Useful Information
Counselling
Can't wait to get help? If you or someone you know is in a crisis please call 1-800-SUICIDE or 911. THERE IS SOMEONE WHO CARES ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WELL-BEING.
If you are wanting more information about Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, please visit http://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/
Below is a link to information regarding Anxiety Disorders. It will help sort out the information out there regarding prevention and treatment.
http://www.anxietycanada.ca/
One of the most misunderstood demographics - teens. This link below will take you to a wealth of information regarding teen behaviour and mental illness.
http://www.teenmentalhealth.org/ Youthspace offers online support to British Columbian youth. They provide an online live chat service and forum discussion board, as well as a way to connect to a professional e-counsellor.The live chat is open every day (except Wednesday), 6pm to 11pm, and can be accessed here:http://youthspace.ca/chat
Another safe place for teens to chat online with a counsellor - anonymously - is through the LIVE CHAT at www.youthinbc.com This service is available until 1am nightly.
If you are wanting more information about Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, please visit http://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/
Below is a link to information regarding Anxiety Disorders. It will help sort out the information out there regarding prevention and treatment.
http://www.anxietycanada.ca/
One of the most misunderstood demographics - teens. This link below will take you to a wealth of information regarding teen behaviour and mental illness.
http://www.teenmentalhealth.org/ Youthspace offers online support to British Columbian youth. They provide an online live chat service and forum discussion board, as well as a way to connect to a professional e-counsellor.The live chat is open every day (except Wednesday), 6pm to 11pm, and can be accessed here:http://youthspace.ca/chat
Another safe place for teens to chat online with a counsellor - anonymously - is through the LIVE CHAT at www.youthinbc.com This service is available until 1am nightly.
Autism & ABA
You've been told your child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a parent, you might be fearful of what lies ahead, you may wonder if your child has a "disease", you may wonder if this is the end of any hopes/dreams for your child to have a successful future. One thing I really want every parent to hear is this: Autism is NOT a disease. Autism is a word used to capture one-subset, of the unique neurological differences in people. These differences can bring about great strengths and great challenges in your child - but truly, who doesn't experience challenges in their life?! We all, whether with or without Autism will have highs and lows in life. So please, at this exact moment take a deep breath, keep your spirits up and know that it will all be o.k :)
Often after a diagnosis is made, a parent can be left wondering "Well what do I do now? How can I help my child?" here is a great first step to understanding the process from diagnosis - to - treatment in B.C.
http://www.asdfunding.com/starting-points/
Below is a resource for those of you wanting to find out more information regarding Autism, and support services within the Lower-Mainland
http://www.actcommunity.ca
What is ABA? Good question! If you haven't already checked out the "ABA" header on this website , please do. After that, register yourself here and view videos of what actual ABA therapy looks like.
One of the first stressors placed on a family who have recently received news of their child's diagnoses of Autism is "Where can I find a Consultant?". It can be difficult to find Consultants with the appropriate credenials and experience, especially when you don't even know what it is that you should be looking for. WARNING TO PARENTS: not everyone that says they are a behaviour consultant is one.
FYI:
1. Always look for "BCBA" as a credential - or for someone who is being supervised by a BCBA. This is different from BCaBA as the latter is an assistant to a BCBA and does not qualify someone to be a "consultant". When you see the letters BCBA you can assume this person has at least met the minimum requirements set out by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Please note, this does not ensure quality of services and it is advised parents look at the merit of each BCBA individually.
2. When you see the word "Candidate" behind someone's credentials (e.g. M.Ed Candidate or Ph.D Candidate) this means the person has not yet graduated from their program. They do not have their Masters or Doctorate.
3. If someone is calling themselves a "Junior Behaviour Consultant" this could mean a number of things: this person has not yet finished their schooling, or internship, etc. Ensure you have all your facts before moving forward.
4. If someone is calling themselves a "Senior Therapist" or "Senior Behaviour Interventionist" or "Lead therapist" this means the person works as a behaviour interventionist/tutor with the client providing direct 1-1 services, but also has the skill set to do advanced administrative duties for the consultant. This does not mean this person is a consultant.
Below is a link to a resource page from BC-ABA, that provides links to information which supports informing the consumer. Afterall, you want the best possible care for your child - and that means hiring a qualified professional.
https://www.bc-aba.org/faqs/
For families who are in need of behaviour interventionists, below is a great a website for posting employment ad's. And for behaviour interventionists looking for employment - this is also a great site to check out for employment opportunities.
http://www.featbc.org/cgi-local/forum/discus.cgi
As a side note: Families are encouraged to post employment ad's on bulletin boards of the Psychology and Education departments of Universities and Colleges. As often undergraduate students are looking for part time employment, and if they are currently enrolled in Psychology or Education courses - they likely have a unique interest in teaching and learning outcomes.
For families in need of personalized picture symbol cards, here is a website of locally made/designed cards: http://www.behindthesmile.ca
Another excellent resource is a closed Facebook group titled: ASD and Developmental needs Swap & Shop Metro Vancouver
Excellent resource to any parent out there wondering whether or not to disclose their child's diagnosis to them, and how children with Autism feel about their diagnosis.
http://www.wimp.com/explainsautism/
As well here's a link to an explanation about what Autism is. The first article explains this to adults and the second to adolescents.
Article for newly diagnosed adults with Autism
Article for newly diagnosed teens with Autism
A mother shares her story about her response to her son asking why he has Autism… a great read!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carrie-cariello/how-do-i-tell-my-son-everything-about-his-autism_b_4794934.html
Often after a diagnosis is made, a parent can be left wondering "Well what do I do now? How can I help my child?" here is a great first step to understanding the process from diagnosis - to - treatment in B.C.
http://www.asdfunding.com/starting-points/
Below is a resource for those of you wanting to find out more information regarding Autism, and support services within the Lower-Mainland
http://www.actcommunity.ca
What is ABA? Good question! If you haven't already checked out the "ABA" header on this website , please do. After that, register yourself here and view videos of what actual ABA therapy looks like.
One of the first stressors placed on a family who have recently received news of their child's diagnoses of Autism is "Where can I find a Consultant?". It can be difficult to find Consultants with the appropriate credenials and experience, especially when you don't even know what it is that you should be looking for. WARNING TO PARENTS: not everyone that says they are a behaviour consultant is one.
FYI:
1. Always look for "BCBA" as a credential - or for someone who is being supervised by a BCBA. This is different from BCaBA as the latter is an assistant to a BCBA and does not qualify someone to be a "consultant". When you see the letters BCBA you can assume this person has at least met the minimum requirements set out by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Please note, this does not ensure quality of services and it is advised parents look at the merit of each BCBA individually.
2. When you see the word "Candidate" behind someone's credentials (e.g. M.Ed Candidate or Ph.D Candidate) this means the person has not yet graduated from their program. They do not have their Masters or Doctorate.
3. If someone is calling themselves a "Junior Behaviour Consultant" this could mean a number of things: this person has not yet finished their schooling, or internship, etc. Ensure you have all your facts before moving forward.
4. If someone is calling themselves a "Senior Therapist" or "Senior Behaviour Interventionist" or "Lead therapist" this means the person works as a behaviour interventionist/tutor with the client providing direct 1-1 services, but also has the skill set to do advanced administrative duties for the consultant. This does not mean this person is a consultant.
Below is a link to a resource page from BC-ABA, that provides links to information which supports informing the consumer. Afterall, you want the best possible care for your child - and that means hiring a qualified professional.
https://www.bc-aba.org/faqs/
For families who are in need of behaviour interventionists, below is a great a website for posting employment ad's. And for behaviour interventionists looking for employment - this is also a great site to check out for employment opportunities.
http://www.featbc.org/cgi-local/forum/discus.cgi
As a side note: Families are encouraged to post employment ad's on bulletin boards of the Psychology and Education departments of Universities and Colleges. As often undergraduate students are looking for part time employment, and if they are currently enrolled in Psychology or Education courses - they likely have a unique interest in teaching and learning outcomes.
For families in need of personalized picture symbol cards, here is a website of locally made/designed cards: http://www.behindthesmile.ca
Another excellent resource is a closed Facebook group titled: ASD and Developmental needs Swap & Shop Metro Vancouver
Excellent resource to any parent out there wondering whether or not to disclose their child's diagnosis to them, and how children with Autism feel about their diagnosis.
http://www.wimp.com/explainsautism/
As well here's a link to an explanation about what Autism is. The first article explains this to adults and the second to adolescents.
Article for newly diagnosed adults with Autism
Article for newly diagnosed teens with Autism
A mother shares her story about her response to her son asking why he has Autism… a great read!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carrie-cariello/how-do-i-tell-my-son-everything-about-his-autism_b_4794934.html
The number of self-advocacy groups in the realm of Autism is rising! Here are some links to websites and blogs founded by those with Autism for parents, community members and other persons with Autism (or Autistics, as per individual preference)
Thinking Autism Guide
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Thinking Autism Guide
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Life-Coaching
Click on the link below for a blatantly honest outlook on what stops so many of us, from getting where we want to go. What do successful people do differently?
http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/01/22/12-things-successful-people-do-differently/
http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/01/22/12-things-successful-people-do-differently/
