Thursday, October 23, 2014, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Fish Don’t Climb Trees: Supporting Students with Learning Challenges

Sue Hall, a Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator, is committed to methods that reach the source of learning challenges, and correct them, rather than simply treat the symptoms. She will explain how very simple strategies can prevent learning difficulties from arising. Sue believes there are very few people with actual learning disabilities, they just don’t learn the way they are taught. 

Friday, October 24, 2014, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Teaching Social Skills to Individuals with ASD

Leah Mumford (M.Ed., BCBA), a Behaviour Consultant, will examine some important considerations when creating social skills programs for students with ASD such as conceptual considerations, assessment procedures, evidence-based teaching procedures, generalization, home-school collaboration and data collection.  A portion of the presentation will focus specifically on teaching social skills through a Structured Social Skills Group (aka the “Lunch Bunch”). 
 
Friday, October 24, 2014, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Understanding the Experience of Students with ASD 

Leah Kelley (M.Ed.), a special education teacher and mother of a 15 year old with ASD, will present a screening of the award winning film Vectors of Autism: A Documentary about Laura Nagle and the short video Dear Teacher: A Letter from Harrison. A discussion will follow to examine and explore ways to support our students with ASD in developing skills to navigate the predominantly non autistic world. 

Thursday, August 21, 2014, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Supporting Children with Anxiety 

As many as one in five children will experience chronic, debilitating anxiety. Trying to support an anxious child can be both heartbreaking and exasperating. Stephenie Gold (MA), Registered Clinical Counsellor and contributor to AnxietyBC, will help parents and professionals recognize the different signs and developmental 'themes' of anxiety in young people. Participants will also leave with a sense of the various research-based approaches and strategies for understanding and supporting anxious children.

Friday, August 22, 2014, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hey, My Brain Doesn’t Work That Way! Understanding Brain Differences, Sensory Processing, Teaching Self-Regulation & Promoting Stress Management

Marc Landry, a highly regarded Vancouver Occupational Therapist, will briefly review the role of toxins and drugs to understand why there is such an increase in brain differences in children today. He will explore brain differences and how these affect learning, including areas of brain function and of the stress response system. How Sensory Processing works is explored, particularly with regard to modulation and the neurological threshold continuum. This leads to discussion of self regulation, sensory diet, heavy work, and stress management techniques. (Nutritious snacks provided) 

NOTE NEW VENUE:
Both Workshops will be held at the Ryerson United Church
2195 W. 45th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
An Introduction to Music Therapy in Special Education

Joel Kroeker (RCC, MA, MMT, MTA), a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Music Therapist, Private Practitioner, and the founding international workshop facilitator of Archetypal Music Psychotherapy (AMP), a Jungian-oriented approach to the creative expressive arts, will introduce some of the most effective music therapy interventions for students with a variety of special needs and show how they can be applied by parents, professionals and educators in this experiential and interactive presentation. **Participants are encouraged to bring a musical instrument (no musical background required)**

Tuesday, April 29, 2014, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
The Use of the iPad for Special Needs Students – Part 2

Back by popular demand, Nadine Trottier, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) for the Burnaby School District, and Brigid Gaster, Elementary Teacher in an alternate program providing support to students with ASD, will discuss using iPads in a meaningful way with special needs students. They will elaborate on some of the apps presented in the Fall 2013 Workshop and will introduce and walk participants through some new and exciting apps that can be implemented at home and at school.

Workshops will be held at the University Women’s Club at Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave (by 16th and Granville) Vancouver, BC. Parking is available on The Crescent and side streets.

Thursday, October 24, 2013, 7 - 9PM
The Use of the iPad for Special Needs Students 

Nadine Trottier, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) for the Burnaby School District, and Brigid Gaster, Elementary Teacher in an alternate program providing support to students with ASD, will discuss using iPads in a meaningful way with special needs students.    

Friday, October 25, 2013, 9 - 10:30AM
Asperger's Syndrome and Mental Health

Dr. David Worling, Clinical Director of Westcoast Child Development Group, will discuss a number of common mental health challenges that can coexist with Asperger's Syndrome.

10:30AM - Coffee Break

Friday, October 25, 2013, 10:45AM - 12:15PM
Functional Approach to Challenging Behaviour 

Tina Linton, Clinical Director of Family Canted Practices Group, will provide a better understanding of why children with ASD engage in challenging behaviours, as well as a process for establishing strategies to better address and diminish behaviour challenges.

12:15 - Light Lunch

Panel Presentation on the Autistic Child in the Classroom - 12:45 - 2PM

Workshops will be held at the University Women’s Club at Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave (at 16th and Granville) Vancouver, BC. 
Parking available on The Crescent and side streets.

Cost: Thursday October 24 – $35
Friday October 25 - $110
Both - $145

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