This workshop discusses the current issues and relevant facts with respect to the diagnosis of Autism. The workshop focuses on common characteristics of individuals diagnosed with autism, looking at deficits and excesses commonly displayed by people with autism, the increasing prevalence of autism and additional behaviours often found in this population.

The second part of the workshop focuses on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), including defining ABA, explaining some of the founding ideas and concepts that form ABA and discussing why the function of behavior is such an important part of ABA. Topics include positive and negative reinforcement, functional assessment and increasing adaptive behaviour.

This workshop will focus on the three primary behavioural disorders identified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-R. These include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder, covering the symptoms and behaviour often exhibited by children with these disorders. Causes and risk factors for the disorders will be discussed with an emphasis on evidence-based practice. Suggestions and outlines for treatment approaches that are user-friendly for associates and based on evidence in relevant literature will be provided.

Finally the workshop will touch on treatment and awareness of co-morbid or co-existing issues such as anxiety and depression.

This workshop will discuss the ways in which we can use data in order to understand the functional relationships within distinct behaviours. We will explore useful tools such as the ABC chart, the behavioural scatter plot, time sampling and more.

By the end of this workshop you will have an understanding of how to create appropriate Data Tracking measurement tools as well as how to record data that will best help to measure behaviour and establish functions.

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification from the Crisis Prevention Institute is mandatory for all our associates. The program focuses on the safe management of disruptive and assaultive behaviour. Training will provide attendees with the techniques and confidence necessary to handle crisis situations with minimal anxiety and maximum security and the program covers the care, welfare, safety and security of everyone involved. We provide this training program in-house at wm+a. Please note that CPI/UMAB will only be offered to current associates within the network.

Annual recertification for the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training program from the Crisis Prevention Institute is mandatory for all associates working with wm+a. We provide this re-certification program in-house at wm+a. Please note that CPI/UMAB will only be offered to current associates within the network.

Dual Diagnosis is a major area of research and treatment, especially for adults with developmental disabilities. The Dual Diagnosis workshop will focus on common psychiatric disorders found in people diagnosed with a developmental disability. Depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and other disorders will be explored. Common causes and risk factors will be introduced, as well as some common explanations with respect to the high rate of psychiatric disorders in people with developmental disabilities.

Treatment, programming and support of these disorders is often multi-faceted. This workshop will touch on the collaborative efforts of medicine, behaviour and service coordination with regards to treatment and support.

In this age of increasing prevalence and funding for autism we often overlook (or don't have the opportunity to think about) disabilities other than autism. This workshop will focus on disabilities that are known in our community and require understanding and support. Developmental disabilities and various syndromes associated with developmental disability will be covered. Information and guidelines will be provided for working with people who are diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, Prader–Willi Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and more.

This workshop is designed to be an introduction to a variety of syndromes and disabilities, their known causes, treatment approaches and systematic approaches to support.

We often are in situations where behaviour is seen as something that needs to be eliminated, but we observe and believe that it is a reaction or a compensation for a loneliness, isolation or unsuccessful peer interaction.

Social skills and natural environment teaching is a proactive approach to behaviour management. This workshop will focus on behaviour that needs to be increased such as social skills, co-operative play, and activities of daily living such as sports and leisure, domestic activity and personal hygiene.

The workshop will provide a model for teaching skills and increasing behaviour using the above examples. Utilizing knowledge and technique from the behavioural sciences, a workable model will be established for associates when endeavoring to program for skill acquisition in homes, schools and community-based programs.

Annual renewal of Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour Certification is mandatory for all associates working with wm+a. We provide this program in-house at wm+a. Please note that CPI/UMAB will only be offered to current associates within the network.