Category Archives: Autism

What to Expect: Mental Health and Autism

Understanding and accessing mental health services can be complex. Watch this video to learn more about:
• What mental health services are and how they support children, youth, and families.
• The roles of professionals such as social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists, and mental health nurses.
• How to identify qualified providers with experience working with autistic children and youth.
By asking the right questions, families can find the support they need to enhance their child’s mental health and well-being.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/3BZq6iN

💰Need Support For Your Child with ASD* During March Break?

The March Break Reimbursement Fund is available to Ontario families of children or youth with ASD who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker OR who have paid for their child to attend a March Break camp or program, but not both.

Maximum reimbursements of $350 per child or youth (up to 18th birthday) will be made to subsidize services purchased during the March Break Week.

A minimum of 1,007 families, from across Ontario, are expected to receive reimbursements. Reimbursements will be provided based on a random selection made from all eligible applicants who apply between December and January.

Funded with support from the Government of Ontario.

Registration Opens December 20th, 2024
https://www.autismontario.com/marchbreak

🧠Mental Health in Autistic People or People with Intellectual Disabilities

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”

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

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

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