Autism - Strategies for Success

Suitable for all early learning professionals and parents.

Presenter: Malgosia Tomanik

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects communication, social interaction, reasoning, and behaviour. It is usually evident before a child turns three years old. It is estimated that 1 in 51 children ages 6 to 18 in British Columbia have autism. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a framework for supporting a child with this neurobiological disorder in a childcare setting. Also, we will explore the characteristics of autism, early diagnosis, and early intervention.

Malgosia Tomanik, M.Ed., is a Family Consultant who specializes in supporting children preschool to high school age and their “big people” in a variety of environments, including homes, schools, and child care settings. Malgosia is experienced in addressing concerns associated with the daily challenges of caring for a child who requires support, including helping to make sense of difficult behaviour and supporting the big people for each child in finding a way through.

Malgosia also works as a Key Worker with the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre. She provides support to caregivers raising children and youth who are living with FASD, from birth to 18 years of age.