Caregiver Support
We offer numerous supportive resources for families.
Caregivers Connecting |
Caregiver Workshops |
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Caregivers Connecting
Virtual Family Support for Caregivers.
York Support Services, Family Peer Mentor Program is hosting virtual family support drop-ins for family caregivers who are caring for an adult or child with a developmental disability. A new topic will be covered at each session.
Join us for an opportunity to share your story and connect with others going through the same experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space.
The virtual family support drop-ins offer encouragement for you to:
- share your experience.
- increase your capacity for resiliency.
- learn to manage your stress.
- build a more meaningful life.
These sessions are for parents and caregivers of an adult or child with a developmental disability or autism.
Upcoming Session Details:
Topic: The Hidden Stresses of Caregiving during a Pandemic
January 20, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Topic: Caregiver Isolation
February 17, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For questions or more information contact Sherry Summers at 905-898-6455 ext. 2213 or via email ssummers@yssn.ca
Caregiver Workshops
These workshops are for caregivers caring for an adult or child with a developmental disability and/or autism.
Why Diets Don't Work and What Does
As family caregivers of a loved one with a developmental disability we often forget to take care of ourselves. We all know that we should eat more vegetables, exercise more, and get more sleep, but sometimes these changes can be challenging to stick to. Unfortunately, dieting is about depravation, is usually short-term and about 95% of people who lose weight by dieting will gain it all back and then some in 1 to 5 years. Lack of food means lack of nutrients which leads to cravings. In this talk you will learn how to nourish your body, how to balance your blood sugar and how to manage your cravings which will give you the willpower to continue to make healthier choices each and every day to feel your best.
Details
January 13, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Parents and caregivers of an adult or child with a developmental disability and/or autism.
For questions or more information contact Sherry Summers at 905-898-6455 ext. 2213 or via email ssummers@yssn.ca
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Many family caregivers of loved ones with a developmental disability at one point or another experience caregiver burn-out. This presentation will focus on the realities of caregiver burn-out by teaching on the physiological impact of prolong stress on our bodies and about our mind’s propensity to operate in our default network response. You will learn how to mitigate these adverse realities by practicing being mindful and present in the moment, practicing gratitude, non-judgement, acceptance and perspective-taking. De-stressing suggestions will be presented and techniques explored so that family caregivers are better able to take care of themselves and their children.
Details
January 26, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Parents and caregivers of an adult or child with a developmental disability and/or autism.
D.I.Y. Homemade De-Stressing Pampering Set
It’s important as family caregivers of loved one with a developmental disability to take care of yourself. Take time for yourself and enjoy an hour of crafting with Carolyn Orgar creating the essentials to pamper yourself. We will be creating a lovely Valentines jar to hold a candle and then we will continue to create a small jar of body scrubs for you to pamper yourself in the bath. It's all about de-stressing in this workshop, but mostly it's all about YOU!! Instructions and a list of supplies will be included.
Details
February 9, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Parents and caregivers of an adult or child with a developmental disability and/or autism.
How to Develop Self-Compassion
Why is self-compassion such a critical trait to develop as family caregivers of an individual with a developmental disability? How do we develop and practice self-compassion? How will being more self-compassionate to yourself help you become a more effective and caring family caregiver? Why is it that practicing self-compassion will not lead one to become lazy, unmotivated and selfish? And finally, how does practicing self- compassion and in the process becoming a more compassionate individual connect us more with other human beings and reduce our social isolation?
Join us in this five-part workshop series to explore the answers to these questions and learn about simple compassionate techniques and self-compassion exercises so that you can grow in this wonderful trait for yourself as a caregiver and for others.
This workshop series will be led by Linda Shea-Carter. Linda is a Counsellor, Life Coach, Family Facilitator, Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher and Educator with many years of professional experience in the field of helping people of any age or ability become more resilient, peace filled and content in life.
Details
Every Thursday from February 25, 2021 to March 25, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Parents and caregivers of an adult or child with a developmental disability and/or autism.
Transitioning Together
Sponsored by the York ASD Partnership with a grant from Autism Speaks Canada
Transitioning Together is an eight-week online program help teenagers with ASD, and their parent(s), plan their futures after secondary school.
professionals in March-April and May-June 2021.
participants will be randomly assigned to groups so you should be available for either Session One (March/April) or Session Two (May, June).
To learn more click here.
Caregiver Mindfulness Sessions
Join us for virtual mindfulness sessions that will teach you how to reduce stress, increase resiliency, improve relationships and regulate emotions. Core concepts of mindfulness will be explored through meditation and mindful exercises. Everyone is welcome.
Details
Tuesday's in February
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday's in February
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ontario Autism Program Workshops
These workshops are for families who have a child with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Advocating for your Child
Successful advocacy skills are cruicial to help you obtain the best supports for your child through their lifetime.
Details
Monday, January 11, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday,February 22, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are
registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Understanding Special Education
Workshop offered in partnership with Childrens Treatment Network (CTN)
Review what information is included in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and tips for parents to support home-school collaboration.
Details
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families who have a child up to age 17 in a public or catholic primary or secondary school in York Region with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Building a Nurturing Home Environment
Autism affects the whole family. Learn about what you can do to help your children build skills and relationships within the family.
Details
Thursday, January 14, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday, February 15, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday,February 25, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 12 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
School Readiness
Tips and strategies to help your child return to school.
Details
Monday, January 18, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are
registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Caregiver Burnout and the Importance of Respite
Learn about respite and how it can help you over the long term.
Details
Thursday, January 21, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday, February 8, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 12 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
The First 100 Days after Diagnosis
Information and resources will be provided to help you navigate through the first days after receiving a diagnosis.
Details
Monday, January 25, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 4, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families who have a child up to age 17 who has recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Funding 101 - Tips and Tricks
Learn what funding options are available to you now and into the future, how to apply and what to expect. Learn how to manage and use your funding in the most effective way to support your child and family's needs.
Details
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are
registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Autism 101 for Grandparents
Grandparents play an important role in the family and are part of the family support system for the child and the parents.
Details
Thursday, January 28, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday, February 1, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Grandparents who are caregivers for children up to age 12 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
If you have a child with autism and need help to register with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) please call YSSN at 905-898-6455 ext. 2574 to request an appointment with an OAP support worker.
Guest Speaker Series Hosted by OAP Foundational Services
These events are for families who have a child up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Speech Therapy and what Parents can do while on the waitlist for Support
In this workshop, presented by speech pathologist Andreea Ciocan, you will learn what speech-therapy is and how to look for private speech language therapy for your child, that will be eligible for the Ontario Autism Funding.
Details
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are
registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
A Toolbox for Strong Parents
In this workshop we will be discussing the specific strategies to elevate your parenting skills. When your child is diagnosed with any disability, it’s important to know the key factors in Advocating for them throughout their lives as well as Planning for Transitions. This workshop will arm you with the knowledge, resources and help you to put your best parenting foot forward.
Details
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are
registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
1-2 Punch of Parenting
In this workshop you will be preparing and planning for effective strategies for the 2 major pieces of raising any child. However, when you have a child with a disability the issues can seem insurmountable. Join us for this workshop to learn more about 1. Sleep and
2. Nutrition. The strategies provided will revolutionize how you support your child from here on out.
Details
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are
registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Steps to Teaching Independence
In this workshop parents will learn the 5 most relevant skills to support your child in living independently. No matter your child’s age, thinking about the future is important, building strategies that allow your child to learn specific skills that will take them through their
life-spans as independent and strong individuals is vital to your families success now and in 20 years.
Details
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are
registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
Regulating the Sensitive System
In this workshop families will begin to learn about why emotional regulation is vital to their child’s success, pinpointing exactly what part of the brain is affected by regulation difficulties and provide strategies that support your child in learning how to maintain a calm demeanor during very difficult times. The workshop will also cover data systems that allow you to determine triggers that can be modified for your family’s success.
Details
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
The Key to Unlocking the World's Problems
Communication is the KEY to all successful engagements in our communities whether at work or in our personal lives. This workshop will allow families to understand the different considerations of teaching their children to communicate and provide them with the skills necessary to expand their communicative behaviours. They will also learn how to set up expectations in a variety of environments.
Details
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Who should attend?
Families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
If you have a child with autism and need help to register with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) please call YSSN at 905-898-6455 ext. 2574 to request an appointment with an OAP support worker.