Category Archives: Autism

🧠Mental Health in Autistic People or People with Intellectual Disabilities

Autism, Mental Health, Resources, SCS

Dr. Weiss during training to SCS

SCS had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Weiss in providing a training to the support services team. The training, an introduction to “Mental Health in autistic people or people with intellectual disabilities”, focused on reviewing diagnostic facts, differentiating common health symptoms from a diagnosis, highlighted evidence based interventions and strategies to support families with treatment planning and referrals. SCS looks forward to developing training and project opportunities with Dr. Weiss in the future.

Along with the training, our support services team received the Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism, which you can get here. Written by the Autism Mental Health Literacy Project (AM-HeLP) Group, on which Dr. Weiss is a co-principal investigator, this guide developed out of a desire to increase awareness, knowledge and acceptance around issues relevant to the mental health of Autistic adults. It is meant to be read by everyone, especially by Autistic adults, by family members, by professionals and by policy-makers and leaders to increase their understanding about mental health within the context of autism.

📖Suggested books: “Autism and Me” and “Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Parents”

Autism, Resources

This month, AIDE Canada is spotlighting two great resources:

1. Autism and Me: A short, accessible guide with engaging worksheets to help kids identify emotions, build calming skills, and explore social interactions. Perfect for those recently diagnosed!

2. Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Parents: Packed with illustrations, real-life stories, and practical tips, this guide encourages creativity while offering advice on communication and conflict.

Find both at AIDE Canada Library:
https://aidecanada.overdrive.com/

💻Webinar: Healthy Coping for Caregivers Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Strategies

Autism, Caregivers, Mental Health, Virtual

Join Autism Ontario on November 14 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm for their upcoming webinar with Katy Albert on navigating life’s joys and challenges using self-compassion, acceptance, and value-driven action to promote healthy coping and improve caregiver well-being.

This session is ideal for caregivers, siblings, and family members of autistic children, youth, and adults. Professionals working with the autistic community and their families are also welcome to attend.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3Bw2Qbs

Can’t make it? Register to watch this discussion after the event On-Demand

🎓Pathways to Special Education Support: Meet & Greet for Families

Advocacy, Autism, Education, Events

Supporting your autistic child’s educational journey can sometimes feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for guidance. You’re not alone — many families experience the same uncertainty and challenges.

Autism Ontario is offering ‘Pathways to Special Education Support: Meet & Greet for Families’ to change that. It’s your chance to learn about some available supports Autism Ontario has to offer.

Join them to meet their team and learn about resources to help your child achieve educational success.

October 29, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Registration:
https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=10268

💬Au-Some Conference

Advocacy, Autism, Events

Autism Canada is proud to present this year’s annual Au-Some Conference on October 26, 2024 from 10 AM – 3 PM EDT, during Autism Acceptance Month. The Au-Some Conference is the only Canadian conference in which all of the presentations are created and delivered by neurodivergent individuals, sharing their lived experiences and enriching the lives of everyone in attendance.

It is a day for people to learn about the diversity of the Autism Spectrum and where, together, we will create an inclusive environment for sharing successes and for creating acceptance for those on the spectrum, caregivers and communities.

Now in its 8th year, the Au-Some Conference is a free, national conference presented virtually to allow us to bring it to hundreds of people in every region of Canada.

Learn more and register here:
https://www.autismcanada.org/ausome-conference

🧑‍🍳Cooking with Chef Anthony

Autism, Health, Life skills

Autism Ontario welcomes autistic families all across Ontario to join this 8-week Cooking Program led by Chef Anthony Go, a graduate of George Brown Chef School and an autistic adult. Anthony is a Chef focusing on food, recipes, and grocery shopping tips. For complete nutritional advice, please consult your healthcare professionals.
The theme of the fall program is Gluten Free and Dairy Free. Chef Anthony chose this theme because in his experience, this is a very common diet in the Autism community.
Dates: Sundays, October 20 – December 8, 2024
Learn more and register:
https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1

🇨🇦 October is Autism Acceptance Month in Canada

Advocacy, Autism, Events

Together, we celebrate the beautiful diversity each and every individual on the Autism Spectrum brings to the world. We embrace each individual’s unique contributions to society and continue to advocate for understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. Thank you for being part of this important movement. Let’s keep pushing for a world where everyone is valued and included.

🎳Adult Bowling Night

Autism, Events, Recreation

This event engages autistic adults 18+ who do not require 1:1 support (individual support is not provided, one staff will be present to sign participants in and stay for the duration of the event.)

This exists to build friendships and a sense of community for adults on the spectrum.

Bowling at Merivale Bowling Centre and meet some new friends while you play. Fun for the whole family and a chance to connect with others in the region!

Registration includes 1 or 2 games of bowling plus shoe rental and pizza (2 slices) with friends.

This event will cost a $5 fee; pre-registration is required; no refunds are permitted.

When: October 17th, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location:
Merivale Bowling Centre
1916 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON K2G 1E8

Registration:
https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/register?id=10171&reset=1