Recherche

The global pandemic has impacted every corner of society including how specialized behavioral services and supervision are delivered. Practitioners have had to pivot to delivering services remotely which has required innovation and patience of all involved. This webinar is geared towards practitioners providing behavior analytic services to clients and behavior analytic supervision to trainees. Guidelines for compassionate care during these unprecedented times will be discussed in addition to ideas for continuing to provide high quality supervision to trainees. Learning objectives:

1. Participants will become familiar with an overview of the literature and practice recommendations for delivery ABA services within a compassionate care framework

2. Participants will become familiar with innovative ways to continue to support behavior analytic supervisees during pandemic related restrictions

Additional sessions in this series:

1.  Employment & Human Resources Issues During COVID-19 with Natasha Danson

2. Legal and Professional Issues to Consider when Providing and Receiving Telehealth Services with Richard Steinecke

Presenters:

Kendra Thomson is an Associate Professor in Applied Disability Studies at Brock University, a Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), and a clinician-scientist in the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Ontario. Kendra has almost 20 years of experience in various clinical and research settings supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) across the lifespan. Kendra, her graduate students, and their community partners have published research in: Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis: Research & Practice, and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. She is currently the president of the Ontario Association of Behaviour Analysis, and past-co-chair of the professional regulation committee.

Nancy is the Executive Director and Founder of Breakthrough Autism. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Clinical Psychologist, she completed her Master of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Behavior Analysis at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is currently working on her PhD in Behavior Analysis through Endicott College. Nancy has published research in the flagship Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) and has presented at both provincial and international conferences. Nancy is currently the president-elect of the Ontario Association of Behaviour Analysis. Based on her extensive expertise and clinical experience, Nancy was appointed to serve on the ASD-Clinical Expert Committee (CEC) for what was formerly known as the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

This document captures the patterns and insights of housing through an autism lens. It describes why we gathered participants and partners from the autistic housing system in this Solutions Lab and what we did to explore the legislative, programmatic, and lived experience of autistic adults in housing.
We hope that you can use this document to inform your work in bettering housing for autistic adults and/or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We intend to present the challenge of securing safe, suitable, and supportive housing for autistic adults and spark your curiosity into how we can develop solutions. We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all the partners, participants and, in particular, the autistic advisors as well as the many people who contributed their stories. Without them, this project would not be possible.

Dr. Christie Welch has been researching Burnout, Inertia, Meltdowns, and Shutdown (BIMS) from the perspectives of autistic children, youth, and adults. In this webinar, Dr. Welch will share her research findings including how her autistic co-researchers describe and experience BIMS and what they found helpful. We will also discuss the importance of including the lived autistic experience by using terms that come from the autistic community when refining the definition of BIMS. Finally, we'll explore the BIMS self-management tools that Dr. Welch's research team has under development.

This webinar is appropriate for autistic youth, adults, and their families as well as professionals working with this population. For more information on this topic, please see the additional resources attached below.

Speaker: Dr. Christie Welch

Christie Welch Ph.D., OT Reg. (Ont.) is a registered Occupational Therapist who has been practicing since 2001. She completed a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Toronto and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Bloorview Research Institute. Christie is passionate about building a new understanding of autism that is based on the perspectives of people who identify as autistic. Her research focuses on experiences identified as important by autistic people; specifically, burnout, inertia, meltdown, and shutdown. She is currently an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto. 

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions. 

Learning to use the toilet and other associated skills (e.g., self-care routines, staying dry throughout the night) can be a huge milestone for an individual and their family.

This webinar mini-series is intended to support parents and caregivers of individuals with autism who are interested in learning more about toileting and the various skills it entails, when it might be time to focus on a particular skill, who can help you with various goals, and common strategies that are used to support each toileting skill area.

Part 4- Bedwetting and Challenging Behaviours Related to Toileting

The final webinar in this series will discuss bedwetting and challenging behaviours related to toileting. We will review when to seek support, who can help, and potential reasons for these behaviours.

Additional sessions in this series:

Part 1- What to Consider Before and Throughout Your Toileting Journey

Part 2- Toileting Schedules and Self-Care Routines 

Part 3- Daytime Toilet Training

Speaker Information:

Bethany Brewin M.Sc.O.T.

Bethany is an experienced occupational therapist living in Simcoe County. She attended the University of Toronto for her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has worked with children, youth, and families across Canada, as well as providing consultation services to childcare settings, schools, and community organizations. Bethany has presented on a variety of topics over the years, from fine motor skills to the impact of screen time on early childhood development. She is particularly passionate about connecting with the world around us through mindfulness: engaging our senses to connect with our surroundings. Bethany is part of Autism Ontario’s "Subject Matter Expert" team.

Kristin Gunby, M.S., BCBA, Behaviour Analyst 

Kristin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with over twenty years of experience supporting individuals with Autism and their families. Kristin completed her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at Brock University and her Master of Science in Behaviour Analysis from St. Cloud State University. Kristin has worked both privately and publicly as a clinician throughout various iterations of the Ontario Autism Program. She has also worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis Facilitator for a public-school board in Ontario. She has published studies in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Interventions in the areas of safety skills, joint attention, and teaching presentations. Kristin is part of Autism Ontario’s newly formed “Subject Matter Expert” Team. 

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.

Recognizing the early signs of autism is an important step along the pathway to diagnosis to ensure children have access to supports and services and that parents' concerns and questions are addressed.

We have learned a lot about the earliest features of autism, in part from the experiences of parents and, more recently, from research involving younger siblings, who are at increased likelihood of the diagnosis themselves. Despite growing knowledge of the earliest signs of autism, the average age of diagnosis has barely decreased as families face long waits to access assessments. Can we do better?

In this webinar, we will discuss strategies supporting more timely access to diagnostic assessment through training and collaboration with community physicians and other professionals. Finally, we will share ideas about how families can be supported through this process, including the involvement of experienced parents in navigation and other important roles.  

Speaker: Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum

Dr. Zwaigenbaum is a developmental pediatrician and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta, supported by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair in Autism. He is also the Edmonton Zone Clinical Department Head for Child Health, Alberta Health Services. His current research focuses on early features of autism, as well as improving diagnosis and health care related to autism. He recently chaired the oversight panel of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Autism Assessment requested by the federal government to guide the national autism policy strategy. In his clinical roles at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, he has co-led community training on autism diagnosis and ongoing pediatric care.

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions

Join Daniel Roth for a discussion about the health risks facing individuals with developmental disabilities, why exercise should be a priority, and how to overcome the barriers to accessing and participating in healthy activities. Learn what makes for a successful exercise program and simple strategies to help get your family moving this summer. 

Daniel Roth is a personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and behaviour therapist. He has been working with adults and youth with special needs and developmental disabilities for the past 10 years. He is the owner and director of Level Up Fitness Academy which specializes in creating fitness programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders often experience bullying at school, and it is important that parents and professionals work together to address this problem.

This webinar reviews ways of supporting youth who are experiencing bullying to increase their coping skills and to help stop the problem from happening in the future. Effective interventions require knowledge and a team approach, and the current workshop discusses what children can do, and what adults can do, to make everyone feel more safe.

Presenter:

Dr. Jonathan Weiss, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University and Clinical Psychologist. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University of Toronto, Dept. of Psychiatry, and held the federal Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment and Care Research. He currently holds a York Research Chair in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disability Mental Health. His research focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental health problems in people with autism or intellectual disabilities across the lifespan. He conducts studies into how people with developmental disabilities access mental health care, and is interested in their health service needs, their emergency service use, and their experiences of psychiatric crisis.

Even though we have known about autism for several decades, it is still common for older youth or adults to come to the attention of clinicians while seeking assessment for a possible Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Below are some of the most common questions from parents of youth or adults, or from the adults themselves, when seeking an ASD diagnosis.

Being a parent/family member of an autistic child, teen or adult can be highly stressful. “Perfect” parents and families do not exist, but some cope better than others. In his counselling practice, “successful parents” have taught Dale twelve strategies (secrets) for a happier and more fulfilling family life. With ideas from stress management and family therapy research, and keeping in mind the impact of COVID-19, this session will reveal and discuss these strategy ‘secrets’.

Presenter: J. Dale Munro, MSW, RSW, FAAIDD

J. Dale Munro, MSW, RSW, FAAIDD is an individual, couple & family therapist in full-time private practice in London, Ontario. He is a clinical affiliate with The Redpath Centre in Toronto. He is a well-known speaker across North America who has worked in the ASD field for over 40 years. He has won awards for his work; and published articles in many international books and journals.

On April 3, 2012, my brother John and I had the great pleasure of participating in the sibling session of the 4th biennial Stages of Autism: Adolescence and Beyond Conference. We shared with the audience a bit of John’s and our family’s story which hopefully is summarized with some coherence in the paragraphs that follow.

People of all ages can require strategies that help regulate (stimulate or calm) their nervous systems. “Sensory-seeking individuals often continue to crave input as they get older…sensory-seeking can impact an individual’s work, leisure and self-care. Remember the need for intense input does not automatically disappear just because a person is older”.

This article summarizes some of the information contained in the report entitled: “Diversity in Ontario’s Youth and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Complex Needs in Unprepared Systems”.

Mental health disorders in youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) pose a significant clinical problem and often have a marked effect on their quality of life. Anxiety disorders and mood disorders occur at a higher rate in individuals with ASD compared to the general population. However, the dearth of services for youth and adults on the spectrum means that mental health issues may not be adequately addressed. “The implications of not proactively addressing the co-morbid mental health issues in ASDs concern clinicians in the field of autism, as well as the individuals themselves, and their families” (Stoddart, Burke & King, 2013, p, 84). This lack of recognition is exemplified when an individual on the autism spectrum is not diagnosed or treated as having ASD in the mental health system—or alternatively, when a person receives services relating only to the features of autism, and cannot access generic mental health services due to reluctance to treat somebody

This article summarizes some of the information contained in the recent report entitled Diversity in Ontario’s Youth and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Complex Needs in Unprepared Systems.

Finding and keeping meaningful employment is often a challenge for youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Underemployment is also a concern, as many individuals are employed in positions that require performance significantly below their skills, knowledge, or training. Being employed and self-sufficient financially contributes to improved self-esteem, increased independence and reduces reliance on income support programs.

This research summary focuses on how young people with developmental disabilities (DDs), like all young people, experience exciting opportunities as they move from adolescence to the demands of adulthood. Becoming an adult for the young person with a developmental disability entails exploring new interests, getting to know their community and new service workers, learning work skills and making new friends. Yet, young adults with DDs and their families experience many more challenges and barriers to achieve their goals than families of children with no disabilities.

This report was published in 2012.

For over 35 years, Autism Ontario has worked with the Government of Ontario towards a vision of “acceptance and opportunities for all individuals with ASD”. One initiative of Autism Ontario was to develop a program that would provide direct financial support to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to enable them to participate in community-based activities/programs throughout the Summer and March Break vacations from school, such as camps and recreational programs. Financial support for Summer funding was first provided by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services in 2007. Funding could be used by families in a variety of ways. The funding could be used by families to pay for
community recreational/camps programs or one-to-one support over March Break or one-to-one support
during summer holidays.

The direct goals of this program were: (1) to provide families with respite; (2) to support community and recreational participation of children with ASD; (3) to provide high-quality programing opportunities; and (4) to help provide continuity of care during vacation periods defined by the school calendar. Through these four primary goals, it was hoped that several secondary objectives may be achieved: (1) lower parental stress; (2) improvement in skills of the children; and (3) modest improvement in ASD symptomatology. An evaluation component of the program was initiated by Autism Ontario to measure the effective and ineffective elements of the program. This paper will provide an overview of the process involved in the
evaluation of the March Break and Summer Funding program, along with a review of the results of the evaluation. First, a very brief overview of some research supporting the importance of the identified program goals will be reviewed. Next, the evaluation process will be described, followed by a review of the results from the program evaluation. Finally, an executive summary will provide a concise overview of key messages of this evaluation.

This article argues that families of individuals with ASD can benefit greatly from learning the “Step Approach Model” for effective advocacy. Families of children, teens and adults with ASD (and related diagnoses) sometimes lack the necessary skills and confidence to raise concerns comfortably and constructively with human service systems. Yet, families sometimes have more real political “clout” in affecting change in educational, developmental, social service and health systems than they realize at first (Schields, 1987). When families raise concerns, they stand outside of existing systems. They have access to sources of influence (e.g., mainstream and social media, top government or bureaucratic decision-makers, self-help and advocacy groups) not ordinarily available to people employed by service organizations.

This webinar will review the state of the evidence and best practice in understanding mental health problems experienced by adolescents and adults on the spectrum. We will discuss how we can use conceptualizations of thriving to move beyond solely deficit models, for understanding and planning supports.

Presenter: Jonathan Weiss, Ph.D.

Dr. Jonathan Weiss is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University, a Clinical Psychologist, and holds the York University Research Chair in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disability Mental Health.

In this workshop, Sarah will use her “Three C’s” approach to understanding and managing being social at work and apply it to a number of different scenarios. Through Context, Communication and Checking-in we will explore how most situations can be more easily resolved with less anxiety.

Other sessions in this series:

• Part 1 of 5 - Resiliency in Job Searching
• Part 2 of 5 - Values & Interests for Career Matching
• Part 3 of 5 - Resume & Cover Letter Development
• Part 4 of 5 - Interview Skills

Presenter: Sarah Southey, M.S.W.

Sarah is a Social Worker (M.S.W.), and is an affiliate of The Redpath Centre. She see’s clients in Mississauga, Toronto and virtually. She has over 12 years of experience working with adolescents and adults with ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities and mental health issues. Sarah focuses her counselling and research on helping people with ASD find and keep meaningful employment. Sarah uses solution-focused and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques in her sessions.

Cheryl will debunk the myths, set the facts straight on employer and employee rights and responsibilities, and provide practical advice for navigating the employment relationship when it comes to key issues related to employees with employees with cognitive differences.

Speaker: Cheryl Wiles-Pooran

Cheryl Wiles Pooran is an experienced human rights, labour and employment lawyer whose practice is dedicated to serving people and social purpose organizations. 

The goal of this webinar is to provide information to autistic people and/or their caregivers to foster safe and meaningful social connections online and within pandemic related restrictions. Learn tips for teaching how to stay safe/be safe online and how technology can open doors for social connection.

Additional sessions in this series:

1. Creating Structure and Stability in the Home with Dawn Marciello & Joan Broto
2. Self Care Skills During COVID-19 with Janice Theodoropoulos
3. Ways to Play: Ideas to create activities for kids with Harley Lang

Presenters:

Carly Eby is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral.  Carly earned her B.Ed. from McGill University, MSc. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Northeastern University, and Ph.D. in ABA from Columbia University. In 2019, Carly founded The Autism Centre of Toronto (TACT), a non-profit organization that provides early intensive ABA services. Carly has taught graduate courses at Simmons University and Elms College, and has published her research in Behavioral Interventions, Behavioral Development Bulletin, and the Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA) and is Chair of the Professional Practice & Affairs Committee. Carly lives in Toronto with her husband and three children.

My name is Michau van Speyk I’m 25 years old and I live in Toronto, Canada. I have Autism. Since 2016 I have been on the board of directors for the Ontario Autism Coalition (OAC).

We know that individuals with ASD often struggle with social-communication skills making interviewing challenging for many. In this workshop, Sarah Southey, MSW,RSW will take participants through some interview preparation and common questions and answers so job seekers can be best prepared.

Other sessions in this series:

• Part 1 of 5 - Resiliency in Job Searching
• Part 2 of 5 - Values & Interests for Career Matching
• Part 3 of 5 - Resume & Cover Letter Development
• Part 5 of 5 - Social Scenarios at Work

Presenter: Sarah Southey, M.S.W.

Sarah is a Social Worker (M.S.W.), and is an affiliate of The Redpath Centre. She see’s clients in Mississauga, Toronto and virtually. She has over 12 years of experience working with adolescents and adults with ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities and mental health issues. Sarah focuses her counselling and research on helping people with ASD find and keep meaningful employment. Sarah uses solution-focused and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques in her sessions.

Participating in physical activity can have numerous social (being with peers), health (physical/mental health) and personal benefits (provide fun and enjoyment). Despite the many benefits of physical activity, autistic adolescents and adults are less likely to be active compared to their age-related peers. Little work however has sought to improve the low levels of participation.  

In this webinar, we will review the benefits and challenges of engaging in physical activity for autistic youth and adults and highlight the importance of physical activity during emerging adulthood. The presentation will also provide practical tips/tricks on how to potentially include autistic adolescents and adults in physical activity. 

Speaker:

Patrick Jachyra, PhD, Assistant Professor 

Patrick is an Assistant Professor at Durham University in the UK and is an Affiliate Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, in Toronto. His research is focused on the prevention and intervention of mental health challenges among autistic people, with a focus on suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Patrick’s research seeks to understand how physical health influences mental health and he is passionate to find ways on how we can support autistic people to live happy, healthy, and physically active lives. 

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.

Learning to use the toilet and other associated skills (e.g., self-care routines, staying dry throughout the night) can be a huge milestone for an individual and their family.

This webinar mini-series is intended to support parents and caregivers of individuals with autism who are interested in learning more about toileting and the various skills it entails, when it might be time to focus on a particular skill, who can help you with various goals, and common strategies that are used to support each toileting skill area.

Part 1- What to Consider Before and Throughout Your Toileting Journey

This webinar will discuss why toileting skills are important, as well as review social, communication, and environmental considerations that can help with getting started on your toileting journey.

Additional sessions in this series:

Part 2- Toileting Schedules and Self-Care Routines 

Part 3- Daytime Toilet Training

Part 4- Bedwetting and Challenging Behaviours Related to Toileting

Speaker Information:

Bethany Brewin M.Sc.O.T.

Bethany is an experienced occupational therapist living in Simcoe County. She attended the University of Toronto for her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has worked with children, youth, and families across Canada, as well as providing consultation services to childcare settings, schools, and community organizations. Bethany has presented on a variety of topics over the years, from fine motor skills to the impact of screen time on early childhood development. She is particularly passionate about connecting with the world around us through mindfulness: engaging our senses to connect with our surroundings. Bethany is part of Autism Ontario’s "Subject Matter Expert" team.

Kristin Gunby, M.S., BCBA, Behaviour Analyst 

Kristin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with over twenty years of experience supporting individuals with Autism and their families. Kristin completed her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at Brock University and her Master of Science in Behaviour Analysis from St. Cloud State University. Kristin has worked both privately and publicly as a clinician throughout various iterations of the Ontario Autism Program. She has also worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis Facilitator for a public-school board in Ontario. She has published studies in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Interventions in the areas of safety skills, joint attention, and teaching presentations. Kristin is part of Autism Ontario’s newly formed “Subject Matter Expert” Team. 

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.