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 of 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.
Caregivers will learn strategies to help children fall asleep and maintain a full night’s sleep. After attending the workshop, you can request an individualized consultation to support you with practicing these skills at home.
DATE/TIME Tuesday July 4 6:30pm - 8:00pm
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 Monday July 10 6:30pm - 8:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
An interactive workshop designed for parents and caregivers addressing the unique needs of children with Autism and Anxiety. This workshop will explore anxiety through the lens of both Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Mental Health, being presented by a Behaviour Therapist (BCBA) and a Registered Social Worker. Proactive and reactive strategies will be discussed that parents can implement in the home.
DATE/TIME Tuesday July 18 6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Desensitization is a term we use in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to describe teaching tolerance for activities or situations the child finds difficult. Join this workshop to learn practical ways to increase your child’s tolerance to non-preferred items. Two follow-up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.
DATE/TIME Monday July 24 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Does your child have difficulties getting their haircut? Join us for a virtual workshop reviewing different tips, strategies and other recommendations to help make hair appointments for your child more enjoyable and successful.
DATE/TIME Monday July 31 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop will help caregivers 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 August 1 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop will provide parents and caregivers with an introduction to understanding sensory processing and behaviour, as well as strategies to use with their child. Two follow-up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.
DATE/TIME Tuesday August 8 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Is your youth transitioning into Grade 9 in September? This virtual workshop will review what is taught to your youth in the Transition to High School group service. Concepts covered include organizational and time management skills, expected and unexpected behaviours, appropriate social skills, and navigating the school environment.
DATE/TIME Wednesday
August 9 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
This workshop will provide information for parents/caregivers to support their child’s transition to adulthood. Topics will include registering with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), transition planning, and more. Transition planning can take several years and parents are encouraged to attend this workshop in their child’s early teen years and revisit this workshop at different points throughout their teenage years.
DATE/TIME Monday
August 14 5:30pm - 6:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Does your child have difficulties in transitioning between seasons? This workshop will review various tips, strategies and other recommendations to assist with the change of season and seasonal clothing.
DATE/TIME Tuesday
August 15 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
“Bethesda is an amazing place for our sons to socialize and have a great time.”
- Bethesda family
Parents are invited to the first kindergarten readiness workshop with a focus on general skills for attending school. This workshop will review how to practice turn taking and social skills.
LOCATION Virtual
Parents are invited to the second kindergarten readiness workshops outlining general readiness skills that will be used in the kindergarten classroom. This workshop will review how to teach your child to follow a picture activity schedule to increase independence with activities and how to teach your child independence with common routines in the classroom.
DATE/TIME Wednesday August 30 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Please note that there is a limit of one recreational group per child.
To ensure a good fit for your child, please review the age requirements and skill levels in the descriptions for each group to make your selections.
Do you love to learn strategies and have fun collaborating and enjoy healthy competition? This camp is about playing games, completing brain-teasers, participating in scavenger hunts and maybe even creating your own board game!
AGE
DATE/TIME
10 - 12 years
July 4 - 7 (4 days) 9:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary School 81 Rykert St. St. Catharines, ON L2S 1Z2
Do you love to learn strategies and have fun collaborating and enjoy healthy competition? This camp is about playing games, completing brain-teasers, participating in scavenger hunts and maybe even creating your own board game!
AGE
DATE/TIME
13 - 18 years
July 4 - 7 (4 days) 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary School 81 Rykert St. St. Catharines, ON L2S 1Z2
Children will learn the basics of how to code using block-based coding in the Tynker app. They can create and modify fun games, including creating mods and resources for Minecraft, then test and play them! This camp is created for youth who can follow multi-step instructions and are comfortable with a ratio of 5 youth per 1 staff.
AGE
DATE/TIME
8 - 12 years
July 10 - 14 (5 days) 9:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary School
81 Rykert St. St. Catharines, ON L2S 1Z2
Children will learn the basics on how to code using block-based coding in the Tynker app. They can create and modify fun games, including creating mods and resources for Minecraft, then test and play them! This camp is created for youth who can follow multi-step instructions and are comfortable with a ratio of 5 youth per 1 staff.
AGE
DATE/TIME
13+ years
July 10 - 14 (5 days) 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary School
81 Rykert St. St. Catharines, ON L2S 1Z2
Creative expression - drawing, crafts, sculpting, acting things out…the possibilities are endless at the Arts and Crafts Festival Camp! This group is perfect for kids who like to explore new activities and are comfortable in a ratio of 3 kids per 1 staff.
AGE
DATE/TIME
4 - 6 years
July 17 - 20
(4 days) 9:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary School
81 Rykert St. St. Catharines, ON L2S 1Z2
Creative expression - drawing, crafts, sculpting, acting things out…the possibilities are endless at the Arts and Crafts Festival Camp! This group is perfect for kids who like to explore new activities and are comfortable in a ratio of 3 kids per 1 staff.
AGE
DATE/TIME
7 - 9 years
July 17 - 20
(4 days) 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary School 81 Rykert St. St. Catharines, ON L2S 1Z2
1:1 support provided in this group. This group is designed for children and youth to play safely with peers of similar ages, with staff support. Children will interact with gym games and outdoor playground equipment. Children will be exposed to fun sensory, motor and simple turn taking experiences. Limited spots are available.
AGE
DATE/TIME
6 - 10 years
July 31 - August 4 9:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
1:1 support provided in this group. This group is designed for children and youth to play safely with peers of similar ages, with staff support. Children will interact with gym games and outdoor playground equipment. Children will be exposed to fun sensory, motor and simple turn taking experiences. Limited spots are available.
AGE
DATE/TIME
11 - 18 years
July 31 - August 4 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
Get outdoors and be active! This group is perfect for the adventurous youth who enjoys the outdoors and exploring. Accessible hiking trails and outdoor activities are available at Heartland Forest, including a creative play centre, tree house, fishpond, boardwalk and outdoor playgrounds. Heartland Forest’s mission: To ignite curiosity and respect for our natural world through accessible, interactive and educational programs.
AGE
DISCLAIMER
8 - 12 years
Children attending the group will be comfortable spending the majority of the day outdoors in nature and have no history of flight risk.
DATE/TIME
August 8 - 11 9:00am - 3:00pm
“Our Diagnosis came at a very hard time for our family and if it wasn’t for Bethesda helping guide my husband and I with resources I would still feel so lost and overwhelmed. Thank you Bethesda for all you do.”
- Bethesda family
The Keeping Your Cool series will teach children to identify their emotions, learn how their emotions affect others, and explore practical strategies for regulating their emotions. Part 1 of this series will focus on using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies to teach the concepts and use of the Zones of Regulation. This program is appropriate for children who can follow multistep instructions independently, communicate using verbal requests, comments, and questions and can participate in a group setting with peers with 3:1 staffing ratio.
AGE
DATE/TIME
9-12 years
July 24 - 28
9:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
Turning 18 soon? This interactive group will explore topics such as setting goals, meal planning, money management, keeping your space clean, developing cover letters and resumes, job readiness skills, using public transportation and personal hygiene. Participants will practice these skills throughout the week and even end the week with a mock job interview!
AGE
DATE/TIME
15+ years
July 24 - 28
1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6 AND outings into the community (TBD)
Please note that there is a limit of one clinical group per child.
To ensure a good fit for your child, please review the age requirements and skill levels in the descriptions for each group to make your selections. register
register
Is your youth transitioning into Grade 9 in September? This in-person group will use Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies to target specific skills to increase the youth’s overall comfort and confidence entering high school. Youth will participate in a mix of lessons, interactive discussions and activities. Concepts covered include organization and time management skills, expected and unexpected behaviours, social skills and navigating the school environment.
This group will explore topics such as setting SMART goals and organization skills. Participants will be encouraged to practice new skills during the group and continue practicing at home with caregiver support.
AGE
DATE/TIME
13-14 years August 14 -18 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at Laura Secord Secondary School
349 Niagara St. St. Catharines, ON L2M 4V9
The Transition to Grade 1 Group is an intervention focused on helping children aged 5-6 develop and maintain important school readiness skills. The curriculum incorporates the use of both positive behaviour supports and strategies based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to help generalize and maintain these skills to their natural home, school, and community environments.
AGE
DATE/TIME
5 -6 years August 21 -25 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre Respite Room
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
Calling all teens looking to become a peer mentor this year! Bethesda is offering a peer mentor training program that will be in-person for 1.5 hour sessions. 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 alongside and support other youth throughout the 2023 year!
AGE
DATE/TIME
14+ years TBD
LOCATION TBD
Call to register for a personal 1:1 training
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!
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 or Children’s Behaviour Service at Bethesda in order to participate.
• Children (age 5 – 15) receive a complete oral examination, cleaning, polishing and idividual oral hygiene instruction.
• Radiographs and fluoride treatments are provided as required.
• Fee is $30.00.
• Sealants are available at no charge.
• ABA Clinician from Bethesda will be present to support you and your child.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
4:30pm - 6:30pm
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.
For children 5-18 years of age. Receipt of payment may be submitted to individual insurance plans if applicable
Parents are required to stay and join the activities. Siblings are welcome!
Bring your child to meet other kids and families in a fun, safe space at Bethesda. Disclaimer: Parents are required to stay and join the activities. Siblings are welcome! Pre-registration required.
AGE
DATE/TIME
All ages July 14 1:30pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
Bring your child to meet other kids and families in a fun, safe space at Bethesda. Disclaimer: Parents are required to stay and join the activities. Siblings are welcome! Pre-registration required.
AGE
DATE/TIME
All ages August 4 1:30pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
register register
Playtown is an indoor playground for kids with a focus on interactive play, relationship building, intellectual and physical growth, and of course tons of fun. Multiple playrooms and themes, such as autoshop, theatre, diner, hair salon, space shuttle, animal hospital and more!
AGE
1-8 years
*Parents are required to stay with their children
DATE/TIME
LOCATION In person at Playtown Niagara
150 Dunkirk Rd. St. Catharines, ON L2P 3H7
July 7 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Have fun with 5-pin bowling! This event is perfect for both first-time bowlers and those with experience. Gutter bumpers and bowling assists available. One caregiver must support their child at bowling. Snacks and beverages will be available to purchase.
AGE
5+ years
*Parents are required to stay with their children
DATE/TIME
July 14 10:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In person at Pla-Mor Bowling Lanes
106 Main St. St. Catharines, ON L2N 4V4
register register
Swimming Fun for the entire family at the Outdoor Swimming Facilities in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, with a 25-metre pool with diving board and a separate wading pool for younger children. Come have fun splashing, swimming, jumping and diving into the water!
AGE
All ages
*Parents are required to stay with their children
DATE/TIME
LOCATION In person at Port Dalhousie Outdoor Pool 205 Main St. St. Catharines, ON L2N 4V9
July 28 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Enjoy family entertainment of the new movie Toopy and Binoo on opening day at Landmark Cinema at the Pen Centre. This is a private viewing reserved for families registered with Bethesda, with a maximum of 4 people per family.
AGE
All ages
*One caregiver is required to stay with their child. A maximum of 4 people per family.
DATE/TIME
LOCATION In person at Landmark Cinemas Pen Centre 221 Glendale Ave. St. Catharines, ON L2T 2K9
August 11 10:00am
Playtown is an indoor playground for kids with a focus on interactive play, relationship building, intellectual and physical growth, and of course tons of fun. Multiple playrooms and themes, such as autoshop, theatre, diner, hair salon, space shuttle, animal hospital and more!
AGE
1-8 years
*Parents are required to stay with their children
DATE/TIME
August 18 1:00pm - 3:00pm
LOCATION In person at Playtown Niagara 150 Dunkirk Rd. St. Catharines, ON L2P 3H7
Fun for the whole family at Bethesda’s Back to School Safety Carnival; enjoy safety themed games in our new playground, try out carnival events, enjoy treats from an ice cream truck, climb aboard a fire truck and learn about fire safety. Enjoy mingling with friends and get ready for a successful back to school!
AGE
All ages
*Parents are required to stay with their children
DATE/TIME
August 25
9:30am - 11:30am or 1:30pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In person at Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
Please only register for one of the time blocks below.
Morning Group
9:30am - 11:30am register
Afternoon Group 1:30pm - 3:30pm register
Join us for an opportunity to make connections, share ideas and experiences, and ask and answer questions with the support of other families.
DATE/TIME Mondays July 10 and August 21 6:00pm - 7:00pm
These dedicated and talented service coordinators are always available to meet with families in our community who have a child with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a developmental disability, as well as to provide support for those who have not yet received a diagnosis. With compassion and knowledge, Tonya and Jenn assist families; supporting those who have recently received a diagnosis and those who do not yet have a formal diagnosis and are looking for support.
During times of uncertainty and change, their services are invaluable in assisting families with navigating the system and finding services, such as providing assistance with registering to the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) through AccessOAP, and understanding what is available through the OAP and within the community.
Tonya and Jenn meet with families and/or community partners to provide recommendations about services that are appropriate for both the child and their family. These services include:
• Free Foundational Family Services
• Fee-based services
• Community referrals
• Community resources and funding
• Providing information and answering questions about services
• Assisting with program registration and finding a service provider
Tonya White Service Coordinator/Interventionist Children andI appreciate the opportunity to meet with families after they receive a diagnosis for the first time. Many families often have questions and are looking for information and support. It can be an overwhelming time and I genuinely enjoy supporting families and helping them navigate next steps. I’m happy to be a part of their journey and help them get connected to services at Bethesda.”
Youth Services
“What inspires me? The community, staff and families.
I often see caregivers come to us seeking advice, recommendations and answers from us as professionals. However, I like to express to families that they are the experts on their children. They know them better than anyone; their knowledge and experiences are valuable.
I truly appreciate hearing their perspectives and learning about their child through them. Listening, understanding, and genuinely hearing where the families are is crucial to an effective service provider.”
Tonya and Jenn work in specialized areas as well.
Jenn supports families of children under the age of 6. She completes the intakes for the Caregiver Mediated Early Years Program and Entry to School Program and liaises with community agencies such as Hamilton Health Sciences, Niagara Children’s Centre and Contact Niagara.
Tonya supports families of children ages 6 and older and liaises often with Bethesda’s Mental Health and Wellness team, community agencies such as Contact Niagara, Contact Brant, Urgent Response Services, school boards and more. She ensures that families are starting the process for Transitioning to Adulthood (i.e. connecting to Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) and if appropriate, completing a referral for a Psychological Assessment).
Both Jenn and Tonya are approachable and compassionate and seek to make the process of accessing services seamless and straightforward for the families we support. They are an invaluable part of the Bethesda team!
Families can connect with one of our service coordinators by email or phone at serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com or 905.684.6918 ext. 170.
“Families. Above all else, I’m inspired by the families I’m privileged to support.
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.
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.
“The practice of psychotherapy is the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication” (Psychotherapy Act, 2007, Section 3). “In a therapeutic relationship, techniques are delivered to improve impaired judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning due to a disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory”.
Some examples of why people reach out to a psychotherapist may include concerns with anxiety, depression/ suicidality, anger, stress, low self-esteem, trauma/PTSD, interpersonal relationships and many more.
Psychotherapeutic intervention may integrate various modalities into treatment, such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. All modalities are approached through a trauma-informed and cross-cultural lens.
The controlled act of psychotherapy is provided by a Registered Psychotherapist through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
We provide psychotherapy services primarily to children, adolescents and adults who either have a developmental disability with co-occurring mental health concerns or are related to someone with a developmental disability.
Cost: $120 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 modalities such 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: $120 per hour
* Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.
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.
