Bethesda Children and Youth Services | FREE Virtual Workshops
FREE Virtual Workshops
For ANY family in Ontario registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
Children and Youth Services
Bethesda Children and Youth Services is thrilled to provide a series of FREE virtual workshops designed to empower and support Ontario families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to live their best lives.
These comprehensive programs cover a wide range of topics tailored to the specific needs of parents, caregivers, and youth.
Parent and Caregiver Workshops equip caregivers with essential tools and strategies to navigate the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism. From understanding the complexities of ASD to managing challenging behaviours, these workshops offer practical guidance and support.
Introduction to Teaching Series provide caregivers with valuable insights into effective teaching techniques and strategies to foster their child’s growth and development. These workshops will cover topics such as creating inclusive learning environments, developing essential life skills, and promoting independence.
Workshops for Youth Ages 12+ focus on building resilience, self-advocacy, and social skills. These sessions will create a supportive space for young people to connect with peers, learn valuable life skills, and develop a strong sense of self.
How do I get started with Bethesda’s Free Foundational Family Services?
If you have any questions about the below steps please reach out to a service coordinator: serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com
289.684.6918 ext. 170
Step 1
Step 2
Are you registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) or Bethesda Children’s Behaviour Services?
Create your account through Bethesda’s membership portal. See page 4
*Your account will be approved within three (3) business days.
If you already have an account, log in.
Step 3
Step 4
Review the events in this guide to find the best programs for you and your family.
Please note there is a limit of one recreational and one clinical group service per child.
Register for your selections. If your preferred group is full, register for that group’s waitlist. Service Coordinators review and confirm registrants before each group begins and room may become available for you.
Create a Membership
Membership needs to be confirmed before you can begin registering for events.
Create your membership here
Follow these steps to create a membership account through Bethesda’s portal:
1. Navigate to bethesdaservices.com > Select Children & Youth Services in the menu bar > Select Client Login from the secondary menu bar.
3. Enter your Email Address > Click I’m not a robot > Click Next
If you will be creating accounts for more than one child, please register each child with a unique email address.
4. Enter the requested client information for your child > Click Next
5. Review and confirm the membership information > Click Confirm.
6. Once your membership application has been reviewed and accepted by a Service Coordinator, you will receive an email from admin@portal.bethesdaservices.com with a temporary password.
7. Please log in using the provided temporary password and immediately change your password to one you will more easily remember by clicking the Change password button.
8. Enter your current and new password (new password must include at least 12 characters, upper and lower case letters, at least one number and at least one special character.) > Click Save.
Your website membership application is now complete!
If you require assistance with creating your membership account, please connect with a Service Coordinator at 905.684.6918 ext. 170 or serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com
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Workshops and Caregiver Learning Series
Understanding the Ontario Autism Program
Clarifying Autism Services and funding options
Meet one-on-one with a Service Coordinator to help parents and caregivers navigate Autism services in the Niagara Region and the province.
Get clear and concise information about:
• The Ontario Autism Program (OAP): Understand eligibility and explore funding options
• One-time Funding: Learn about additional financial support available
• Evidence-based Interventions: Discover the benefits of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and other proven strategies
DATE/TIME Available by individual appointment upon request.
Phone 905.684.6918 ext.170
Caregiver Workshops
LOCATION Virtual, phone, or in-person appointments available.
Contact us to register
Bethesda Children and Youth Services is committed to empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and strategies to support your child’s overall well-being.
Positive Parenting Strategies
Learn about the seven key aspects of parenting and how to set your child up for success. The goal of this workshop is to teach caregivers proactive ways to support their child’s growth and development through the use of positive behaviour support strategies.
DATE/TIME Wednesday June 11 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual register
Helping Your Teen Cope with Depression
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 June 16 12:00pm - 1:00pm
LOCATION Virtual register
Helping Your Teen Tolerate Change
Is your child easily upset by changes in routine? This interactive workshop, part of our Introduction to Teaching series, equips caregivers with practical strategies to:
• Understand why changes can be challenging for your child.
• Develop a toolbox of techniques to make transitions smoother.
• Turn everyday routines into opportunities to build your child’s tolerance for change.
DATE/TIME Wednesday June 18 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Understanding Grief
LOCATION Virtual
Guiding children through grief. This workshop for parents and caregivers explores the complex state of grief and grieving. The process of grieving will be explored through multiple lenses, as well as highlighting the best ways to talk to children about grief and death, and how to support children who are grieving.
Keeping track of daily routines can be tricky! This interactive workshop, part of our Introduction to Teaching series, equips caregivers with the knowledge to create and implement visual schedules that:
• Boost your child’s independence and sense of predictability.
• Improve communication and understanding of daily routines.
• Reduce meltdowns and frustrations associated with transitions.
DATE/TIME Wednesday June 25 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual
Supporting Siblings
This workshop for parents and caregivers will discuss supporting the siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or other developmental disabilities. Topics will include sibling relationships, how having a sibling with ASD or other disabilities may affect that relationship, and the Glass Child phenomenon. Some general strategies for helping your siblings to find ways to co-exist will be discussed, and additional resources for places to find sibling support will be provided.
DATE/TIME Monday July 7 6:00pm - 7:00pm
ASD in a Digital World
This workshop is designed for caregivers of neurodivergent learners navigating the digital age. We’ll explore why neurodivergent individuals often gravitate towards technology, and how to find a healthy balance for your child. You’ll gain valuable positive behavior strategies to help limit usage, discover engaging replacement activities, and learn how to effectively reward participation in other activities. We’ll also provide practical tools for coping with emotional dysregulation that can arise when setting technology limits.
DATE/TIME Wednesday July 9 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sleep Hygiene
LOCATION Virtual
Join us for a one-hour interactive workshop led by a registered Psychotherapist and an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Interventionist, designed for caregivers. This session will explore the foundations of healthy sleep hygiene and its impact on emotional and behavioral well-being. Participants will learn practical strategies to establish effective bedtime routines and create a supportive sleep environment for children and individuals with diverse needs. The workshop will include evidence-based insights, real-life examples, and a Q&A segment to address individual concerns.
Does your child struggle with intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviours?
This psycho-educational workshop equips parents and caregivers with the knowledge and strategies to support their child with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
DATE/TIME Tuesday August 12 12:00pm - 1:00pm
LOCATION Virtual register register register
Youth Workshops
Hygiene
This interactive workshop dives into the world of personal care, giving you the knowledge and tools to craft hygiene routines that works for YOU. This workshop is best suited for high schoolaged youth.
• Discover at a variety of hygiene rules and the aspects of a healthy lifestyle that fit within our current routines.
• Design a plan to set you up for success in carrying out hygiene routines.
• Build healthy habits that will empower you to become your best self.
DATE/TIME Tuesday June 10 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Online Safety
This interactive workshop is 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 June 24 6:30pm - 7:30pm
“Bethesda has been a consistent source of support and information through my child’s youth. 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.”
