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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

February 23, 2015  

 

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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Quick Links - click twice

 

Reach News 

Help a Parent/Parent Support?  

 Autism

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome  

Education  

FASD

Medical and Mental Health 

Sensory   

Transitions

Ministry Information

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

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Reach
Reach News
  • Reach for the Stars Black and White Gala! Join us at the 3rd annual benefit for the Reach Child and Youth Development Society "Building for Children Together" capital campaign.Help build a new centre in Ladner for children and youth with special needs. MC Steve Darling Global Television PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE here, by Phone 604-946-6622 EXT. 0, or in person at Reach Child and Youth Development Society #3 3800 72nd Street Delta, B.C. V4K 3N2
     
  • Reach Developmental Preschool offers all children a stimulating, emergent program to develop their physical, social, emotional, language, and cognitive skills to their full potential. Preschool registration for fall 2015 will be held on Saturday, February 21 , 2015 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Reach Preschool South Delta (Ladner), and from 1pm to 4 pm at Reach Preschool North Delta. Spaces available on a first come, first served basis. After this date, registration will be on going. For more information call 604-946-6622 ext 308 or email susieg@reachchild.org or visit our website here
  • Reach Child and Youth Development Society is looking for a short-term volunteer to help our Occupational Therapists run two eating groups for children this spring.
    Volunteer duties:
    Photocopying educational materials and setting up binders/duotangs for parents
    Buying groceries
    Prepping food
    Helping set up and clean up
    Time requirements:
    A few hours to photocopy and set up educational materials in South Delta, one day in March
    Every Tuesday from March 24 to April 28, 12.30pm to 2.30pm in North Delta.
    Every Thursday from April 16 to May 21, 12.30pm to 2.30pm in South Delta.
    If you or anyone you know is interested to help with this, please contact email here or call Robyn at 604-946-6622 ext 328
      
  • Delta Connex Parent Peer Group. The parent group is an opportunity for parents with children who have ADHD, FASD or other complex behaviours to come together.  At the group you can learn and reflect on your life as a parent of children that may behave in ways that are unexpected and a challenge to understand.  You will gain insight in building  positive relationships, celebrating your children and focus on your emotional well being.  We provide a welcoming and safe environment to share experiences, knowledge and offer support to each other.  This group is led by a trained facilitator.
    • We meet the last Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30am at Reach Child and Youth Development Society, #3-3800 72nd Street, Ladner BC 
    • For more information please contact Robyn Lane, Key Worker/Behaviour Consultant 604-946-6622 extension 328 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
Help a Parent/Parent Support
 
  • Supporting Your Anxious Child.  A free monthly drop-in support group for parents of children (ages 3 to 12) who are worried and anxious most fo the time.  Come and learn ways to help your child build a bridge over their fears and develop courage. Monthly topics:
      • February 23 - Brain on Overload
      •  March 30 - Accessing the Calming System
      • April 27 - Creating a Coping Plan
      • May 25 - Your Family and Stress
      • September 28 - Building Courage
      • October 26 - When and When not to Reassure
      • Novmber 23 - How to Allow Worrying
        • Place: #206 - 4840 Delta St. Ladner BC
        • Time: 6:30 - 8pm the last Monday of the month
        • To attend:  Please contact Yvonne of Yvonne McKenna Family Counselling at (778) 554-8050 or email here 
  • Langley Parent Support! Families In Touch! 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*" Click here for their website 

 

 

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Autism

Autism

  • This Brief Glimpse Into Severe Autism Will Break Your Heart - And Give You Hope!

    Speaking is something that many of us can take for granted. However, for some people on the spectrum, learning to speak can be a challenge - sometimes a lifelong one. And for those on the severe end of the spectrum, they may remain nonverbal their whole lives.

    Isabella is a beautiful little girl with severe autism. In the following video, she works with her mother and her caretaker to say, "mmm."Click here to see the video

  • Doctor creates app for kids with autism. A local doctor is tackling a tough problem for kids on the autism spectrum with a new app.  Dr. Michele Dunn is the director of the Montefiore Einstein Center for Autism and Communication Disorders. In her work, she says she noticed a true need to help kids with autism socialize with others and make friends.Through a grant from the Noble Foundation, Dunn created an app that helps kids understand and learn different aspects of social situations. Click here to read more
     
  • Cineplex Entertainment in partnership with Autism Speaks Canada is delighted to present Sensory Friendly Screenings. This program provides a sensory friendly environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families to view new release films in theatres across the country.These screenings are presented in a lights up, sound down environment. These screenings will take place approximately every 4-6 weeks on Saturday mornings at 10:30AM. Ticket price is the child admission price for any guests attending these screenings.Click here to learn more 
      
  • Toronto mom carries sign to alert strangers about son's autism "My son is 5 years old and has autism," says the laminated message in large black letters. Please be patient with us. Thank you." Farida Peters wears a sign on her backpack alerting TTC passengers that her 5-year-old son Deckard has autism. It helps them understand and reduces her stress if he's having a hard day on their daily treks to his therapy. Click here to read more 

      
  • What happened to Carly Fleischmann? : an exclusive interview with her fatherAt the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. click here to read more 
  • Siblings with autism may have their own form of the disorder, study reveals.
    The new study is the first wave of a massive project to sequence 10,000 whole genomes of people with autism.Cameron self-injured as a child, but Thomas never did.

    Cameron loves the Red Hot Chili Peppers and used to tap out the same tune on the piano over and over, while music doesn't seem to move Thomas. Last Friday morning in their Oakville kitchen, Cameron sat expressionless and shook pill bottles repetitively, as Thomas paced, jumped, shouted and smiled, occasionally scarfing Timbits. Cameron, 20, and Thomas, 14, are brothers. They both have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They score similarly in the severity of the disorder. Click here to read more 

     
  • Symptoms in children with autism follow diverse paths.  Within months of being diagnosed with autism, preschoolers with the disorder may already be on distinct trajectories, according to a study published 28 January in JAMA Psychiatry1.  The findings suggest that the severity of autism symptoms does not track with the ability to function in daily life.

    For example, a child whose social deficits worsen over time may at the same time show improvements in intelligence.  Click here to read more 

     

     
  • An Autistic Weighs in on Friendship.  I am a professional person who works as an autism consultant to various school districts when I am not speaking and writing. I have an autism neurology myself so I enjoy the privilege of being able to see and experience autism from a variety of viewpoints. One thing that greatly pains me is the continuing wrong assumptions professional people make about autistics and how those wrong assumptions often get interpreted as fact. Click here to read more
     
  • Kids with autism shouldn't spend school days in survival mode.What we're hearing from some of the families we represent, whose children are particularly affected by sensory issues, is that their children spend their days overstressed, focusing all their energy on managing the noises, the bright lights, the transitions from one activity to the next.  Instead of learning, they're spending their days desperately trying to cope.

   

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ADD

ADD/ADHD 

 

  • Restless, Distracted, Fearful? How to Diagnose and Treat Anxiety. The best way to treat an anxiety disorder is to get it diagnosed early - especially when you're also dealing with ADHD. Here's what you need to know.We live in anxious times. We worry about many things from the moment the alarm goes off in the morning - from contracting Ebola to finding a job in a tight economy to hoping the car doesn't break down in six months. Anxiety becomes a diagnosable illness, though, only when its causes are not tied to the events of our lives but have a life of their own. When free-floating anxiety gets so bad that it impairs our ability to function, it needs to be formally diagnosed and treat.  click here to read more
  • ODD and ADHD: Parenting Your Defiant Child ADHD behavior issues often partner with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), making discipline a challenge. Try these strategies for managing and treating an angry, defiant child. More Than Defiant Every parent of a child with attention deficit knows what it's like to deal with behavior problems-saying no to requests or blurting words out. Children with ADHD and ODD take defiant behavior to the extreme. They have a pattern of angry, violent, and disruptive behaviors toward parents, caretakers, and other authority figures Click here to read more
     
  • START EARLY!! Get Your ADHD Child Organized In 30 Days! If you're tired of the once-a-month screaming matches over your child's messy room, try this 30-day plan to get her organized - and teach her skills that will last a lifetime.ADHD children are notoriously disorganized - which can lead to frustrated nagging, angry blowouts, and hurt feelings. Following this detailed, straightforward 30-day plan - and keeping your child involved every step of the way - will put her on the right track to getting organized, and learning how to stay that way.Click here to read more 
  • Are You Time Blind? 12 Ways to Use Every Hour Effectively Being aware of time and using it well - these are basic keys to success, whether you're a fifth grader or the vice president of sales. Anyone with ADHD knows that they are also very tough skills to master. Let these tips help. What is Time Blindness? A good sense of time is one critical executive function. It involves knowing what time it is now, how much time is left, and how quickly time is passing. Folks with ADHD tend to be "time blind," meaning they aren't aware of the ticking of time. As a result, they often struggle to use time effectively. Overcoming your natural time blindness begins with an in-depth look at how we understand time. Click here to read more
     
     

 

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 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

          

  • Meet the first model with Down syndrome to walk the runway at Fashion Week. 

    When Jamie Brewer strides down the catwalk during New York Fashion Week, she'll not only be showing off an original design by Carrie Hammer, but she will also become the first woman with Down syndrome to grace the runway. "Young girls and even young women ... [see me] and say 'hey, if she can do it so can I,'" says Brewer, an actress known for her work on "American Horror Story" and an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. "It's a true inspiration being a role model for any young women to [encourage them] in being who they are and showing who they are." Click here to read more

     
  • First and Foremost I Am: Sigga Ella's Thought Provoking Photography Series of People with Down Syndrome.  Sigga Ella is a photographer from Reykjavík, Iceland whose recent photo series looks to shed light on the ethical questions of where we are headed as a society with today's ability to choose who is born based on prenatal testing for genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. She chose twenty-one people from ages 9 months to 60 years, both male and female, to show that they are more than a 21st chromosome anomaly - they're people. Click here to see the photos! 
  • 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 

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FASD

FASD

  • Computer Games to Improve Behavioral Regulation in FASD-affected Children.  The research team has developed a treatment for children with FASD-related adaptive functioning impairments that was demonstrated in a pilot study in the United States to be effective for children with FASD in the age range of 5 - 10 years. The intervention reduces the amount of behavioral disregulation within a ten-week intervention period, and the effects have been shown to persist for at least a six-month follow-up period. This novel intervention, known as "GoFAR", is based on the use of a computer game in which the child learns through playing the game to utilize a meta-cognitive strategy that supports self-regulation. Through gameplay, the child learns strategies that can then be applied in everyday life. Click here to learn more
     
  • 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

          

  • How a Man Named Chesley Can Help Your Child Manage Anxiety.One of the most powerful techniques to manage child anxiety is something I learned from a man named Chesley. Chesley loved planes. The first time he ever saw a plane speeding down the runway and rising off the ground, he was awestruck. Chelsey was five years old and he knew right then and there he had to have a life in the air. Click here to read more
  •  The Truth About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder  OCD is difficult to understand and manage - but gaining control is possible! Here's what you need to know about obsessive compulsive disorder.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a tormenting mental illness that affects approximately 1 in 100, or 3 million, adults, and 1 in 200, or 500,000, children and adolescents. OCD people who have been also diagnosed with ADHD have their hands full managing both. Click here to read more 
  • Supporting Your Anxious Child.  A free monthly drop-in support group for parents of children (ages 3 to 12) who are worried and anxious most fo the time.  Come and learn ways to help your child build a bridge over their fears and develop courage. Monthly topics:
      • February 23 - Brain on Overload
      •  March 30 - Accessing the Calming System
      • April 27 - Creating a Coping Plan
      • May 25 - Your Family and Stress
      • September 28 - Building Courage
      • October 26 - When and When not to Reassure
      • Novmber 23 - How to Allow Worrying
        • Place: #206 - 4840 Delta St. Ladner BC
        • Time: 6:30 - 8pm the last Monday of the month
        • To attend:  Please contact Yvonne of Yvonne McKenna Family Counselling at (778) 554-8050 or email here 
  • KIDSMATTER  NEW GROUP FOR ANXIETY
    You spoke, we listened. We've heard from many of you that there is a need for a special Anxiety Group and so we've finally put that together for you. This group will start in April 2015, but registration is open NOW.
    Please contact us ASAP if you want your child to participate in this group, the spots will fill up fast!! To register your child or for more information contact us at:
    P: 604 746 4331 or email 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 their current newsletter   
 

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Technology

Transitions  

 

 

  • Transition to Adulthood - the facts you need to know! | Mar 7, 2015.  This FREE 2-hour workshop provides participants with a step-by-step introduction to some of the important things families need to be aware of if they have a teenager with a developmental disability who will be leaving high school in the next few years. We will review the systems, processes and paperwork you will need to consider and identify where to access information on-line and help in your community. Presented Si Stainton, Family Services Manager, Delta Community Living Society  Click here for more information
  • Burger 55's Chris Boehm honoured for inclusive hiring.    Chris Boehm, owner of Burger 55 Restaurant, is being acknowledged and celebrated by Community Living BC (CLBC) for embracing workplace inclusion with a WOW!clbc Award. Chris Boehm was nominated by his employee, Kevin Speijer, who has worked at Burger 55 for just under a year.  Boehm and the staff at Burger 55 have embraced inclusion and provided Kevin with the same work experience and expectations as they would any other employee. Boehm also employs two other individuals with a disability and helps builds awareness of the skills and abilities people with diverse abilities can bring to the workplace. Click here to read more
     
  • The Vancouver Parents Transition Group (VPT)bis an education and support group for parents of youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The group meets once per month and features guest speakers who provide information and support to families. Click here to learn more!
    • Our 2015 flyer is ready with dates and topics of our upcoming meetings. If you would like a copy, please email here For 2015, we have a new Eastside location, as we have outgrown the space at Britannia Community Centre. Developmental Disabilities Assn has kindly offered to let us use the facility at their Kaslo hub for our March and May meetings. Next meeting is on Saturday January 31st, 2015 at the Vancouver Resource Society (VRS), which will remain our Westside location. See you all then!
      Yuko and Liz
       

 

 

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Ministry

Ministry Information  

 


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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 

  • The Perfect Storm: Exploring ADHD, Behavioural Issues, Colic, Autism, Immune Dysfunction, Anxiety, and more National Wellness Foundation
    Tuesday, 24 February 2015 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PST)
     
  • "Self Harm Presentation and an open, honest  discussion "presented by Kim Leifso, M.Ed., C.C.C. Suicide Prevention Therapist, Options Community Services Finding out your child is engaging in self harm can be scary and confusing, and can trigger a variety of personal and family reactions. What is self harm? Why is my child doing it? Why does my child tell me it makes him/her feel better? How can I help? Bring these, and all other questions, for an open, honest discussion about self harm.Date: Wednesday February 25, 2015 - Time: 6: - 8:00pm Seating is limited, please rsvp by email here or phone 604.878.3400
     
  • Transition to Adulthood - the facts you need to know! | Mar 7, 2015.  This FREE 2-hour workshop provides participants with a step-by-step introduction to some of the important things families need to be aware of if they have a teenager with a developmental disability who will be leaving high school in the next few years. We will review the systems, processes and paperwork you will need to consider and identify where to access information on-line and help in your community. Presented Si Stainton, Family Services Manager, Delta Community Living Society  Click here for more information 
     
  • On-line presentation from the Neufeld Institute: 
    • Bedtime Challenges with Tamara Strijack
      Tuesday, March 24th, 2015
      10 am to 12 pm Pacific
      Making Space for Tantrums and Tears with Eva de Gosztonyi
      Thursday, April 23rd, 2015
      5 to 7 pm Pacific
      Bridging the Separation Complex with Genevičve Brabant
      Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
      4 to 6 pm Pacific

  • Kelty Centre's Pinwheel Series: The pinwheel series are a group of free, all inclusive monthly education events open to anyone in BC. The aim is to provide learning opportunities for the public on key mental health and healthy living topics, and host a forum where people can engage in dialogue with experts and persons with lived experience.

    All Pinwheel events take place on Thursdays from  12-1pm (PST). You can join us:

    • In person: Room P3-306, Mental Health Building #85, BC Children's Hospital, 4555 Heather St., Vancouver, BC
    • Telephone: Dial 1-877-291-3022 and enter the access code 4611577#
    • Telehealth: Contact your local Telehealth coordinator to book a videoconference room and get them to forward your location name, room number and the ISDN/IP Address/Alias of your site to here . For questions, please contact Aazadeh Madani, Project Coordinator here 
    • Mar 26 2015 - 12:00pm Self Harm & Healthy Coping Tools 
      Apr 16 2015 - 12:00pm Dialectical Behaviour Therapy 
  • Marc Landry! Hey, My Brain Doesn't Work That Way!  Exploring Brain Differences and Sensory Processing, Promoting Self Regulation, and Supporting Stress Management.

    Feb 24 & March 3    6:30 pm to 9:30 pm 

    18679 0 Avenue in South Surrey   

    Full workshop (in 2 parts) on the Sensory Side of Life and Autism/Sensory Processing. Click here to see the flyer!
     
  • PARENT INFORMATION & NETWORKING SESSION "Self Harm - Presentation and an open, honest discussion. 15455 Vine Avenue, White Rock, BC (FREE Parking underneath building)Finding out your child is engaging in self harm can be scary and confusing, and can trigger a variety of personal and family reactions. What is self harm? Why is my child doing it? Why does my child tell me it makes him/her feel better? How can I help?
    Bring these, and all other questions, for an open, honest discussion about self harm.
    February 25 , 2015, Click here for more information
     
  • A Discussion on Human Rights, Discrimination, and Mental Disorders.  

    February 25, 2015 | Vancouver Convention Centre

    Facilitator: Lori Charvat, Consultant Presenters: Julie Menten; Roper Greyell LLP; Jonathan Chapnick, Legal Counsel, Hospital Employees' Union; and Eric Diotte, Human Rights Commission of Canada. Join our speakers as they debate questions such as: How can we ensure a safe and supportive environment for employees who are struggling with mental illness and addictions? What do employers need to understand about mental illness, addictions and human rights? What lessons can we learn from looking at human rights decisions as they relate to mental illness and addictions? Following an engaging discussion about what is happening in today's legal landscape, they will present new ideas and creative solutions to some of today's workplaces biggest challenges related to mental illness and addictions. Delegates will have an opportunity to work through case studies, ask tough questions, consider the bigger picture and collect new tools to use in their workplace.Click here for more information 

     
  • Autism Awareness Centre Presents the February 2015 Conference! Friday, 
    • February 27 Joyce Cooper-Kahn
      Late, Lost and Unprepared:  How to Help Youth Build Better Executive Functioning
      Executive functioning is an umbrella term for the mental processes that serve a supervisory role in thinking and behavior.  Individuals with autism spectrum disorders, attention disorders and learning disabilities all have weak executive skills.   For example, they may be disorganized and have trouble with planning, have weak ability to monitor their own behavior and performance, and struggle with situations where they must shift flexibly from one thought or behavior to another.  We can help these young people by creating plans that include both short-term supports for daily success and long term strategies that facilitate the development of executive skills and build greater independence over time. 
    • Saturday, February 28 Elizabeth Sautter
      Make Social Learning Stick: Practical Tools to Build Social Regulation
      Social Regulation (Kuypers and Sautter, 2011) is the ability to adjust one's level of alertness and modify how emotions and behaviors are revealed in order to meet social goals.  Our world is filled with complicated social situations that can be sticky to navigate-both emotionally and socially.  It's important to realize that within these situations, regulating emotions/behaviors and managing social communication go hand in hand. Understanding this connection helps to broaden the lens, look at the whole child, and focus on working as a team to paste together the practical applications that work for each child.
    • Click here for more information and to register!
       
  • 6th International Conference on FASD Research: Results and Relevance 2015
    Integrating Research, Policy, and Promising Practice Around the World
    March 4-7, 2015 | The Westin Bayshore | Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • 2015 General & Special Education Conference March 4, 5, & 6, 2015
    Seattle, WA Location: Grand Hyatt Conference & Hotel-

    Proven Interventions to Increase Student Achievement Pre-K through 12th Grade

    A Professional Continuing Education Event. Click here for more information

  • Stand Together 2015 March 26-27.  MULTI-FACETED TRAINING FOR THE CAREGIVER PROFESSIONALExecutive Plaza Hotel Conference Centre 405 North Road, Coquitlam. Beyond Consequences: Trauma Informed Care Thurs. March 26, 9:30-4:00pm
    If you've tried using logic, consequences, behavior modification, yelling and isolation with your children, all to find out that none of it worked,or even made things worse, you know what it is like to find yourself beyond your window of tolerance. This parenting training can change all of that. Move you from a place of hopelessness to a place full of hope and love.
    HEATHER FORBES, LCSW Heather is the owner of the Beyond Consequences Institute. She is an internationally published author on the topics of raising children
    with difficult and severe behaviors, understanding the parent's reactivity when challenged in the home, and working with challenging children in the classroom. Much of her experience and insight on understanding trauma, disruptive behaviors, developmental delays, and
    adoption-related issues comes from her direct mothering experience of her two internationally adopted children.
    Navigating Transitions with Teens Fri. March 27, 9:30-12:00pm
    The teen years can be a challenge for parents - but even moreso without the foundations of an established, long-term relationship.Traditional parenting techniques can often backfire and disrupt the parent/child relationship with our teens, while their behaviours invite us
    to employ strict consequences. Where's the happy medium? Review what works with our teens, and explore research-based insights into high-risk teen behaviour. Learn how to best support and parent our teens during these challenging years.
    CHRIS BURT, MAChris holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. He is a parenting and family development specialist with over 20 years experiences supporting children, youth, and families. Chris is a trained family counsellor who provides therapeutic and educational services to families,and training and clinical support services to other professionals, organizations, and government agencies.Click here for more information
     
  • 7th Annual Vancouver Neufeld Conference 2015!  Saturday May 2, 2015 8:30 - 4:30
    • Registration opens March 3, 2015
  • The Explosive Child: Noncompliant, Disruptive, Disenfranchised Kids - Moving from Modifying Behaviour to Solving Problems Collaboratively - Presented by Ross Greene, Ph.D. Educators, parents, and mental healthy clinicians are increasingly challenged to understand and help kids with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. These kids are at tremendous risk for adverse long-term outcomes, and their behaviour can significantly impact life at home and in the classroom. While these kids maybe diagnosed with any of a variety of psychiatric disorders - such as ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, Tourette's disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and autism spectrum disorders - compelling research indicates that lagging cognitive skills are the primary contributor to their difficulties. These lagging skills make it difficult for these kids to meet academic and behavioural expectations. Dr. Ross Greene's model - as described in his influential books The Explosive Child and Lost at School, and now called Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) - helps adults and kids collaboratively solve the problems precipitating challenging behaviour, while simultaneously teaching lagging skills. The empirically supported CPS model represents a dramatic departure from conventional wisdom and practice, and has been found to be effective in a vast array of setting, including families (where it has been shown to significantly reduce family conflict and improve parent-child interactions), general and special education schools (where it dramatically reduced discipline referrals, detentions, and suspensions), and inpatient, residential, and juvenile detention facilities (where it has produced significant reductions in recidivism and in the use of restraint and locked-door seclusion). Participants in this workshop will leave with an understanding of the underpinnings of the model, along with practical assessment and intervention tools that can be brought back to and used in these diverse settings.

    Thursday, May 21, 2015

    9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Coast Hotel & Convention Centre Langley City

    20393 Fraser Highway Langley, BC

    Click here for more information 
  • ACT 's 11th Annual Focus on Research ESSENCE
    What research is telling us about the need for inter-disciplinary collaboration to meet the needs of children with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions

    Professor Christopher Gillberg,

    an internationally recognized researcher, has identified a major frustration of clinicians and families. Despite our attempts to draw firm diagnostic boundaries, many disorders (including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, tic disorder, developmental coordination disorder) share symptoms - indeed this is the rule rather than the exception in child psychiatry and developmental medicine. 

    The acronym ESSENCE, coined by Dr. Gillberg, Early Symptomatic Syndromes Eliciting Neurodevelopmental Clinical Examinations, refers to the reality of how children (and their parents) present in clinical settings. He draws on international research to make a compelling case that child symptoms, in at least one ESSENCE domain before age five, often signals major problems in the same or overlapping domains years later. Over focus on ASD in young children could be a big mistake, especially as it may not be the major risk factor for issues including academic failure and adult/ adolescent/adult social exclusion. 

    Friday, March 27th, 2015

    SFU Harbour Centre Vancouver, BC Click here for more information
     
  • Trust-Based Parenting: April 28-29, 2015. The Roundtable is excited to be hosting Daren Jones and Henry Milton from Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross' Trust-Based Relational Intervention training on April 28th and 29th, 2015 at Douglas College in New Westminster!

    Children who have been harmed, neglected or abused are at dramatically increased risk for behavioural problems. All too often caregivers and support providers are mystified by these behaviours and struggle to find effective interventions. This seminar will empower participants to create healing environments for these precious children and youth who have come from the "hard places," including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), adoption, and fostering. In this workshop on Trust-Based Parenting, participants will learn specific skills and strategies for disarming the fear and sadness that is beneath most disruptive behaviours in children. Based in a deep understanding of attachment, sensory integration, brain development and brain chemistry, Trust-Based Parenting provides caregivers and service providers with powerful insights for understanding misbehaviour and for appropriately guiding healthy, new behaviours. These principles are effective in bringing about healing for children in varied environments, such as homes, schools, day care settings, and residential treatment facilities. Participants will find powerful insights for creating a healing environment for children of any age and any level of risk.Click here for more information 

     

     
  •  Inclusion BC 2015 Conference  Registration now open.  Early bird deadline is March 31, 2015. Registration is now open for Inclusion BC's annual conference and AGM. Register now to secure your spot! Click here for all the new updates!! 
    Where: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
    When: May 27 - 30, 2015
  • SMILE - Structured Methods in Language Education. A Multisensory Language Learning Program.  SMILE is a multi-sensory approach to teaching speech, reading, and writing skills to learners with a range of special needs as part of a total educational management system. It addresses the needs of students who have difficulty with phonemic awareness and have failed to learn to speak or read through "natural or more conventional/traditional approaches." This two-day workshop includes simulation exercises and video examples of real-time teacher implementation sessions with students.

    Wednesday & Thursday, July 29 & 30, 2015 Enid Wolf-Schein, Ed.D., CCC-SLP Rhonda Bachmann, M.S. Ed. Click here for more information 

  • 2015 ANCA® World Autism Festival™OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to unforeseen circumstances the AWAF 6th annual event has been moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada October 1-6 during the first week of Canada's National Autism Awareness Month in partnership with 2013 INSP Awards recipient Erdal Ates of Otisium, Turkey and special guest Irem Bekter, international performance artist and director/producer of "Productions Diabluras". The 7th annual event to be held in Istanbul, Turkey October 1-6, 2016Click here for more information 

  • Good to Great: Enhancing Quality of Life for People with Down Syndrome. Join families, educators, clinicians, service providers, and researchers in beautiful Vancouver British Columbia Oct. 23-24 as we come together to learn, share and inspire. We have an outstanding lineup of speakers, including international experts and experienced practitioners in the field of Down syndrome. Behavior problems impact 30% of children with Down syndrome. Left untreated, these same children often exhibit behavior problems as adults, limiting work and independent living opportunities. Many typical behavioral management tools are less effective for children with DS. In order to address behavior problems in DS effectively, one must understand the brain-based reasons for these challenges and direct treatment appropriately. This workshop will present the basic neuroscience of Down syndrome and how this informs effective behavior management, with practical strategies provided for use in the home and school settings. Click here for more information
     

     


     


     

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  • Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society offers spring break Integrated Play Groups camps to children ages 6-11 on the autism spectrum (Novice Players) and their typically developing peers and siblings (Expert Players). Expert Player Attend Camp Free! Click here for more information
     
  • YOGA FOR THE SPECIAL CHILD® BASIC ONE PROGRAM
    • Abbotsford, B.C.March 14 - 20, 2015
      Taught by Sherry LeBlanc Hons. BSC. E-RYT 500, RCYT Certified Program Teacher for YSC(R).  Yoga for the Special Child® (YSC) is a therapeutic program of Yoga techniques designed by Sonia Sumar to enhance the natural development of children with special needs. The Basic One Program is a comprehensive training course in the theory & practice of yoga therapy for babies and children with learning and/or developmental disabilities from 0 - 12 years old.  It offers a unique learning environment for children and their parents, special education teachers, yoga teachers, massage therapists and adaptive physical education teachers.  YSC® Programs are also appropriate for the continuing education of health-care specialists in a variety of fields including Physiotherapy, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Paediatric and Rehabilitation Nursing.The Basic Program is a 7 day course that begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 and ends at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20.  The daily schedule includes classes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a one hour lunch break.Contact: Sherry LeBlanc to register and for more information. email here 416-532-5988, website here

  • Challenger Baseball; An opportunity for children with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the thrill of playing baseball, being part of a team, developing physical and social skill plus all the benefits of participation in baseball at a level structured to their abilities. Games are played in a fun, safe environment where no score is kept. Our philosophy is very simple: 'Play, just for fun!!' The 2015 Challenger season is tentatively scheduled to run April - June. Cost is $20. Click here for more information 

     
  • Camp Zajac Summer Camp dates
      • Week 4: Monday, July 20th - Friday, July 24th
        Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, and Muscular Dystrophy
        COST: $687.50
        ACTUAL COST: $275 / Day - 5 Days - $1375 Total -
        50% Subsidized via Zajac Camper Allowance
      • Autism Spectrum Disorder Camp #1 Week 5:
        Sunday, July 26th - Thursday, July 30th
        ACTUAL COST: $275 / Day - 5 Days - $1375 Total
        50% Subsidized via Zajac Camper Allowance if paying
        by cheque or credit card - Amount Payable $687.50
        Full rate applies if using Autism Funding Unit
        Funding. Please refer to AFU guidelines here.  
      • Week 7:Monday, August 10th - Friday, August 14th
        Autism Spectrum Disorder Camp #2
        ACTUAL COST: $275 / Day - 5 Days - $1375 Total
        50% Subsidized via Zajac Camper Allowance if paying
        by cheque or credit card - Amount Payable $687.50
        Full rate applies if using Autism Funding Unit
        Funding. Please refer to AFU guidelines here.
      • If you have any questions or to register
        please contact 604.739.0444 or email here
         
         

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  • Click here for Your new edition of Parenting Special Needs Magazine 
    • Quote of the day;  "When you parent, it's crucial you realize you aren't raising a "mini me," but a spirit throbbing with its own signature. For this reason, it's important to separate who you are from who each of your children is. Children aren't ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor our raising of them to their needs, rather than molding them to fit our needs."~Shefali Tsabary, The Conscious Parent
       
    • Supreme Court Sees Disability as Justification for Being Killed.  Today Canada's Supreme Court equated disability with the right to be assisted in killing oneself. The Court's decision is the most permissive approach to assisted suicide in the world. Rather than require people to have a terminal illness, people with disabilities simply have to express their life is not worth living.  Click here to read more
    • The Family Support Institute has just launched our newest family support website. This site has taken us almost 3 years to have coded and developed and we are so pleased that it is finally here!  We are excited to invite community to add to the database by clicking "suggest a resource" if you find we have missed anything at all. We know this is a big job, and we have missed things. We need your help to continue to add to this fabulous resource, and let us know if there are errors or things missing. This is a community journey!  Click here to check it out 
    • The BC Council for Families is excited to announce the launch of our new professional website, and the launch of this newsletter - click here!
      Featuring a brand new look and a new logo, the website is a space for professionals and families to connect, network and engage with each other. You can create a free premium level organizational or professional membership for six months, which will allow you to schedule and manage events, sell resources, promote your work to families and much more! The clock is ticking... the six month free premium affiliation ends July 30th, 2015.
      • New Resource to Support Mothers
        Are you a community service provider who supports mothers and their young children and families?  The Growing Together Toolkit is a new resource that focuses on mothers who are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma or other challenging life circumstances. It presents strategies for helping these mothers build healthy relationships with their babies, and includes information on infant mental health promotion, education, screening, intervention and advocacy. The Growing Together Toolkit was developed as a complement to The Mothers' Mental Health Toolkit: A Resource for the Community which is available on our website. Click here to download
    • The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. If you have an RDSP, you may also be eligible for grants and bonds to help with your long-term savings.

      You should consider opening an RDSP if you have a long-term disability and are:

      • eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (disability amount);
      • under the age of 60 (if you are 59, you must apply before the end of the calendar year in which you turned 59);
      • a Canadian resident with a Social Insurance Number (SIN); and
      • looking for a long-term savings plan.

      You may contribute any amount to your RDSP each year, up to the lifetime contribution limit of $200,000. With written permission from the RDSP holder, anyone may contribute to the RDSP. Please click here for more information 

      • PLAN (Planned lifetime advocacy network)  offers a variety of workshops regarding RDSP's, wills and estates and setting up personal networks. Please click here for dates! 

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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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    Reach | danl@reachdevelopment.org | delta, BC |