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Spring 2016

AUTISM CENTRE

NEWSLETTER

Staff Changes at the Autism Centre

Welcome Trista Lizee! Trista joined the team as the Occupational Therapist in September 2016. She has been practicing as a pediatric OT for five years and has experience in both home and school set-tings. She recently moved to Saskatchewan from Alberta, and is ex-cited to be a part of the multi-disciplinary team at the Autism Centre. Trista will be providing consultative and/or direct assessment and treatment for home-based needs, to preschool aged children active with the Autism Centre, and will also offer parent education sessions throughout the year.

Welcome Cody MacSorley! Cody joined the team as the Rural Autism Clinician. He is a registered Social Worker and recently moved to Regina from Saskatoon. Prior to joining the Autism Team, Cody worked in Mental Health and Addiction Services, as well as for the Ministry of So-cial Services.

Sensory Santa Returns to the Autism Centre

On Saturday, December 10th, Sensory Santa will be making a special visit to the Autism Centre to

meet with families. Individual appointments will be booked with Santa in 15 minute increments be-tween 9am-3pm. To book an appointment with Santa, please contact Ashley Bakken at 766-0756. Appointments will be offered on a first come, first served basis. A very heartfelt thank-you goes out

to Jon Renwick for again donating his time to this event and the families at the Autism Centre.

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Donation to the Autism Centre

The Autism Centre thanks Brewsters Brewing Company & Restaurant for their fundraising efforts and generous donation. During the month of April (Autism Awareness Month), all three Brewsters locations in Regina held fundraising events, includ-ing selling puzzle pieces and offering feature desserts. A por-tion of the sales from the feature desserts, and 100% of the

profits from the sale of puzzle pieces, were donated to the Au-tism Centre and used to purchase IPads specifically for the

newly piloted “Minecraft Club”.

The Minecraft Club was piloted for 6 weeks in Fall 2016. 6 in-dividuals ages 11-13 were invited to participate and registered to attend. The Club is facilitated by two Interventionists, Kara Bernardin and Mike Chang. The individuals in the Minecraft Club devel-

op and follow a group plan with specific goals during each session. Social skills such as navi-gating team work, building social relationships based on a similar interest, and managing conflict or stress within situations are targeted. Participants in the Minecraft Club are encouraged to con-nect with their new friends outside of the Autism Centre. The donation of IPads from Brewsters

fundraising efforts has allowed this program to be piloted and allows any child interested to partici-pate, regardless of financial limitations/lack of device.

The Minecraft Club will offer another 6 week session in November-December 2016 for children ag-es 8-9 years old.

Did You Know?

Child and Youth Services offers a 3 session ADHD education series for parents. Presenta-tions are provided by a psychologist, occupa-tional therapist and psychiatrist. If you would

like more information about content and how to register, please call your clinician.

Thank you to the following people of donat-

ing toys/books to the Autism Centre:

Glenna Curry Kerry Gaillard and

Mariya Achourov

The Autism Centre continues to accept dona-tions of toys and games from families and the community. We ask that the toys are in gently used condition and can be washed easily. Any donations that cannot be used are donated to

the YWCA. Thank you to all who donate for your generosity and support .

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Girls Group Challenges Escape Club!

The Girls Group recently participated in an escape room at the Escape Club. It was a fun activity and the girls worked together as a team to discover clues that would allow them to 'escape' the room. This activity encouraged communication of ideas and collaboration on how to proceed when different clues were presented. Thank you to the Escape Club for offering the Girls Group a discounted rate to participate. For more information about the Escape Club, please visit: http://escapeclub.ca/

Collaboration with Regina Catholic School Board

Amy Ewart and Brenda Pedscalny presented on Autism and Behaviour to Regina Catholic School Board staff during their Professional Development days on October 6

th and 7

th. Approximately 20

teachers participated in the training each day. On November 3rd

, the presentation was also deliv-ered to 15 support staff at St. Luke School.

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Saskatchewan Association for

Community Living Family Network

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

SACL Family Network is offering upcoming retreats to families. For more information, and to access a registration form, please visit the SACL website: http://www.sacl.org/ or contact SACL at: (306) 955-3344

**Parents Retreat** November 18 - 20, 2016 Temple Garden Mineral

Spa Moose Jaw

**Sibling Retreat** December 3 - 4, 2016

Saskatoon

**Moms Retreat** February 3- 5, 2017

Saskatoon Hampton Inn

K & K SWIM SCHOOL –OFFERING SWIMMING LESSONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

K & K Swim School offers programs to individuals of

all ages, abilities and levels. K & K Swim School of-

fers classes for individuals with special needs, in-

cluding lessons working one on one with an instruc-

tor. K& K Swim School provides instructors who have

experience working with individuals with Down syn-

drome, Autism, sensory issues and hearing deficien-

cies. An assessment form is available to share with

instructors in order to better understand the individu-

al and allow a bond to be built more quickly and easi-

ly.

For more information about K & K Swim School, please visit their website: http://

kkswimschool.com/home/

* The Casey Foundation or Kidsport may be of interest to those in need of financial assis-

tance

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New Feeding Group Piloted

A feeding group was piloted at the Autism Centre in Fall 2016. The “Fun with Food” group, led by Trista Lizee and Allison Ekdahl-Johnston, aims to decreases sensitivities as-sociated with food (textures, tastes, and smells), and promote positive experiences with food. The children participate in a senso-ry motor activity, a play-based activity with food items, and then are presented with a new food. The therapist models sequential steps to accepting the new food and parents learn how to support children through these steps. Chil-dren are encouraged to interact with foods and participate in the group routines. Parents learn strategies to support their child to have positive experiences with food and to develop an understanding of the steps to eating.

13 families were invited to participate in the “Fun with Food” fall session. Four children, ranging three to six years of age, registered to attend (along with their parents).

Workshops/Conferences Coming to Saskatchewan PECS Level 2 Training (Advanced) Regina: November 28

th-29

th, 2016

http://www.pecs-canada.com/listing.php

Autism: Strategies for Self-Regulation, Learning and Challenging Behaviours Saskatoon: December 7

th-8

th, 2016

https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/workshops/autism-saskatoon/

PECS Level 1 Training (Basic) Regina: March 2

nd-3

rd, 2017

http://www.pecs-canada.com/listing.php

Anxiety: Practical Intervention Strategies Saskatoon: April 25

th, 2017

https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/workshops/anxiety-saskatoon-4-25-17/ Regina: April 25

th, 2017

https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/workshops/anxiety-4-25-17/

Autism: Strategies for Self-Regulation, Learning and Challenging Behaviours Regina: May 3

rd-4

th, 2016

https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/workshops/autism-regina-5-3-17/

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Autism Spectrum Disorders Intervention Training Program

(ASDITP) Offered in Saskatchewan Starting Fall 2017

Over 1100 teachers, professionals, and support workers in the provinces of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan and internationally in France have participated in the University of New Bruns-wick (UNB) award-winning Autism Spectrum Disorders Intervention Training Program.

UNB has been delivering the ASDITP to professionals working in ASD intervention services through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health since 2010, and is pleased to announce the evidence-based program will be offered once again in Saskatchewan commencing fall 2017.

The program is open to anyone interested in developing skills to work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and will most benefit those responsible for the development and monitoring of the individual program plans for children and the supervision of front line support workers.

ASDITP consists of online teaching, web-based discussions, quizzes and evaluations, along with an integrated a hands-on practicum-- a blended delivery model that has proven to provide an instructional sound, flexible, user-friendly teaching and learning solutions.

For more information on ASDITP or additional programs offered through UNB such as the ABA Certificate program, Online ABA for Parents, FASD Intervention, and more, visit www.unb.ca/intervention of contact UNB directly at 506-458-7843 Or email fjutras@unb.ca

Online ABA Parent Training Opportunity

The University of New Brunswick continues to offer online courses for parents or caregivers of chil-dren with behavioural challenges or special needs. Six modules are provided. Parents can choose to enroll in all six modules, or select the ones they feel are most beneficial to them. All modules are based on the principles of ABA and cost $49 + HST. Modules include:

Behaviour 101 (a pre-requisite for all other modules)- March 6th-April 4

th, 2017

Reducing Challenging Behaviour- April 10th-May 9

th, 2017

Teaching New Skills- May 15th-June 13

th, 2016

Feeding Difficulties – October 16th-Novmeber 14

th, 2017

Functional Communication Training- November 20th-December 19

th, 2017

Toilet Training

For more information, please contact the University of New Brunswick at: (506) 453-3503 or by

email at: profdev@unb.ca . You can also gain further information about each course, and learn how

to register by referring to the following link: http://www.unb.ca/cel/intervention/aba-training-

parent.html

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New Sessions Starting in the New Year

Active Start (ages 2-6):

Wednesday nights 6-7pm, January 11th-April 5

th

Sunday afternoons 2-3pm, January 15th- April 2

nd

FUNdamentals (ages 6-12)

Wednesday nights 7—8pm, January 11th-April 5

th

Sunday afternoons 3– 4pm, January 15th- April 2

nd

All programs will be located at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. The registration fee is $40. For more information, or to register your child, please contact: Kendall Longtin @ kendall.longtin@gmail.com or visit the Special Olympics website: https://www.specialolympics.sk.ca/

Globe Theatre School's

Improv for ASD Initiative

Globe Theatre School has always maintained a commitment to providing inclusive and accessible classrooms for our students. A recent priority has been our Improv for ASD (Autism Spectrum Dis-order) initiative, created in partnership with the Autism Resource Centre. You can learn more about the background of the project in The Leader-Post's interview with long-time student Max Adamson, who is on the autism spectrum.

In January 2017, we'll be launching the next phase of the project - an in-house improv class for teens with mild ASD led by the project's facilitator, Cam Chomyn. Students will learn improvisational acting techniques in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment. Classes focus on self-confidence, communication and social skills, on context awareness, creativity, relating and connections. This class will provide fundamental improv training to those who have social challenges, including per-sons with Asperger's, or mild-moderate autism.

We expect this class to be an insightful, valuable, and exciting experience for students across the

board. Interested students can contact: Theatre School Director, Shaunna Dunn Shaunnad@globetheatrelive.com

Please Note: Capacity is limited to 8 students with ASD, so please contact us as soon as possible.

Register Today!

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Obtaining a Primary Care Physician and/or Pediatrician

Dr. Petryk, Developmental Pediatrician with Child and Youth Services, reminds families of the importance of obtaining a primary care physician to manage their child’s daily medical needs and follow-up. Medical investigation deemed appropriate by the medical professional can be com-pleted with the primary care physician. Also, genetic testing can be ordered by the child’s pediatri-cian. Dr. Petryk is available on a consult basis with the child’s “medical team”. The medical team includes the primary care physician and/or pediatrician-those working with the family to ensure best care and practices for the child.

To find a list of doctors accepting new patients within the RHQR, please refer to the following link: http://www.rqhealth.ca/facilities/doctors-accepting-new-patients

If you require assistance with scheduling an appointment, please contact your Autism Centre

clinician.

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Fall 2016 Group Update (August-November 2016)

More Than Words: The MTW program is designed specifically for parents of children ages five years and younger who are on the autism spectrum or have social communication chal-lenges. MTW is an evidence-based program that teaches parents practical communication strategies to use in everyday situations, and includes 10 group sessions, as well as 3 individ-ualized videotaping sessions. 36 families were invited to participate in this group; 17 families registered to participate (4 families waitlisted due to space limitations). 7 families completed the program. Parent Meet-Up: 8 week long group offered for caregivers of preschool-aged children with a diagnosis or query of ASD. This group offers informational sessions relevant to the pre-school population, including presentations from SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and dieticians. This group was cancelled for Fall 2016 due to lack of enrollment. A minimum of 8 partici-pants are required to run this program. 40 families were invited to participate in this group; 6

registered to attend.

Incredible Flexible You (ages 5-7): This social thinking curriculum aims to help young verbal learners develop the skills they need to be flexible social thinkers and social problem solv-ers. A parent group runs alongside the child group, providing parents with information and explaining the concepts as they are introduced in the curriculum and how to support the

child’s learning at home. 20 families were invited to participate; 8 registered to attend.

Social World Activity Training (SWAT) (ages 7-9): Program designed to support children in learning to respond to peers/adults and understand social expectations through fun and safe practice opportunities. This group was cancelled for Fall 2016 due to lack of enrollment. A minimum of 6 participants are required to run the program. 16 individuals were invited to par-

ticipate in this group; 3 registered to attend.

Facing Your Fears (Ages 9-13): 8 week long therapy group offered to children diagnosed with ASD and an accompanying Anxiety Disorder, and their parents. Facing Your Fears aims to teach parents how to support their children in tolerating anxiety and using coping strate-gies. Activities include group discussions, role-playing, and worksheets. A main component of the program includes weekly homework, such as worksheets, video modelling etc. 11 indi-

viduals were invited to participate; 4 registered to attend.

Social Connections (Ages 10-12): 12 week long program focusing on social skill develop-ment. For the first time ever, this group combined arts/crafts and varied sports into a weekly, two-hour session. 61 individuals were invited to this group and offered a choice of a morning

or afternoon session. 16/24 available spaces were filled.

Friendship Group (Ages 10-11): 6 week long mini-group, focusing on social skills develop-

ment. 5 individuals were invited to participate and registered to attend. This group runs from

mid-November to mid-December.

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Fall 2016 Group Update (continued)

Cooking Group (ages 10-15): 5 session group, offered in November-December. The Fall 2016 session was hosted in the community at St. James Anglican Church. Goals focused on: Increasing participant’s knowledge of functional life skills including kitchen and food safety; practicing social skills including table manners and working within a group; reduc-ing isolation through peer companionships and learning to be part of a team/group. 49 indi-viduals were invited to participate in this group; a spot was offered to the first 6 participants confirming his/her attendance. Girls Group (ages 10-18): On-going monthly program designed to support females diag-nosed with ASD in learning more about the Autism diagnosis, as well as connecting with peers. Each month, the participants meet at different locations in the community, develop-ing friendships and practicing social skill. 22 individuals have been invited to participate. 14 participants registered to participate in the group; an average of 8 attends monthly ses-sions. Magic the Gathering (ages 13 and older): Ongoing evening group offered weekly for 6 weeks. This is a social skill building group, bringing peers together who have a common in-terest in the card game, “Magic the Gathering”, as well as expanding skills in playing the game so that players can transition to community settings where these games are played (i.e., Comic Readers or Tramps). Social skill development goals include practicing appropri-ate conversations, negotiation, turntaking etc. Generally, 10-12 individuals participate each

week.

Teen Drop-In (ages 13 and older): Ongoing evening group offered every other week. 6 ses-sions were offered in total. The Teen Drop-In group aims to provide a safe atmosphere for teenagers to connect with one another through playing games, talking and watching mov-ies. Youth are encouraged to plan an outing with a friend they have met during the “off” week. 67 youth have been invited to participate in this group. Teen Drop-In averages 6 indi-viduals participating each week. Staying Strong in Challenging Times: Resilience for Parenting: 6 week long parent group, exploring strategies for maintaining resilience and helping parents build a personal self-care plan. Strategies from positive psychology and mindfulness were explored during the group. All families at the Autism Centre were invited to participate via mass email; 14 regis-

tered.

An on-going parent program also continues to run with the previous participants from the

Parent Resiliency sessions with approximately 10 families regularly attending.

New Respite Group (NRG): Ongoing respite program designed to provide families with a break from day to day care. The target population for this group is individuals ages 6 years of age and older, as preschool-aged children and their families may access respite services and support through their weekly intervention hours. 31 families were invited to participate;

19 registered.

Parent Intro Group: This mandatory group for parents following their child’s diagnosis of ASD continues to operate twice per month. Each month, one evening session and one day-time session is offered. Since September 2016, 9 new families have been invited to partici-pate in this group.

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Do you have a child with

Autism Spectrum Disorder?

We are looking for parents of children with ASD to participate in validating the content

of a virtual reality

Program addressing perspective

You will have the opportunity to share your perspectives on designing a virtual reality in-tervention for children with ASD through filling out

two online questionnaires.

Principal investigator: Dr. Tal Jarus

To join the research project, or for more information, contact:

akrowe@alumni.ubc.ca Version 2. Sep26/16