Some Thoughts and Highlights Coming Out of the 2011 Autism Forum

As you know, I had the privilege of attending the 2011 Autism Forum last Friday, June 10, 2011.  Today I would like to share a few thoughts that have become to mind for me over the last week in response to this conference and talk about just one of the many, many highlights.

A comment had been made at the Autism Forum about the theory of cause in the 60's and 70's being "refrigerator moms", meaning a cold and unavailable…

I am really excited to note that the Autism Forum, 2011 is now only two weeks away! Two weeks today to be exact! I am really looking forward to attending the forum this year and to hearing from such a highly skilled panels of experts.  The focus this year is on an interprofessional approach to supporting the diagnosis of Autism, and this is something I really value and feel strongly about. We are also much stronger when we all work together, and we all have so much to learn from one another.  I…

These last few months have been challenging times for many people.  With the weather up and down all over the place there has been lots of illness, including sick parents as well as sick children.  Continuous days of rain can keep us even more house-bound than snow, and can be disheartening for parents and children alike.  Moms and dads are feeling worn out, exhausted, and in need of a break!  I would like to take some time to offer some thoughts about self-care, based on my experience as a…

On Thursday March 10, 2011 the Mothers Addressing Autism Together support group had the benefit of a guest presentation by Kate Lahey, Integrated Supports Facilitator from Autism Intervention Services at ErinoakKids. Kate presented to us based on workshops she teaches as part of the Learning Journey series, entitled "Oh Behave". She discussed the A, B, C 's of behaviour, which are the Antecedent, Behaviour and Consequences. When we watch and observe behaviour carefully we can identify an…

Firefly Therapy Services Summer Camp Programs:

PlayTime Academy Summer Camp - a summer camp version of our ever popular intermediate social skills group! This is a group for children who require practice with generalization of social skills in a play-based, supportive setting. Children will be supported in facilitated play, participate in circle time activities, complete crafts, ask peers for help, practice turn-taking, and follow daily routines. Please follow the link to view the camp…

Striking a Balance in Tough Times - By Karen Andrews

It seems to me that spring is not quite in the air, and just can't come soon enough for any of us.  Children are getting really restless, behaviours seem to be escalating, and parents are getting worn out.  The moms who participate in Mothers Addressing Autism Together discussed these issues together recently, and I think I would sum up the discussion in two statements:  "Choose your priorities" and "This too shall pass".

Choose Your…

There are two events being planned  for autism awareness and continuing education this year.

On Friday June 10 KidsABility's Centre of Excellence  will host it's third annual Autism Forum at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener. This is an all day event and on line registration will be on the KidsAbility website  April 1. The forums are for the entire community (and beyond), typially drawing about 450 people. The audience is noteworthy for the  wide variety of clinicians, doctors,…