AIS BC: Fort St. John Autism Training Series
Free Autism Workshop Series in Fort St. John
Autism Information Services BC, a branch of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, is partnering with Canucks Autism Network, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration (CIRCA) and the Westcoast Child Development Group to offer a two-day FREE Autism Workshop Series.
- Wednesday, September 26 & Thursday, September 27
- North Peace Cultural Centre – Conference/Dance Room (10015 100th Ave, Fort St. John)
REGISTRATION: All workshops are FREE; however, registration is required. You may register for one or all presentations. Registration is open to families, caregivers, service providers, and all interested stakeholders.
To register, contact Selina Lai at [email protected] or at 1-844-878-4700.
Workshop Details
Wednesday, September 26, 9am-12pm
Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder, What Does the Research Say?
Presenter: Dr. Karen Bopp, Director of Provincial Outreach, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA)
Details: This session will provide an overview of the current state of understanding in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Discussion will include ASD diagnosis, best practices, research-based interventions, developing a strong intervention team, and more.
Wednesday, September 26, 1pm-4pm
Topic: Tools for your toolbox! Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
Presenter: Dr. Karen Bopp, Director of Provincial Outreach, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA)
Details: This presentation will provide an overview of strategies and tools used to effectively support children and youth with autism spectrum disorder in their home, school and community environments. Practical examples of tools that can be used with individuals of all ages and abilities will be reviewed.
Wednesday, September 26, 4pm-5pm
Topic: Autism Funding: Program Information and Supports for Families
Presenter: Sarah Angus, Community Liaison, Specialized Provincial Services, Ministry of Children and Family Development
Details: This presentation will provide an introduction to the Autism Funding Programs available in B.C. as well as general program information, necessary documentation and the various supports that are available to families to assist them with their funding.
Wednesday, September 26, 7pm-9pm
Topic: Supporting Individuals with Autism for First Responders
Presenter: Hallie Mitchell, Manager of Training, Canucks Autism Network
Details: Increase confidence and effectiveness of responses in situations involving an individual with autism. This workshop will provide an overview of autism and cover a range of practical strategies for managing sensory sensitivities, enhancing communication, using visual supports, de-escalating situations, and more.
Thursday, September 27, 9am-12pm
Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health Issues in Children
Presenter: Dr. David Worling, Westcoast Child Development Group
Details: This session will discuss issues specific to mental health and co-morbidity in children and youth with ASD. Topics covered will include depression, anxiety, OCD, mood, and related disorders, with an emphasis on incidence rates within ASD, presentation of symptoms, and potential treatment options.
Thursday, September 27, 1pm-4pm
Topic: Parent Supports for Siblings of Children with ASD
Presenter: Dr. David Worling, Westcoast Child Development Group
Details: This session will provide information about strategies and tools parents can use to support the siblings of children with ASD. Practical examples that can be used with individuals of all ages and abilities will be reviewed.
About the Presenters
Sarah Angus: Sarah Angus is the Community Liaison for Autism Funding and has been with the program in various positions for over 4 years, and is looking forward to many more. Prior to joining the Provincial Government of British Columbia Sarah worked to support families and children in child care settings while providing high quality inclusive programs for many years. Sarah is excited for the opportunity to present program information and connect with families.
Dr. Karen Bopp: Dr. Karen Bopp is Director of Provincial Outreach for the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA). She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Educational Counselling, Psychology and Special Education at the University of British Columbia, and a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist.
Hallie Mitchell: Hallie Mitchell is the Manager of Training at Canucks Autism Network, where she develops content and coordinates training workshops to increase community capacity to support individuals with autism across British Columbia. Hallie has delivered customized autism training workshops to a wide range of audiences, including first responders, recreation providers, sport professionals, businesses and schools.
Dr. David Worling: Dr. Worling has worked in a number of children and youth mental health facilities in Toronto and Vancouver that included the BC Children’s Hospital Vancouver Adolescent Inpatient Unit and the Mood and Anxiety outpatient psychiatric clinic. He began the Westcoast Child Development Group 2003 and is now in a full time private practice. Dr. Worling holds academic affiliations with the Psychology Clinic at SFU and is a Sessional Instructor, with the Department of Psychology at UBC. Dr. Worling has specialized training in the areas of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Autism Diagnostics, Group Therapy, and Learning Disabilities.