Empowering your child’s journey!
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) up until their 18th birthday.
At Bethesda, we believe in the power of collaboration, compassionate care, and innovation to unlock your child’s full potential to live their best life.
Together, we create a supportive environment that celebrates your child’s unique strengths while addressing their individual needs. Our compassionate professionals work hand-in-hand with families to develop individualized plans that integrate seamlessly into your daily lives.
Here’s what sets Bethesda apart:
• Collaborative Culture: We value your expertise as a parent/caregiver. You are the constant in your child’s life, and your insights are invaluable. We partner with you to create a unified care plan.
• Quality Care: Our team is comprised of highly trained specialists who stay current on the latest research and best practices. We offer a wide range of evidence-based services, including Foundational Family Services and Core Clinical Services, to address your child’s specific needs.
• Innovation in Action: We believe in pushing boundaries and developing innovative approaches that support your child’s success at home, in school, and in the community.
Together we can:
• Set goals: We partner with you to define your child’s aspirations and establish a roadmap for achieving them.
• Develop Strategies: We collaborate to identify practical techniques you can incorporate into your daily routines to empower your child’s growth.
• Celebrate Progress: We celebrate your child’s achievements and work together to measure and track their development.
• Plan for the Future: We continuously assess your child’s needs and collaboratively determine the next steps in their journey.
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 905.684.6918 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 33
*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. Our team reviews and confirms registrants before each group begins and room may become available for you.
Nous sommes heureux d’offrir des services en français sur demande.
We are pleased to offer services in French upon request.
Keep an eye out for these icons:
Request
Received
These icons will give you direction on the status of your registration!
Registration Request Received
Your registration request is being reviewed. You will be contacted if your spot is confirmed.
APPROVED
Your registration is approved and you are confirmed for the event!
CANCELLED
Your registration has been cancelled for one of the following reasons:
• at your request
• the event was cancelled
• other
WAITLIST
You have been successfully added to the waitlist for this event. We will contact you directly if a spot becomes available.
SERVICE COORDINATOR
Your Service Coordinators are here to help! Contact a Service Coordinator if you have any questions!
Your Voice Matters
And It’s Shaping Our Services
We are deeply committed to listening, learning, and improving. Over the past several months, we’ve gathered thoughtful feedback through caregiver focus groups, recent Satisfaction Surveys, staff and youth feedback as well as our newly established Caregiver Advisory Network . Your insights have directly guided updates to our Service Guide and the services we provide.
What You Said What We Did
“The registration process feels confusing.”
“I’m not always sure what to expect when signing up for services.” and
“It would be helpful to know how decisions are made.”
“We’d love to see more variety in programs that support different ages and needs.”
→ We streamlined the registration process, including communication to families
→ We outlined our process to clearly explain timelines, communication, next steps, and how families are matched to groups. You will find this process outlined on the next page. (page 7)
→ Based on your suggestions, we’ve introduced new service offerings in the last few months. You can identify these groups by the NEW star badge throughout this guide.
Thank You for Helping Us Grow
Your lived experience continues to shape how we support families. We will keep gathering and sharing back your feedback as part of our ongoing commitment to family-centred care. Together, we’re building services that truly reflect the needs, strengths, and voices of those we support.
Group Registration Process
At Bethesda, we are committed to family-centered care and ensuring equitable access to our group programs. Our goal is to serve as many children and youth as possible with services that best support each child’s unique needs. Here’s what to expect with group registration:
Fall | Winter | Spring Sessions Summer Camps
• Families may register for 1 clinical group and 1 recreational group per Service Guide
• If additional spots become available, we will contact families from the waitlist to offer opportunities for participation
• This approach helps us provide access to a wider range of families while ensuring each child gets the support they need
• You are welcome to register for any camp that fits your child’s needs and your family’s schedule
• Summer often brings more flexibility and movement—we encourage families to add themselves to any waitlists of interest as spots often become available due to cancellation
Group Selection Process
We know how important it is for your child to be part of a group that feels right for them—and we work hard to make this happen in a way that is fair, thoughtful, and flexible. As such, we do not assign kids on a first-come first-serve basis and encourage you to register even if the group is full as we do look at the waitlist when making group selections. If we receive a high number of registration requests we may use a lottery system to help keep the process fair.
Each child is unique, and so is every group. When reviewing registrations, we take into account:
• Group readiness and fit: Some groups have prerequisites or require a certain level of support (e.g., 3 children to 1 staff ratio)
• Group dynamics: We consider how each child’s needs, personality, and strengths will blend with others in the group
• Staffing: We match our team’s experience and knowledge with the needs of the group, considering which staff members have worked with your child before or have the right expertise for the group’s goals
We give priority to children and youth who have had limited or no access to services recently—for example, those who are new to Bethesda or haven’t attended groups in some time. This helps us ensure more families have the chance to benefit from our supports.
Our aim is always to create the best possible experience for your child while keeping our programs safe, welcoming, and inclusive
We understand that navigating services can be challenging, and we’re here to support you in finding the right programs for your child.
Thank you for being part of the Bethesda community and for helping us make our services as inclusive and impactful as possible.
What is a Brief Consultation
Brief Consultations are single or time-limited (1-3) individualized sessions that are focused on a specific need or goal.
Examples of topics that can be discussed during a brief consultation appointment include, but are not limited to:
Behaviour concerns
Increasing independence
Learning about community resources
Completing OAP registration and funding applications
Teaching new skills
Consult appointments are available from a variety of clinicians, including:
• Behaviour Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Registered Early Childhood Educator
• Service Coordinator
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
Contact us to register
LOCATION Virtual, phone, or in-person appointments available.
Caregiver Development Workshops
Bethesda Children and Youth Services is committed to empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and strategies to support your child’s overall well-being.
Improving Sleep
Caregivers will learn strategies that can be used to help children fall asleep and maintain a full night’s sleep.
DATE/TIME Wednesday January 14 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 January 19
6:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Mental Health in Collaboration with Contact Niagara
This workshop will explore the connection between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and mental health to highlight why children and youth with FASD are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and trauma. Clinicians will introduce the concept of learned helplessness, which is a pattern that develops when repeated challenges and misunderstandings lead to feelings of defeat and reduced motivation, and discuss how it uniquely impacts people with FASD.
The session will offer practical, evidence-informed strategies for caregivers and professionals to support mental health through trauma-informed care, co-regulation, environmental structure, and strength-based interventions that help rebuild agency, resilience, and emotional well-being.
DATE/TIME Wednesday January 21
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Supporting Siblings
LOCATION Virtual
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 Wednesday January 21
6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Workshops and Caregiver Learning Series
Planning for Community Outings
Turn everyday outings, from doctor’s appointments to grocery shopping, into positive experiences for you and your child. This interactive workshop equips caregivers with proactive strategies to: anticipate and address challenges during community outings, develop personalized plans for a smoother experience, and boost your child’s confidence in new environments.
DATE/TIME Wednesday January 28 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION
Finding a Balance for Children and Youth with Autism in a Digital World
Why do neurodivergent learners gravitate towards technology usage? Find a balance for your child in the digital age. You will learn positive behaviour strategies to help limit usage, identify some replacement activities, and learn how to reward engaging in other activities and coping with emotional dysregulation when limiting usage.
DATE/TIME Tuesday February 3 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Welland Public Library 50 The Boardwalk Welland, ON L3B 6J1
From Differences to Strengths: Supporting Your Youth’s Unique Identity
This workshop helps caregivers reframe how they view and support their neurodivergent youth. Rooted in a strengths-based, affirming approach, From Differences to Strengths explores how understanding neurodiversity and identity through a positive lens can build confidence and strengthen family connection. Participants will learn practical strategies to promote resilience, acceptance, and self-expression, while discovering ways to celebrate their youth’s unique strengths and support their evolving identity, including LGBTQ+ identities. The session also addresses common caregiver challenges with compassion and perspective.
DATE/TIME Thursday February 12 12:00pm - 1:00pm
How to Handle Bullying
Caregivers will learn strategies on how to support their children if they are dealing with bullying, to identify the difference between bullying and teasing, and how to respond to bullies.
DATE/TIME Wednesday February 25 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Teen Workshops
Teen Emotions Toolbox
In this 1-hour virtual workshop teens will learn how to identify and regulate their emotions. They will learn coping strategies to use when they are triggered.
AGES
DATE/TIME 13-17 years Wednesday March 11 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Pathways to Employment
LOCATION Virtual
In this 1-hour virtual workshop teens will learn strategies for applying for a job, writing a resume, interviewing, and job readiness skills.
AGES
DATE/TIME 13-17 years Wednesday March 25 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual
Play Zone
Play Zone is offered in a different format than the typical Recreational Group Programs you are familiar with. This service has been developed for families with children who are not able to participate in group settings.
We carefully review registrants and the waitlist to ensure this is an appropriate fit for each child who is placed in this program.
Play Zone
Play Zone is a one to one recreational offering is designed for children who find it challenging to participate in group settings. The focus is on providing a fun, engaging, and safe environment where children can enjoy tailored activities at their own pace in a 1:1 ratio. Limited spots available.
AGES
DATE/TIME 9 years and younger Wednesdays February 25 - April 1
*No group on March 18 during March Break 5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
Recreational Group Services
Be
sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
Story Time and Music
This group will include a story time as well as exploring music and movement. Children should be comfortable in a small group setting with 1 staff to 2 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-6 years
Saturdays January 17 - February 7 9:30am - 12:00pm
Saturday Sampler
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Not sure what your child enjoys? Saturday Sampler is a great way to explore! This fun, mixedactivity group gives kids a chance to try some of our most popular recreational group offerings - like Sensory Explorers, Dance and Movement, Superheroes and Fairy Tales, and more. It’s a great opportunity to discover what sparks their interest when you’re picking groups next season! Children must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 2 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-6 years
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
Saturdays
February 21- March 14 9:30am - 12:00pm
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
“Hearing about all the updates from the day! The staff was so warm and welcoming each morning.”
-Bethesda Parent on their
favourite
moments from service. (Dance and Movement)
Recreational Group Services
Be sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
All Things Dr. Seuss
This Dr. Seuss-inspired group is designed for children to explore, colour, make crafts and play. Through fun, children will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss characters and stories in a small group setting. Children must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Science
Mondays
January 12 - February 9
5:30pm - 7:30pm
NEW
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This science-based group will incorporate activities and games with a science theme. Children must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Wednesdays
January 14 - February 11
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Create
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
A fun and imaginative recreational group where young children explore creativity through art, movement, and play! Create encourages self-expression, social skills, and hands-on discovery in a safe and supportive environment. Let’s learn, laugh, and create together! Children must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Saturdays January 17 - February 7
1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Dance and Movement
This group is designed for children to show off their dance moves, play, and to meet likeminded peers. Children must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Mondays
February 23- March 30
*No group on March 16 during March Break 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Sports Club
Recreational Group Services
Be sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
Calling all young athletes! This group is designed for youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. The group will practice a variety of sports, both in our gym and outside. Youth must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Tuesdays January 13 - February 10 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Harry Potter
10-13 years register register
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Youth are invited to this group with a magical theme. This group is great for anyone who loves Harry Potter! This group will include: crafts, games and activities. Youth must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years Saturdays January 17 - February 7 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Recreational Group Services
Science and Nature
This science-based group will incorporate activities and games with a science theme. Youth must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Saturdays
February 21- March 14
1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
STEM Club
This group is for youth to explore the world of STEM with STEM based activities including: science experiments, games and activities. Youth should be comfortable with staff in a small group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Tuesdays
February 24-March 31
*No group on March 17 during March Break
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Bethesda Creates
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Is your child interested in art, music, dance, or drama? Join our Bethesda Creates group as a time to work on your art. At the end of the group, we will be having a talent show to demonstrate the art we have been working on. Youth must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-17 years
Tuesdays
March 3- March 31
4:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Recreational Group Services
Be sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
Chess and Board Games
Join our Chess and Board Games Club and get ready for a season of exciting challenges, friendly competition, and brainy fun! Do you want to learn chess or improve your skills? This group is for teens who want to meet peers with similar interests and are comfortable in a small group setting with 1 staff to 4 teens ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Thursdays
January 15- February 12 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Dungeons and Dragons
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Back by Popular Demand
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D): 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. Teens must be comfortable in a small group setting with 1 staff to 4 teens ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Saturdays
February 21- March 14 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
years
Recreational Group Services
Original Characters (OC)
OC group is for teens 14-17 who enjoy original or fandom characters. This group will provide a space for creating, sharing, and interacting with peers who also enjoy original and/or fandom characters. Teens should be comfortable participating in a small group setting with limited staff support with a ratio of 1 staff to 4 teens.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Thursdays
February 26- April 2
*No group on March 19 during March Break 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Bethesda Creates
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Is your child interested in art, music, dance, or drama? Join our Bethesda Creates group as a time to work on your art. At the end of the group, we will be having a talent show to demonstrate the art we have been working on. Youth must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-17 years
Tuesdays
March 3- March 31 4:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
PD Days at Bethesda
PD Day: Come and Play
Children are invited to come hangout for the afternoon! Enjoy games and activities here at the centre. Children must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Friday January 16 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
PD Day: Sportsmanship
Teens will have the chance to learn and practice sportsmanship skills through a variety of activities, including card games, board games, and some sports games. Teens must be comfortable in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 teens ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years Thursday January 29 9:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
“The feedback that was always provided at the end of each session.” -Bethesda
Clinical Group Services
Be sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
Sibling Resilience
In partnership with Young Caregivers. Do you have a brother or sister with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or another developmental disability? You’re not alone! Join our Sibling Resilience group, a fun and supportive space to connect with other kids who understand what you’re going through. Here’s what you can expect:
• Meet other siblings who get it! Share your experiences, have fun, and build lasting friendships
• Learn strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and feel confident
• Discover how to communicate effectively with your sibling and build a positive relationship
AGES
DATE/TIME 8-13 years
Tuesdays
January 13- February 17
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Conversation Club
LOCATION In Person at Young Caregivers Association (Powerhouse) 318 Ontario Street, Unit 7A St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L8
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. 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 with 1 staff to 3 children ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Wednesdays January 14- February 11
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Clinical Group Services
Be sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
Sibling Resilience
In partnership with Young Caregivers. Do you have a brother or sister with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or another developmental disability? You’re not alone! Join our Sibling Resilience group, a fun and supportive space to connect with other kids who understand what you’re going through. Here’s what you can expect:
• Meet other siblings who get it! Share your experiences, have fun, and build lasting friendships
• Learn strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and feel confident
• Discover how to communicate effectively with your sibling and build a positive relationship
AGES
DATE/TIME 8-13 years
Tuesdays
January 13- February 17
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Puberty
LOCATION In Person at Young Caregivers Association (Powerhouse) 318 Ontario Street, Unit 7A St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L8
Youth will learn social and life skills related to the physical and emotional changes that occur with puberty. This group is for all genders. Topics include daily hygiene habits (such as shaving, showering and hair care), biological processes, as well as social media and online safety. Youth must be safe in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Tuesdays
January 13- February 10
6:00pm - 7:30pm
The Connection Crew
NEW
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This group was developed from Caregiver feedback!
This group is a social group for youth who are non-verbal. In this smaller group setting, youth will practice their social skills, including: sharing, simple turn taking and play skills. Youth must be able to participate in a group setting of 1 staff per 2 youth ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Thursdays
January 15- February 12
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Home Alone
Clinical Group Services
Be sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
This group was added based on Caregiver feedback!
Home Alone is an interactive group where teens can learn and practice social and life skills related to staying safe when alone. Group topics include stranger awareness, what to do in an emergency, home safety, calling 911, basic care for minor scrapes and cuts, internet safety, establishing a home alone routine, locking and unlocking a door and being responsible with a house key. This program is appropriate for teens who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate verbally and can participate in an in-person group with 1 staff per 3 teens ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Mondays
January 12- February 9
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Coping Under Pressure: Distress Tolerance Skills for Teens (DBT-Informed Group)
This group helps teens with Autism learn how to handle strong emotions and stressful situations without making things worse. Using DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) skills, participants will practice ways to stay calm, think clearly, and make safe choices when they feel overwhelmed, angry, sad, or anxious. Through hands-on activities, discussion, and real-life examples, teens will learn coping strategies, such as distraction, self-soothing, grounding, and healthy problemsolving. The goal is to help teens build confidence in managing distress and to feel more in control of their emotions.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Grade 9 and above
Mondays
January 19 - March 16
*No session Feb.16 for Family Day 4:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Clinical Group Services
Sexuality and Relationships Group (Part 3 and 4)
This two-part group series is designed for teens and young adults with a basic understanding of puberty, offering a supportive space to explore relationships, sexuality, and personal health. Teens must be able to participate in a group setting with 1 staff to 3 teens ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Grade 9 and above
Thursdays
January 22- March 26 4:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
“She loved going to the college and learning in a small group and enjoyed the outdoor breaks.”
-Bethesda Parent on their favourite moments from service. (Transition to Adulthood)
Family Support Groups
Caregiver Club
Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grownups (and no children)? Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We’ll plan something a little different for each month: your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!
DATE/TIME Wednesdays 6:30pm - 8:00pm Mondays 1:00pm - 2:30pm
January 7
6:30pm - 8:00pm Vision Boards
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 register
February 23
1:00pm - 2:30pm Bingo
January 26 1:00pm - 2:30pm Card Games register February 4 6:30pm - 8:00pm Bingo
March 4 6:30pm - 8:00pm Card Games
March 30 1:00pm - 2:30pm Murder Mystery $$
April 1
6:30pm - 8:00pm Paint Night
Doughnut Bros: Male Caregiver Group
A group that helps facilitate conversations that male caregivers would like to have in a supportive yet light-hearted and free-form environment. Discussions are caregiver-led and co-facilitated by a behaviour therapist and psychotherapist. The group provides an opportunity to share and learn from each others’ collective experiences that are relevant to male caregivers. This group meets once a month and doughnuts will be provided.
DATE/TIME Mondays
(second Monday of the month)
January 12
February 9
March 9
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Coffee Chats
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Coffee Chats are a parent support group in which parents/grandparents/guardians come together to learn, grow and find connections. This group is led by our Service Coordinator, Tonya White, and Lianne Wyatt, our Caregiver Engagement Lead, and runs throughout the year to offer emotional support to families.
It is an opportunity for families to meet and make meaningful connections with other families, including those who are just starting their journey in receiving a diagnosis. Families share and gain practical advice and insights from one another in a safe, non-judgmental space.
*Please note, there is no childcare available.
DATE/TIME Mondays (last Monday of the month)
January 26
February 23
March 30
10:30am - 11:30am
register
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Family Support Groups
Triple P
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 Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 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 Tuesdays March 3- April 28
6:00pm - 8:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
“My girls have been at Bethesda since 2014 and have come such a long way. They love the staff and the friends they’ve met here”
-Bethesda Caregiver
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)
Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of Children and Youth
For Caregivers of Children and Youth 8-17 years
Virtual Sessions
Tuesdays
January 13 - February 17
6:30pm - 8:30pm
you’ve taken our
For Caregivers of Children 2-7 years
In-Person Sessions at the NFC on Friday, April 10 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm Saturday, April 11 | 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday, April 17 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Take this opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the kind of struggles we face caring for children who have special needs. Reflect on what’s important to you and learn how to find more peace and joy in your life. No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.
ACT Peer Practice Group
workshops,
or virtually, you’re invited to reconnect with the friends and the
processes that can help to make life feel more meaningful. At our monthly meetings, you’ll rediscover some of the
processes and strategies that worked for you, and take a fresh look at the challenges you’re facing to see how they connect with your values. No more being dragged around by your unwanted or unhelpful thoughts! DATE/TIME Mondays 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Do you have concerns about your child’s teeth? Is it difficult for your child to attend Dental appointments? Does your child require support in seeing the Dentist?
We can help!
Dental Clinic
Bethesda has partnered with the Niagara College Dental Program to provide priming tools and support for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, during a dental appointment and cleaning procedure. Children must be registered with the Ontario Autism Program at Bethesda in order to participate.
• Children and youth (age 5- 17 years) receive a complete oral examination, cleaning, polishing and individual oral hygiene instruction
• Radiographs and fluoride treatments are provided as required
• Sealants are available at no charge.
• ABA staff from Bethesda and Niagara College will be present to support you and your child
Monday, March 30
1:30pm - 3:30pm and 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Niagara College Dental Clinic- Welland Campus
To find the Dental Clinic, enter the main entrance of the Welland Campus off of First Avenue. The clinic is located on the left side of the main lobby once you enter the building.
Cost is $30
To register
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for your child, please call 905.735.2211 extension 7758. You may also contact the Dental Clinic by email at ncdentalclinic@niagaracollege.ca
Please specify that you would like an appointment for the Bethesda clinic day.
Family Events
Family event:
Bethesda Family Day
Spring is in the air! Join us on Saturday, March 28 to meet some members from our team, have your picture taken in the photo booth and jump on the bouncy castle. We can’t wait to see you!
Disclaimer: Parents are required to stay with their children. Siblings welcome!
DATE/TIME Saturday March 28
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
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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.
2. Select Membership Level > Family/Child/Youth Services - Free > Click Next.
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
