ACT Autism Community Training's noteworthy events and articles related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Disclaimer: ACT posts news reports and other sources on this website for the information of our readers only. ACT neither endorses nor condemns this material. We urge readers to consider this information with a critical eye and to form their own opinions about its validity or applicability to their situation.
February 2012
February 2012 News Roundup
- ACT's 2012 Events, Videos and Information Services
- Grant from Autism Speaks Supports ACT Volunteer Training Project
- Diagnosis of ASD in B.C. and the DSM-5
- BC-ABA Conference at UBC March 2 & 3, 2012
- Conference: On the Job
- J.A. Tan Artwork to be on United Nations Stamp
- Books: Have You Read 'The Panic Virus'?
- Coco Café in Nanaimo
- ACT's Autism Manual for BC – a new chapter on "Contracting with Professionals on the RASP"
- ACT's New Diagnosis Parent Package – newly designed and available online!
- ACT Personnel Update
January 2012
B.C Artist J.A. Tan wins U.N. Competition with “Victory”
he United Nations, in its search for inspiring artists with autism from around the world, has chosen a work by J.A. Tan, a member of the B.C. Autism Community and winner of ACT’s 2011 art competition. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, J.A. Tan’s work is will be featured in a series of stamps that the U.N. Postal Administration (UNPA) will issue on 2 April 2012, in recognition of World Autism Day. The stamps, and the artists who designed them, will together raise awareness about this important global cause. Visit ACT’s office to see two of J.A.’s work.
| More Details >
December 2011
‘A Story About My Life Having Mild Autism’ by Sean Cloarec - Cranbrook
Sean Cloarec is an energetic young man with ASD who has sent ACT a thoughtful essay he has written about his experiences growing up in Cranbrook. If you have any responses for Sean, please send them to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and we will forward them to him.
Read his story here
November 2011
New Online BI Training
Douglas College, with the support of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, has a new online opportunity for people who are working as a behaviour interventionist in rural and remote areas of BC.
Beginning in January 2012, Douglas College will be offering a 14-week online training package that will expand BI knowledge and upgrade skills. The cost of registration is less than $100 – thanks to a subsidy from MCFD.
Please see www.douglas.bc.ca/programs/behavioural-intervention/online-outreach.html for more information regarding the training and how to apply. Applications accepted through December 2011.
| More details > (.pdf)
September 2011
Thanks to Cheryl and Leslie
On August 12th, Cheryl Letkeman and Leslie Sofarelli returned from their momentous Adventure to Alaska. Their 45 day trip took them from Maple Ridge north through BC, into the Yukon and up to Alaska’s Arctic Circle to help collect donations for ACT-Autism Community Training. Their amazing efforts have helped to raise over $3,000 and bring awareness of our organization to remote communities in Northern BC. We extend our deepest gratitude to Cheryl and Leslie for all of their hard work.
ACT-Autism Community Training followed Cheryl and Leslie's Adventure to Alaska on our Facebook page and has posted their Blog for people to view their fantastic photos and stories. If you have not yet checked out their adventure visit http://advgrrls.com/.
Mentor Program for UBC Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
UBC’s Access & Diversity Centre is seeking applicants for our Mentor Program for UBC Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than Monday Sept. 19th. Interviews taking place Sept 20-23.
Click here for more information
June 2011
Cheryl and Leslie's Alaska Adventure – ACT for Autism Awareness
ACT invites all those who want to give Cheryl and Leslie a warm send off on their journey to Alaska to join us in Langley at 9:00 am on Wednesday, June 29th at Western Power Sports. We have made special t-shirts for the event and have ten free for the first supporters to arrive! For more information on these two intrepid bikers who are traveling to Alaska and the Yukon to raise awareness of autism and raising funds for ACT's work, see Alaska Adventure.
ACT's New Family Resource Centre is Open
A visit to our Family Resource Centre provides an excellent opportunity to find out more about what ACT has to offer. Everyone is welcome to come by for a visit and peruse our library of print and online resources; there are toys and activities for children. Our Information Officers are on hand to help with information and questions Tuesday-Thursday, from 12:00-4:00 pm. If families are unable to drop in during these hours, they are welcome to book an appointment at a time that is convenient for them.
As we are opening so close to summer, we've decided to have our Open House on September 22, 2011 from 3:00-5:00 pm. Everyone is welcome and we will send out a reminder to families closer to this date.
Budding Picasso Art Contest Winners Announced
ACT is pleased to announce the winners of the Budding Picasso Art Contest. First place goes to Mr. Jose Antonio Tan for his submission entitled ‘Coming into Fall’. Ms. Pamela Williamson is second with her work entitled ‘Puffins’ and third place goes to Ms. Johanna Link for her piece entitled ‘Believe and Acquire’. There were four outstanding works from the following artists: Ms. Sibel Tezok, Ms. Jenny Aldridge, Ms. Amanda Don Stewart and Mr. Ty Sales. In total, 25 submissions were received by 21 artists ranging in age from nine to 29 and from across the province including entries from Vancouver Island and Northwest British Columbia. It was a difficult selection process and because we appreciated all of the submissions and plan to adorn our walls with many of these works, all of the artists who submitted their work will receive an award for their great effort.
All of our artists will be invited to attend a Recognition Ceremony to be held during our Family Resource Centre Open House on September 22, 2011 from 3:00-5:00pm.
To view the entire gallery of finalist artwork, please visit the Picasso Contest Gallery.
2011 2nd Annual International Naturally Autistic People Awards & Convention
This is another great opportunity to celebrate the abilities of individuals with autism. The Awards and Convention will be held September 23-25, 2011 on the North Shore of the Lower Mainland. For details, see actcommunity.net/autism-education/non-act-events.html#ANCA.
ACT is Hiring an Information Assistant
ACT has a one year contract Information Assistant position available to replace a staff member who will be on leave. The position is 28-35 hours weekly and is available from July 2011 to August 2012. For more information, please see Job Description.
Upcoming Live Events
ACT has finalized our calendar for the Fall (and into the Spring 2012). For the fall highlights download the Live Events Update at www.actcommunity.net/images/stories/PDF/2011/LiveEventUpdate.pdf. Two special events to end this summer, which will not be repeated:
Autism and The SCERTS® Model: Next Generation Practices for Children & Their Families – Vancouver
Featuring Barry Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Director, Childhood Communication Services, Brown University
1-Day Intro: August 24 or
2-Day Advanced: August 25 & 26th or
3-Day Institute: August 24 -26, 2011
For details of the event, including the registration form, see www.actcommunity.net/education/events/SCERTS-Aug-2011.html. Bursaries are available. See Bursaries for more information.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood - A Symposium on Building a British Columbia Where Adults with ASD Can Thrive – Victoria
September 9, 2011
There is currently a large number of teens with ASD who are either transitioning to adulthood or are on the verge of beginning the process. However, as a society we are ill-prepared to support them to reach their considerable potential. On September 9th, ACT will host a symposium where we can consider what changes need to be effected in B.C. to meet this challenge. The feature speaker will be Dr. Anthony Bailey, Chair of Child Psychiatry at UBC, a leading international researcher in autism. The panellists are a cross section of many of the leading clinicians and parent-professionals in B.C. All parents and professionals are welcome. For details of the event, including panellists, see www.actcommunity.net/education/events/asd-across-lifespan.html.
ACT Survey: Building Community and Training
We are currently developing the ACT Online Learning Community, which will allow you to participate in online learning, watch online videos and engage in live events and discussions, all from your computer. To prepare, we are delivering two online surveys: one to parents and family members, and another to professionals. We would appreciate you taking the time to complete the surveys (they are brief!) to tell us what your priorities are and how you are using the online environment now. We also want to hear from those who are supporting individuals with special needs without autism so please circulate this as widely as possible to your contacts.
Please take some time to complete our survey. Either: The survey for family members and individuals with ASD or other Special Needs: http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/act-family-members/ The survey for professionals who are involved with Special Needs including ASD: http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/act-professionals/
The survey results are anonymous and confidential, and you can stop and save your results halfway through if necessary. If you feel that you are both a professional and a family member and would like to fill out each from your different perspectives, we welcome the additional feedback. If you have any questions or comments about the ACT Online Learning Community, please don't hesitate to contact Amy Severson, Online Learning Community Project Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Social Workers Available!
Many families do not realize that they are entitled to support from a Child and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) Social Worker, a service offered by the Ministry of Children and Families (MCFD). These social workers are knowledgeable about a range of programs and services for children and youth with special needs and their families. You can review an overview of these programs from ACT’s Autism Manual. Keep in mind that your child is not barred from participating in these programs because he or she is receiving autism funding. For some services there are waiting lists, but we encourage you to add your name to the lists of those that could be helpful to your family.
If your child has just been diagnosed with ASD, your social worker can also assist you with completing the funding agreement and will link you with community-based supports and services specific to your child’s and family’s needs. Contact your local MCFD office to book an appointment with a CYSN Social Worker. If can’t find your local office easily at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/regions/regional_offices.htm, give ACT a call and one of our Information Officers will be happy to help. (ACT Information Officers can also help you with finding treatment professionals from the Registry of Autism Service Providers and can coach you on what to look for in hiring someone that meets your family’s needs.)
Summer Camps
ACT is currently collecting and updating our information for 2011 Summer Camp Programs. If you have a Summer Program that welcomes children with autism and related disorders, please submit your information using our online summer camps form. If you have questions about summer camps please contact: Anjela Godber, Information and Community Outreach Officer at at 604-205-5467, toll-free at 1-866-939-5188 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
April 2011
ACT on Facebook
Earlier this month followers of ACT's Face Book page received information on free apps relevant for children with autism, organized by Dr. Brenda Fossett who presented a terrific workshop on April 1st for ACT, focusing on the use of the Ipad. We also keep ACT's friends up-to-date with fun community activities from across the province – we welcome your suggestions – email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or check out these Facebook resources.
Kudos to the Lochside Elementary School Community in the Saanich School District
From April 11 – 15th, Lochside Elementary School held an autism awareness event which they combined with a fundraiser for ACT and raised a stunning amount – over $6,600. ACT has decided to use these funds to sponsor an ACT workshop in Sidney focusing on a topic relevant to students with ASD at elementary school. We are hoping that the students of Lochside Elementary will agree to be co-sponsors!
ACT's Open House on April 15
This was an important milestone for ACT as we officially opened our new office with a gathering of many of the volunteers and community partners who are so vital to our ability to maximize our service to the autism community province-wide. Many parents, researchers and clinicians attended, as well as the Minister of Children and Family Development, the Honourable Mary McNeil and the Minister of Social Development, the Honourable Harry Bloy. While about 25% larger than our old offices, we were hard pressed to accommodate all the well wishers! Click here for the full story and photos.
The Budding Picasso Contest
ACT is pleased to announce the winners of the Budding Picasso Art Contest. See above for more details.
March 2011
A Site for the Pacific Autism Family Centre
ACT is pleased to share the news that the Pacific Autism Family Centre has a site. Several years of work involving many in the British Columbia autism community came to fruition with the announcement on February 28th that a new provincial autism centre will be built on the grounds of the Children’s Foundation, adjacent to Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children.
Click here for more information.
February 2011
Technology Support Available to Adults with ASD
Do you think a new computer, iPad or other device could help someone you know with ASD get a job? Now BC Personal Supports Network has a program available to individuals with disabilities, called the 'Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative' (EATI), where they will provide technology to aid individuals with disabilities that limit their employability.
The requirements for application are:
- A person with a disability who has an employment-related goal and is not in school
- 18 years of age or older
- A BC Resident
- Unemployed OR employed with low skills (for example, low English literacy, incomplete high school) and looking to upgrade
- Ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI)
- Have not received an EI benefit in the past 3 years
- Have not received an EI maternity or parental benefit in the past 5 years
- Able to demonstrate a need for assistive technology
- Unable to access funding through other programs
For more information on how to apply visit www.bcits.org/bcpsn/home.htm or call BC Personal Supports Network toll-free at 1-877-333-7554.
ACT has Moved
We have moved into new offices in the same building - we are now at Suite #150, 2250 Boundary Road in Burnaby. Our larger office, with three meeting spaces, allow us to better meet the needs of families. Our office hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Celebrate Autism Awareness Month in April
Promote Awareness Events in Your Community with ACT
Are you planning an event to mark April Autism Awareness Month? At ACT we are developing a listing of events across BC. Whether you are setting up an awareness table at your local shopping centre, planning an art show or a presentation, we would like to help you share your community's activities. Just fill in this submission form online - www.actcommunity.net/april-autism-awareness-bc-event-submission-form.html
The complete listing will be available here www.actcommunity.net/april-autism-awareness-2011-events-around-bc.html.
