Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) executive director Lisa De Paoli says she is pleased to announce that Shawna Price has accepted the position of temporary CDBC/FASD key worker, as a maternity leave replacement.
CDBC is an abbreviation for Complex Developmental and Behavioural Condition, De Paoli explains.
“CDBC is an umbrella term that includes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Child and Youth issues, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder.”
She notes FASD is a continuum of various permanent physical and mental conditions caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a spectrum of impaired social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted and repetitive behaviour, De Paoli explains.
“A key worker is a non-judgmental helper who will guide families through the assessment process and work with schools and other agencies within the community to ensure needed supports are in place.”
Price has worked with children, youth and adults with special needs for more than 10 years.
She has a bachelor of child and youth care from the University of the Fraser Valley and a psychosocial rehabilitation graduate diploma from Douglas College.
Her most recent positions have been with Pos Abilities, Simon Fraser Society and Ridge Meadows Association as a community support worker and day and residential worker for community living. Price has also volunteered as a crisis line operator at the Options Crisis Line in Surrey and as district events co-ordinator/ Spark leader with Girl Guides of Canada.
To contact Price and get more information about the services provided by the CDBC/FASD key worker, call 250-395-5155 or e-mail sprice@cariboofamily.org.