Foundational Family Services

Does your child love video games? Are you trying to teach them appropriate ways to enjoy playing these games? Help your child develop the skills for creating positive peer interactions while having fun playing video games. In this 4-week clinic, children/youth will discuss the importance of sportsmanship, some of the dangers of playing online, how they can be safe while online, and the need to balance virtual time with reality. Children/youth wil

In this clinic, children will have the opportunity to learn and practice social skills while participating in holiday activities, crafts, and games together. When: Thursday, November 30, December 7, 14, 21 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Learn about the functions of behaviour and behaviour support plans to help understand why your child or youth might be engaging in challenging behaviours. This seminar will share strategies to support decreasing behaviours that may be interfering with daily living, including using data collection to track progress. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Learn about the functions of behaviour and behaviour support plans to help understand why your child or youth might be engaging in challenging behaviours. This seminar will share strategies to support decreasing behaviours that may be interfering with daily living, including using data collection to track progress. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

In this clinic, children will learn different ways to get up and get moving. Your child will have the opportunity to try a variety of different activities related to being active. Clinic activities include crafts, sports, dance and interactive games and activities. Participants will also learn how to be social with peers including turn taking, communicating, and cheering on teammates. When? Wednesday, June 28, July 5, 12, 19 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

In this clinic, children will learn different ways to get up and get moving. Your child will have the opportunity to try a variety of different activities related to being active. Clinic activities include crafts, sports, dance and interactive games and activities. Participants will also learn how to be social with peers including turn taking, communicating, and cheering on teammates. When? Thursday, June 29, July 6, 13, 20 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm D

Is your child with ASD starting school? Do you find yourself wondering how to best prepare your child for school or start a new school year?  We understand that entry to school can be both stressful and exciting for parents, and we are here to help.  In this seminar we will share information, tips, and strategies on how to help prepare you and your child. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555

Visual schedules are recommended to help during transitions and/or increase independence. This session will support effectively creating and using these in a variety of places. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Reinforcement is recommended as a strategy to increase desired behaviours. In this session, caregivers will learn how to assess motivation, determine potential reinforcers and use reinforcement strategies appropriately. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Help your child develop the skills for creating positive peer interactions through this interactive clinic. This clinic will help youth, develop and strengthen their social skills with peers in a group environment. Youth will learn essential skills such as initiating and sustaining conversations, how to change subjects or handle disagreements, as well as understanding exaggeration, sarcasm, and analogies. Hands’ team will provide an interactive

In this clinic, children will get an opportunity to learn skills related to various sports and games as well as the social skills related to being on a team. Teaching topics include being a good sport, winning and losing gracefully, how to cheer on your teammate, how to communicate to teammates, and how to follow the rules of the game. When? Wednesday, August 9, 16, 23, 30 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email autism@handstfh

In this clinic, children will get an opportunity to learn skills related to various sports and games as well as the social skills related to being on a team. Teaching topics include being a good sport, winning and losing gracefully, how to cheer on your teammate, how to communicate to teammates, and how to follow the rules of the game. When? Thursday, August 10, 17, 24, 31 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email autism@handstfh

When learning how to talk, some children may communicate using echolalia, which means they are copying what they’ve heard. These children may be misunderstood if the people who are supporting them do not know that echolalia can be a way to communicate and is part of language development. In this seminar, families will learn about echolalia, types of language development, and ways they can support their child to help build their communication

ABC data (or Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence data) gives us information about what happens before, during and after behaviours. In this session, caregivers will learn about what ABC data is, why it’s important, and the steps needed to take ABC data. Caregivers will also learn from practice situations and leave with some helpful tips. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email a[email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to re

Does your child love video games? Are you trying to teach them appropriate ways to enjoy playing these games? Help your child develop the skills for creating positive peer interactions while having fun playing video games. In this 4-week clinic, children/youth will discuss the importance of sportsmanship, some of the dangers of playing online, how they can be safe while online, and the need to balance virtual time with reality. Children/youth wil

Does your child love video games? Are you trying to teach them appropriate ways to enjoy playing these games? Help your child develop the skills for creating positive peer interactions while having fun playing video games. In this 4-week clinic, children/youth will discuss the importance of sportsmanship, some of the dangers of playing online, how they can be safe while online, and the need to balance virtual time with reality. Children/youth wil

Learning to Play is a group-based clinic designed to help support children in learning through play by interacting with the environment and their peers, encouraging children to engage with different types of materials and transition independently using a variety of transition strategies. We will also work on broadening your child’s interests by exposing children to new types of toys and modelling how to play with them appropriately. Topics cove

Daily living skills like toothbrushing, handwashing, and getting dressed can be difficult to teach children with autism. Any task that involves multiple steps takes time and support before independence can be gained. We are here to help. In this 3-part series, we will discuss how to create a plan based on current skill level, how to teach using visual aids and a step-by-step approach, and how to monitor success while increasing independence in yo

Every week youth will learn about the essential parts of living a healthy balanced lifestyle. Areas of focus will be diet, physical activities, sleep and coping with stress, hygiene, and body image. Youth will be shown ways to make healthy choices based on their own individual preferences. Every session will end with a different type of physical workout activity to allow youth to experience a variety of ways to keep physically active. When: Comi

In this Let’s Get Social and Start Cooking Clinic children will learn early kitchen skills like buttering bread, cutting fruits & veggies, using the microwave, measuring ingredients and much more. Areas of focus will include building friendships and other positive social interactions, sharing and taking turns, independence, and self-help in the kitchen, and working together as a team.  Duration: 1.5 hours When? Coming soon. We’d love

Help your child develop the skills for creating positive peer interactions while having fun building and experimenting in our Social Building Clinic. This 4-week program will help children develop and strengthen their social skills with peers. Children will learn these essential skills by engaging in a variety of crafts, building activities and science experiments. Areas of focus will include turn-taking, waiting, sharing and positive social inte

What is it about the Winter Holidays that makes it so difficult for our children with Autism to manage? This seminar will provide you with the understanding of why your child struggles. It will also give participants information on how to anticipate and use strategies that support your child and your family. You will come away with a plan going into the holiday season. This presentation will also provide many resources to use moving forward. Dura

This is a child-friendly version of our “Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder” seminar. In this seminar, siblings and friends of children and youth who have ASD get to experience a fun and interactive information session about ASD while also learning about autism acceptance and awareness. The participants will also have the chance to interact with others who have brothers and sisters on the autism spectrum. Recommended ages 6-12 years. Du

Does your child struggle with emotional regulation? Does your child go to a school where they use the zones of regulation in their class? Over the course of this seminar, you will be walked through the foundational concepts and background information on the Zones of Regulation curriculum. You will learn to identify the zones and use some of the strategies within your home in order to be consistent with the skills your child is learn

Does your child struggle with change? How about moving between environments or activities? The focus of this presentation will be supporting your child with transitions as well as changes in their environment or routines. We will review antecedent based strategies which can be used to support your child as well as practice with some hypothetical situations in a discussion-based format. Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-66

In this 6-week clinic young adults, will learn essential cooking skills and develop their independence in the kitchen. In this virtual clinic, participants will learn about nutrition, kitchen safety, what to do if a kitchen fire occurs, and practice preparing and cooking recipes using a variety of appliances. They will also have the opportunity to connect with peers and engage with each other in a virtual setting from the comfort of their own hom

Help your youth learn essential skills to enter the workforce by registering for Let’s Get Working. These skills include building resumes, interviewing, job seeking, and appropriate workplace behaviour. Hands’ team will provide an interactive and inclusive learning environment, allowing your youth to interact with peers and learn through exercises, practice, reflection, discussions, and readings. Recommended Ages: 15-18 years When: Thursday,

Help your child develop the skills for creating positive peer interactions through this interactive clinic. This clinic will help youth, develop and strengthen their social skills with peers in a group environment. Youth will learn essential skills such as initiating and sustaining conversations, how to change subjects or handle disagreements, as well as understanding exaggeration, sarcasm, and analogies. Hands’ team will provide an interactiv

Are you finding it hard to have fun and be social in the virtual age? This group will focus on social interactions and practicing building social connections in the digital age. Online etiquette, conversation skills and general social norms will be practiced each week in a fun and interactive way. When: Coming soon. We’d love to let you know when this session is scheduled again. Send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-668

In this clinic, children will have the opportunity to learn and practice social skills while participating in holiday activities, crafts, and games together. When: Wednesday, November 29, December 6, 13, 20 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

In this 4-week program, participants will learn about different types of art such as visual art, drama, music, and dance. Each session will allow the participants to learn the basics of art and then try their hand at creating something great while developing their moto skills! This clinic is also designed to promote socialization, teamwork, and expression of self in a safe and positive environment. When: Coming soon. We’d love to let you know

In this virtual social skills group, participants will learn foundational concepts to help them understand the social world around them. Each week, participants will learn and practice key social skills concepts through engaging stories, demonstrations, and games. Participants will have to chance to practice these skills through fun interactive games and activities, while getting the chance to meet and play with other kids in an online group envi

Learning to Play is a group-based clinic designed to help support children in learning through play by interacting with the environment and their peers, encouraging children to engage with different types of materials and transition independently using a variety of transition strategies. We will also work on broadening your child’s interests by exposing children to new types of toys and modelling how to play with them appropriately. Topics cove

Sibshops are fun events just for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs, and in our case brothers and sisters of kids with autism. They are special events for siblings to shine and have some fun together, while meeting other siblings who share common life experiences. Each session is filled with games and activities with a focus on fun, positivity, and unique sibling experiences. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected],

Come join the conversation with one of our Registered Social Workers and other caregivers about topics that are important to you. This virtual support group for caregivers will address issues that matter to you and help you find ways to manage and mitigate your day-to-day stress. Sign up for these monthly sessions by registering with our Family Service Team. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 e

This friendly and relaxed environment provides opportunity for youth to share their experiences related to the ever-changing social world of teenage life. Through a series of games and activities, we provide a supportive experience for teens to socialize and make friends while learning how to manage complex and challenging social dynamics. Ages: 12-16 Duration: 1 hour Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 t

This friendly and relaxed environment provides opportunity for youth to share their experiences related to the ever-changing social world of teenage life. Through a series of games and activities, we provide a supportive experience for teens to socialize and make friends while learning how to manage complex and challenging social dynamics. Ages: 12-16 Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 133

Has anyone ever told you that your child could benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?​ Is your child non-speaking (non-verbal)?​ Is your child’s speech not sufficient to meet his daily needs? ​Have you ever wondered what AAC meant or entailed? ​ ​If you answered yes to any of these questions, this seminar is for you. This seminar will discuss what Augmentative and Alternative Communication is, from Pict

Have you ever wondered if your child needed speech and language services? Are you curious about your child’s communication abilities? This seminar focuses on the different areas of speech, language, and communication. Families will learn how and why their child communicates. Some strategies to try at home to promote communication development will be given and some myths about speech and languages services will be debunked. Duration: 1.5

Social skills are often a struggle for people with Autism. In this seminar, families will learn about the social aspects of communication. Families will learn to understand their child’s social communication skills and will receive coaching on developing a social communication goal for their child. Strategies for teaching social skills will be reviewed with an emphasis on practical strategies that can be implemented by caregivers at home. Durat

Do you have a youth with autism looking to transition into adult services in the future? This seminar is designed to inform you about available supports for adults with development disabilities. We will go over introductory information about DSO, ODSP, Ontario Works, College/University Supports, and workplace supports as well as how to prepare your youth for this transition. Come join us and learn more about transitioning to adult services. Durat

Transitioning from elementary school to high school can be a stressful time for both teens and parents. Are you looking for ways to help support your child with this transition? Join us in this seminar to discuss and learn strategies on how to prepare your child for high school, help with transitioning, teach self-advocacy, facilitate social skills, and learn executive functioning strategies. Let us help you create a smooth transition for your te

Are you ready to start the toilet training process? Or have you encountered challenges around toilet training? This seminar will identify readiness skills for toilet training, and work on steps to build a successful toilet training routine for your child using the principles of ABA. You can expect to leave with a strong understanding of techniques and potential barriers associated with these processes. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email autism

Have you ever been in a situation where you need to discuss a topic which is challenging or difficult with your child? This presentation will focus on providing parents with tips and strategies which can be used when having conversations about difficult topics. Some of these topics include world events, family dynamic changes or the loss of a family member. The focus will be to assist families in relaying this information to their children as wel

Is your child with ASD starting school? Do you find yourself wondering how to best prepare your child for school or start a new school year?  We understand that entry to school can be both stressful and exciting for parents, and we are here to help.  In this seminar we will share information, tips, and strategies on how to help prepare you and your child. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555

Is your child a picky eater? Does your child have a limited number of foods they will eat? Not sure how to introduce new foods into your child’s diet? This seminar covers the difference between picky eaters and food refusal, the mealtime routine and how to increase expectations for trying/eating new foods. There is particular focus on strategies to decrease challenging behaviours around mealtime, increase the likelihood of your child trying a n

Do you feel overwhelmed by school meetings? Do you find it difficult to remember the names of all the reports? We understand the stress that goes into a new school year for caregivers, and we are here to help. In this seminar, you will learn about special education options, the IPRC process, the IEP process, and PPM 140.  You will gain strategies and tips to advocate for your child to ensure your unique needs are met at the planning table. Durat

In this seminar, families will develop a better understanding of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and what it means to their child and family. The seminar will include a description of the diagnostic process and how a diagnosis is determined. Families will learn how genetic and environmental factors are associated with ASD and common issues that are associated with the disorder. Treatment options will be reviewed with an emphasis o

In this seminar, families will develop a better understanding of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and what it means to their child and family. The seminar will include a description of the diagnostic process and how a diagnosis is determined. Families will learn how genetic and environmental factors are associated with ASD and common issues that are associated with the disorder. Treatment options will be reviewed with an emphasis o

Do you want to learn more about ABA and how it can benefit your life? This seminar will teach caregivers about the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Topics discussed include motivation, reinforcement, data collection, and application of ABA strategies. Families will learn how to use these skills in various environments and across different situations. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-85

When was the last time you got a good night sleep? If you don’t know the answer to this question, this seminar is for you. In this seminar, caregivers will identify difficulties that their child has regarding bedtime routine, falling asleep and staying asleep. Steps to improve these difficulties will be discussed and caregivers will leave with concrete goals to work on at home. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call

So, you’ve figured out why your child engages in challenging behaviour, but now what? Are you unsure of where to go next, now that you’ve tried the strategies shared in ‘Challenging Behaviours 101’? This seminar goes more in depth with strategies that can be used to decrease challenging behaviours observed at home and introduces what to do if your child does engage in these behaviours. Duration: 1.5 hours Register: Email autism@handstfh

Do you ever wonder why your child engages in challenging behaviour? Are you not sure where to start with dealing with challenging behaviour? This seminar focuses on the functions, or the why, individuals engage in challenging behaviours, how to figure out when function is the reason why your child engages in these behaviours, how to collect data, and a brief introduction of strategies that can be used before your child engages in challenging beha

This seminar looks at some of the barriers that children may face regarding planning and following through on tasks. Participants will be taught the steps to create goals that will help build independence through middle school and beyond. Participants will learn how to prepare early teens for transitions into vocation and work skills. This presentation will also focus on including your child in planning and implementing goals through school and h

Daily living skills like toothbrushing, handwashing, and getting dressed can be difficult to teach children with autism. Any task that involves multiple steps takes time and support before independence can be gained. We are here to help. In this 3-part series, we will discuss how to create a plan based on current skill level, how to teach using visual aids and a step-by-step approach, and how to monitor success while increasing independence in yo

Token boards are recommended as a strategy to increase desired behaviours and reduce problem behaviour. This session will outline when to use a token board, how to utilize this method effectively, how to monitor effectiveness and how to create a token board. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Reinforcement is recommended as a strategy to increase desired behaviours. In this session, caregivers will learn how to assess motivation, determine potential reinforcers and use reinforcement strategies appropriately. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Learn ways to aid in reducing screen time, tips, and tricks on how to reduce access to devices and safely use specific devices, such as, iPad’s/tablets, streaming apps, and gaming systems. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Independent Activity Schedules (IAS) are recommended to support independence on learned skills (e.g., teaching task initiation and completion). IAS are ideal when parents would like their child to complete tasks with little to no adult support. This session will demonstrate how to create and correctly use an IAS. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Visual schedules are recommended to help during transitions and/or increase independence. This session will support effectively creating and using these in a variety of places. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

To help teach new skills, prompts and simplified instructions are often recommended. Join the Hands autism team for a session that will focus on helping caregivers break down instructions and effectively implement and fade prompts. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Help your youth develop the skills for independence and day-to-day routines by registering for our transition to adulthood clinic. Participants will learn daily living skills to help develop independence, including personal hygiene, building relationships, setting up a bank account, grocery shopping, and cooking. Your youth will learn with peers in an interactive and inclusive learning environment. When: Wednesday, October 4, 11, 18, 25 4:00 pm

Does your child love video games? Are you trying to teach them appropriate ways to enjoy playing these games? Help your child develop the skills for creating positive peer interactions while having fun playing video games. In this 4-week clinic, children/youth will discuss the importance of sportsmanship, some of the dangers of playing online, how they can be safe while online, and the need to balance virtual time with reality. Children/youth wil

In this clinic, children will get an opportunity to learn skills related to various sports and games as well as the social skills related to being on a team. Teaching topics include being a good sport, winning and losing gracefully, how to cheer on your teammate, how to communicate to teammates, and how to follow the rules of the game. Duration: 1.5 hours When? Coming soon. We’d love to let you know when this session is scheduled again. Send u

Social interactions can be challenging for many people with autism. Sometimes it might seem like there are too many social “rules” to keep track of! But what if instead of learning each rule one-by-one, we could learn to observe clues like body language to figure out what others are thinking about us? In this interactive social skills group, participants will learn a new strategy each week that will help them understand the social world aroun

First-Then boards are recommended to help with transitions and inform future events. This session will support understanding how to create and use first-then boards correctly. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Register: Email [email protected], or call us at 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333 to register.

Does your child struggle to be around other children? Are they getting ready to or have just started kindergarten? In this 4-week clinic, young children will practice sitting for a story and participating in activities and games with their peers in a fun and supportive environment. Parents are: Invited to stay in a neighboring room to socialize and participate in guided discussions on various topics such as challenging behaviors, toileting, slee

Puberty, a terrifying and uncomfortable word for a lot of parents. In this presentation we will discuss the changes which children go through as they enter and complete this stage of life. The discussion will focus around emotional, physical and mental changes that occur for all adolescents. There will be tips and tricks reviewed as well as strategies on approaching this topic with children with a developmental disability. Duration: 1.5 hours Reg

In this seminar, families will develop a better understanding of mental health and autism, and what it means to have a dual diagnosis. Caregivers will learn about a variety of mental health disorders that are commonly seen within children/youth with autism, such as, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorders. Strategies are discussed with caregivers to begin to recognize the signs and s