Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas, Pioneer of ABA Therapy th, 2010. Dr. Lovaas pioneered the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles to treat and teach children with autism.

Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at the University of California in Los Angeles, passed away on August 4

ABA therapy uses systematic environmental modifications to understand and change human behavior. He applied the principles of behaviorism known as "behavior modification", "behavioral treatment" or "behavioral intervention" (earlier developed by B.F. Skinner and others) in the treatment of children with autism and related disorders in order to improve their ability to learn.

Applied Behavior Analysis, or "the Lovaas technique" as it became known, uses customized intensive one-to-one teaching techniques with repeated practice sessions or "trials" (discrete-trial teaching) and a stepped learning system which breaks down skills to their most basic parts, rewarding success along the way. The use of ABA techniques, particularly in the early (preschool) years, has significantly improved the abilities and outcomes for many individuals with autism.

Dr. Lovaas was a world-renowned autism expert who devoted over 40 years of his career to improving the lives of children with autism and their families. His legacy is an evidence-based treatment program that is now available through certified consultants across North America. ABA forms the core of many government funded autism programs across Canada, including Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) and Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI).

SASKFEAT'S AGM is to be held in Regina at the Travel Lodge on Sunday June 27/2010 at 10 am.

World Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2010 As Minister of Health, I am pleased that Canada is joining other countries in recognizing April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Autism Society of Canada and all autism organizations across the country for their tireless work in creating awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and providing support to those affected by this condition.   ASD affects people from all walks of life, as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Roughly o ne out of every 150 Canadian children is affected by ASD . While there has been progress in research, care and education, we need to learn more about the causes of ASD and the most effective treatments and interventions.   The Government of Canada recognizes that autism is an important health and social issue which presents challenges for many Canadian families. We are committed to supporting research and raising awareness. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has provided approximately $35.3 million for research related to autism since 2000.    I would like to express my sincere appreciation to every autism organization in Canada for their continued dedication to improving the lives of Canadians living with ASD .   Leona Aglukkaq Minister of Health Government of Canada   http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/minist/messages/_2010/2010_04_01c-eng.php

Autism Organizations in Saskatchewan Welcome Provincial Autism Funding As a First Step

For immediate release

SASKATOON SASKATCHEWAN

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Saskatchewan Autism Organizations welcome today’s announcement made by Health Minister Don McMorris that 3 million dollars in annualized funding as an important first step towards the provision of services for individuals with autism and their families.

"We are pleased that an Advisory Group representing health care and community based organizations will be created to make recommendations on the most effective use of the new funding. The families’ autism organizations represent can now have some direct involvement in the development of autism services in Saskatchewan." said Shannon Friesen, Executive Director of Autism Services in Saskatoon.

"While we see this as an important first step we don’t want to lose sight of the fact that "Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada without a publicly funded early intervention program specifically for children with autism. The creation of a publicly funded early intervention program will require a much greater investment of funding that the 3 million dollars announced today" comments Tim Verklan, President of Saskatchewan Families for Effective Autism Treatment (SASKFEAT)

An autism early intervention program Autism Intervention Programs typically provide 25-40 hours per week of educational interventions that incorporate Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) principles, as well as programming which develops social and pragmatic language skills. The program is usually delivered in a 1-1 setting, and also allows access to SLP and OT services inside and outside of the program.

Autism is health epidemic, currently impacting 1 in 150 children and 1 in every 94 boys. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the world. "A provincial comprehensive autism strategy with attached funding is required to address the complex treatment, services and accommodation needs for those across the autism spectrum throughout their entire lifespan," said Shannon Friesen, Executive Director of Autism Services in Saskatoon. We look forward to working with the provincial government in developing autism programming with universal funding that will respond to this provincial crisis.

For more information please contact:

Contacts:

Shannon Friesen

Executive Director,

Autism Services, Saskatoon,

(306) 227-0830

sfriesen@autismservices.ca

Tim Verklan

SASKFEAT,

Tisdale

(306)-862-4768