Parents of children with autism experience unique challenges and stressors. These groups are a safe space for parents to meet and discuss topics related to their experiences. Each month, topics are discussed in a forum where families can help support one another and share their opinions and experiences. Sessions are co-led by a parent volunteer and a Strides staff member. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend any or all six sessions.

Monthly Topic of the Group:
Jan – School Support and Advocacy
Feb – Parental Self-care
Mar – Judgement from Others
Apr – Talking about Autism
May – Changes in Social Interactions
Jun – Celebrations and Moving Forward

**This group is available for parents to attend any or all sessions. You may attend when your schedule permits.** 

This workshop will teach parents and caregivers about the changes that occur all through puberty, as well as how to support their youth during this time. Caregivers will learn to help youth understand and prepare for body changes associated with puberty, teach and encourage good hygiene, understand public/private places and behaviours, and how to handle issues surrounding consent.

In this workshop, parents and caregivers will learn about navigating the different pathways of autism system funding and support. Caregivers will be informed about the requirements/eligibility criteria that are required to apply to various programs in the community.

Eating healthy and having a mealtime routine can be challenging for kids and youth with autism. This workshop looks at strategies and resources to help your child improve their food selection and eating routines.

Do you need support with reconciling your budget with the OAP? Not sure how to use a PECS system at home? Need help filling out funding forms or just have a question you need answered? Our Autism Outreach & Education facilitators can help with these and more! Sessions are offered virtually and in person and will be up to 60 minutes in duration. Spots limited to 16.

This workshop focuses on how regulation develops and the importance of teaching your child/youth how to regulate their emotions. Strategies and resources will be provided.

In this workshop, parents will learn about the key terms and concepts that are used in Applied Behaviour Analysis. The principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and behavioural terms will provide parents with a framework to promote their child’s learning. Parents may find it helpful to attend Introduction to ASD prior to this workshop.

Do you need support with reconciling your budget with the OAP? Not sure how to use a PECS system at home? Need help filling out funding forms or just have a question you need answered? Our Autism Outreach & Education facilitators can help with these and more! Sessions are offered virtually and in person and will be up to 60 minutes in duration. Spots limited to 16.

This webinar focuses on the importance of independent toileting skills. The information in this webinar is intended to help parents and caregivers through the toileting process with their child. Parents will learn about how autism influences toileting and learn to identify readiness skills in themselves and their child. Toileting strategies and methods will also be discussed to help parents create a plan to get started.

This workshop teaches parents how to develop, implement and maintain healthy sleep habits for their children with autism. We will discuss how autism affects sleep, factors that may impact sleep, and will identify common sleep issues in children with autism. This workshop also addresses some frequently asked questions parents have on sleep, provides strategies to build a bedtime routine and create successful sleep environments.

In this workshop, parents will learn what autism spectrum disorder is and the core characteristics of autism. The webinar will also help parents identify strengths their child is exhibiting in social communication skills to make it easier to set goals. Research on the brain and autism will also be explored.

Do you need support with reconciling your budget with the OAP? Not sure how to use a PECS system at home? Need help filling out funding forms or just have a question you need answered? Our Autism Outreach & Education facilitators can help with these and more! Sessions are offered virtually and in person and will be up to 60 minutes in duration. Spots limited to 16.

Caregivers will learn the functions of behaviour and how to collect data on these behaviours. We will also examine the labels we place on behaviour and how to become aware of the variables that influence behaviour. This workshop will also discuss ways parents can engage in their child’s learning and be active in preventing and redirecting challenging behaviours.