Three day workshop on Autism set for Prince Rupert next week

Families that are affected by Autism, or residents of the region who wish to learn more about how to approach the health issues associated with Autism, will have the opportunity to take in a three day workshop next week taking place in the city.

The information project has its roots as part of the recommendations and Action Plan from the Inquest into the death of Robert Robinson in April of 2014, the deaths of Robert and his mother Angie were a tragic story of a family falling through cracks of the provincial system and one which touched many in the community.

The inquest which took place in Prince Rupert in September of last year, provided for a strong resolve to seek improvements and offer more support for families in need across the province.

As part of the commitment towards that action plan the Ministry of Children and Family Development is offering the series of Free Autism Spectrum Disorder workshops with a full schedule of sessions planned for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Highliner Inn Hotel and Conference Centre.

The three days of workshops offer up a number areas for review and discussion, with the topics for next week as follows:

Monday, September 26 -- 1 to 4 PM
Autism Spectrum Disorder, What Does the Research Say?

Monday, September 26 -- 7 to 9 PM
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Transitioning Youth and Adults

Tuesday, September 27 -- 9 AM to 12 PM
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health Issues in Children

Tuesday, September 27 -- 7 to 9 PM
Supporting individuals with Autism in Crisis/Emergency Situations

Wednesday, September 28th -- 9 AM to Noon
An Aboriginal Perspective on Supporting Children and Families with Special Needs

Wednesday, September 28th -- 1 to 4 PM
Information and Supports across BC for Individuals with ASD and Their Families

More background related to each of the workshops that is offered next week can be reviewed from the image below (click to expand):

While the workshops are free to those that attend, registration is required for the three day event you can register for the sessions and get more information if required from Cathy.Green@gov.bc.ca

The Prince Rupert workshop is sponsored by the Canucks Autism Network, Autism Community Training, The University of British Columbia and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

More background on support that is available to individuals or families in British Columbia can be found from the Autism Spectrum Disorder page of the Ministry website, which you can review here.

Further support is also available through the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, Canucks Autism Network and the Autism Community Training program.