Autism Services

During this workshop you will learn about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).  AAC is the use of various methods of communication (e.g., gestures, pictures, speech generating devices) as a substitute to, or in support of spoken language.  We will discuss the different types of AAC that are available and how AAC can be used to support your child or youth’s communication development.  Strategies to support your child or youth’s use of AAC in meaningful everyday situations will be shared.

This workshop provides strategies based on the principles of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) for helping your child their play skills.  You will learn about the stages of play from independent toy play to more advanced cooperative play with others.

During this workshop you will learn about the pathway for communication development and the many ways that children can send messages. Various strategies to support your child with increasing their meaningful communication with you and others will be shared.

Mental health assessments are used to explore social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties that are causing significant concerns about your child.  These difficulties may also be getting in the way of your child’s ability to cope and navigate life successfully.  These assessments may be used to make a decision as to whether their mental health challenges can be accounted for by additional diagnoses such as anxiety, mood, or obsessive-compulsive disorders.  Recommendations are made to inform treatment planning and enable access to appropriate supports at school, home, and in the community.

Would you like to increase your financial literacy or become more financially independent?

As a parent or caregiver, do you hope your teen can start to learn skills that will help them be financially responsible in the future? In this workshop, youth and their parent or caregiver will
participate together as facilitators introduce ways to support financial independence. Topics will include considerations around opening a bank account and having a credit/debit card, monitoring online banking, completing transactions, budgeting and saving money. Activities for youth to practice financial literacy will be suggested and helpful tools
(e.g., apps and websites) will be shared.

The days and months after a diagnosis of autism can be overwhelming.  This workshop provides a step-by-step checklist for parents, an overview of community services and funding options, and an opportunity to ask specific questions about supports for your child.