Programs & Services (New – in development)

This group uses structured mindfulness activities as a foundation for building communication, social, and creative skills through art. Learners engage in guided breathing and sensory awareness exercises at the start of each session to support focus and emotional regulation, creating conditions for more independent participation throughout the activity. Within each session, learners practice following multi-step group instructions, planning and sequencing their projects, sharing materials with peers, and describing their completed work. Mindfulness-based transitions are used between activities to support flexible responding and reduce prompt dependency. Learners also build tolerance for unexpected outcomes in their art, and practice labeling emotions, themes, and visual elements as they create. Together, these experiences target meaningful functional skills across communication, peer interaction, and self-management in a naturalistic group setting.

Speech and Language Individual Consultations are designed to allow for caregivers the opportunity to discuss 1-2 concerns they have about their child’s speech and language development. Families will meet with a registered Speech-Language Pathologist for a total of four 1:1 consultations, which will last 45 minutes each, and be offered in-person or virtually.

During the first consultation session, parents/caregivers will meet with the Speech-Language Pathologist to discuss concerns they have regarding their child’s communication development. At this time, functional strategies and goals will be shared with the caregivers to ensure that they have the knowledge and confidence required to allow them to help their child become a more effective communicator in everyday life. This service is designed for families of children who are not yet using verbal words to communicate, use a limited number of words, communicate with a communication device (i.e. PECS, Proloquo, SnapCore), struggle to produce speech sounds, communicate using incomplete sentences, or have difficulties with social communication and interaction with peers. No matter what the need is, we can help!

The remaining 3 consultation sessions will involve either only the parent, or both parent and child. The Speech-Language Pathologist will guide the parent in implementation of the strategies and goals discussed during the first consultation session.

Using strategies grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) this workshop is designed to support caregivers in teaching toileting skills to their child. The program begins with a group information session where caregivers learn the foundational steps involved in toilet training, including building readiness skills, establishing consistent routines, using visual supports, and applying reinforcement strategies to support success. Caregivers will receive a pre-readiness skills checklist to help determine whether their child is ready to begin active toilet training or whether early steps such as pairing the bathroom environment and increasing sitting tolerance should be prioritized. Caregivers will implement strategies at home and participate in a series of individual consultation sessions with the facilitator to review their child’s progress, problem-solve challenges, and receive individualized guidance.

Using strategies grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the workshop focuses on helping caregivers gradually expand their child’s acceptance of new foods while reducing stress and challenging behaviours during mealtimes. Topics include creating positive mealtime routines, introducing new foods gradually, reducing mealtime pressure, and using reinforcement to support progress. Caregivers will practice strategies at home between sessions and collect simple information about their child’s responses to new foods in order to guide coaching and adjustments to the plan.

MNDFL Collective is excited to collaborate with Kim Boyuk, a local certified yoga instructor, to offer this supportive and restorative monthly event that is specifically designed for caregivers, offering a safe space to unwind, recharge, and cultivate mindfulness. Parenting a child with autism comes with its own unique challenges and these events aim to provide caregivers with the opportunity to take a break from life stressors and engage in gentle, restorative yoga that is designed for all bodies and capabilities to prioritize their own health and well-being. While caregivers take a moment for themselves, they are invited to bring their child with autism to work with our clinician, Gabriela Ron, on improving emotional awareness and building a coping skills toolkit.

This workshop provides caregivers with an overview of how mental health and autism can intersect. The session will cover how to recognize possible signs of mental health concerns, ways to talk with youth about emotional well-being, and practical strategies caregivers can use to support their child. Information about treatment approaches and available services will also be discussed, along with opportunities for questions.

Caregiving can be deeply meaningful, but also overwhelming, especially when your own well-being takes a back seat. These virtual support drop-in sessions are designed to give caregivers a dedicated and encouraging space to recharge, connect, and learn practical tools for mental wellness. Through the lens of self-care, positive psychology, and strengths-based strategies, participants will explore ways to boost resilience, manage stress and avoid burnout, increase positive emotions, and cultivate a balanced, fulfilling parenting experience.

Are you a caregiver looking for the opportunity to consult about specific behavioural skills, learn parenting strategies, better understand your child’s strengths and needs, learn about accessing available supports in our region, and develop next steps to support your child? We are proud to offer these one-on-one, virtual or in-person consultations with our experienced clinical associate, Michelle Bascom.

As a family with a child with autism, have you ever needed psychological support, diagnostic impression, or clinical recommendations/next steps, but didn’t know where to turn? We are proud to offer a unique service where you can book a one-off consultation mental health service where you can book a 50-minute session with Dr. Stephanie Price, clinical and school psychologist, without having to wait months or years on a waitlist. This service is intended for caregivers of children with autism and/or autistic youth who are capable of providing informed consent to participate in this service on their own.