Archived News

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ACT Autism Community Training's archive of past 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.

2011 Archived News
2010 Archived News
2009 Archived News
2008 Archived News
2007 Archived News
2006 Archived News
2005 Archived News
2004 Archived News

2011

December 2011

December 2011 News Roundup

Topics included in December newsletter:

‘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

2010

December 2010

ACT Update

2010 has been a busy year for ACT. We are in the process of strategic planning to prepare for the increasing needs of BC’s Autism Community over the next decade. To accommodate the increased staff we will require (we are bursting out at the seams currently), we will be moving to larger offices in the same building on February 1, 2011. In the New Year we are poised to launch a new website to provide better service for our users. We have also been making changes in our staffing:

Deborah Pugh appointed ACT’s Executive Director
After 6 years as Director of Training, ACT’s Board of Directors has appointed Deborah Pugh as Executive Director, a position she has held in an interim capacity for the past year. Deborah founded ACT as an autism training organization in 2003 and will continue to lead ACT’s training initiatives.

Welcoming Louise Broadley – Manager, Autism Information Services
ACT is delighted to welcome Louise Broadley as Manager, Autism Information Services.
This is a new position which combines responsibility for managing the Registry of Autism Service Providers, the RASP Complaint process and ACT’s team of Information Officers.
Louise has over a decade’s experience in libraries and information settings and brings a wide range of knowledge to the development and management of information programs and services.

Bidding Farewell to Judy Agnew, ACT Accountant
In February Judy Agnew will be leaving ACT. We will greatly miss her skills and attention to detail – critically important virtues in an accountant! Judy has been with ACT for several years and will be leaving to develop her career as a consultant to not-for-profits.

Jobs Available at ACT

Senior Bookkeeper — No longer accepting applications
ACT requires a senior bookkeeper with 3-5 years experience, preferably in a not-for-profit environment. The position is for 15 hours a week, on site at our Burnaby office, to provide support for our many activities. Applicants must be experienced in payroll, cost accounting and reconciliations, preparing financial statements, administering an employee benefit plan, providing assistance during our annual audit, and filing all government forms related to charity status, HST and Worksafe BC. — position no longer available - Thank you for your interest

Information & Community Outreach Officer — position no longer available
ACT seeks an Information and Community Outreach Officer for a 6 month full-time contract with the possibility of an extension. Responsibilities include:

responding to autism-related inquiries via telephone, e-mail or in person from families and community members across British Columbia;
preparing information for the ACT website and ACT Online Community;
developing ACT’s social media presence;
researching provincial resources to support families such as facilitating the creation of parent support groups throughout British Columbia;
working closely with ACT’s management team to further develop an outreach strategy.

Must be knowledgeable about ASD, compassionate, computer literate and have strong communication skills. Candidates with experience in providing information for an online environment and social media savvy preferred. Second language an asset. Thank you for your interest — This position is now filled.

November 2010

MCFD Community Forums & Survey to Support Rural Families

MCFD is planning a New Provincial Outreach Program targeting rural and remote areas. Dr. Karen Bopp, Senior Behaviour Consultant for MCFD, is visiting a number of communities to hear from parents and professionals on community priorities and how to build upon existing strengths.

In September 2009, the Ministry of Children and Family Development announced that a minimum of $1 million annually would be directed toward the creation of a new Provincial Outreach Program(s) for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The goal is to improve access to high-quality, community-based intervention services and supports and enhance local opportunities for education, support, and training especially in rural and remote communities.

View details (.pdf)

ACT supported the MCFD in this consultation process by hosting two surveys; these surveys have since expired.

October 2010

UBC Seeking Assistant Professor

View details (.pdf)

September 2010

Autism Funding Unit Update

ACT has discussed with the AFU their current efforts to streamline their processes so that invoices can be processed more quickly. This information has been verified with the Autism Funding Unit.

Invoices can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the Autism Funding Unit.
Mailing Address:
Autism Funding Unit
PO Box 9776 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9S5
Fax Number: 250 356-8578
Email Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
To prevent duplication of work, only use one method to submit your invoice. Submitting documents more than once will delay payments!
AFU is encouraging parents and service providers to complete a Direct Deposit application form to have payments deposited directly into their bank account. Please contact the Autism Funding Unit toll-free at to request a Direct Deposit application form be mailed to you.

A Word of Caution about Email.
Government email accounts are secure but the email accounts of parents or service providers may not be secure. This means that invoices submitted by email may be viewable and accessible by unauthorized third parties.

Update on the Pacific Family Autism Centre

The Pacific Autism Centre Society will be holding focus group meetings in a number of communities throughout BC in October and November, 2010. There is also a website link for people wishing to participate in an online survey.
More information (.pdf)

3rd Annual Walk Now for Autism

EVENT INFORMATION

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a family-friendly FUNdraising event so bring the whole family along. There are activities for children of all ages, resources for families, light refreshments and entertainment.

Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010

Location: Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver

Registration/Event opens: 8:30 AM
Opening Ceremonies: 9:45 AM
Walk Start: 10:00 AM
Closing Ceremonies: 11:30 AM

- Walk Now for Autism Speaks website

- Join Team ACT !
http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca/team/act

April 2010

April is Autism Awareness Month

RASP Complaints Resolution Process Updated

ACT is receiving an increasing number of complaints from parents concerning the professional provided autism intervention for their child. These include concerns over billing and program content, as well as confidentiality issues. ACT has been contracted to provide a complaints resolution service by MCFD. To find more about the complaints process see www.actcommunity.net/RASP/Complaints/RASP_Resolution_Policy.html You are welcomed to telephone an ACT Information Officer to discuss your concerns.

January 2010

UBC M.Ed. in Special Education
- Concentration in Autism / Developmental Disabilities

Location: Vancouver Island
Website: http://eplt.educ.ubc.ca/programs/grad/spav.php

Extended Deadline
The application deadline for UBC's M.Ed. program focusing on Autism/Developmental Disabilities, which will be delivered on Vancouver Island beginning in September 2010, has been extended to February 15, 2010. We are just a few registrants short of the threshold, so your participation can make a difference.

This is a part-time program designed to accommodate the schedules of working teachers and professionals. It is offered by the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology and Special Education in the Faculty of Education.

For additional information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (or visit the program website).

| More Details (.pdf) >

2009

December 2009

Best Wishes & ACT's Office Hours for the Holiday Season

The Staff and Board of ACT – Autism Community Training wish all our families and the professionals who work with them a relaxing holiday season. May you all be rested and invigorated for 2010! Our offices will be closed on December 23 and will reopen on January 4, 2010. In case of emergency, Deborah Pugh can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 604-710-4028.

Thanking Clair Schuman, ACT’s Executive Director

ACT’s Board of Directors would like to thank our founding Executive Director, Clair Schuman, who will be moving from the Metro Vancouver area. Clair’s husband has retired and they are embarking on a new chapter in their lives in a new community. ACT extends our appreciation to Clair for the important work she did in the development of ACT as a leading source of information and support on autism in British Columbia since its inception five years ago. There are many challenges in setting up a new not-for-profit, and Clair played a vital role in that process as well as maintaining a strong focus on the need for ACT to teach families to become skilled as advocates for their children with special needs and their families. In the interim, the ACT Board of Directors has appointed Deborah Pugh, ACT’s Director of Training, as ACT’s Interim Executive Director. Clair will work with Deborah in the coming months to effect a smooth transition and to complete some special projects focusing on advocacy.

Autism Funding Programs - A Guide to Invoice Payment Forms

The Ministry of Children and Family Development has created a PowerPoint presentation that outlines key aspects of the Invoice Payment funding method, and explains how to use the Invoice Payment forms. The PowerPoint addresses many common questions, and will be helpful both to families who are currently on Invoice Payment, and those who are transitioning to Invoice Payment.

You may view the PDF here
> view - MCFD Invoice Payment System Dec 2009

- It is also available in a printable PDF format
> print - MCFD Invoice Payment System Dec 2009

Tips for Enjoying a Sane Holiday Season

For parents of children with ASD, a few tips from our new staff member Stephanie Frey. Stephanie has three teenagers, two of whom are on the Autism Spectrum and has learnt the value of planning during this season of high, and at times, unreasonable expectations... Read More >

November 2009

New UBC M. Ed. in Special Education in Victoria

The Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology and Special Education at UBC plans to offer an M.Ed. program focusing on Autism/Developmental Disabilities on Vancouver Island, beginning September 2010. This Masters program will focus on both research and practice. Topics addressed will include the principles of applied behavior analysis, functional behavior assessment, positive behavior support, instructional techniques, research design for small samples and single subjects, strategies for supporting individuals with autism, and an in-depth study of current autism research.

Who is the program for?
Applications are being accepted from teachers in Victoria and all surrounding school districts. Applications are also being accepted from autism service providers working with children under the age of 6 who wish to meet the qualifications for the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP; see http://www.actcommunity.net/RASP/SP/mcfd_application.htm).

Completion of this M.Ed., program will also meet the coursework requirements for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA; see http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/courses/aba1.htm).

Application Deadline:
December 11, 2009
Space in this program is limited, early application is strongly recommended. | More Details (.pdf) >

Listing Your Events on ACT’s Website

At ACT we provide information on events happening in BC on topics related to autism and developmental/physical disabilities affecting children and adults and their families.

See our Non-ACT Event Listings here >

To make the process faster and more accurate we have recently developed a new online process for those who want to submit their events for listing:

Please enter your event information online here >

ACT’s Community Group Listing

ACT maintains a listing of community groups around B.C. on our Community Groups page
Community Groups provide an invaluable service to parents of children with a range of special needs as well as self-advocates representing diverse groups.

If you would like your community group listed please enter your information online through our Community Groups Submission Form

New Information from the Autism Funding Unit

The Autism Funding Unit has recently published Frequently Asked Questions see www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/pdf/Autism%20Funding_FAQ%20Nov%202009.pdf and an update on eligible expenses www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/pdf/eligible_expenses.pdf If you have questions about the Autism Funding program, you are welcome to contact ACT. Our team of Information Officers is available to help parents by telephone and email in English, Tagalog and Mandarin. They are available to answer your questions about a wide-range of disability related topics and if they don’t have the answer, they are very good and finding out! ACT also tracks issues faced by families on a wide range of issues. These include standards of service provided by professionals on the RASP, the impact of Autism Funding policies, diagnostic waiting lists and other issues as they arise. We report to government on trends with recommendations on how to better serve families supporting children with ASD. We welcome hearing from parents and professionals.

Telephone in Metro Vancouver: 604-205-5467; Toll-Free: 1-866-939-5188; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

New Eligibility Criteria for Adults with ASD or FASD

The links below provide preliminary information on the new eligibility criteria for adults with ASD or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. ACT’s team of Information Officers are working to find out more so that we are in better position to answer questions from community members.
- From the Ministry of Housing and Social Development - www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2009HSD0065-000566.pdf
- From Community Living British Columbia - www.communitylivingbc.ca/news_and_events/whats_new.htm#IE

‘In Your Element: Air’ a Choral Fundraiser Benefiting ACT – November 21st

ACT is pleased to have been selected to be one of the beneficiaries of a concert by the Twelfth House Studio Choir, directed by Tom McPherson on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 8:00 pm at St. Mark's-Trinity Church, 1805 Larch St. at West 2nd Ave.

General Admission $15 Tickets can be reserved in advanced at http://www.tommcpherson.ca/twelfthevents.html

ACT Offers Help to EIBI Parents

ACT has information ready to send out to all parents, including those who currently have children in EIBI programs. If you would like to receive this information by mail or by email, please contact us 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 .
For more details of what ACT has available click here

October 2009

Provincial Day of Protest Oct. 28

Mom's On The Move update

| More Details (.pdf) >

Reminder!
April is now Autism Awareness Month in BC

April 2nd, 2010 is International Autism Awareness Day – as declared by the United Nations.
We will be celebrating ACT’s second annual April Autism Awareness Month with a three day conference, Focus on Research in BC, April 22-24, 2010.

Keep ACT posted on plans in your community to celebrate Autism Awareness Month.
Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

September 2009

S.A.S. Performance's 2nd Annual Charity Show and Shine

Date: Sunday, Sept 13, 2009
Time: 12pm-4pm
Location: Lordco Auto Parts, Burnaby

> For more info view flyer (.jpg)

Autism Funding Program Update

Sept 16th - Please see the links below for important information from the Ministry of Children and Family Development on changes to Autism Programs in British Columbia.

- Autism Service Changes Sept 2009 (.pdf)
- Autism Factsheet Sept 2009 (.pdf)

Organizing Against EIBI Closures

The Victoria Society for Children with Autism is working with and connecting individuals concerned about recent EIBI funding and program changes in British Columbia.

For information please contact Laurel Duruisseau, Co-Director, at 250-818-4662 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ACT Initiatives to Support EIBI Families

ACT recognizes that EIBI families require support to find new providers and to run programs themselves. We are providing the following, available immediately:

All EIBI families may register free of charge for our two foundational online videos. You will be able to watch these at your convenience on your own computer:

Practical Autism Treatment – From Theories to Reality presented by Dr. Jill Calder.
For preview: www.actcommunity.net/webcast/2008/PRAC08WEB.html &

What is ABA & Why is it Important in the Treatment of Autism? presented by Dr. Suzanne Jacobsen. For preview: www.actcommunity.net/webcast/2008/WABA08WEB.html

Call or email the ACT office to register or for more information.

ACT runs the Registry for Autism Service Providers (RASP) on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Family Development: www.actcommunity.net/search/raspprofiles.aspx
In view of the need for EIBI families to have information on the availability of professionals, ACT has contacted all 375 RASP professionals and asked them to update their listing with their current availability status and where they are prepared to travel to in B.C. If you find information on the RASP that is out of date please let us know at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The ACT website also has profiles for 60 RASP behavior consultants – we are encouraging all to provide profiles. Before hiring a behavior consultant, review a number of profiles: www.actcommunity.net/RASP/Profiles.htm
The ACT website also has important information on a wide range of issues relevant to parents setting up their own programs: www.actcommunity.net/RASP/Parents/default.htm.

ACT’s team of Information Officers is available to help parents by telephone and email in English, Tagalog and Mandarin. Please call us, we are here to help.

Telephone in Metro Vancouver: 604-205-5467
Toll-Free: 1-866-939-5188
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Autism Speaks is holding BC’s 2nd Annual Walk Now for Autism and we want you to join or support Team ACT!

Visit our Team ACT page on the Walk Now for Autism website by clicking here (Team ACT Page)

Date:
Saturday, September 26, 2009

Time:
Registration opens: 8:30 AM
Resource Fair opens: 8:30 AM
Opening Ceremonies: 9:45 AM
Walk/Run Start: 10 AM
Closing Ceremonies: 11:45 AM
Event Close: 12 noon

Location:
Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver
4601 Ontario Street (at 30th Avenue)

Join Team ACT online before the event or in person at Nat Bailey Stadium on Sept 26th.

> Walk Now For Autism website

June 2009

GiveShoe Productions
call for participants for a film project on Autism

> cover letter (.pdf)
> call for participants (.pdf)

A message about ACT - Autism Community Training,
the RASP, and RDI

> More info (.pdf)

Capilano University Announces New Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Program

May 2009

Woman Hurt In Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion Dies
- Child still listed in critical condition

The grandmother of four-year-old Francesco Pio Martinisi has died from her injuries suffered when a hyperbaric chamber she was in with Francesco exploded, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office. Francesco's condition is still listed as critical.

Francesco came out of surgery late Friday night. His cousins told CBS4 Reporter Natalia Zea he is in critical condition, with burns covering 90 percent of his body.
...
| Details > (offsite link)

Douglas College Offers Autism Specialty programs

Application deadline July 31th (.pdf)
Behaviourial Interventionist (Autism Specialty)

> More Info (.pdf)
> See Other Autism Related Programs

April 2009

Autism Awareness Cards and ACT Information Cards now available in Punjabi

| Order Here >

March 2009

BC Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2009

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is holding a rally beginning at 7:30 am on the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery on April 2, 2009. The march will loop around the Art Gallery block and the group will head towards GM Place for 8:15am, where coffee and hot chocolate will be served. The Honourable Tom Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development will be on hand to proclaim April as Autism Awareness Month in the Province of British Columbia. It is anticipated that the event will wrap up by 8:30 am. This is a rain or shine event and no pre-registration is required. For more information call Jody Simkin, Executive Director, Canucks Autism Network, phone 604-685-4049 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring World Autism Awareness Day to be celebrated on April 2, 2008 in perpetuity. This UN Resolution is one of few official disease or disorder-specific United Nations Days and helps to bring international attention to autism as a growing global health crisis that affects tens of millions. 2009 is the first year that Autism Awareness Month in British Columbia will be celebrated in April, traditionally it has been in October.

ACT – Autism Community Training’s 5th Annual Focus on Research Event will be held on April 25, 2009 featuring Dr. Beth Ann Malow, an internationally renowned speaker on the impact of sleep disorders on children with autism. To register see www.actcommunity.net/workshops_and_training/workshops/2009/FORE09VAN.html

MDs grapple with McCarthy Effect

| Details > (offsite link)

2008

December 2008

March 2008

February 2008

British Columbia Association for Behaviour Analysis (BC-ABA) formed

January 2008

2007

ACT Reports Released:

2007 RASP Report | Full Story>
2007 Training Report | Full Story>

October 2007

$2 Million Chair in Autism Research and Intervention for SFU
Vancouver Sun series "Faces of Autism" wins Award
Website helps parents spot autism (offsite link)
Two american not-for-profits have launched a website intended to help parents to learn to recognise behavior that might mean their child should be tested for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Website helps parents spot autism. Two american not-for-profits have launched a website intended to help parents to learn to recognise behavior that might mean their child should be tested for Autism Spectrum Disorders.| Full Story
Boy's case shows autism 'recovery' (Vancouver Sun)
'Bright' 16-year-old still has attention problems, but U.S. research shows promise of intense therapy

September 2007

Register On-Line for ACT's Workshops
Autism Books for Sale at ACT's Lower Mainland Workshops
New Social Club for Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Kelowna
Behaviour Interventionist Foundations Online Course (.pdf) offered online via Douglas College
Registration opened Sept 2007 Best Practices for the Early Screening, Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children Clinician survey conducted via the Miriam Foundation.
Under Exposed: The Secret Discipline of BC’s Professions
The Victoria Times Colonists has recently published a thought provoking series on the regulation of health care professionals.
Diet, Autistic Behaviour linked
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have identified a link between diet and autistic behaviour.
Mattel recalls toys due to lead paint and magnet concerns

August 2007

Fisher Price Toy Recall - Lead Paint on 1 million toys

July 2007

June 2007

May 2007

April 2007

March 2007

February 2007

January 2007

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2006

December 2006

October is Autism Awareness Month - Announcing ACT Initiatives

October 2006

Welcome to ACT's New Website

August 2006

List Your Community Group on ACT's Website!

June 2006

May 2006

April 2006

Having Problems Claiming Medical Expense with Revenue Canada?

March 2006

February 2006

Report on ACT Training in 2006

January 2006

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2005

November 2005

October 2005

August 2005

July 2005

Saturday Morning Autism School

May 2005

Rahim's Legacy

March 2005

January 2005

Top

2004

December 2004

ACT's Response to AllegationAre BC Autism Treat

November 2004

Monday, May 21, 2012