1. Categories D and G New tidbits of information to assist with grant applications September 14, 2011 Joanne den Boer with Dr. David Carter

2. The Issues There was an exceptionally large number of Pre-approval Grant Applications in May that the Committee was required to review in essentially the same time frame as last year looking for very specific information on the applications to ensure the students met diagnostic criteria as stated in the Special Education Policy, Procedures and Guidelines.

3. The Issues Of significance were the students that fell under Category G. A number of applications were denied as it was not immediately identifiable:  Assessor and qualification  Multi-disciplinary team  ADOS and ADI-R  Psych assessment  SLP

4. SCSBC’s Opinion Matter of interpretation Samples on MoE website came after applications were due Clarity came after applications were due Conversation with Tony Arthurs – very good, still some grey area We can still improve … but we have better information now

5. If BCAAN, then no further review is necessary a shoe-in

6. If BCAAN, then Ministry sample

7. If BCAAN, then In terms of the Assessment: Cognitive level Adaptive functioning Comprehensive SLP Comprehensive medical examination

8. If BCAAN, then In terms of the Agency: BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN ) Provincial Autism Resource Centre (PARC) This should be clearly reported in Section C under ‘name of agency'

9. If BCAAN, what happened? Doesn’t show team member names and credentials. Doesn’t show a multi- disciplinary approach. Could say, N AME OF A GENCY FHAN Partnered with BCAAN

10. If BCAAN, what happened? BCAAN assessor not the same as BCAAN Network Includes SLP, but not apparent it’s a team approach. What other reports were reviewed?

11. If BCAAN, then Under A GENCY State “BCAAN Team” State where it was done, e.g. FHAN Under A SSESSOR Show multi-disciplinary approach Name the team members in one box

12. If BCAAN, then Under B ASIC D ATA : State ADOS and ADI-R Note other assessments used Typically: – Psychology assessments – SLP – OT – DSM IV

13. If Private Agency Under 6 1.Registered Psychologist 2.SLP 3.Pediatrician / Child Psychiatrist Over 6 1.Registered Psychologist 2.SLP 3.Best practice will include reports from other practitioners, if available.

14. If Private Agency AND …. ensure the doctor/psychologist confirms that BCAAN standards are met AND state clearly in the report that s/he is in compliance with BCAAN standards. Redundant? Perhaps.

15. Point of Confusion and Frustration BCAAN does not maintain a list of BCAAN approved agencies. A clinician working in one office may meet the BCAAN standards. Same clinician working in another office may not be meeting BCAAN standards even though s/he is certified by BCAAN. This is a moving target.

16. If Private Practice Ministry Sample These will be mentioned directly below.

17. Doesn’t say other reports were consulted.

18. If Private Practice, what happened? Multi-disciplinary “team” not identified, ie. – Registered psychologist – SLP – OT and – PT State they’ve seen other clinician’s reports (name and date) Diagnosis not up front (because not most recent assessment)

19. ADOS is missing. Even though older, put first because it shows the diagnosis in relation to the category applied for. Doesn’t list other diagnostic assessments in this box

20. Doesn’t list review of other diagnostic assessments from other clinicians in this box

21. A Grandfathered Case … ? ?

22. If Diagnosis is more than 5 years… An updated assessment must occur every 4 – 5 years by an SLP (to inform the program) Does not need to be reassessed by BCAAN, pediatrician, registered psychologist, nor psychiatrist.

23. Category H Must be reassessed annually.

24. Category D Ministry Sample Put the medical diagnosis “front and center, big, bold.”

25. Category D - Handy tips to know Medical diagnosis must be made by a medical specialist who works with: Registered psychologist SLP (if required) OT and / or PT

26. Category D – esp FASD Update every 4-5 years by an OT to confirm there is still a need & level of impairment on education To confirm diagnosis is still accurate To see if school has used information for programming (diagnosis must be in compliance with CDBC Network) neurological musculo-skeletal, and chronic health impairment

27. Category D – FASD diagnosis Because pediatrician might trump medical doctor, even though date of assessment is older.

28. Category D – FASD diagnosis Not sure what the problem is here. (Sorry)

31. Other tips to know The person who signed the report isn’t “the team” Might be easier to get SLP and OT assessments first A medical diagnosis by itself does not determine the need for special education services (p. 69 Manual) MUST confirm 3 potential impact areas in 2 or more domains (see matrix Section E)

32. Other tips to know MUST confirm 3 potential impact areas in 2 or more domains (see matrix Section E) Information in the diagnostic report must address these areas In other words, pull everything and anything you can, to support the application.