February 2012

By Maureen Bennie

Member,

Autism Calgary Community

Director,

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

 The University of Ulster  in Northern Ireland has launched a new Master’s Degree program that will expand and enhance the management of Sensory Processing Disorder by occupational therapists and other allied health practitioners. The new Master of Science in Sensory Integration degree is based  on a series of modules conducted in partnership with the not-for-profit educational organization, Sensory Integration Network (UK and Ireland) .

The new courses are designed to equip participants with knowledge to apply current theories to everyday practice and to provide them with a theoretical basis for the management of people with SPDs. The courses are delivered as a pathway to certification by the Sensory Integration Network as a Practitioner, or Advanced Practitioner, of Sensory Integration.

This new program will produce highly qualified professionals to work with those who have SPD such as individuals with autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Dyspraxia and Developmental Coordination Disorder. It’s a great step forward in education and programming.

A recently published study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that although individuals with autism spectrum disorders are often preoccupied with television, computers, and video games (screen-based media), the majority (64.2%) spent most of their free time using non-social media (television, video games), while only 13.2% spent time on social media (email, internet chatting).

These results aren’t surprising because using social media involves using social skills, something people with ASD struggle with. Assistant Professor Paul Shattuck who lead the study, says that as kids with ASD’s age and as their cognitive skills improve, they spend more time using social media, which helps them to further develop social skills.

I recently discovered an excellent Facebook group called The Autism Discussion Page. The posts are written by Bill Nasen, MS, LLP and discuss tools that help children on the spectrum feel safe, accepted and competent. His philosophy is although each child is different with their unique strengths and challenges, there are some common strategies that can strengthen the social, emotion, and cognitive security for most children on the spectrum.

All of his presentations are organized on the Fragile World on the Spectrum website. He then opens the floor for discussion about these topics on his Facebook page. I noticed he does answer everyone who posts. Lots of effort here from someone who is clearly intelligent and understands individuals with ASD.

There is a lot of discussion and controversy around the new proposed criteria for autism in the upcoming DSM-V. The new definition would sharply reduce the skyrocketing rate at which the disorder is diagnosed and might make it harder for many people who would no longer meet the criteria to get health, educational and social services, a new analysis suggests. The new changes would probably exclude people with a diagnosis who were higher functioning.

There was an outstanding article written in the New York Times on this subject, which includes statements from a wide range of researchers, people working in the field of ASD and parents; a very informative read on a hot topic right now.

We don’t often hear from fathers of children with ASD. One dad I know in Nova Scotia, Paul Peters, started his own blog called a Father’s Perspective on Autism. He has a daughter with autism. Paul’s posts are insightful and well-written. You can read his blog here.

It is challenging to find a curriculum on teaching sexuality to people with ASD. The recently published book Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health: A Curriculum for Teaching Adolescents/Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Challenges is a comprehensive, well-researched curriculum  and an up-to-date resource on sexuality, tailored to the unique characteristics of high-functioning adolescents and adults on the spectrum. The accompanying CD-ROM contains all the handouts for easy duplication and individualization.

Former Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn, author of the Bobby and Mandee children’s safety series books, has a new book called Good Touch, Bad Touch. In this simple and engaging guide, Mandee and Bobby explain “good touches” (hugs and kisses from family members, a pat on the back, a handshake, or a high five) and “bad touches” (a hit, slap, punch, kick, bite, hard pinch, shove, or grabbing, tugging, scratching, tripping, or choking). They describe how to recognize each kind of touch, the differences between them, and how to respond.

There are some great, helpful features in this book such as the 8-question Bobby and Mandee’s Touch Quiz, how to teach the use of 911, and My List of Safe Grown-ups to Call – a blank form that parents and children can fill out together. Safety needs to be taught and this book provides a great framework to do just that.

Congratulations to Margaret Spoelstra, Executive Director of Autism Ontario, for her appointment to the Order of Canada. Thanks, Margaret, for your dedication to advocating for acceptance and opportunties for all individuals with autism; as well as your tireless work with Autism Ontario Chapters, families, self-advocates and professionals.

The Globe and Mail wrote an article about the Ottawa Police Service and their new voluntary autism registry. The idea of the registry is to inform police of an ASD diagnosis and if they need to intervene with that individual at some point, the diagnosis is known and the police have some training in dealing with ASD.

“The goal of the registry is to inform police that a child or adult may not be able to speak to them or follow commands – often the case for someone with autism spectrum disorder, a term that describes a range of increasingly common disorders that affect social interaction and communication. Police are finding themselves increasingly interacting with people in crises. Factors including deinstitutionalization of care have meant that more people with mental illness, or disorders such as autism, are coming into contact with police. Arming officers with information about a person’s condition is one way to prevent harm – both to the officer and the individual.” To read the article in its entirety, click here. 

Meet Thorkil Sonne

Specialist People Foundatin

Monday January 30 at 7:00pm

Saphire Room, Executive Royal Inn

2828 23 Street NE, Calgary

This coming Monday January 30, 2012 Thorkil Sonne founder of the Specialist People Foundation is traveling from Denmark to Calgary to kick of the Specialisterne Canada Project.  An advisory committee of Autism Calgary community members has worked diligently to raise funds to embark on a feasibility study to examine the potential of a licensed Specialisterne operation in Calgary.  During Thorkil’s visit we are thrilled to provide an opportunity for individuals and families to meet Thorkil Sonne and learn more about this initiative that is sweeping the globe.

To register, be sure to contact Rebecca with your name, contact information, and the number in your party.  E-mail info [at] autismcalgary [dot] com or leave a phone message 403-250-5033 and dial zero.

The Autism Calgary member meet and greet will be held in the Saphire room of the Executive Royal Inn Calgary, 2828 23 Street NE at 7:00pm.  Thorkil will be presenting and there will be opportunity for conversation and refreshments.

 Press Release: 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Calgary Social Enterprise to Create IT Employment for People with Autism

Specialisterne Founder Thorkil Sonne in Calgary January 30-31,

To Launch First Canadian Project

 CALGARY, AB, January 20, 2012 – People at the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum usually have a higher than average IQ, and special mental gifts – photographic recall is common.  In spite of this, they have an unemployment rate higher than 85%. 

Observing the amazing abilities of his own son with Autism, Danish Information Technology professional Thorkil Sonne founded Specialisterne (‘The Specialists’) in 2004, employing persons with Autism as IT consultants, primarily in software testing and data conversion.  The Copenhagen company has thrived on the special skills of its employees, delivered the benefits of their talents to Danish firms, and created good jobs for over 50 people, 33 of whom are on the autism spectrum.  In 2009, Thorkil set up the non-profit Specialist People Foundation and sold Specialisterne to it for a single Danish Krone.  The foundation’s goal is to create one million jobs for those on the autism spectrum, in part through facilitating the start-up of similar operations in other countries.  Licensed Specialisterne operations have been established in many countries around the world.

Calgary has tremendous potential to be a successful Specialisterne site.  It has roughly twice the population of Copenhagen, and more significantly, has a much higher proportion of Information Technology activity.  The Specialisterne Canada Advisory Board’s goal is to establish Specialisterne Canada as a Calgary-based not-for-profit company.  Autism Calgary, a registered charity, is underwriting this project. 

We are proud to announce that Thorkil Sonne will be in Calgary to kick-start our project, January 30 and 31.  We begin with a Feasibility Study and Business Planning.  Our goal is to begin operations before the end of 2012.

Thorkil will be helping to promote our project to the local IT community and Calgary supporters, and will be available for media events.  He has a powerful and positive story to tell. 

The Specialist People Foundation www.specialistpeople.com

Autism Calgary www.autismcalgary.com

Russ Peardon, Chair, Specialisterne Canada Advisory Board, russ [at] autismcalgary [dot] com  mobile: 403-609-9773

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 Autism Community

Choir

Tuesday

Afternoons

We are looking for participants, youth and adults, with ASD ages 15 and up. We are focusing on individuals with moderate to severe autism.  We recognize this population is in as much need of peer to peer support and some fun!! Please come with your coolest caregiver and join us. No pressure, just hanging out!

Where: Deer Park United Church, 77 Deer Point Road SE Calgary T2J 6W5When: Tuesday Afternoons What: Get together, learning songs…a choir Who: YOU and Nicola, our very wonderful volunteer choir conductor. Maria and Rebecca our Autism Calgary Family Support team and Corrine, a wonderful volunteer. There will be snacks…

To Register or for more information please email Rebecca info [at] autismcalgary [dot] com or phone and leave a message at 403-250-5033 and dial zero.

Special Guest:

Jay Serdula

7:00-9:00pm

Thursday January 26

Autism Calgary Centre

  Autism Calgary Archives 2008 Run The Dream (Jay, Sarah, Dean)

It is our privilege that Jay Serdula is returning to Calgary this year to provide another inspirational presentation.  However, this year Jay is directing his presentation for an audience whose participants are primarily individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  In this presentation Jay will share his experiences as an adult with Asperger Syndrome and he will detail the story of his swim across Lake Ontario.  The presentation will be between 60 and 75 minutes.  Following the presentation there will be an opportunity for open discussion with Jay and other individuals in the audience.

If you are an individual with Asperger Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder, we welcome you to attend this presentation and stay for the discussions that follow.  If you are a caregiver, a family member, or someone providing support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder – you are also welcome to attend.

To learn more about Jay Serdula, please visit Jay’s website.

This presentation will be Thursday, January 26^th 2012, 7 to 9 PM at the office of Autism Calgary: 174, 3359 27 Street NE Calgary. Please register by leaving Rebecca a message with your name, number attending and your contact information by e-mail at rebecca [at] autismcalgary [dot] com, or telephone 403-250-5033 and dial zero.  If there is a change of venue, all registered participants will be contacted.

Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

The University of British Columbia has launched a pilot program for people with intellectual disabilities age 18 and up. The Canadian Inclusive Lives Learning Initiative (CILLI) 8 month web-based program gives participants the opportunity to learn about decision-making, employment, financial literacy, legal matters and how to access outside resources. The program is a combination of on-line learning modules and telephone sessions with facilitators. People with intellectual disabilities can enroll in the course on their own or with a family member or friend. Each month, participants log onto a website to complete a learning module on a topic. In addition, participants receive telephone calls from an expert on that month’s topic and a program co-ordinator who helps them incorporate what they’ve learned into their life plan.

This first course has 22 participants in it ranging from ages 18 to 65. It begins and ends with camp-style retreats that encourage participants to get to know each other and express themselves in events such as a Canadian Idol-style talent show. To read more about the program, click here.

At the University of Victoria, psychologist Jim Tanaka is using a computer program that helps individuals with autism navigate social interactions in the real world through the recognition of faces. FaceMaze is face-recognition software, developed by the Temporal Dynamics of Learning Centre in San Diego. The program is designed to recognize the messages that are communicated by the complex network of muscles that make up the human face, and it is sophisticated enough to tell the difference between a genuine smile and a phony one.

Dr. Tanaka, a specialist in face recognition, saw the potential this program had for people with autism. In 2010, Dr. Tanaka launched UVic’s Centre for Autism Research Technology and Education, where a small team is developing software programs like FaceMaze to help people with autism learn to read others’ expressions – and to improve their ability to use their own faces to communicate as well. The co-director of the research centre, Joseph Sheppard, is a psychology student who also has autism. He is studying the mechanics of decision-making and the unique memory capacities association with autism.  Learn more about the Centre for Autism Research by clicking here. 

Easter Seals, supported by Google SketchUp, is hosting its second annual Sketch-A-Space contest to draw attention to the employment needs of people with autism. The winner of the contest will receive $3,000.

Using the Google SketchUp 3D modeling software, contestants are to design a space that represents a dream job, career interests, or plans for future employment. The purpose of the contest is to raise autism awareness and increase community understanding that individuals with autism can be successful in the working world when they have access to the supports they need and find the right job match.

This contest is open to people with autism, as well as those interested in autism. A panel of judges consisting of three experts in architecture and design, along with last year’s Sketch-a-Space winner, JP Saikali, a college student living with autism, will pick the top three entries. Deadline for submissions is January 13^th. To learn more, click here.

Each month, I’m hoping to draw attention to great blogs written by people on the autism spectrum. Check out Julia Bascom’s blog called  Just Stimming.  She is an Autistic writer, and Just Stimming is her internet home and the official depository of her collected writings about disability, disability justice, and growing up and living as an Autistic girl. She started writing when she was 12 and is now a presenter on autistic identity and culture. This is a very poignant and well written blog – another voice that gives great insight into the autistic mind.

Some great new books have been recently published. Unstuck and On Target: An Executive Function Curriculum to Improve Flexibility for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders  is a classroom-based intervention approach for high-functioning students ages 8–11 that addresses problems with flexibility and goal-directed behaviour. These two things can be taught just like any other skill—and this how-to manual equips professionals with simple, real-world ways to help students with ASD develop this critical aspect of executive function.

If you are a fan of the Superflex Curriculum, there is a new comic book out in the series called Superflex Takes on Brain Eater. This book focuses on one of the social cognitive challenges seen most often in students, distractibility, with strategies on how to stay on track with every day activities like getting ready for school and listening in class. The engaging comic book is the third in the Superflex series designed to help children learn more about their own social behavior and strategies to regulate it.

I recently discovered a website that is very comprehensive and interactive. The Autism News has articles, great places to visit for people with ASD, recipes, open discussion, tip of the week, product discoveries and much more. Check it out here.

These are the highlights of what in the world is going on in autism for January 2012.

This was a bold move, which has garnered significant recognition for Specialisterne:

• Best Large Social Firm Europe 2006 – CEFEC
• Case Study – Harvard Business School
• Network Prize 2005 – Danish Business Leaders Nework
• One of 12 Shocking Ideas That Could Change The World – Wired Magazine
• For Some with Autism, Jobs to Match their Talents – New York Times, June 2011

And also for Thorkil Sonne:

• Ashoka Fellow and Globalizer 2009 – Global Social Entrepreneur Network
• Heinrich Prize 2010 – Danish grassroot network
• Brave Thinker 2009 – Atlantic Magazine
• Intelligent Optimist 2009 – Ode Magazine
• IT Prize 2008 – The Danish IT Industry Association
• Autism Prize 2004 – The Danish Autism Association

In 2009, Thorkil set up the non-profit Specialist People Foundation and sold Specialisterne to it for a single Danish Krone.  The foundation’s goal is to create one million jobs for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in part through facilitating start-up of similar operations in other countries.  Licensed Specialisterne operations have been established in Reykjavik, Glasgow and Berne.  Operations in Berlin and Warsaw are in the start-up phase, and planning is underway for companies in many other countries around the world.

Alberta has tremendous potential to host a successful Specialisterne site.  Each major city has roughly twice the population of Copenhagen, and more significantly, a much higher proportion of Information Technology activity.

 The Specialist People Foundation has adopted a licensee model to facilitate the start-up of local companies.  Licensed operations gain access to the Specialisterne business model, an extensive library covering  assessment, training, management and marketing, and access to Specialisterne’ s existing business contracts with global companies such as IBM, Microsoft and Nokia.

The Specialisterne Canada Advisory Board’s goal is to establish Specialisterne Canada as an Alberta-based not-for-profit company.  We are a diverse group of people, with representatives from the Autism, Education and Information Technology communities.  We are a project of Autism Calgary.

To achieve licensee status, candidate firms must first go through a rigorous start-up process.  The first step is a very thorough Feasibility Study.  In short, the study will attempt to answer the questions: “Can a Specialisterne licensee succeed in Calgary, and what changes will need to be made to the Danish model?”  We are very pleased to announce that we have raised the $42,000 required to fund the Feasibility Study, and it will commence in January, 2012.

The Feasibility Study process will be performed locally, but will be guided by the Specialist People Foundation and follow their model.  If the outcome of the Feasibility Study is positive, the project will then move into a Business Planning phase, followed by start-up and commencement of operations.

This is a very worthwhile project.  It has the potential to address a serious growing social issue using a sustainable business model – creating winning conditions for the consultants with Autism Spectrum Disorder it employs, the companies it serves and our larger society.  It is a powerful thing to meet the consultants at Specialisterne, and hear them describe what it means to have employment that accommodates their unique needs, giving them a chance to contribute with their considerable and special skills.

Our project is a small step towards Thorkil Sonne’s goal of one million jobs for ‘specialist people’.  That dream is really one of diversity in the workplace – showing companies the value of employing all kinds of people, and showcasing management approaches that derive value from a diverse and creative workforce.

For More Information

• The Specialist People Foundation
• Specialisterne
• A well-researched recent article in the New York Times
• Thorkil Sonne’s blog
• E-Mail: Russ Peardon (russ [at] autismcalgary [dot] com) , Chair, Specialisterne Canada Advisory Board

W.C.H.S’s grade 12 psychology classes are learning about different disorders and wanted us to come and speak about Autism.

We will generally jump at the chance to do a presentation in situations like this, because it gives us the perfect opportunity to demystify common misconceptions and deconstruct stereotypical views of the disorder.

We pride ourselves on the wonderfully crafted positive and person-first language of our script. We understand that words are powerful and the use of them can change a person’s perception for better or for worse.

That is why when I came across this article tonight, it made me shake my head a little and think….

What are we saying when we use person-first language? Rather than saying, “My Autistic son”, I would say, “My son with Autism”. This implies that he is a person first, and the disorder (Autism) does not identify him.

Sounds great, right?

Well, this perspective  is a little different so I thought I would share it.

After all, we at Friend 2 Friend embrace and accept all differences!

Feel free to share your comments and thoughts below.

Cheers!

December 2011

By Maureen Bennie

Member,
Autism Calgary Community

Director,
Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

National Autism Strategies play a big role in both Europe and the UK as a way of providing a framework for effective autism treatment, support and services. National standards raise the level of services, service delivery, best practice standards, and quality of care for people with ASD.

On November 2, 2011, Scotland announced its Autism Strategy. In addition to £10 million funding to help and support people with autism and their families, announced earlier this year, the Strategy for Autism commits to a further £3.4 million investment. It is estimated that 50,000 people in Scotland are affected by autism.

England passed their Adult Autism Strategy back in March 2010. The Strategy made recommendations for central Government as well as for local authorities, the National Health Service and Jobcentre Plus, focusing on five key areas. To read more about the Strategy, click here.

There has been a lot of buzz in recent months about the use of technology with people  on the autism spectrum. Technology is opening up a whole new avenue for teaching and communication. There is an excellent journal called Assistive Technology which is the official journal of Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). You can view sample copies on-line but it does require a subscription; however, if you are interested in the effective use of technology for people with disabilities, these articles are of high quality and share great ideas on the innovative use of technology.

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) does provide some great free downloads on using apps for people with autism. If iPad is your interest, there is a blog called the iPad Training Site that gives instruction on using iPad with people with disabilities. You’ll find their You Tube videos helpful too.

For those looking for a great book on apps, the recently published Apps for Autism by SLP Lois Brady fits the bill. With over 200 apps listed, the book is divided into sections on various topics such as Apps for Speech, Receptive Language, Vocabulary, Life Skills, Organizers, Occupational Therapy concerns like handwriting, and General Education. This is a great way to review apps before purchasing them. Customer reviews are provided as well.

There is a new autism centre going to be built in Toronto, ON that will be the first of its kind to house researchers and youth with autism under one roof. The Kae Martin Campus will have researchers working alongside 520 young people with autism who will live there and be educated in becoming self-sufficient independent adults. There is no model like this proposed one in Canada. The idea is that when students graduate, they will have the necessary life skills to be lead successful adult lives.

The United Nations announced at the beginning of November that it will honour autism awareness next year with a series of postage stamps designed by individuals with autism. The UN will select at least three designs to put into circulation. About 1 million autism awareness stamps are expected to be made available at U.N. offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna.

Looking for a great blog to read by someone on the autism spectrum? Check out Aaron Likens blog called Life on the Other Side of the Wall . Aaron is the Community Education Specialist for TouchPoint Autism Services based in Saint Louis, Missouri and has Asperger Syndrome. He’s been blogging for almost 2 years. You’ll enjoy his honest approach to life on the spectrum. Very informative!

On December 8^th, CBC’s David Suzuki’s The Nature of Things program will feature The Autism Engima. The show will give a fresh perspective on autism research with the developing “Bacterial Theory” of autism. About 70 percent of people with autism also have gut issues. If you miss this broadcast, it will be on again December 15^th. Go to CBC’s website  for details.

And those are the highlights of what in the world is going on in the field of autism.

Your Voice

in

Your Community!

Support, Inform,

& Inspire Others… 

As the voice of individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism Calgary is pleased to announce the “Members Matter” category of our community blog.  These articles feature stories, news, and inspirations from you - the Autism Calgary Members.  As Autism Calgary members you may submit articles to be considered for publication to our community blog for one time publication or you can consider volunteering to be an ongoing contributor.  Send an e-mail to our office manager to learn more. 

Join us in welcoming our first two active contributing members: Maureen Bennie and Gail Hearns.  Maureen & Gail… we are looking forward to adding your voice to our community blog!

The ideas and opinions expressed in our community blog represent the knowledge, wisdom, opinions and views of the author(s).   While this does not necessarily reflect the views and values of Autism Calgary, these articles collectively reflect the valuable insight our members.

Pat explained that she would ideally like to meet with families before they begin the process with PDD to explore what their vision is for the family member in their care.  She explained that the resource center offers assistance in the following areas: the hiring process, practical assistance in this regard, educational workshops, connecting families, and creating a vision for the adult in your care.

Pat does do some home visits to meet with families. The Darrell Cook Family Managed Resource Centre also can help in advocacy and legal advice is available.

In regards to employment, Pat mentioned a new joint initiative between Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) and the Rotarians called the Employment Partnership: http://www.aacl.org/PartnershipsProjects/RotaryEmploymentPartnership/tabid/104/Default.aspx.

These are some of the comments and concerns that came up that evening:

• One of the parents expressed concerns about the risk that families take often when they have their adult in the community.  This relates to the risks of challenging behaviors in public – and how other behaviors may be interpreted.   As a family with FMS you may find yourself without an advocate, without the protection of an agency. It may be your family against a system. Who can be there to advocate and help the family? On this same point, adults with complex needs may face liability issues. How can a FMS family advocate and support their adult effectively?
• Unfortunately, the FMS program does not offer funding for families to offer employee benefits.  Hence, prospective employees may be more attracted to work with an agency.
• Training was another area brought up at the meeting. A lot of the training of staff happens within agencies. Families at the presentation asked where can this type of training be found for staff of FMS? . It was suggested that Vecova , Supported Lifestyles and Vantage may have accessible training for FMS families.
• Columbia College was mentioned as a post-secondary option for our adults
• DRES-was mentioned as a source of funding to support employment
• On a positive note, parents emphasized that they enjoyed being able to hire individuals more closely in tune to their own family value system.

 It was a fruitful meeting in that we many common concerns were raised.  Family Managed Services is still a fairly new option, there is a lot of development still to happen before it reaches its full potential.