Dec 03, 2021
The Science of Math: Applying the Instructional Hierarchy with Learners with Autism and Intellectual Disability
Dec 2, 2021 | 3:00 – 4:00 pm PST | Zoom
This presentation will focus on aligning instructional targets and strategies with individual’s phase of learning in the instructional hierarchy (i.e., acquisition, fluency, maintenance, generalization). A process for identifying socially significant mathematical learning goals will be presented. Highlighted practices will reflect the science of math instruction as it is known in the field to date for individuals with autism and intellectual disability based on empirical research.
Presenter:
Dr. Jenny Root, BCBA-D, Associate Professor of Florida State University
May 18, 2021
Autism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace: The First of Four CIRCA Professional Development Programs
May 12, 2021 | 11:00 – 12:00 PST | Zoom
This colloquium will provide an overview of the CIRCA Professional Development series and its key components. In particular, the presenters will describe the Autism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace program, a series of five self-paced, interactive modules filled with useful activities and videos. The program is designed to assist human resource professionals, employers, supervisors, managers, co-workers, job coaches and counsellors, autistic employees, parents, students, and anyone interested in inclusive employment to learn practical strategies on how to support all employees to be successful on the job. Additional CIRCA Pro-D programs for physicians, dental professionals, and childcare providers will be available in late 2021 and will also be described.
Presenter:
Karen Bopp, Ph.D., CIRCA Director of Provincial Outreach
Sharon Hu, B.A., Instructional Designer
Apr 22, 2021
Sleep and Behavior Analysis: Application and Case Studies of Sleep Support for Autistic Children
April 20, 2021 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm PST | Zoom
This presentation will be a “crash course” on how behavior analysis can be applied to addressing sleep challenges, including sleep assessment and treatment of sleep problems. The presenters will review the science behind sleep and basic sleep hygiene, and will also use case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of various comprehensive and personalized sleep plans.
Presenter:
Hilary McClinton, M.Ed., BCBA and Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA, Healthy Sleep Solutions
Mar 30, 2021
Balancing Bodily and Social Needs: Sensory Processing and Friendship Experiences in Autistic Adults
March 24, 2021 | 10:00 – 11:00 PST | Zoom
This presentation will discuss the sensory experiences of autistic adults and the way they affect their daily and social lives as well as their emotional state. More specifically, the presentation will focus on explaining how unusual sensory experiences and sensitivities shape friendship perceptions and practices in autistic adults. The results are based on a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews as well as two focus groups, as part of a larger PhD ethnographic research project conducted in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
Presenter:
Jad Brake, Ph.D candidate, UBC Department of Anthropology; Graduate Fellow at the W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics
Mar 19, 2021
Mindfulness Based Interventions for Parents and Caregivers of Individuals with ASD and other Neurodiverse Needs
March 9, 2021 | 11:00 – 12:00 PST | Zoom
This colloquium will provide an overview of the concepts, rationale, and evolution of mindfulness-based interventions. Research supporting the benefits of these interventions with families, caregivers, and individuals with ASD and other disabilities will be included. The presenter will describe the characteristics of effective programs and tips to support individuals with ASD.
Presenter:
Georgina Robinson, Ph.D., Principal, Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD)
Jan 22, 2021
Testing the Effects of the PEERS® Intervention for Autistic Youth and Young Adults: Impacts on Mental Health and Neural Activity
January 20, 2021 | 10:30 – 12:00 PST | Zoom
In this presentation, Dr. McVey will discuss her research examining an evidence-based social skills intervention, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®). She will present her findings demonstrating the intervention’s secondary effects on mental health symptoms (depression, social anxiety, and suicidality) and changes in neural activity.
Presenters:
Alana McVey, Ph.D., Post-doctoral fellow, Dept. of Psychology, University of British Columbia
Jan 11, 2021
Identifying and Supporting Trauma in Complex Cases of ASD
January 6, 2021 | 2:30 – 4:00 PST | Zoom
Trauma rates in children with ASD may be underestimated due to the range of symptoms that potentiate the risk for maltreatment; thus, overshadowing of trauma symptoms is likely in this population (Stack & Lucyshyn, 2018). Using case studies, this seminar will provide an overview of trauma; how it can present in individuals with ASD; and a review of the literature.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss how symptoms can present themselves in individuals with ASD and trauma;
2. Discuss applications of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) to trauma;
3. Discuss applications from Trauma-Focused Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
4. Discuss applications from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
5. Discuss and apply how to integrate trauma-based approaches with an ABA- based intensive intervention program.
Presenters:
Alexia Stack, M.Ed., BCBA, Clinical Supervisor, A Block Above Behavioral Consulting
Bobbi Hoadley, M.Ed., BCBA, RCC, Practice Leader, Parley Services
Andrea Schneider, BCR, BCaBA, A Block Above Behavioral Consulting