely assume uniform patient values and contexts in favor of a particular course of action. Guideline panels, therefore, should rarely formulate strong recommendations. Panels should become much more comfortable with ambiguity, both in the tradeoffs involved and in the recommendations given, and explicitly report how patient preferences and context were considered in formulating the panels' recommendations. Clinicians need guidance and clear guidance helps and supports efficient practices. Yet, panels must be wise in recognizing when this expediency is appropriate for patient care and when it hinders patient-centered care. Clinicians should remember that taking care of patients is supposed to be difficult. Although guidelines may simplify this task, when patient preferences and context matter, guidelines must not replace clinicians' compassionate and mindful engagement of the patient in making decisions together. This is the optimal practice of evidence-based medicine. Click here to read more 
  • Journal of Communication Disorders Releases First Autism Study of the Son-Rise Program. This is the first scientific study evaluating and demonstrating the effectiveness of The Son-Rise Program treatment. The peer-reviewed study, conducted over a five-day period by Northwestern University, and Lancaster University in the UK, showed significant improvements in the social skills of children who received Son-Rise Program treatment compared to a control group who didn't receive any Son-Rise Program treatment. After 40 hours of The Son-Rise Program Intensive Training, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders -- including young children with severe Autism -- demonstrated measurable improvement in three key areas: Social/communication skills, interactive attention span and frequency of interactions, and spontaneous social communicative interaction. The study demonstrates a child's spontaneous desire to connect with others -- as opposed to therapies that focus on scripted and/or prompted behaviors. Click here to read more 
  • Autism's forgotten female population. Jackie McMillan was born with constant colic. When her teeth came in, she chewed constantly, eating her dolls, baby blanket and the vinyl piping off kitchen chairs and car seats. She had allergies to dairy, was hyper-active and rocked constantly. She had rigid routines and routine meltdowns. A well-meaning family doctor prescribed aspirin and cortisone steroid creams. Her frustrated but loving parents threw her into challenging situations to help her develop coping skills. But living in the mainstream was always terrifying for her. Click here to read more 
  • Autism Memoir Author Monica Holloway Shares Top Ways Schools Provide Autism Inclusion. LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Learning can be difficult, especially for those with disabilities, but autism memoir author Monica Holloway, of Cowboy & Wills [Simon & Schuster], overcame this adversity with her son with the help of autism-friendly schools, programs and educators. Says Holloway, "My family and I have witnessed how schools have evolved over time, offering much more teacher-specific autism education and training, presenting learning materials in ways that our kids can process information and attending to sensory needs of our kids. It is very encouraging to see inclusion for our kids continue to emerge over time."  Click here to read more 
  • Boy with Autism Lets Us Into His World Via Writing.   I received this letter - school paper - from a long time reader of AofA, and asked instantly if I could please share it with you our readers.  This young man uses the Rapid Prompting Method to communicate. And just listen to his thoughts.....   Rapid Prompting Method RPM empowers the learner a way to express his learning, understanding, reasoning and thoughts. "Sam couldn't do RPM.  He was not placing the choices in the right place.  I couldn't touch what I wanted.  He placed the choices too far away from me.  A giant desk was between us.  I had to stretch my arm and it bothered me.  It made me tired.  My arm felt like lead. Scarly also couldn't speak.  He stuttered. " Click here to read more 
  • Susan Boyle Reveals Asperger's Diagnosis.  Susan Boyle, the Scottish singer who rose to international fame after stunning audiences on the television show "Britain's Got Talent," says she's been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Boyle, 52, told The Observer newspaper in London that she was diagnosed with the form of autism a year ago by a specialist who found that she has an above-average IQ. Click here to read more  
    • Susan Boyle: my relief at discovering that I have Asperger's
      Singer reveals she was diagnosed a year ago and now feels 'relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself'.  Click here to read more 
        
  • "Lost in Public" Video Helps Parents Keep Their Children Safe. A newly-launched "Lost in Public" video, produced by the Autism Research Group, demonstrates how to use rules, role playing, and praise to teach children what to do if they get lost. click here to read more 
  • Study Finds Sensory Therapy Has Merit For Kids With Autism. A therapy that uses play to teach children with autism to tolerate sound, touch and other potentially-challenging sensory experiences can be beneficial, new research suggests.

    The occupational therapy technique known as sensory integration is used in practice, but has not been widely tested. Now a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders suggests that the approach can reap meaningful gains in significantly less time than the 40 hours per week often recommended for traditional behavior therapy.Click here to read more 

  • 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

ADD/ADHD

  •  Taming Tics in Kids with ADHD. If your child's stimulant meds give him a bad case of twitching or blinking, he may have an underlying tic disorder. Here's what to do about this common related condition. Joseph's mother called me in tears. He had come home from school upset because some of the kids teased him about his habit of blinking his eyes every couple of minutes. She did not know what to do. Joseph was taking Ritalin for his ADHD. Without it, he would occasionally run around the classroom and call out to his friend. Yet the medication, it seemed, caused him to blink his eyes. "We traded in one problem for another," Joseph's mom said. We agreed to stop the medication until we could meet and discuss things.Click here to read more  
  • ADHD Sleep Problems: Causes and Tips to Rest Better Tonight! Sleep disorders often disrupt attention deficit treatment in children and adults. Expert ADHD sleep advice for catching zzz's quicker, staying asleep better, and waking up healthier.
     For many adults and children with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), the thought of falling asleep easily, staying asleep through the night, and then waking up easily -- and refreshed -- seems but a dream.  Click here to read more  
     

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 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

       

  • 2014 Mission Possible Down Syndrome Cruise Conference
    7 nights round trip to Alaska ! On board Celebrity's Solstice Ship - the Jewel of Alaska
    Departs July 4, 2014 from Seattle, Washington.Please join us for the next Mission Possible Down Syndrome Cruise Conference.  This conference will have speakers covering Education, Biomedical and Therapies for Down Syndrome.  It is open to:
    �         Children and Adults with Down syndrome
    �         Parents
    �         Caregivers
    �         Teachers
    �         School Aids
    �         Homeschool community �         Therapists
    You will all benefit from our fantastic group of speakers.  The networking and connections made on this Cruise will be a wonderful experience for everyone who joins us. Click here for more information 
  • You are Invited to a Delta Down Syndrome Support Group meeting: OUR GOALS ARE
    � To provide guest speakers (Reach therapists, community
    professionals and other programs) to discuss common issues
    � To provide support and information to families in Delta who
    have a child with Down Syndrome
    � To help connect parents of children with Down Syndrome
    � To provide monthly meetings for parents and their children
    � 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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Education

Education

  • Self-regulation technique helps students focus in class.Teachers try new approach to improving students' behaviour. At Cindrich elementary school in Surrey, B.C., 10-year-old boys are putting themselves to bed earlier, an enthusiastic girl in Grade 6 takes herself for a run when she's feeling hyper, and a diminutive boy who is still learning English tells his teacher he will do better work if he sits on a special cushion.It is all part of self-regulation, a philosophy of education that is moving into public schools in British Columbia.  CLick here to read more

  


 

 

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FASD

FASD

 

  • 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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Sensory

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MedicalMedical and Mental Health

    

 

  • The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are pleased to announce an amazing lineup of educational events  To find out more about the dates, topics, and how you can join in, view our poster or visit our website HERE .
    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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Technology

Technology

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Ministry

Ministry Information  

 


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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 

  • Navigating Puberty and Adolescence, January 31, 2014.  This workshop is designed to give parents, caregivers, and professionals a foundation for teaching individuals with ASD and/or other special needs about sexuality. It will include information about the sexual development of children and the information they understand at various stages of their development. SFU Downtown Campus - Harbour Centre Vancouver, B.C.Presented by
    Joy Becker, RN, BSN Click here to learn more 
     
  • Children the Heart of the Matter conference brings together all those involved in the care and education of young children. Our purpose is to raise the awareness and profile of child care and early childhood development services, family resource programs and others through professional development, networking, and sharing of information and resources. Please join us February 7th and 8th, 2014 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey! Click here for more information
  • Zones of Regulation!!  Leah Kuypers Friday February 28, 2014 and Judy Endow Saturday March 1, 2014.  Autism Awareness Centre is very proud to bring these two  speakers to Richmond BC!
    • Friday February 28 - Zones of Regulation by Leah Kuypers:

      This presentation provides teachers, therapists and parents with hands-on knowledge on the nature of self-regulation and strategies for improving self-regulation and emotional control in individuals of all ages. The presentation addresses topics such as: the brain's involvement, typical development, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.

      Audience participants will learn an explicit, stair-stepped method and tools to guide individuals in utilizing The Zones framework across situations and environments to regulate sensory needs, impulses, and emotional states to social demands. Visuals and student work samples are highlighted to illustrate numerous learning activities. A variety of tools (sensory supports, calming techniques, and thinking strategies) are explored to help individuals recognize their internal emotions, sensory needs, and thinking patterns in each zone, when shifting from one zone to another, and then to self-regulate within zones. Participants explore ideas on how to teach, when, why, and how to use tools effectively. The Zones of Regulation presentation also incorporates core concepts from Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking� framework to help teach individuals about perspective taking so they better understand how being in the different zones impacts the thoughts and feelings of other people around them.

    • Saturday March 1 -Outsmarting Explosive Behavior by Judy Endow 

      This presentation, based on the book Outsmarting Explosive Behavior, a Visual System of Support and Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, describes an effective way to support individuals with explosive behaviors by using a visual system of four train cars to depict the stages of explosive behavior along with stop and go signs to show effective support strategies to use during each stage in the explosive behavior cycle. This model has been effectively used with numerous students (Early Childhood through Adulthood), continues to be a part of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Autism Training Project and has been published by AAPC Publishing as a three part kit (facilitator manual, visual system and student workbook).

      Practical Solutions to Stabilize Students With Classic Autism

      Based on Judy's publication, Practical Solutions to Stabilize Students with Classic Autism to Be Ready to Learn: Getting to Go, this presentation clearly delineates the nuts and bolts of what Judy does when she is called in to consult for a student with classic autism. Included are many practical strategies for supporting a student to be all he can be - his best version of self and most available for learning. This application of this information has been many a student's ticket onward to eventual placement in a more inclusive educational setting.

    • Click here for more information and to register  

  • Summer Institute 2014 Creating the Future- Partnerships for Inclusive Learning is a summer conference designed to provide a robust learning environment that will facilitate strategic approaches to inclusion and belonging for all students in B.C.'s elementary and secondary schools.
    Many of the support calls that FSI gets in our office and through our volunteer network are school based challenges. Many of our families want for their kids to be included, adored, have access to a good solid education, and have a network of friends who celebrate their abilities and accomplishments. We know schools are filled with educated well-meaning professionals who are looking for tools to help them deal with the complexity of classrooms and diversity. We have designed this Summer Institute to bring school based team members from all over BC together to look at ways to create inclusive schools for all kids.Registration is now open!
  • This three-day conference will take place on August 25-27, 2014  at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Participants will include administrators, teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, therapists and other members of a school based team.

    This year's chosen topics of study are Universal Design for Learing (UDL), Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS), Literacy, Transition, Inclusion in the BC Context, Parent-Professional Relationships, and Social Networks.

    Cost is $250 per person (15% discount to teams of 3 and more from the same school). Early bird $200 by April 30th, 2014. Click here for more information 

     

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SeasonalSeasonal 

 

 

  • 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
         
  • Canadian malls offer quieter, calmer visits with Santa for kids with autism.

    Malls across Canada are making special arrangements so that kids with autism can take part in a popular holiday tradition: taking a photo with Santa. While visiting Santa is a rite of passage for many Canadian kids, the location -- crowded, noisy malls -- can prove to be too overwhelming for kids with autism. But this year, nine malls across the country owned by Oxford Properties are opening their doors earlier so those children can still get some face time with Mr. Claus. Click here to read more  


  • Canucks Autism Network events:

    • The Holiday Skate in Burnaby
      Families are invited to skate while enjoying festive music and a visit from Santa. Complimentary refreshments and ice skates are provided.
      WHEN: Saturday, December 21, 2013
      WHERE: Canlan Ice Sports, Burnaby 8 Rinks, 6501 Sprott Street, Burnaby
      TIME SLOTS: 2:30pm-4:30pm and 4:30pm-6:30pm
 
  • 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  

      

      
     
      
      

 

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Other

Other                

  • QUOTE of the day:  "
  • Hello all...if you don't have a person with Down Syndrome in your life,you will wonder why you are also receiving this.
    The information that will be shared by the speakers at this conference,will share some information specific to Down Syndrome, but much of it is also talking about anyone with a developmental disability....especially autism, sensory challenges, communication challenges etc.
    The speakers will also be available for the week to answer any personal questions, delve into any challenges personally and in more detail.
    The speakers are from the Medical world and the Educational world. There will be an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, an educator specializing in a reading program that works on literacy skills for all ages of persons with a developmental disability and more.
    You can check out the speakers on the website, below,  their bios etc will continue to be posted over the next months.
    I have also been honored to be a speaker and although my workshops have not been finalized yet, am hoping to be speaking on Behaviour and Communication, on Teaching Strategies for the classroom and at home, on Sexuality, Puberty, Health and Hygiene, Inclusion, maybe Visual strategies and if needed Tolieting.
    I will also be available for you to talk one on one. This will be one of the great things about the weeks cruise, is to be able to take the time to sit and talk about things, without the interruptions of 'life."
    This is  something I spend alot of time doing, problem solving with families and professionals and trying to come up with ideas and strategies that work for all kids, no matter what their age. In the last few years, most of my consultation, interestingly , has not always been around Down Syndrome, but a multitude of other developmental disabilities and learning challenges. I learn something new each time...its wonderful, even if the pay is not great!!!
    So, please click on the website here and take a look...if you need more information do email me back or email Rosalie.
    Many families are coming, parents, grandparents, and professionals....from around the world.
    Many thanks
    Barbara Laird BEd.  click here for my website
    604 325 9990
    Please share this with any parents or professionals you think might be interested.

 

  • Is your child worried or anxious? A Free monthly drop-in support group for parents of children (ages 3 to 12) who are worried and anxious most of the time. Come and learn ways to help your child build a bridge over their fears and develop courage To attend: Please call Yvonne at (778) 554-8050 or email her here 
    • Yvonne Family Counselling ((Counselling * Play Therapy * Parent Coaching * Infant Massage * Workshops)
      Meetings are the Last Monday of the month at 6:30 - 8:00pm
      #206 - 4840 Delta St., Delta (Ladner) Click here to see Yvonne's website 
  • Parents! Do you have a son or daughter with intellectual disability, age 18-30 years?
    We need your help to learn about parents' experiences of transition to adulthood for individuals with intellectual disability. Your experiences are important to us!
    We want to learn about how parents or guardians of young adults with intellectual disabilities act together during the young adult's transition to adulthood, including job training, employment, living situations, and relationship choices.
    We are seeking pairs of individuals who are in parenting or parenting-like roles with the young adult with a developmental disability. Participants will participate in three separate interviews with researchers. Total time commitment will be 7-9 hours over approximately 9 months. Interviews will take place at a location that is private and convenient for you.
    All information you share will remain confidential. Participation in this study may help you as are planning for your family's future, and will provide valuable information that will help other families and professionals understand this important transition.
    Participants will receive an honorarium of $20 per person for each interview, plus travel cost reimbursement.
    For more information about this study, please contact Richard Young, principal investigator at 604.822.6380 or by email: here.
    Conducted by:Dr. Richard Young, Dept. of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education The University of British Columbia
    Dr. Tim Stainton and Dr. Sheila Marshall UBC School of Social Work The University of British Columbia
  • Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Surrey!
    If your child has "special needs" (any special need, diagnosed or not), you are invited to come to Surrey Kids Voice. The meetings will be held at: Surrey College Room 110, 9260 140 Street, Surrey,  Currently, childcare is not available. See you there! No need to pre-register. For more info, please contact Cheryl at 604-690-5649 or email here.  
  • 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

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SubmissionSubmissions 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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