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DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210323T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210323T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211008T012501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211010T210950Z
UID:1555-1616526900-1616533200@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:SPS Building A Mental Tool Kit: March 2021
DESCRIPTION:Zoom meeting with Amanda Zhou & Sam McCorriston\, Registered Clinical Counsellors\,AsUR Counselling & Consulting Services \nFour sessions for adults\,19+ years old\, who are motivated to examine barriers in their lives and who want to explore some tools that will enable them to become the person that they want to be. 8 participants\, each session 1.5 hours.\nSpecific workshop objectives will be examined in relation to strategic tools for coping with stress\, for increasing success in relationships\, and for building resiliency in life. \nWorkshop Objectives:\n• To gain a better understanding of the impact of our emotions & experiences\, and to make choices\nthat best serve our health\, safety & well-being.\n• To connect the dots between past experiences and present choices.\n• To process the relationship between the autism diagnosis and one’s identity. \nWorkshop Tools:\n• Externalization: How to see problems as separate from myself.\n• Mindfulness: How to be fully present and engage with ourselves & others without judgement.\n• Communication: How to voice one’s needs & boundaries.\n• Managing emotions: How to recognize and process feelings and experiences in ourselves & others. \nTime & Cost:: Tuesday\, 7:15pm PST\, March 23\,30\, April 6\, 13 $100 CAD\nPlease register no later than 24 hours before event start..
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/sps-building-a-mental-tool-kit-march-2021
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://squarepegsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/MentalToolKit.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210306T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210306T103000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211008T012305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211016T212603Z
UID:1553-1615023000-1615026600@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:SPS Games & Gathering: Online Yoga & Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Yoga and Discussion with Sharon \nFree event\, but registration required Limited number of participants sign up early for your preferred event!
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/sps-games-gathering-march-2021
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://squarepegsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Yoga1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210222T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210222T200000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211008T012706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T011640Z
UID:1559-1614022200-1614024000@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Mindfulness Workshop: February 2021
DESCRIPTION:Over the course of eight 1/2hour Zoom sessions\, Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator\, Kulli Yee\, will be our guide to the evidence-based practice of mindfulness. We will learn: \n\nWhat Is Mindfullness?\nHow Mindfulness can support emotional & physical\nwell-being.\nHow Mindfulness can break the cycle of stress in our\nEveryday practices for beginning your own Mindfulness\n\nThe intention of this Workshop is to help you to make meditation part of your daily life. We will be charging an $80 registration fee\, with $10 for each session attended returned back to you\, at the end of the eight sessions.
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/sps-mindfulness-workshop-february-2021
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://squarepegsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Mindfullness.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210220T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20210220T213000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211016T211024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T011838Z
UID:1817-1613809800-1613856600@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Games & Gathering: Online Yoga & Discussion
DESCRIPTION:With Sharon King
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/games-gathering-online-yoga-discussion
CATEGORIES:Life & Social Skills,Mental Health
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://squarepegsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Yoga.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20200901T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20200901T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211008T015930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T042134Z
UID:1590-1598947200-1598979600@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:SPS Building A Mental Health Tool Kit - Sept - Oct 2020
DESCRIPTION: \n \n \n \nSPS Building A Mental Health Tool Kit Sept 2020
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/sps-building-a-mental-health-tool-kit-sept-oct-2020
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20191126T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20191126T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211008T021559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T042411Z
UID:1604-1574780400-1574787600@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:A Square Peg Society Yoga Invitation
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/a-square-peg-society-yoga-invitation
CATEGORIES:Life & Social Skills,Mental Health
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191115
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20201115T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T042617Z
UID:1173-1573689600-1573775999@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Meeting : November 14\, 2019
DESCRIPTION:Meeting on November 14\, 2019
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/meeting-november-14-2019
CATEGORIES:Mental Health,Post-Sec Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191115
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20191129T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T042646Z
UID:1170-1573689600-1573775999@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Square Peg Society Accessibility Legislation Report Back Nov 2019-Feedback
DESCRIPTION: \nSPSAccessibilityLegislationReportBackNov2019-Feedback
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/square-peg-society-accessibility-legislation-report-back-nov-2019-feedback
CATEGORIES:Employment,Housing,Mental Health,Post-Sec Education,SPS Business
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181129
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181130
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20181213T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T043144Z
UID:1167-1543449600-1543535999@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Reflections on Independent ASD and Parent Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Thursday November 29\, 2018\,Reflections on Our Meeting\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nA small\, but passionate & articulate group of parents gathered to talk about our ASD adult children\, their issues and lives\, and our lives with them\, as we try to guide them to independence.  \n\n\n\n Based upon our 5 key issues:  Post-secondary education\, Employment\, Housing\,Life & Social Skills\, and Mental Health\, I compiled a collection of concerns and examples\, to provide food for thought. We didn’t cover all of the list below\, but we can certainly do this again. (See this list at bottom) \n\n\n\nWe found that\, while everyone could recognize many aspects of the examples provided in their kids’ lives\, ASD is truly a Spectrum. Even within our sector of the ASD population\, the range of personalities and type of issues that they struggle with are huge! Parents are having to meet their kids where they are at\, and are not necessarily able to work on more than one or two issues at a time. Some families are focused on post-secondary education\, realizing that their gifted young adults would never be content working at a “Mac-job”. These families are concerned with the discipline\, organization & healthy living challenges that will be required for success at University. Other families are working through the issues that surround independent housing. For these families\, this might not be the parents’ first choice issue\, but “leaving home” is upper-most in the minds of their young adults\, who are not succeeding in school or employment at the moment. So\,helping them to live safe and healthy lives on their own is still a win on the path to independence. Others feel that\, given that their son or daughter knows and wants a job (for the money\, and a sense of purpose)\, the path to reaching their adult is through employment – and this becomes the families’ focus. The challenge for these families has been in finding customized employment services that will follow the young adult in exploring employment\, leading them to the skills training that they require\, and helping them to integrate into the job\,once employed. Some families have young adults who are quite social with a range of friends\, others have a social group built around a particular niche interest\, and some are painfully lonely\, and feel very isolated from other young adults their age\, leading to dysfunction in other aspects of life\, such as work and school. All families feel that mental health and appropriate employment services that would have helped them have been unavailable or unaffordable or both. \n\n\n\n“Motivation” was a concept that was discussed. Employment and social skills programs require that our adults be“motivated to participate” or “coach-able” or “open-minded”.  The problem for us\, as parents\, is that by the time our adults are in their 20’s (or older)\, they have been criticized\,bullied\, and are often cynical\, at best\, or clinically anxious or depressed. Added to this\, autism inherently implies a certain rigidity and inflexibility of thinking. Furthermore\, being asked to change one’s behavior is hard for anyone.So\, what to do? \n\n\n\nI have seen that our son is motivated by success – tough love is not a concept that works for him. So\, Dr. Bailey’s pearl of wisdom that development\, for our ASD individuals\, is protracted\, means that we need to understand and convey to our young adults that becoming fully independent will take longer than it will for others\, and that this is OK. If we can\, slow things down for them – their entry into full time employment\, the number of post-secondary courses that they take each year\, the number of activities that the take on\, to ensure that they do well\, and are not overcome with anxiety. Can we break goals down into small achievable steps\, so that they can see small gains as wins enroute to a larger goal? Is the first question we ask of post-secondary institution or employer be – can we do this program part-time\, or ease into employment over several months or a year? \n\n\n\nOne family suggested that money maybe the only way to motivate some individuals. If having money in their jeans is a motivator for our kid\, then should we consider paying them to participate in counseling or attending an employment or skills training program\, in the hope that once there\, they will engage and learn the skills being offered? \n\n\n\nFor our really bright kids\, who have a goal that they want to achieve – say\, an engineering\, law degree\, or a particular type of job – say\, medicine or mathematics professor- can we ask for behavioral “proofs”\, tapping into their rationality\, to get them on board? For example\, can we talk to them in a calm moment\, and tell them that for us to be willing to financially support their goal\, they must demonstrate their self-discipline and self-control through certain behaviours\, ie\, by adhering to agreed-upon financial or domestic responsibilities? \n\n\n\nThis week I have been in contact with family friends who have an adult son struggling with addiction. The helplessness that this family feels is not unlike how we feel at times. Here is what the Mom has written to me on the topic of motivation: \n\n\n\n“If there’s one thing I’ve learned about addiction in the past five years it’s that until an addict wants to go clean there is very little others can do…(Our son)… has never stayed with help and support – and he has had access to a lot of it. It’s pretty stunning the number of doctors\, counselors\, support groups etc he as walked away from. We are doing what all addiction counselors tell parents to do – take care of yourselves and don’t let the addiction bring you down…So we go on living and we still find joy and make plans… So many people live with some kind of sorrow in their heart. It’s part of the human experience.” \n\n\n\nI am thinking about building success through working from where our son is at right now\, and to celebrate what he is doing well. We can only work on future goals as long as he feels hopeful about life and is willing to work with us. So\, I am wishing you all insight into yourselves and your kids\, so that you can find some ways to better “motivate”your kids and yourselves in 2019.   \n\n\n\nWishing you and your families all the best over Christmas and in the New Year! \n\n\n\nJoette\, and all of us at Square PegSociety            joetteheuft@gmail.com \n\n\n\nIssues & Stories (Compiled from books and tales told to me) \n\n\n\nFinding My Path After High School: \n\n\n\nBlanca is 23 and single\, living with her parents & brother. She has trouble sleeping – her alarm rings at 7am\,but often she is awake as early as 5am\, even though she goes to sleep at midnight. She has morning classes at University\, where she is studying Marine Biology. As she has a 45 min transit ride to school\, she has to get up\, but feels tired\, anxious and consequently\, often forgets things that she needs for her day. As she packs her bag she has trouble finding things in her very messy room. \n\n\n\nArnold is an 18 year old college freshman\, living in a dorm. He dreads the evenings because his roommates invite their friends in and are noisy. For the most part\, his roommates and their friends ignore him. \n\n\n\nIssues that arise around post-secondary education: \n\n\n\n\nI have trouble managing my time.\nI can’t fall asleep at night\, so stay up late\, then have difficulty getting up in the morning.\nI am always worried about doing well– getting the grades I want\, and getting my assignments done.\nSometimes I feel really overwhelmed\,but would rather fail than get help at the Centre for Students with Disabilities.\nI can’t concentrate at the University because it is too noisy\, the lighting is awful\, it is too hot/cold/smells bad.\nMy profs seem annoyed by the questions that I ask\, and I always seem to end up having conflicts with them.\nI can’t get to know other students –they always seem too busy\, or are already in their own groups.\n\n\n\n\nHenry is 29\,has a BA in English\, but has been unemployed for 6 years. He has been looking for work through online ads. He lives with his father\, who is critical toward him for not having found work. Henry feels pressured about work\, but doesn’t get much done at home alone while his father is at work; they often argue when his Dad gets home. \n\n\n\nMargaret is an endocrinologist and works in a practice with several other physicians. At lunchtime she would prefer to eat alone\, but due to a shortage of office space\,she is forced to use the staff lunch room. She tries to be polite to others also eating there\, but has never felt comfortable making small talk. She is not quite sure what to say and doesn’t enjoy the topics that come up in conversation. She has received feedback from the office manager that she is not well liked by the staff. \n\n\n\nIssues that arise around employment: \n\n\n\n\nI can’t find a job and don’t know where to begin to look.\nI get so overwhelmed with the job search that I avoid looking.\nI get so nervous at job interviews\,that I never get called back.\nSometimes I think the interview went well\, but then don’t hear back from the employer. I don’t understand what went wrong.\nI can only find low-level jobs where I can’t use my talents.\nI can’t concentrate at my workplace because it is too noisy\, the lighting is awful\, it is too hot/cold/smells bad.\nI can’t seem to organize myself/work to be able to get everything done.\nI am anxious about not doing well at my work\, displeasing my supervisor\, or not fitting in with others.\nI am reluctant to ask for help because my supervisor always seems busy\, and/or my supervisor gets annoyed when I ask a lot of questions.\nI get irritated with coworkers\,supervisors\, and/or customers.\n\n\n\n\nLiving Alone & Together \n\n\n\nJake is single\,20\, and living with his parents. He recently dropped out of community college after only two semesters and now works part-time in the dairy department of a grocery store. Recently\, he got his driver’s license\, but is not comfortable driving\, and taking transit to work is complex and time-consuming. His stress over getting to work is at times so great that he calls in sick. He does not want to admit this to his parents\, but his anxiety over driving and transit contributed to his decision to quit college. \n\n\n\nNoel\, 37\, lives in his own apartment and works as a computer programmer. Evenings and weekends are very lonely. \n\n\n\nDan is an information technologist at a hospital. Dan is overweight\, has a family history of heart disease\, and has been told by his doctor that he needs to lose 40 lbs.He has had a girlfriend for about 3 years who also makes occasional comments on his weight. Dan knows that he has poor eating habits but is overwhelmed with the idea of changing his routine. He is not even sure what his first step should be toward organizing a weight-loss plan\, and continues to eat the same poor quality foods\, feeling guilty while doing so. \n\n\n\nIssues that arise around Living with others: \n\n\n\n\nI don’t keep up with laundry\,cleaning\, personal hygiene.\nI don’t get enough alone time\,privacy.\nMy family/roommates have too many guests – I feel uncomfortable having to socialize all the time.\nI argue a lot with my parents/siblings/roommates.\nMy family/roommates get annoyed with my behaviours and habits (eating\, sleeping times\, excessive tidiness\,messiness\, etc).\nI get annoyed with others’ behaviours and habits.\n\n\n\n\nIssues that arise around Living Alone: \n\n\n\n\nIt takes a long time for me to plan& prepare a meal\, so I resort to ordering in or eating out a lot\, which is both expensive and not very healthy.\nI don’t keep up with laundry\,cleaning\, personal hygiene.\nI can’t find the time to exercise/I get obsessed about my diet/exercise routine.\nI am very lonely\, and often don’t talk to anyone other than at work.\nI seem to misplace a lot of things(wallet\, keys\, purse\, etc).\nMy family worries that I will leave the stove on\, or forget to turn off the faucet in the bathroom.\nI have not always lived within my budget; my parents have on several occasions made good on my credit card debt.\n\n\n\n\nFinding Happiness – Relationships \n\n\n\nFred\, 31\, lives alone and works full time at a bank. Friday nights he gets together at a sports bar with a friend that he has had since high school. However\, they often argue– Fred has different opinions about sports from his friend and has been told that he is too aggressive in expressing his views. Sometimes his friend has brought others to join them\, but these people often get frustrated with Fred’s yelling. Even his friend has been threatening to quit their Friday night get-togethers. \n\n\n\nArnold wants to make friends\, but is very shy. He has always tried to “disappear” when around kids his own age\, a habit that protected him from bullies in high school. Now\,as an adult\, he wants to be more sociable\, but doesn’t know how to start conversations\, and even when he thinks of something to say\, he is too scared to try. \n\n\n\nNoel would like to get married and have children\, but has had no success with dating. He is frustrated because he feels that he is doing something wrong in terms of relationships\, but doesn’t know what it is. \n\n\n\nRobert would like to be able to run his own errands\, and to have his own activities\, such as going to the bank\, shopping or joining a gym. However\, in the past he has relied on others to speak for him\, and so doing these things on his own makes him highly anxious. But now he is motivated to become more independent because he does not enjoy hanging out by himself at home most of the time. \n\n\n\nCarla is 34 and married. She enjoys sexual activity\, but finds that being held tight outside of sex\, for long periods of time\, makes her feel claustrophobic. Her husband is affectionate\, and feels hurt when she rejects his hugs\, resulting in arguments between them. She finds herself avoiding contact with him. \n\n\n\nIssues that Arise Around Relationships \n\n\n\n\nI don’t know where to look to find friends.\nI feel my interests won’t interest others my age\, but I don’t want to pretend to be somebody else in order to make friends.\nI don’t know how to join in when it looks like everyone knows each other.\nI don’t know how to turn acquaintances into friends who will want to do something with me on the weekends.\nI have sometimes been told that I sound “nerdy” or like a “know it all”.\nI’m not sure that I can distinguish between a true friends and someone who is using me.\nI feel depressed that I will never have friends or a relationship.\nI don’t know where to meet potential dates\, and don’t feel comfortable in crowed places\, like parties or bars.\nI am too afraid of being rejected to ask someone for a date.\nI am intimidated by social networking sites\, and have tried online dating services\, but never got a date.\nI have begun a few Internet relationships\, but they have all fallen apart after meeting.\nI am embarrassed about being a virgin at my age.\nI doubt that I could trust that another person can accept me as I am; this inhibits me from becoming intimate with anyone.\nI get so upset when my partner is annoyed with me that I freeze and don’t know what to do or say.\nMy partner tells me that I am insensitive.\nMy partner blames all of our problems on ASD\, and it makes me feel guilty.
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/reflections-on-independent-asd-and-parent-meeting
CATEGORIES:Employment,Housing,Life & Social Skills,Mental Health,Post-Sec Education,SPS Business
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181017
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181018
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20181106T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T042849Z
UID:1166-1539734400-1539820799@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Autism & Employment Conference
DESCRIPTION:SPS Summaries of ASD\, Employment & Mental Health Oct 2018
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/autism-employment-conference
CATEGORIES:Employment,Mental Health
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20170322T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20170322T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211009T015328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211025T001812Z
UID:1671-1490209200-1490216400@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Looking Beyond Autism: Treating Anxiety\, Depression & OCD in ASD Individuals
DESCRIPTION:Guest: Dr. Anthony Bailey\, Phd\, Chair\, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry\, UBC \nFollowing from ACT’s webinar Part 2: Looking Beyond  Autism: Treating Anxiety\, Depression & OCD in children & youth with ASD\, we are continuing to explore the co-existence of these mental health conditions with Autism. As our focus\, at Square Peg\, is on the adult population\, we are interested in which of the treatments discussed are applicable to adults\, and which existing programs might be effective\, accessible and affordable for our ASD individuals. \nWe will view Part 4 of the Webinar\, Dr. Bailey’s segment on Depression & ASD\, and Parts 5 & 6\, with panelists\, Georgina Robinson\, of POPPARD\, and David Batstone\, Phd\, R.Psychologist. We would encourage you to view also\, Part 1\, Deborah Pugh’s introduction\, Part 2\, with Melanie McConnell\, Phd\, R. Psychologist in Neuropsychiatry at BC Children’s Hospital\, speaking on Anxiety & ASD\, and Part 3\, David Worling\, R.Psychologist\, Westcoast Child Development\, speaking on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & ASD. Please see link below: \nThe subject of Depression is particularly relevant — it is pervasive\, 1 in 2 people will experience depression at least once in their lifetime\, and approximately 25% of ASD individuals have experienced Depression. Also\, it tends to emerge in puberty or later\, therefore\, particularly affects our Square Peg population. \nWe will reserve an hour for you to pose questions to Dr. Bailey.
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/looking-beyond-autism-treating-anxiety-depression-ocd-in-asd-individuals
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170322
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170323
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20170425T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211025T002051Z
UID:1157-1490140800-1490227199@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Looking Beyond Autism - Dr. Anthony Bailey
DESCRIPTION:Treating Anxiety\, Depression & OCD in ASD Individuals \nGuest:   Dr. Anthony Bailey\, Phd\, Chair\, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry\, UBC                                                                                                          \nThis meeting was our follow-up from ACT’s webinar Part 2: Looking Beyond Autism: Treating Anxiety\, Depression & OCD in children & youth with ASD\, we are continuing to explore the co-existence of these mental health conditions with Autism.  \nDr. Bailey’s presentation at our meeting was based on his segment at this above conference\, Part 4\, on Depression & ASD. Part 1 was ACT’s Deborah Pugh’s introduction\, and Part 2\, was Melanie McConnell\, Phd\, R. Psychologist in Neuropsychiatry at BC Children’s Hospital\, speaking on Anxiety & ASD\, and Part 3\, was David Worling\, R.Psychologist\, Westcoast Child Development\, speaking on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & ASD.   Parts 5 & 6\, featured  panelists\, Georgina Robinson\, of POPPARD\, and David Batstone\, Phd\, R.Psychologist. Please see link below: \nhttp://www.actcommunity.ca/education/mentalhealth/treating/ \nOur focus\, at Square Peg\, is on the adult population – we are interested in which of the treatments discussed are applicable to adults\, and which existing programs might be effective\, accessible and affordable for our ASD individuals. \nWhat was presented: \nThe subject of depression is particularly relevant – it is pervasive\, 1 in 2 people will experience depression at least once in their lifetime\, and approximately 25% of ASD individuals have experienced depression. The rate of occurrence of anxiety is even higher – 50 -60% of ASD individuals have also experienced significant anxiety. These conditions tend to emerge in puberty or later. There is a genetic component – ASD individuals have family members with a history of a mental health disorder. While several studies indicate that these mental health disorders occur more frequently at the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum\, others conclude that this finding is due to the inability of the lower functioning population to express their symptoms\, which therefore go undiagnosed\, and untreated. \nThese co-morbid mental health issues interfere with all aspects of a person’s life – with their ASD treatments\, with schooling\, homelife\, and overall quality of life. Often anxiety and depression are missed in ASD individuals\, either because the symptoms do not present in the same way as in the neurotypical population and/or because ASD individuals may not self-report in a typical manner. \nAnxiety \nSome anxiety in life is normal but it is pathological when it is disproportionate to the stimulus\, and prolonged. This occurs for a variety of reasons in different individuals – a lack of social understanding\, uncertainty around or resistance to change\, impaired imagination resulting in an inability to imagine other outcomes\, impaired cognitive coping strategies\, and a biological predisposition to anxiety. The consequences range from fairly moderate to extreme\, and include over-preoccupation with issues or circumstances\, avoidance of situations or issues\, fatigue/irritability\, poor sleep\, impaired executive functioning\, physiological impairments\, low mood\, and even psychosis. \nApproaches to treating anxiety include: \n\nchanging the anxiety producing environment\nstress management\, distraction\ngraduated exposure to the stress-provoking stimuli\ncognitive strategies\, such as breaking down a situation logically & rationally\, particularly\, Cognitive Behavourial Therapy – CBT- an approach with which Dr. Bailey likes for its practicality\, and with which he has had success. While there are many self-help books that employ CBT techniques\, people tend not to use them long enough. Most people seem to need a guide through this process. (However\, it was brought to my attention that the problem with non-specific CBT programs is that the ASD tends not to be understood or addressed. To make these programs more effective would be to have a mental health clinician work with the ASD individual in the program\, and/or to adapt the CBT program to accommodate the needs of the ASD. Also\, using CBT in conjunction with other “therapy” methods (e.g.\, psychodynamic) would be more effective.\nvigorous exercise (in which the heart rate is raised for more than 1/2hr\, for at least 3 times per week)\nMindfulness techniques/programs\nMedication   Bailey does not prescribe benzodiazanpines (habituating)\, but along with others prescribes SSRIs – serotonin reactive uptake inhibitors.\nOne-on-one psychotherapy. Dr. Bailey emphasized that this is not a quick fix undertaking\, but rather\, about 5 years from his 1st meeting with a patient.\n\nDepression \nDepression is usually co-morbid with anxiety. Some of the usual indicators may be absent\, but are likely to include some of the following: social withdrawl\, unhappy or flat facial expression\, prosody\, low mood\, negative cognitions\, irritability\, and decreased activity level. Depression can be genetic and/or caused by environmental factors such as bullying\, social isolation\, academic failure\, perception of arrested development\, an uncertain future. \nApproaches to treating depression include: \n\nChanging the environment\nCBT\nVigorous exercise\nMedication\nECT (Electric Convulsive Treatment – shock therapy)\n\nObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) \nOCD symptoms are similar to those of the typically developing ASD population\, and therefore\, may be hard to tease out. They are likely to be OCD when the cognitions/behaviours become paralyzing – for example when an individual feels compelled to rewash all of their dishes at 2am. \nApproaches to treating OCD include: \n\nCBT which focuses on the causes of the observed behavior\nMedication – higher doses of SSRIs.\n\nAs to the question of inadequate supports for programs and treatment for ASD individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions – Dr. Bailey placed the onus of this squarely back in our court\, claiming that any advocacy in this area would be perceived by government\, as a vested interest on his part\, and that parents and ASD adults\, en masse\, have the post power to pressure politicians. When asked about research and data gathering to support our case for more support\, he cited …..studies underway…. \nHis focus is research and his clinical practice\, and he did not seem to be engaged with programs outside of this. He noted that professionals are looking for treatable conditions\, while parents are focused on unrealized potential. \nAs to group programs which might be of benefit to ASD individuals\, at a more affordable cost than private therapy\, Dr. Bailey favoured Mindfulness and CBT programs in combination with one-on-one psychological therapy\, but noted that the ASD individual must be able and motivated to participate in a group program. We did not have the time\, and Dr. Bailey did not seem to want to examine existing group programs and their efficacy for ASD individuals\, perhaps\, their success may depend on many factors\, such as the individual facilitators and the participants of a group in a given session. Finally\, Dr. Bailey noted that\, for programs for adults to succeed\, the ASD adults involved must be motivated to participate\, or to make the changes asked of them. This was discussed in relation to social programs for people on the spectrum. \nMany of our members felt re-assured by Dr. Bailey’s gentle reminder that the timeline of our individuals and families is\, by virtue of the ASD diagnosis\, longer – that we cannot examine our progress toward our life goals in light of the developmental stages of neurotypical individuals. However\, he emphasized that growth in self-awareness\, learning\, and progress toward personal goals is entirely possible. He stressed that parents need to be persistent\, and parents\, professionals\, and ASD adults need to be patient. This longer time frame\, he believes\, is offset by all of us today living longer life spans\, and attention should be given to living well & healthily. \n 
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/meeting-march-22-2017-looking-beyond-autism-dr-anthony-bailey
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170119
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170120
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20170425T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T043902Z
UID:1156-1484784000-1484870399@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Meeting: January 19\, 2017 ASD & Mental Health-  Canadian Mental Health\, Echo Program
DESCRIPTION:We are seeing that people with ASD experience mental health issues such as stress\, anxiety and depression\, at greater rates than the general population. Often these conditions have a greater negative impact on their lives than does autism. We are exploring which programs exist which might be effective\, accessible and affordable for ASD individuals. \nSpeakers:   Kelsey Millar\, Vocational Coordinator\, Canadian Mental Health Association \n                    kelsey.millar@cmha.bc.ca \n                     Brittany Borean\, Program Coordinator\, ECHO program\, CMHA \nThe ECHO Clubhouse philosophy includes recovery\, wellness and personal responsibility. ECHO’s goal is to encourage greater community involvement and connections for young adults\, 19-35 years old\, who are living with\, or recovering from a mental illness. Programs are tailored to an individual’s needs and goals\, which might include employment\, education\, housing\, and/or social connection. Regular activities include a games night\, bowling\, movie nights\, wellness classes\, are\, cooking\, and then sharing a meal together. ECHO is operated as a drop-in program. \nProspective participants are required to attend an orientation session\, followed by a meeting with Kelsey. They are also required to have a community referral (contact ECHO for further info). Participants must be residents of Burnaby. This restriction was frustrating to our membership\, who live throughout the Lower Mainland. Ways to “get around” this restriction were discussed\, but no resolution found. \nKelsey has interest and training in vocational counselling\, and can assist individuals with career planning through a program called “career cruising”. \nThe Clubhouse is run by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Vancouver-Fraser Branch\, and has two sites: \nEdmonds: 604.526.9606\, 109 – 7355 Canada Way \nGilmore: 604.291.8846\, 501-4190 Lougheed Hwy \nOther Resources: \nYouth Mindfulness Group\, YMCA of Greater Vancouver\, Sarah Blackmore\, MA\, RCC \nT: 604-673-6175\nE: sarah.blackmore@gv.ymca.ca \nVideo:  YMCA Youth Mindfulness Group   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADRmuz4qznA&feature=youtu.be \nA mindfulness-based group for youth ages 18-30 who experience anxiety. This is a 7-week support group that meets one evening a week in a safe and friendly environment. This group is both psycho-educational and experiential and is grounded in the principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness. Another benefit is that participants receive a complimentary YMCA gym membership. There are 2-3 intakes per year\, with locations in Vancouver & Surrey. Apply now to be put on a wait list. \nEach group can accept 12 participants with two facilitators\, each with Clinical Counselling degrees at a Masters level. This program is fully funded at present\, and therefore\, the program is offered at no cost to participants. Another benefit is that participants will receive a complimentary YMCA gym membership. Following an information session\, prospective participants will be asked to fill out forms and undergo an intake interview. Some applicants may be referred to other services\, if the program facilitators find that his or her needs cannot be best served in this program. \nTo register please email: youthmindfulness@gv.ymca.ca \nBurnaby Mental Health \nMental Health Team\, Burnaby 604.453.1900 ext 531935 Sarah \nPsychiatric\, one to one\, and group counselling are offered to adults 19 and over. A doctor’s referral is required. –  There are two group streams: Rapid Access Anxiety or Rapid Access Depression – Participants are required to attend 4 initial sessions\, which are then followed by eight Cognitive Behavioral Training sessions. Counselling & Psychiatric covered by MSP. There is usually about a 1 week wait between processing referral to intake. \nFraser Health New West 604.777.6800 \nKelty Mental Health Resource Centre  604.875.2084  \nMindshift App \n “Dealing with Depression”    dwd.online.ca              \n Mindcheck.ca   crisis line \n 
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/meeting-january-19-2017-asd-mental-health-canadian-mental-health-echo-program
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20161117T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20161117T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20211009T012127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T043923Z
UID:1659-1479409200-1479416400@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Autism Spectrum Disorder & Mental Health
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 17\, 2016 \nAutism Spectrum Disorder & Mental Health \nLocation : Vancity South Burnaby\, 5064 Kingsway
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/autism-spectrum-disorder-mental-health
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20161117
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20161118
DTSTAMP:20260430T035958
CREATED:20170425T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T043946Z
UID:1155-1479340800-1479427199@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Meeting: November 17\, ASD & Mental Health - Polly Guetta\, Mood Disorders Association
DESCRIPTION:While families approach Square Peg Society seeking help with adult issues such as employment and housing\, their underlying fear is that their adult offspring will live a life of poverty and isolation\, after they are gone\, or after they are no longer able to care for them. Often it is mental health issues – stress\, anxiety and depression\, not autism – that is impeding their success at work\, post-secondary education\, and independent living.  \n Our meeting was the first of several meetings we intend to host on ASD and Mental Health. The next will be in February\, 2017. We want to better understand the prevalence and consequences of these co-occurring mental health conditions\, which programs and treatments are effective for people with autism\, and if they exist\, and are affordable and available to people with autism. \nAs a background to these interests and concerns\, we viewed 3 excerpts from an Autism Community Training  (ACT)  Webinar on Mental Health & Autism (October 2016). They are: \n            Background to ASD and Mental Health                                          Dr. Karen Bopp \n            Why are Psychiatric Co-morbidities Important?                Dr. Anthony Bailey \n            Role of the Certified Behavioral Analyst                                         Dr. Richard Stock \n Dr. Karen Bopp\, (Ministry of Children and Family Development)   \nBackground to ASD and Mental Health   \nAs the incidence of ASD increases (1 in 78 in BC) so does the difficulty of identifying and distinguishing the differences presented by ASD and mental health issues. They can mask each other. They can exacerbate each other. They can be co-morbid. Currently\, experts in Autism are not well versed in mental health concerns. \nComments from discussion: There is no funding for mental health issues for those diagnosed with ASD; autism funding is supposed to go specifically toward those issues that arise directly as a consequence of the autism. As a result\, mental health issues often go undetected and untreated. \nExisting Mental Health services: In BC\, a doctor’s referral is required to see a psychiatrist\, and once referred\, wait lists are long. As well\, not all psychiatrists have experience with individuals with ASD. We perceive a need for the right help at the right time from a specialist with an understanding of autism. \nAppointments to a psychiatrist are covered under the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Both the Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDABC) and the various branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) also have psychiatric clinics. The MDABC offers psychiatric appointments at their Robson Street clinic – these are for mild mood disorders – anxiety\, depression\, and bi-polar disorders. A referral from a family doctor or walk-in clinic physician is required and these appointments are covered under MSP. There is approximately a 2 month wait list from receipt of the referral. Burnaby Mental Health\, a Branch of CMHA offers psychiatric appointments\, again requires a doctor’s referral\, and is covered under MSP. There is about a week’s wait between processing the referral and intake for an appointment. \nThere are many psychiatric counsellors and behavioural therapists in BC who offer counselling appointments at hourly rates ranging from $175 – $250/hour. As well\, both the MDABC and Burnaby Mental health offer counselling services to adults. MDABC has counselling services at their Pender Street location\, on a fee-for-service basis. One-to- one counselling costs $85.00 per session\, family counselling is $95.00/session\, and there is also group counselling in the form of free drop-in social support groups. Burnaby Mental Health offers group counselling to adults 19 and over\, referred by a doctor. They have two group counselling options: Rapid Access Anxiety or Rapid Access Depression. Following their intake participants are required to attend 4 initial sessions in their stream\, which are\, in turn\, followed by eight Cognitive Behavioral Training sessions. There is usually about a 1 week wait between the processing of a referral to intake. These group counselling programs are covered by MSP. \nMood Disorders Association of BC\, 604.873.0103 #1 for psychiatric clinic #2 for counselling services \nBurnaby Mental Health\, Mental Health Team\, Burnaby 604.453.1900 \nFraser Health New West 604.777.6800 \nDr. Anthony Bailey \nWhy are Psychiatric Co-morbidities Important? \nThere has been a shift in intellectual ability. In the past three quarters of the population diagnosed with ASD had below average intelligence. Presently this proportion is reversed. Three quarters of this group has average or above average intelligence. \nBased on a study of 300 school age children in BC the most likely co-morbid conditions with ASD were found to be anxiety\, depression and OCD. (In girls\, eating disorders may be an expression as well).  Less present was the incidence of psychosis. Anxiety and depression tend to increase with adulthood from 25% to 51% and 6% to 32% respectively. The implications of this understanding suggest that because co – morbid conditions are so common they should be suspected by the observer. \nMisdiagnosis may occur with the common co-morbid condition of ADHD\, if accompanying social difficulties are missed. Mental disorders can be missed for various reasons in both children and adults. In a child\, observation can be obscured by another identified condition such as ASD. \nPsychological distress is expressed in different ways by children. In adults\, symptoms can be missed because the individual has limited language skills or cannot identify their own emotional state. This may result in remaining in an anxiety provoking situation\, from which others would remove themselves\, until the point when there is a meltdown. When anxiety is expressed at home the family may presume this is an expected part of ASD behaviour. \nMental disorders can interfere with progress for example through repetitive thoughts. \nPsychosis can be induced by stressful situations at school or work. \nFamily genetics studies focussing on anxiety and depression among relatives suggest that genetics is a risk factor for those with ASD\, and though separate\, is perhaps\, an exacerbating\, condition. \nEnvironment can have a bigger impact on those with ASD than others. \nComments resulting from discussion: There are shut downs as well as melt downs. \nThe norm for those with Autism should not be a state of distress perhaps caused by\, “unfriendly\,” environments. \nRichard Stock is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst \nRole of the Certified Behavioral Analyst      \nHis services include long term planning for clients which can continue from pre-school to employment. A designed program would address the key areas of language\, communication and social as well as repetitive behaviour\, fine and gross motor skills\, academics and functional assessments. Links to both home and school provide unity among a team of professionals. \nSeveral examples were given of correcting problem behaviours that were inappropriate such as spitting or reciting dialogue from entertainment sources. \nComments from discussion: RDI was mentioned as an alternative to ABA as well as other programs that speakers suggested focused on a different relationship approach. \nSpeaker:   Polly Guetta\, Development Co-ordinator\,  Mood Disorders Association of BC \npolly.guetta@mdabc.net \nSee above for existing mental health services offered through MDABC. \nCheck out: “What Helps\, What Hurts?”  for ages 18-30\, to help identify problems & strategies. \nPolly spoke on how to be proactive about mental health\, how to build emotional resiliency and gave a brief overview of several kinds of mental illness.   \nThe Mood Disorders Association of BC is a non-profit organization with these goals: \n* To be proactive \n* To identify the problem \n* To fight against misconceptions about those with mental health problems. \nGood mental health can be defined as a sense of well-being\, an ability to handle life and realize abilities. \nEmotional fitness enables the individual to be stronger\, more confident\, resilient\, and to provide a meaningful contribution. \nPeople with an optimal demonstration of well-being exhibit the following abilities: \n1) Set achievable goals \n2) Know when they need support \n3) Don’t believe everything they think. \n4) Strategize for tough days. \n5) Practice compassion for self and others. \nThese skills can be learned. \nRef: courageworks.com (a free course in compassion) \nThe Wellness Wheel encompasses these areas: \nSpiritual \nEmotional \nIntellectual \nPhysical \nSocial \nEnvironment \nFinancial \nPoor mental health can occur when demands exceed the ability to cope impacting body and mind. Polly suggested talking to trusted friends/family and/ or professionals such as a doctor who can provide referrals. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/meeting-november-17-asd-mental-health-mda-echo-clubhouse
CATEGORIES:Mental Health
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