Provincial Autism Centre Newsletter - Fall 2009

Across the province you will find Piece By Piece in Cumberland County, the Valley Autism Sup-port Team (VAST) in Annapolis Valley, the Autism Centre Soci-ety of the South Shore, and the Autism Society of Cape Breton. Each organization committed to supporting families and people with ASD throughout the prov-ince. For more information on these organizations, please visit our website www.provincialautismcentre.ca or contact us at 902-446-4995 or toll free in NS 1-877-544-4495. The Autism Society of Nova Scotia has led the way in autism support for 14 years. As they pool their resources with the Provincial Autism Centre and autism organizations throughout the province we become united in our vision of a stronger support system in Nova Scotia for families and people living on the Autism Spectrum. Yours truly, Cynthia

Fall brings many changes. It brings a season change, a shift in daily routine from the relaxed summer months, to the renewed structure of school. In October, just as the September changes settle into routine, there is a time change and we are plunged into darker days as winter fast approaches. Amidst the season changes, the autism com-munity in Nova Scotia will also see some change. The Autism Society of Nova Scotia, founded in 1995, will “wind down” its opera-tions over the next month and close its doors. As one door closes, another opens. Support in the autism community remains strong. The Provincial Autism Centre will continue to oper-ate as a provincial resource for information and support. Social groups, Autism Arts, Autism Works and our resource library continue to support hundreds of families and people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) each year. In the summer of 2010, the Centre is proud to launch a summer camp for children with autism. Autism support can also be found throughout the province. Bedford-Sackville Support Group is located in Lower Sackville. They offer monthly parent support groups on the first Tuesday of every month, and yearly family ac-tivities in the Bedford-Sackville community. For a list of upcoming events, please refer to the “What’s Happening Section” of the newsletter.

PROGRAM ROUND-UP 2

AUTISM WORKS 4

ASK THE EXPERT 6

PARENTS CORNER 8

LIBRARY CORNER 12

SOBEY’S GREEN JACKET

13

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 14

WHAT’S HAPPENING 15

Inside this issue:

October 2009October 2009October 2009October 2009

From The Desk Of Cynthia From The Desk Of Cynthia From The Desk Of Cynthia From The Desk Of Cynthia Carroll, Executive DirectorCarroll, Executive DirectorCarroll, Executive DirectorCarroll, Executive Director

Summer Highlights Our annual summer social group gathering was a BBQ at the St. Mary’s Boat Club in mid- August! It was a hit, especially as we were lucky to have the sun upon us! It could not have taken place without the generous loan ( and delivery!) of two BBQ’s from Neil and Heather Downey, or the sur-prise extra volunteer hands from Bonny Lee and Bruce Brown. I would like to extend another per-sonal thanks for all your assistance!

It seemed that everyone enjoyed their afternoon on the water. The BBQ’ers were kept busy throughout and the burgers and hot dogs must have provided the extra energy for badminton, volleyball, and soccer on the upper grassy field and also the grueling games of checkers in the Boathouse!

Fall Programs September at the Provincial Autism Centre means the re-start of our teen and adult social groups. This year we have structured the teen social group slightly differently- having laid out 10 months of great activities for the teens to ex-perience together- everything from cooking at the Atlantic Superstore, to rolling out yoga mats here at the Centre. The SOAR group will also having be having many more activities on their agenda when they come to the Centre- Music night, pottery and we also will head out for the traditional bowling adventure. Everyone seems to be very excited about new activities! Autism Arts recommenced in October for an 8 week session at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. We are continuing with three separate sessions- one for the younger, middle and teen age chil-dren. This program is always very well received as it gives a fantastic opportunity for our chil-dren to be a part of a dynamic art class facili-

Program RoundProgram RoundProgram RoundProgram Round----UpUpUpUp

tated by an Occupational Therapist and an Art Educator.

We’re cookin’ up a storm! Volunteers We have had a very successful season of generat-ing volunteer interest! This should lend itself to having a very strong volunteer base to work from – to attend our social and art groups, work with our employment program, assist in the library and any-thing else we need a helping hand with. That said, we have a lot on the go and help is always appreci-ated. If you are interested in volunteer opportuni-ties, please let us know, or fill out a volunteer appli-cation at www.provincialautismcentre.ca.

For more information on any of our programs you can visit our website at www.provincialautismcentre.ca or email [email protected] or call us at (902) 446-4995 or toll free 1-877-544-4495 By Carmen Holm Occupational Therapist

We are proud to offer the teen and SOAR social groups great activities to experience together, and it is our privilege to support the adult groups to greater self-direction. Let the good times and great friendships never end!

In summer 2009, the Provincial Autism Centre launched Autism Works, an exciting new supported employment program designed to support work-place success for individuals with autism and their employers.

Over a 12-week period, The Provincial Autism Centre (PAC) successfully assisted 15 unemployed persons with autism by providing a specialized ser-vice and support to individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorders to move forward with their employment goals and careers. This program as-sisted individuals by focusing on the soft skills (understanding social nu-ances, fitting in, flexibility, etc) that are assumed and undervalued until they affect the workplace dynamics. The program also provided workplace edu-cation, which consisted of on-site training and meetings with current em-ployers and employees to educate them about Autism. By the end of the pilot, 87% of Autism Works participants have obtained employment, are attending school, or are currently engaged in additional pre-employment interventions, such as skills development programs, volun-teering and/or job development. The program’s goal was to provide clients with tools and guidance, as well as to work closely with employers in order to vastly advance opportunities for autistic clients to gain speedy, meaningful, realis-tic and, therefore, long-lasting em-ployment. Please note: Cli-ents showing no outcome on the attached chart were those not ready for employ-ment, or unavail-able due to illness

AUTISM WORKS A New Supported Employment Program

at the Provincial Autism Centre

By Alayna Josey, Employment and Education Support Manager

“Wow, you’ve really opened up my eyes

to looking at things

differently. I am so glad

we are working

together to help make all

my job dreams come

true.”

29%

18%

12%

29%

12%

Autism Works

Job

Volunteer

School

Employment

Intervention

s

Based on client and community feedback, a strong relationship has been made between the Provincial Autism Centre and community partners. Through outreach and on-going communication we are confident in continuous success in assist-ing clients with employment, as well as job inter-ventions and skills building. This summer we have used the services of reachAbility, LakeCity and Teamwork Cooperative to better help our clients with their employment goals. Employment part-ners now include IMP, Walmart, and the Marriott Hotel - this summer all of these organizations have hired persons with Autism Spectrum Disor-der and have had a positive outcome. We will con-tinue to work with them in the future, as well as reach out to other employers. In Their Words: Participants Describe the Benefits of the Autism Works Program The most powerful testimonials to the success and long-term impact of Autism Works come from the participants who benefited from the program. The following are just a few of the many positive com-ments we have received: “Without Alayna and the Autism Works Program, I probably still would not be working. She helped me talk to employers and really explain to them my strengths and weaknesses. She made sure I had support to learn my job, as well as learning to communicate with staff and people coming into the store. I am glad I met her.” “Wow, you’ve really opened up my eyes to look-ing at things differently. I am so glad we are work-ing together to help make all my job dreams come true.” “This program was really good. I liked my job and Alayna helped me to get it. She was very nice and my employer was nice.”

AUTISM WORKS (cont.)

In conclusion . . .

Autism Works is an inclusive and beneficial program aimed at growing and changing to meet the needs of consumers across the Hali-fax Regional Municipality. Through open, on-going communication and partnership with the community, this program has made a tremen-dous difference in the lives of clients through-out the summer of 2009. Our success cannot only be measured by sta-tistics, but by the lasting relationships we have formed with new clients and community part-ners. Clients are coming out of this program with an increased ability to tackle employment and education opportunities, to the benefit of all involved. Programs of this nature provide a valuable service to clients and employers, and especially to the community. We look forward to the opportunity to create stronger partnerships and assist even more people with Autism in reaching their full poten-tial. The Provincial Autism Centre is committed to continuously learning and growing as an agency in support of employment for persons with autism. For information about Autism Works, please visit our website at www.provincialautismcentre.ca or email [email protected] or call us at (902) 446-4995 or toll free 1-877-544-4495

Access to the Nova Scotia Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention Program

The NS EIBI (early intensive behavioural intervention) program is a treatment pro-gram for young children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The program was established in stages, be-tween the summer of 2005 and the fall of 2006, in eight District Health Authorities and the IWK Health Centre. All young children with a for-mal diagnosis of ASD are eligible for the program prior to school entry. The problem is that not all children with ASD have been able to ac-cess the program because of limited treatment re-sources. Evidence from an independent evaluation has revealed positive treatment effects that rival those of much more intensive and costly treatment programs. However, a reduction in our treatment intensity is likely to compromise treatment benefits, thus precluding this as a viable solution to the access problem. The issue of limited access to EIBI has raised the ques-tion of how we can most fairly allocate existing treat-

ment services. The common approach is to use a waiting list. However, in an attempt to be as fair as possible, and after consulting with a bio-ethicist, we have chosen to select children randomly for treatment. The advantage of random selection is that every child has an equal chance or opportunity to be selected. In contrast, waiting lists have been shown con-sistently to be biased against particular groups, particularly those who are disadvan-taged from the outset (e.g., by limited access to diagnos-tic services). An additional advantage of random selec-tion is that the problem of limited access to treatment is transparent. In contrast, waiting lists can mask the real problem, that is, they can give the impression that treatment will be available, when this is not necessarily the case (i.e., the child may reach school age before treatment is available). We recognize that there is no ideal solution to most if not all ethical dilemmas. Having considered the ad-

vantages and disadvantages of alternative solutions, we have chosen random selec-tion, on the grounds that this gives all chil-dren an equal opportunity to access the EIBI program. We have also chosen to be transparent. The need for evidence-based treatment for all young children with ASD is recognized widely. The government re-cently stated in the legislature that over the current year they will be reviewing their ability to enhance health programs, including the EIBI program. Susan E. Bryson, PhD, RPsych Craig Chair in Autism Research, Depart-ments of Pediatrics and Psychology, Dal-housie University, and Provincial Clinical Leader for the NS EIBI Program

Ask The Expert

Community Partners Classi Cool Treasures Variety and Gift Store 1590 St. Margaret's Bay Road Lakeside, NS B3T 1B6 902-876-2403 We are delighted to welcome Classi Cool Treasures Variety and Gift Store to the Provincial Autism Centre’s family of community partners. Classi Cool Treasures Variety and Gift Store is owned and operated by Kim and Richard Hoadley. Kim and Richard are also the proud parents of 6 lovely daughters, and a beautiful young son who has special needs. Together Richard and Kim are creating a shop with community atmosphere where customers feel welcome and can perhaps chat with a neighbour or two (which happens a lot). Much more than just a corner store, Classi Cool Treasures offers groceries and conveniences, as well as craft items, art-work, jewellery, quality consignment items by local artisans, gift items, guitars and music supplies, and seasonal inventory like fishing and hunting necessities. Classi Cool Treasures has pledged partial proceeds from their store to the Provincial Autism Centre and the Progress Centre for Early Intervention. Our sincere thanks to Kim, Richard and Classi Cool Treasures for your support!

Scotiabank Blue Nose Run - look at how far we can go together! On May 17, over 8,100 participants took to the streets of Halifax and Dartmouth in an amazing dis-play of vitality, joy, effort and accomplishment for the 2009 Scotiabank Blue Nose Run. Resplendent in red t-shirts, 14 individuals ran and walked for the Provincial Autism Centre. The team exceeded their fundraising target by raising over $3300.00, and a grand day was had by all. We want to thank these individuals so much for “Running with the P.A.C.”! We recognize and thank all individuals and groups who were on the team: the Bedford/Sackville Au-tism Support Group, Just Parents, Kelly Bishop, Paulette Butz, Cynthia Carroll, Nicole Chisholm, Erin Dooley, Ron Fox, Allistair Fraser, Kerry Houghton, Virginia MacNeil, Keren O’Connell, Mark Smith, Jocelyn Tingley, Todd and Melanie Masters—and of course all of the generous sponsors and donors who showed their support. Race Weekend for the 2010 Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is Friday May 21 - Sunday May 23. If you are interested in Running with the P.A.C., please email [email protected].

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu Living with someone who has an autism spectrum disorder means trying to live a life of order and predict-ability. Change, whether big or small, can be difficult to manage. It can be a minefield of behaviours and outbursts, unless you have the map to get you through safely. After our son Conlin was diagnosed with ASD, we quickly learned to develop that map and to follow it to the letter. In order to devise our map, we learned about strategies which would help all of us manage change. Sometimes our map was highly suc-cessful. Sometimes we had to go back to the drawing board. Sometimes we had to ‘park’ an idea or ap-proach until we thought he might be able to cope with it again. Now, as much as I love the Maritimes, I am not a native, and to visit my family means travel. The options to get from here to there were 3 – car (the 2 day marathon), train (also 2 days but we didn’t have to worry about the driving) or plane (2 hours total). The plane was by far the best option. However, Conlin refused to get on a plane. Between sensory overload and anxieties, he could not manage the change. I had visions of trying to load him into a seat, amid screams and resistance (him, not me!)– or worse, getting on the plane and having the tantrum start up after we were in flight. It was a potential battle I was not pre-pared to face. So we drove or took the train, depending on what our pocketbooks would allow. This summer we were planning a trek to see the family. We had not been home for 2 years, and it was time. Debating the merits of train or car, I noticed one day that there was a 2 day sale on airplane tickets. The prices were better than I had ever seen. Conlin is now 18 years old and is able to manage many anxie-ties by talking about them and working out strategies. Was there some way we could make this work? I first approached my son with the question. I asked what he thought of flying . His response was not promising. (I thought we were taking the train!) After some discussion, I found his anxieties were no longer about heights, but about possibly triggering a migraine or motion sickness. We talked about strategies we could use to prevent such negative situations, and he cautiously agreed to give it a try. One hurdle cleared! Now I had to organize the plan. Parents’ Corner is a regular column in the Provincial Autism Newsletter. If you have a story you would like to contribute andParents’ Corner is a regular column in the Provincial Autism Newsletter. If you have a story you would like to contribute andParents’ Corner is a regular column in the Provincial Autism Newsletter. If you have a story you would like to contribute andParents’ Corner is a regular column in the Provincial Autism Newsletter. If you have a story you would like to contribute and share with others, please email: [email protected] with others, please email: [email protected] with others, please email: [email protected] with others, please email: [email protected]

How our Summer Vacation Took Flight How our Summer Vacation Took Flight How our Summer Vacation Took Flight How our Summer Vacation Took Flight By Vicki Harvey

Parents’ Corner Parents’ Corner Parents’ Corner Parents’ Corner

Parents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continued

Over the following weeks we discussed his anxieties and how we could cope. The migraines are unpredict-able, but I reassured him we had medications we could use to combat it early, and reminded him of previ-ous migraines which were short and easily managed. Motion sickness could be prevented by using Gravol. We talked about the sensory experience he might have on the plane – the closeness of the seating, the need to wear the seatbelt, the different smells on the plane. We used a social story technique to review and remember that he would be taking a plane trip. This is a strategy which has worked well for Conlin and helps him prepare for new situations, while reminding him of things he might experience in those settings. We planned a visit to the airport. A friend also has a son with special needs who had some anxieties about the airport, so she connected with the airport customer relations. We were pleased to find the airport of-fers tours for people who are anxious about flying, as well as for schools or other groups. The staff was informed of the concerns and limitations of our kids, and they could not have been more welcoming. We were met by an airport ambassador (volunteers) who linked us up with the WestJet staff. Our tour began at the luggage check-in, took us through the security stations and up to a gate for boarding. We went through exactly what would happen at each stage of the process – for instance, we lined up with other pas-sengers at security and went through the screening process. Although we could not actually go on a plane, we were allowed to travel down a ‘bridge’ – the corridor used to enter a plane. Throughout the tour, the boys were encouraged to ask questions and explore the surroundings. When the tour was complete, the staff gave them some small gifts to take home. This visit was probably the most important piece of the plan, as some familiarity was established. On the day of the trip, we made use of familiar items to help him relax. He brought his IPod on the plane, as well as a hand held gaming system. I also brought treats he enjoys, and made sure he had comfortable clothing on. The trip was a huge success. He enjoyed the new mode of travel and is keen to fly more. I am really glad I plucked up the courage to try and support him through the experience. There are resources available in community which can make change more manageable. Sometimes it just means taking that first step.

Parents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continued Travel with Matthew Travel with Matthew Travel with Matthew Travel with Matthew By Margaret Carver We had traveled by plane only once before with Matthew, in the spring of Grade 5, when the entire Carver family went to Disney for two weeks. At that time, we carefully prepared Matthew for this trip. We knew a flight attendant from Air Canada. We met her at a support group in the city; her daughter also had autism. We arranged to take Matthew to an empty airplane, have him sit in the seats, took a host of photos, and relig-iously read the “Going on an Airplane story” for weeks to prepare for the big day. I remember all went well except for the fact that his ears hurt and he cried some because of this. When it was over, any time you ever mentioned going on an airplane he would become frantic and say “no airplane”. Years passed, and because Ben, Matthew’s brother, now lives in Montreal it has meant countless trips to the airport. At the mention of going to visit his brother, Matthew had seemed very open to the experience. So it was that we arrived at the airport in Halifax, visiting for five days but with enough luggage for a month. When we pulled up to the entrance to the airport and offloaded the luggage the first dilemma arose. Ernie had to park the car. I had Matthew and all the luggage. Waiting at the curb for his return would not be an option (He was going to Park and Fly.) I couldn’t get Matthew and all the luggage through the revolving doors. I asked security to allow Ernie to take the luggage in with us. They replied that if he left the car even for a sec-ond it would be taken away. The option was for us to remain with the luggage and the car while Ernie went for a West Jet attendant to come and help us in. When we went through security Matthew was a bit stressed. He didn’t like taking off his coat and hat. Then he beeped while walking through. It was then that we remembered he had his Itouch in his pocket. Thus he had to be frisked with the wand. I held my breath. Other than looking perplexed and slightly irritated about get-ting his clothes, Itouch and camera and laptop back, all went okay and we breathed a sign and went on. I thought it a good idea to alert the attendant before we presented our boarding passes that Matthew would be on the flight and that there may be some concerns, although we hadn’t flown for such a long time we didn’t know what to expect. She said she would make a note of his autism by his name on the flight list. Matthew kept saying as we took off, “you will not fall, you will not fall…..”, he shut the window blind, he

opened the window blind ……..over and over. Eventually he settled and opened the blind for a bit, became interested in the flight path being charted on the screen in front of us, was distracted from his fear by the thought of a snack, and all went well as we landed in Montreal. Next hitch was the taxi. French driver, spoke very little English, perhaps under-stood even less. As we were pulling away, Ernie in front, Matthew and I in the back, it occurred to me that the “child proof lock” probably wasn’t on. Ernie tried to convey this as we sped (and I mean sped) down the highway—no go. Matthew and I sat in the back, me holding on to him as firmly as he would al-

Parents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continuedParents’ Corner continued low, and scared to death! After five reasonably good days in Montreal, we returned to P. E. Trudeau Airport and proceeded to start our journey home. This time I gave Matthew his own ID card and boarding pass. After all he was an experienced traveller now! He presented his boarding pass and ID himself. We stood in the line up at security. Ernie went first, then Matthew, then I. This time I didn’t wait for the security officer to tell us, I quickly slipped the laptop out of the bag, and WHACK! Matthew hit me, his ID card flew out of his hand. The gentleman next to me was aghast. Matthew freaked again because the ID card was missing. We told everyone to stay back. People started helping to look for the card, Matthew kicked me this time! We kept reassuring him everything was going to be OK. Someone passed us the card. It had fallen into the belongings in the security bin of the gentleman behind us. I thought it was over. The security officer said “let him push the laptop and bag through; he seems upset by anyone touching it.” We made it to the other side. I stood back a bit allowing him to pack up the laptop and he flew and hit Ernie. This time I believe two of the other security guards started to move forward, and Ernie said “it’s Ok, he has autism, it’s Ok”. When we collected our things and moved on to our gate, which was thankfully a short distance away, I dissolved to tears. A wave of real-ity washed over me. I thought we’ll never be able to travel with him again; how limiting this will be. I then thought what if…… What if it had been an elderly person next to him, a child, a baby……………. What if he had thrown the laptop and become further upset because it was broken…….. What if security had taken matters into their own hands…………………. Then it occurred to me. How could it not have been obvious? Of course we should have “practised” going through security. We could have used the kitchen counter, dishpans for his things. We could have worn latex gloves and white shirts and black pants…how easy. Practice would have reassured him that he would get his things right back. We could have used free standing coat racks to create the area you walk through to be scanned, a flashlight for the frisking wand…..O God how simple that would have been. Was the kicker this time, unlike when we went through security at Halifax, that the laptop bag this time also contained the Itouch and his camera. We have taught him over and over again about cameras. He has his and we have ours, and he “shouldn’t touch” ours (as he has been known to delete the pictures). So diligent have we been in teaching per-sonal property, to reassure him we have often placed little notes on his things reading “the personal property of Mat-thew Carver” Do not touch and we have honoured that. Here the “greys” of autism became almost iridescent. Could we have expected him to make sense of this? Perhaps it was that he was overloaded from five days in a different environment of sensory overload and this was more than he could take. Whatever it was, it lead us to think what we could have done different, what we could do another time……..

Arrange to go through security privately. Leave most of the technology at home. Don’t wear a coat and hat; pack it in the carry on. Have Ernie go through security first with the gear and then arrive at security 5 minutes later with Matthew after everything has gone through and been put back intact.

Looking back over this, we feel like we forgot everything we ever knew about autism. It has been a not so gentle reminder of the importance of supports if we are to have Matthew participate in many of the activities that we include him in. I am so grateful for the way security responded (or rather withheld from re-sponding) in this circumstance. It made all the difference to the outcome.

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If you are interested in borrowing any of these resources, please contact us at

[email protected]. Browse our book resources online at our

website: www.provincialautismcentre.ca

New on the Shelves . . .New on the Shelves . . .New on the Shelves . . .New on the Shelves . . .

Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest provides a guide for par-ents on how to prepare their children for adulthood, and describes in de-tail the kinds of services people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) need in order to live independently, away from the parental home. The author explains the importance of the cognitive abilities that enable us to regulate behaviour and adapt to changing situations, known as Execu-tive Functions, and how an individual's deficits in this area can be espe-cially problematic in the adult world. The book provides approaches to managing Executive Function Deficits and describes an innovative therapeutic program that successfully allows adults with ASDs to live with their peers and develop meaningful adult relationships.

This book provides practical and accessible guidance for parents, therapists, people with ASDs, and anyone with an interest in helping people on the Autism Spectrum lead their lives with a sense of dignity and independence. (www.jkp.com, Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

Visuals of all kinds (photographs, checklists, line drawings, cartoons, flow-charts, stick figures, etc.) are commonly used as supports for individuals on the autism spectrum who tend to think and learn visually. However, not all visuals are created equal and, therefore, visuals don't all work equally well. This companion to Learning With a Visual Brain in an Auditory World helps the reader understand how to match the developmental levels of pictures and visuals to the developmental level of the person looking at the visual. In this way, appropriate visuals provide the language development for children with autism spectrum disorders. Drawing from their experience with children and youth for decades, the authors also show how effective communication can help reduce the confusion and anxiety that often lead to behavioural out-bursts. (www.asperger.net, Autism Asperger Publishing)

LIBRARYLIBRARYLIBRARYLIBRARY

For information, call 446-4995 or visit www.provincialautismcentre.ca.

The Provincial Autism Centre proudly presents

THE SOBEYS GREEN JACKET AWARD

Yvonne Rafuse has played a pivotal role in Nova Scotia’s autism community for the last 15 years, as an educator, a volunteer, and an agent of awareness and change. Throughout her career she has advocated for effective supports for stu-dents and their families; better training for educa-tion professionals; and a greater understanding of autism in the wider community. In her present ca-pacity as the elementary level Coordinator for Student Development for the South Shore Re-gional School Board, Yvonne oversees pro-grams , trains teachers in autism support, and strives to make education – and the community - more accessible and inclusive for students with autism. Apart from her professional interest, Yvonne has also contributed countless volunteer hours, and advocated on behalf of autism issues on many committees. She is the driving force behind the Autism Centre Society of the South Shore (ACSSS), of which she is the founder and Chair. Through her volunteer work, Yvonne has demon-strated an immense amount of dedication and leadership in the autism community. Gathering and sharing knowledge is key to Yvonne’s passion, and to the progress of her work. She recently spent six months in Australia studying under renowned autism expert Dr. Tony Attwood. She was also instrumental in bringing the award-winning Ziggurat model to the attention of the Nova Scotia Department of Education, and helped write a document on effectively teaching students on the autism spectrum. Yvonne’s in-sight and expertise has earned her the profes-sional respect of her peers, and the personal re-

spect of the many stu-dents and families who have benefited from her commitment to cre-ating meaningful, posi-tive changes for peo-ple affected by autism. The Provincial Autism Centre is pleased to recognize Yvonne Ra-fuse as the 2009 Sobeys Green Jacket Award Recipient. About the Sobeys Green Jacket Award The Sobeys Green Jacket is awarded to one who demonstrates exemplary service to autism in Nova Scotia through volunteerism, fund raising, service, community building, or as an ‘unsung hero.’ Previous Green Jacket winners have been: Joan Craig (2005) Irene MacLeod (2006) Jennifer Overton (2007) Kym Hume (2008)

TO advocate on behalf of others on the Autism Spectrum as well as themselves. TO speak out against demeaning language when referring to autistic persons. TO have a say in the decisions that affect our lives and a truly scientific approach if children on the Spectrum need treatments. TO be able to have jobs that are befitting to our education and abilities, even if it means some additional support. If you are in the above categories, then you may want to consider joining the Autistic Self-Advocacy

Network in our new local chapter. There are many places in the United States and one in Australia that represent the overall network, and we are looking to start the first chapter in Atlantic Canada. There is no membership fee, but we plan to meet at least six times a year. We would be happy to represent you if something should come up that affects your life. For more information, contact Danny Melvin at [email protected] or

phone the Provincial Autism Centre at : 902-446-4995

Wanted: people on the autism spectrum

Disclaimer

The content of the Provincial Autism Centre news-letter is intended to be used for general information only and should not replace consultation with healthcare professions. Consult a qualified health-care professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical attention.

The Provincial Autism Centre makes every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and reliable, but cannot guarantee that it is error free or complete.

The Provincial Autism Centre does not endorse any product, treatment, or therapy; nor does it evaluate the quality of services operated by other organiza-tions mentioned or linked to on its website.

www.provincialautismcentre.ca

Provincial Autism Centre

1456 Brenton Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2K7 Phone: 902-446-4995 Toll Free: 1-877-544-4495 Fax: 902-446-4997 Email: [email protected] Web: www.provincialautismcentre.ca

To submit to the Provincial Autism Centre newsletter, email your submission to [email protected] The Provincial Autism Centre does not guarantee that all submissions will be included in the newsletter. We reserve the right to edit submissions.

WHO

WHAT

WHEN

WHERE

CONTACT

Autistic Self-

Advocacy

Council of

Nova

Scotia

ASAC-NS

Meetings will begin again starting in Sep-tember on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Provincial Autism Centre.

The 2nd Tuesday of Every Month from 6-8pm, unless otherwise notified


E-mail asac_ns@ provincialautismcentre.ca or call Robyn or Danny at 446-4995

IWK Health

Centre

“Advances in the Science and Treatment of Au-tism”

Friday, November 6, 5:30-8:30pm. Saturday, November 7, 8:30am-4:45pm

Pier 21, Dalhousie University

Phone 470-6464 Fax 425-1125 E-mail: janet.slaunwhite@ iwk.nshealth.ca

Society for

Treatment of

Autism (Nova

Scotia) &

Society for

Treatment of

Autism

(Calgary)

Autism Conference 2009 Professionals $80 Parents and Students $50 Call 902-567-6441 to register. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Nov. 6, 2009

Friday, November 13, 9am-4pm

850 Grand Lake Road Volunteer Fire Department Hall (Sydney, Nova Scotia)

The Society for Treatment of Autism (NS) PO Box 392 Sydney, NS, B1P 6H2 Phone: 902-567-6441 Fax: 902-567-0425 email: autism@ ns.sympatico.ca

“Reality 101” Learn what really

needs to be done be-

fore graduation as well

as when and how to do

it. For high school aged youth who have a physi-cal disability and/or ac-quired brain injury, brain tumour, and their parents/caregivers.

Tuesday, November 17th, from 6:30pm-9:00pm

IWK Health Centre, Parker Reception Room

Please RSVP to Kim Clarke at 470-7039 or email kim.clarke@ iwk.nshealth.ca by November 10th.

Provincial

Autism

Centre

Christmas Open

House, Presentation of

Sheelagh Nolan Award

and

Certificates of

Appreciation

Thursday, December 3rd, from 4:30pm-6:30pm


Please RSVP to Robyn Bradshaw at 446-4995 or email rbradshaw@ provincialautismcentre.ca

The Provincial Autism Centre relies solely

on the charitable giving from the community and local businesses

Your donation is fundamental to helping

us reach our vision of a world where people living with

Autism Spectrum Disorders can live their lives fully

Please consider

The Provincial Autism Centre as your charity of choice

To make a donation, please visit

www.provincialautismcentre.ca and click on CanadaHelps.org,

or phone 902-446-4995

Did You Know?

Provincial Autism Centre Newsletter - Fall 2009

Documents

Transcript of Provincial Autism Centre Newsletter - Fall 2009