Programs & Services by FIREFLY

💻Hybrid (Kenora/Rainy River)
Location:Kenora-Rainy River
Who is Eligible:

These sessions are not intended for children already participating in therapy / intervention programs targeting ASD. They are intended to guide and support caregivers immediately following ASD diagnosis through education, consultation and coaching as a pre-cursor to future service selection.

For help with:
  • Applied Behaviour Analysis
  • Communication
  • Early Learning
  • Independence
Provider:FIREFLY

Caregivers of children recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will participate in a group session together with other Caregivers and FIREFLY team members that will introduce them to a range of services and approaches used to support individuals with ASD. Following the group session, a member(s) of the FIREFLY team will provide up to 4 hours, follow-up consultation, matched to the needs and interests identified by each Caregiver. Topics of interest for families may include, but are not limited to: communication, behaviour, early learning and independence. Caregivers will complete this service having basic information that will help them support and understand their child’s needs as they transition to life beyond initial diagnosis.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

These are not meant to be coaching sessions. They are informational sessions for caregivers. Each session will provide information that builds on the information learned in the previous session.

For help with:
  • Caregiver Training
  • Play
  • Social Skills
Provider:FIREFLY

Educational sessions for caregivers wanting to learn more about ASD and social skills. Over the course of these four 1 hour sessions, caregivers will learn about why social language is important, what the key components of social language are, and how to help your child learn about neurotypical communication. Each session will discuss a different topic and will build on the previous one. If you are unable to attend all 4 sessions, you are still welcome to attend.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
For help with:
  • Anxiety
  • Caregiver Training
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Mental health
Provider:FIREFLY

This one-hour presentation offers strategies to support children and youth who experience ASD and anxiety.  

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
For help with:
  • Behaviour
  • Daily Living Skills
  • Life Skills
  • Visuals
Provider:FIREFLY

Parents of children with ASD will learn how to use visuals to support the learning and understanding of new concepts. Parents will learn how visuals can fit into existing daily interactions and routines and how they can be phased out over time. Parents will also learn how to use visuals to break big skills down into small steps, to make it easier to learn new concepts/skills.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

This service is not intended for children or youth.

For help with:
  • Behaviour
  • Daily Living Skills
  • Feeding
  • Picky Eaters
Provider:FIREFLY

Children with ASD commonly face challenges with eating a healthy range of foods for many reasons. Come and learn more about why your child might be struggling with food and strategies to support healthy eating habits and a wider food variety. For further guidance and support, an individualized follow-up session may also be scheduled during the week following the presentation.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

This program is only available to families in Kenora/Rainy River area and surrounding districts
Best suited for siblings aged 7-11.

For help with:
  • Communication
  • Siblings
  • Social Skills
  • Webinar
Provider:FIREFLY

This session is for siblings of children with autism to gain a deeper understanding of autism. We will discuss: what is autism, interacting with their sibling, and how to explain autism to others.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

This program is only available to families in Kenora/Rainy River area and surrounding districts
Suitable for ages 0-6.

For help with:
  • Caregiver Training
  • Consultation
  • Daily Routine
  • Preschool
  • School Age
  • Skill Building
  • Visuals
  • Webinar
Provider:FIREFLY

Parents of children with ASD or other social communication difficulties will use tools and strategies to strengthen their child’s foundation for communication development. These include building back-and-forth interactions, strengthening imitation skills and expanding play skills.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

This program is only available to families in Kenora/Rainy River area and surrounding districts
Suitable for ages 0-5 years.

To participate in a telepractice program, you need the following equipment:

A computer, iPad or a tablet (smartphones and cell phones do not have a large enough screen)
Webcam and microphone
High speed internet
Email access
Adobe reader (free download)
Printer or scanner or photo capture and transfer (if you want to print out the handouts)

*** If you do not have the appropriate technology to participate, FIREFLY may be able to provide you with the technology to attend the program.

For help with:
  • Caregiver Training
  • Communication
  • Consultation
  • Play
  • Preschool
  • Skill Building
  • Social life
Provider:FIREFLY

Parents of children with ASD or other social communication difficulties will use tools and strategies to strengthen their child’s foundation for communication development. These include building back-and-forth interactions, strengthening imitation skills and expanding play skills.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

(Only available to clients from the FIREFLY service region (Kenora)).
Suitable for ages 0-5 years.

To participate in a telepractice program, you need the following equipment:

A computer, iPad or a tablet (smartphones and cell phones do not have a large enough screen)
Webcam and microphone
High speed internet
Email access
Adobe reader (free download)
Printer or scanner or photo capture and transfer (if you want to print out the handouts)

*** If you do not have the appropriate technology to participate, FIREFLY may be able to provide you with the technology to attend the program.

For help with:
  • Caregiver Training
  • Communication
  • Consultation
  • Play
  • Preschool
  • Skill Building
  • Social life
Provider:FIREFLY

Parents of children with ASD or other social communication difficulties will use tools and strategies to strengthen their child’s foundation for communication development. These include building back-and-forth interactions, strengthening imitation skills and expanding play skills.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

This program is only available to families in Kenora/Rainy River area and surrounding districts
For children ages 3-7.

To participate in a telepractice program, you need the following equipment:

A computer, iPad or a tablet (smartphones and cell phones do not have a large enough screen)
Webcam and microphone
High speed internet
Email access
Adobe reader (free download)
Printer or scanner or photo capture and transfer (if you want to print out the handouts)

*** If you do not have the appropriate technology to participate, FIREFLY may be able to provide you with the technology to attend the program.

For help with:
  • Caregiver Training
  • Communication
  • Consultation
  • Play
  • Preschool
  • Skill Building
  • Social Skills
  • Webinar
Provider:FIREFLY

TalkAbility is for parents of verbal children ages 3-7. Parents learn practical ways to help their child tune into the thoughts and feelings of others, consider other points of view and to have empathy for others. These skills are essential for successful conversations and for making friends.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

This program is only available to families in Kenora/Rainy River area and surrounding districts
For children ages 3-7.

To participate in a telepractice program, you need the following equipment:

A computer, iPad or a tablet (smartphones and cell phones do not have a large enough screen)
Webcam and microphone
High speed internet
Email access
Adobe reader (free download)
Printer or scanner or photo capture and transfer (if you want to print out the handouts)

*** If you do not have the appropriate technology to participate, FIREFLY may be able to provide you with the technology to attend the program.

For help with:
  • Caregiver Training
  • Communication
  • Play
  • Preschool
  • Skill Building
  • Social Skills
  • Webinar
Provider:FIREFLY

TalkAbility is for parents of verbal children ages 3-7. Parents learn practical ways to help their child tune into the thoughts and feelings of others, consider other points of view and to have empathy for others. These skills are essential for successful conversations and for making friends.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

This program is only available to families in Kenora/Rainy River area and surrounding districts
This service is not intended for teens that are not motivated to improve their social skills. Teens must have expressed interest in making and keeping friends.

For help with:
  • Caregiver Training
  • Coaching
  • Social Skills
  • Teens
Provider:FIREFLY

PEERS® for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens in middle and high school who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or handling conflict and rejection.” (https://www.semel.ucla.edu/peers/teens) Caregivers and teens attend separate sessions that are run at the same time. Teens are taught social skills and caregivers are taught how to support their teen as a social coach.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
For help with:
  • Communication
  • Siblings
  • Social Skills
  • Webinar
Provider:FIREFLY
 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for caregivers of children with a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Provider:FIREFLY

Children with ASD commonly face challenges with sleep which impacts not only the child, but the entire family as a unit. This session will some of the reasons your child may not be sleeping and strategies for families to try with their children.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Children aged 0-6 and their families.

Best suited for parents with young children.

Provider:FIREFLY

This presentation will provide ways that parents can use visuals to enhance the learning of young children. Visuals are proven to be exceptionally helpful when teaching new concepts to children with low language, delays in cognition, self regulation/anxiety challenges, and those requiring a bit more time to grasp new concepts or adjust to new situations/environments. I am hopeful that viewers will gain insight into how they can use visuals throughout their everyday interactions with children. Some research to support the effectiveness of using visuals to support children with autism can be found on the Autism Speaks website or by following the link below.

Link here

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Caregivers of children 0-18 years.

Best suited for families of children with ASD looking for general education on strategies for increasing variety of foods and supporting healthy eating habits.

Please note that the caregiver must have access to a reliable Internet connection and a device where caregivers can watch and hear the presenters.

Exclusionary criteria: Families looking for individualized feeding support for difficulties with choking, feeding with the use of G-tubes, or who have children who are not eating at all. These children should be referred for 1:1 support through their local children’s developmental services agency.

Provider:FIREFLY

Children with ASD commonly face challenges with eating a healthy range of foods for many reasons. Come and learn more about why your child might be struggling with food, and strategies to support healthy eating habits and a wider food variety. For further guidance and support, an individualized follow-up session can also be scheduled during the week following the presentation.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for children aged 0-18 with diagnosed or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Non-verbal individuals may not find this workshop helpful.

Provider:FIREFLY

Facilitators will lead an online workshop on the topic of sexual health and wellness for parents of youth with ASD. Parents will learn how to support their youth explore issues including puberty, consent, and sexual boundaries. Parents/youth will be offered online follow-up sessions for further support.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for children aged 10-18 with diagnosed or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Non-verbal individuals may not find this workshop helpful.

Provider:FIREFLY

Youth and their parents will attend an online workshop to learn strategies for coping with anxiety in healthy ways. Parents/youth will be offered online follow-up sessions for further support and skill development.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for children aged 10-18 with diagnosed or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Non-verbal individuals may not find this workshop helpful.

Provider:FIREFLY

Facilitators will lead an online workshop for parents of youth with ASD regarding aggressive behavior. Parents will learn how to support the development of helpful thinking styles, self-regulation skills, and adaptive behavior. Parents/youth will be offered online follow-up for further support.

N/A
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for caregivers of children 0-12 years.

Provider:FIREFLY

Children with ASD commonly face challenges in terms of developing social interactions and communication with peers. In this course, we will review some of these challenges and provide caregivers with family-centered strategies and tips aimed at the development of positive social interactions. For further guidance and support, an individualized follow-up session can also be scheduled during the following week.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Kenora
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for children aged 3-18 with diagnosed or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Provider:FIREFLY

Facilitator will lead a series of online workshops for parents of children and youth with ASD regarding AAC. Parents will learn what AAC is, different options for AAC, what is aided language stimulation, modelling language and introduction to the core word program.