Behaviour interventionists working with children with autism in rural and remote areas in B.C. have a new opportunity to increase their skills through online training offered by Douglas College in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Families in rural and remote parts of the province have raised concerns about access to trained professionals - so starting in January 2012, a two-course e-training program will be offered to behaviour interventionists who want to increase their skills and knowledge. The training is entirely online so students will not need to relocate or travel to go to school.

Provincial funding has reduced the cost of the two courses to $92, less than one-sixth the cost if the courses were taken as part of Douglas College's behaviour intervention certificate program.

In 'Teaching and Learning: Foundations', students will learn applied behaviour analysis methodology and how to use it in their work, while 'Behaviour Intervention Lab' is a seminar-based course that will help students to refine their skills and reflect on their behaviour intervention practice.

Video technology will ensure students receive feedback and support from highly skilled and experienced instructors.

The Douglas College program is the first phase of an Autism Outreach Program in B.C. Future phases will focus on training for parents and caregivers to incorporate intervention into their daily routines.

Quotes:

Deborah Pugh, executive director, ACT-Autism Community Training -

"This online training initiative will be a real boon for those who want to improve their skills while remaining in their communities. MCFD and Douglas College are to be congratulated for providing a way for families in rural and remote areas to access trained Behaviour Interventionists for their children with autism - a pressing need in B.C."

Quick Facts:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that impacts normal brain development and affects a person's social relationships, communication, interests and behaviour.
• Although there is no cure, there are highly effective research-based treatment and intervention methods available that can help children and their families address the characteristics of this disorder, particularly in the early years.
• B.C. is the only province in Canada that has a no-waitlist policy for families to access autism funding once their child or youth has received a diagnosis of ASD.
• With autism funding from the Province, families are able to choose the type of intervention, based on best practice, that best meets the needs of their children.
• The ministry budget for autism intervention and funding programs in 2011-12 is $42 million, more than ten times the 2001 budget.
• Douglas College has been contracted for the first phase of the Autism Outreach Program because it already has two existing online credit courses for this group of professionals.
• The deadline to apply for the new courses is Dec. 9, 2011.
• Douglas College is one of the largest colleges in B.C., providing a variety of programs for over 20,000 students each year.

Learn More:

• For more information or an application form, contact Wendy Sashikata at 604 527-5612, sashikataw@douglascollege.ca or go to: www.douglascollege.ca\autism-outreach

• To learn more about B.C. government-funded services for children and youth with autism, go to: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/index.htm

Contact:

Brian Cotton
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-0543