Autism Community Clinic Days

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 symptoms of mental health disorders and how to approach their children when they are concerned. Treatment options will be reviewed with caregivers, highlighting pathways for additional support. There will be opportunity for questions and direction in supporting families’ unique needs.

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 which function is the reason why your child engages in these behaviours, how to collect data, and an introduction of strategies that can be used before your child engages in challenging behaviour to decrease the chances of that happening.

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.

Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): 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.

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): In this seminar, families will develop a better understanding 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 on evidence-based practices. There will be an opportunity for questions and direction in supporting families’ unique needs.

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.

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 learning at school. You will also learn how to enable your child to better regulate their emotions in a variety of environments.