Bethesda is pleased to offer Foundational Family Services for children/youth and their families who are registered with Children’s Behaviour Services (CBS) at Bethesda and ANY family across the province who is registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Bethesda’s Service Coordinators can:
• Provide information about service options and assist with program registration
• Answer questions and share resources
• Assist families completing OAP funding applications
• Help families reconcile their OAP funding expense forms
Families can contact a Service Coordinator by calling 905.684.6918 ext. 170, or sending an email to serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com to book an individual consultation.
Supports inclusive of the whole family are offered in a variety different formats including:
• Parent/Caregiver Support Groups
• Groups
• Social Recreational Groups
• Youth Advisory
Browse this publication for information on available interactive workshops that cover topics related to the early years through to young adulthood.
Brief consultations are single or time limited (1-3) individualized sessions that are focused on specific needs or goals. Parents/caregivers can meet with a clinician to ask questions, review resources and discuss a variety of strategies that relate to their child’s social skills, life skills, communication and behaviour. Examples of topics that can be discussed during a clinic appointment include, but are not limited to: behavioural concerns, teaching new skills, increasing independence, completing OAP registration and funding applications and learning about community resources. Brief Consultations focus on proactive strategies. Call 905.684.6918 ext. 170 to request an appointment.
Transition supports are offered to support children, youth and their families during different life stages and changes, e.g. starting school, new diagnosis.
Meet one-on-one with a Service Coordinator to help parents and caregivers navigate autism services in the Niagara Region and the province. The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and one-time funding, and evidence-based services, including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), will be reviewed.
DATE/TIME Available by individual appointment upon request. Virtual, phone, or in-person appointments available.
LOCATION Virtual, phone or in person
Many parents wonder when, what, and how to share a diagnosis with their child. This workshop explores strategies that can be used, as well as ways to help your child and their sibling(s) understand what a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) means to them.
DATE/TIME Tuesday January 17 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop will provide parents and caregivers an introduction to understanding sensory processing and behaviour, as well as some strategies to use with their child. Two follow up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.
DATE/TIME Tuesday January 24 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop will help caregivers to better understand terms, definitions and different components of communication. Learn how to build motivating communication opportunities into everyday activities and identify strategies to increase your child’s communication. Two follow up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.
DATE/TIME Tuesday January 31 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Desensitization is a term we use in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to describe teaching tolerance to activities or situations the child finds difficult. Join this workshop to learn some practical ways to increase your child’s tolerance level to non-preferred items. Two follow up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.
DATE/TIME Tuesday February 7 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Caregivers will work with a clinician to create an individualized safety plan for their child/youth outlining de-escalation techniques to avoid the use of physical intervention. This workshop is based on Sharing Strategies from the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention ® Training Program. Note: Participants will not be certified and physical restraints/ disengagements are not covered in this workshop.
DATE/TIME Tuesday February 21 6:30pm - 8:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop will cover foundational information on the impacts of trauma including: the definitions of trauma, common signs and symptoms following exposure to trauma, the neurobiology of trauma, and how it impacts both the brain and the body, and more. Please note that this workshop will be foundational information only – no formal trauma counselling techniques or strategies will be provided.
DATE/TIME Monday March 27 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
A psycho-educational workshop designed for parents and caregivers of teenagers who are struggling with depression and/or depressive symptoms. This workshop will explore depression from a mental health perspective, highlighting the differences between depression and other emotions such as sadness or grief, as well as the criteria that indicate a potential clinical diagnosis of a depressive disorder or episode. Some basic coping strategies for depression will be shared, as well as providing some general tips for caregivers who are supporting a teen with depression.
DATE/TIME Monday January 9
6:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
A psycho-educational workshop designed for parents and caregivers to explore what happens on a physical level when a person experiences anxiety, and how that impacts their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This workshop will explore anxiety from a mental health perspective, highlighting areas where anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often intersect. Targeted anxiety copings skills will be discussed, which can be implemented at home with children and teens.
DATE/TIME Monday February 13 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
This interactive workshop designed for caregivers who are interested in learning tools and strategies to support their teens in using the internet safely.
DATE/TIME Tuesday February 21 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop introduces parents to issues related to sexuality and relationships for individuals diagnosed with a developmental/intellectual disability. Parents will learn about a variety of areas that their teen may need to learn to navigate. These are areas like private and public behaviours, consent, boundaries, and sexual health.
DATE/TIME Tuesday February 28 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop provides information and strategies needed to support your child through puberty. Participants will learn how to teach children about puberty, as well as how to set good hygiene habits and routines. A supplemental package of resources will be shared with the group. This workshop is best suited for parents/guardians of children between the ages of 8-15 years.
DATE/TIME Tuesday March 7 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop in our Introduction to Teaching series will review the importance of play and the basics of teaching your child early play skills such as imitation of others, joint attention, turn taking and pretend play.
DATE/TIME Wednesday January 18 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Caregivers will learn strategies that can be used to help children fall asleep and maintain a full night’s sleep. After attending the workshop, two individualized consultations are provided to support you with practicing these skills at home.
DATE/TIME Wednesday January 25 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Visuals are an important part of the kindergarten classroom. This workshop will review the importance of visual schedules and introduce you to using visuals with your child in your home before school begins. After attending the workshop, two individualized consultations are provided to give you an opportunity to discuss the implementation of strategies in your home. Resources will also be provided to each family to ensure you have the visuals you need at home to practice.
DATE/TIME Wednesday February 1 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Training is an approach that teaches us how to become more psychologically flexible. This approach helps us to embrace life, mindfully connecting to things that are of importance to us. We learn to struggle less with difficult experiences and feelings. ACT does not attempt to directly change or stop unwanted thoughts or feelings, rather, it helps us develop a new mindful relationship with those experiences. We learn to become more open and live more consistently with who and what we care about. This workshop is appropriate for parents of children 12+ years.
DATE/TIME Tuesdays
January 10, 17, 24 and 31, February 7 and March 7 7:00pm - 9:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Are you interested in learning more about teaching new skills and handling misbehaviour?
Triple P is a caregiver education course that focuses on causes of misbehaviour, teaching new skills, increasing desired behaviours, decreasing misbehaviour and survival skills for difficult situations. This course is recommended for caregivers new to the diagnosis of autism or another developmental disability and/or the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This course is appropriate for caregivers with children aged 0-12 years old.
DATE/TIME Wednesdays
January 18 - March 22 (No session March Break) 6:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
We are pleased to offer a four-session group for parents/caregivers of children with Down Syndrome who are between the ages of 2-12 years. The group is designed to help parents learn how to teach their children new skills, to improve their abilities and to encourage desirable behaviour. Parents will have an opportunity to develop and try out a plan to teach their child a new skill and to deal with minor misbehaviour. Parents will be offered up to 3 in-home visits during and after the sessions to practice what they have learned with coaching from a clinician.
DATE/TIME Tuesdays
February 7, 14, 21 and 28 9:30am - 11:30am
LOCATION Virtual
Bethesda has been a consistent source of support and information through my child’s youth. Their programs have been my primary gateway to resources, support and programs related to ASD. My child enjoys interacting with the staff. They truly create an inviting, accepting atmosphere. Our lives have absolutely benefited from the programs and services offered at Bethesda.
In Partnership with the Welland Public Library, this workshop will review different tips, strategies and other recommendations to help youth be more successful in completing homework and/or school assignments.
DATE/TIME Tuesday January 24 5:15pm - 6:15pm
LOCATION In person at Welland Public Library
This interactive workshop designed for teens who are interested in learning tools and strategies for using the internet safely. Topics include digital etiquette, risks and benefits of social media and private vs public information.
DATE/TIME Tuesday February 7 5:15pm - 6:15pm
LOCATION Virtual
In Partnership with the Welland Public Library, this workshop for kids will address what teasing is, how to avoid being a target and what to do if you are being teased.
DATE/TIME Tuesday February 21 5:15pm - 6:15pm
LOCATION Virtual
register
register register
Please join us to learn more about the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre (NFCHC). The NFCHC is a multi-service health centre that provides primary health care, mental health care, health promotion, and community development services under one roof, and at no cost. The presentation will be provided by the LGBTQ2+ Support Coordinator, who will provide an overview of all services, but specifically highlight the LGBTQ2+ services that are available to youth in the Niagara Region. Anyone in the Niagara Region can access the wide variety of services available, with a priority for underserved populations who are facing barriers to accessing appropriate health care. Join us to learn more about the NFCHC, and find out what services they have which might be a help to you and your family
DATE/TIME Wednesday February 8 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Join us to learn more about the Young Caregivers Association and Powerhouse. Powerhouse is an evidence-informed program developed to teach young caregivers life and personal development skills, provide opportunities to connect with other caregiving kids, bring caregiving families together and reinforce self-care. All Powerhouse services aim to build the resilience of young caregivers and their families. Join us to learn more about how your young caregiver can get involved and find unique supports for their unique situations.
DATE/TIME Wednesday February 22 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Community Living St. Catharines is a regional leader in providing supportive services and housing to people with intellectual disabilities for over sixty years. Those sixty years have been filled with challenges, triumphs, setbacks, and giant leaps forward. Join us to learn more about Community Living St. Catharines programs for children and adults.
DATE/TIME Wednesday March 8 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
* Families can choose to register for one in-person recreational group service at a time
This group is designed for children and youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. Children should be comfortable in 1:3 ratio, limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
5 - 9 years Saturdays
January 14 - February 11 9:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION
In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
This group is designed for children and youth to practice their social skills through cooking and learning kitchen safety skills together. Children should be comfortable in 1:3 ratio, limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
10 - 14 years Saturdays
January 14 - February 11 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION
In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
Teens will bond over their love of books and art. Come work on an art project or bring a book to read and share our common interest and love of reading every Tuesday this winter.
AGES
DATE/TIME
13+ years
Tuesdays
January 17 - March 28 (No session March Break) 7:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION
In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
Children will have the opportunity to play Roblox in a supportive environment where they can engage with their peers to imagine, create, and share experiences with each other. Information regarding the content of the games played will be made available to caregivers upon registration.
AGES
DATE/TIME
7 - 12 years
Tuesdays and Thursdays
January 17 - March 30 (No session March Break) 5:15pm - 6:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Do you like playing games, scavenger hunts, drawing, acting things out, or naming that tune? If “yes” this is for you! Hangout with other kids on video chat and play some fun games that will test a number of different skills. Games will change often. If materials are required, an email will be sent out in advance. Participants will need access to a device with video and audio capabilities.
AGES
DATE/TIME
7 - 12 years
Tuesdays and Thursdays
January 17 - March 30 (No session March Break) 6:15pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Youth will bond over their love of books. Come together and share our common interest and love of reading every Tuesday this winter.
AGES
DATE/TIME
8+ years
Tuesdays
January 17 - March 28 (No session March Break) 5:30pm - 6:30pm
LOCATION
In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
Dungeons and Dragons: The players form an adventuring party who explore fantasy worlds together as they embark on epic quests and level up in experience. The Dungeon Master (also known as the DM) is the game’s referee and storyteller. There’s no winning or losing in D&D. D&D is a game that focuses on storytelling; the dice just help you along. Everything is your decision, from what you look like, to how you act, to what happens next.
AGES
DATE/TIME
14+ years
Thursdays
January 19 - March 30 (No session March Break) 6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION
In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
This group is designed for children and youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. Children should be comfortable in 1:3 ratio, limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
2-5 years Fridays January 20- March 3 2:00pm - 3:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
Spend your PD Day with us to practice your social skills by engaging in games and activities. Children should be comfortable in 1:3 ratio, limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
6 - 12 years Friday January 20 and February 17 9:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
This group is designed for children and youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. Children should be comfortable in 1:3 ratio, limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
5 - 9 years Saturdays
February 25 - March 25 9:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
This group is designed for children and youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. Children should be comfortable in 1:3 ratio, limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
10 - 14 years Saturdays
February 25 - March 25 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
This group is designed to teach children a variety of social skills, including initiating a conversation, setting up a hang out, being a good sport and handling teasing and rejection. Children will participate in a variety of lessons and practice their new skills during interactive games and activities. As a parent/caregiver, you will be provided with the tools to be a ‘friendship coach’ through feedback and weekly homework assignments that are designed to build on the skills practiced in the sessions.
AGES
DATE/TIME
10 - 14 years
Tuesdays
January 17 - February 28 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
Children will learn a variety of social skills (initiating/exiting conversations, joining into conversations, exiting conversations) and have an opportunity to practice these skills with peers. Children will learn these skills by being a social detective! Skills will be taught in a group format using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) evidence based strategies. This program is appropriate for children who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate using verbal requests, comments, and questions and can participate in a group setting without 1:1 support.
AGES
DATE/TIME
6- 9 years
Tuesdays
January 17 - February 28 5:00pm - 6:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
AIM is a curriculum that combines Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness to address social and emotional challenges in children. AIM incorporates a variety of developmentally appropriate, sensory focused, and engaging activities to increase flexible and adaptive behaviours. AIM focuses on accepting the things that have happened (both good and bad), identifying what is really important, and making decisions that move you toward your goals. AIM Part 2 continues to take participants through the AIM curriculum. AIM Part 1 is a prerequisite to this group. This group is appropriate for children who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate using verbal requests, comments, and questions, and can participate without 1:1 support in a group setting.
AGES
DATE/TIME
10 - 14 years
Thursdays
January 19 - March 2 5:00pm - 6:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
In part 2 of this group, participants will learn about developing romantic relationships, safe internet and social media use, how to be in a safe relationship, as well as your body and how to care for it. This group is ideal for teens and young adults who already have a basic understanding of puberty and who can participate in online activities and discussion. Participation in Part 1 is not required, however, it is recommended to enhance learning.
AGES
DATE/TIME
15 - 18 years
Thursdays January 19 - February 16 3:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
In part 3 of this group, participants will learn about sexual feelings and attraction, how to communicate and make decisions about sex and review pregnancy and safe sex practices. It is preferred that participants attended Part 2 as this series continues on the lessons from Part 2, however this can be assessed on an individual basis.
AGES
DATE/TIME
15 - 18 years
Thursdays
February 23 - March 30 (No session March Break) 3:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
Join us to celebrate the new year! Join us at 3310 Schmon Parkway for an afternoon of free activities; including a bouncy castle, pizza and snacks, treats, the Grinch and holiday actvities. AGES DATE/TIME
All ages Saturday January 7 11:00am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 3:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
Join us for an opportunity to make connections, share ideas and experiences, and ask and answer questions with the support of other families.
AGES
DATE/TIME
Open Mondays
January 23 - March 20 (No session March Break or Family Day)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Join us, in person, for an opportunity for the whole family to make connections. Children and siblings will enjoy making new friendships in a safe environment while parents interact with each other separately. Refreshments provided. Limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
Open Mondays
February 13 and March 27
5:30pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION In person at 3310 Schmon Parkway
This group is designed for young children who have a sibling diagnosed with a developmental/ intellectual disability. The virtual group will include a number of activities to help foster and build resilience in siblings taking on a caregiving role.
AGES
DATE/TIME
7 - 12 years Mondays January 16 - March 27 (No session March Break or Family Day) 5:30pm - 6:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Calling all teens looking to become a peer mentor this year! Bethesda is offering a peer mentor training program taking place virtually with 1.5 hour sessions beginning in February. This training will outline expectations as a peer mentor including roles and responsibilities, conflict resolution and leadership skills. The goal is to empower future leaders to come along side and support other youth throughout the 2023 year!
AGES
DATE/TIME
14+ years
Available by individual appointment upon request
LOCATION Virtual
register
Contact us to register
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an intervention based on the science of learning and behaviour. Clinicians work with individuals and their families to identify goals to increase behaviours/skills that are important to them and decrease behaviour that interferes with skill development and day-to-day functioning. ABA therapy can help increase a child/youth’s social communication, teach new skills and increase their independence. ABA involves designing, implementing and monitoring interventions that are supervised by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA or BCBA-D).
* To access an individualized behaviour service, a Clinical Treatment Plan is required.
The goal of intensive, comprehensive intervention is to increase a child’s rate of learning and improve cognitive, language, social and self-help skills. Children in EIBI receive 20-40 hours of therapy a week for a period of at least 6 months up to 2-3 years. EIBI has a three-tiered supervision model with Instructor Therapists providing direct therapy, a Senior Therapist supervising your child and their programming every week, and a BCBA Clinical Supervisor who is an approved provider on the OAP Provider List.
Cost: $70 per hour*
* Additional costs for mileage and travel time for community sessions.
Individualized ABA Services provide skill building and/or behaviour reduction programming designed to address the goals outlined in the Clinical Treatment Plan. The range in price for service reflects the type of professional that will be needed to best support your child’s treatment plan. Psychiatric Consultation is available for children and youth who are actively receiving a Behavioural Service at Bethesda. The consultation can be integrated into the child/youth’s Clinical Treatment Plan to assess and treat mental health concerns. All Behavioural Programs are supervised by a BCBA Clinical Supervisor.
Cost: $55-$75 per hour*
* Additional costs for mileage and travel time for community sessions.
Bethesda offers a variety of specialized services that can be accessed individually or as part of an integrated Clinical Treatment Plan.
A Psychological Assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of a child/youth’s cognitive and adaptive functioning and may include measures of social emotional development and academic achievement. The assessment process may include interviews, observation, testing and consultation with other professionals. The assessment can be used to assess eligibility for developmental services.
Cost: $2500*
*Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health profession that works with children/youth and their families to help identify factors that might be impacting a child/youth’s ability to participate in activities of daily life e.g. self-care, play, social communication and coping skills. OT assessment and intervention will focus on understanding how motor skill development, sensory responses, and visual-perceptual skill development are linked to the child/ youth’s participation and provide therapeutic strategies to help enhance these skill areas.
Cost: $100 per hour
* Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) work with families who have concerns about their child/youth’s communication development. SLP’s assess and treat a broad range of speech, language, communication, swallowing and eating concerns.
Cost: $125 per hour
* Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.
Social Work is a regulated health profession that supports individuals, families, and groups to help improve their social, emotional, and overall sense of well-being. Social work intervention may utilize such modalities as Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, and more. Social Work intervention is provided by a Registered Social Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Social Work assessment and intervention will focus on the social and emotional wellbeing of the child or youth using a strengths-based, person-centered approach to understand the root cause of emotions, and provide psycho-education and emotional support to cope with difficult situations, thoughts, or feelings.
Cost: $100 per hour
* Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.
Would your family benefit from the short-term use of a tablet for virtual therapy, workshops or groups?
Thanks to Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and United Way Niagara, Bethesda was fortunate to receive a grant that will assist us connecting those we support with their community through the development of a tablet lending library.
Tablets will be available for all families accessing Children’s Services at Bethesda, including the Ontario Autism Program’s Foundational Family Services. If your family would benefit from access to a tablet for virtual services, please contact us to see if the Tablet Lending Library is the right fit for you.
Our deepest thanks go out to the Government of Canada and United Way Niagara for seeing the value in this initiative and helping us to connect our community.
