Programs & Services by

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Family’s/caregivers currently using Proloquo2go

Family’s/caregivers who have received a recommendation for the use of Proloqu2go

Provider:ABA Northern Services and Training Inc.

This introductory workshop aims to support parents/caregivers on how to use the Proloquo2go programs to enhance their ability to navigate their child’s communicative device Proloquo2go.

This workshop will provide an overview of the following teaching objectives:

• Adding and removing tiles
• Finding pictures or symbols to use
• Using tablets guided access
• How to block and unblock features such as keyboard and editing options
• How to set up grid plain view
• Changing the voice the program uses
• Troubleshoot concerns in using program or tablet

Following the participating in this introductory training, parents/caregivers will be eligible for a one to one consultation with an ABA Therapist (via virtual and/or in person) to support with individual training goals that may include:

Adding pictures or symbols to child’s device.
Troubleshooting individual questions about navigating the program

 
Program also available virtually
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for: Parents/Caregivers only

Exclusionary Criteria:
In case of high demand, drop-in sessions may be prioritized for caregivers who are not already participating in other caregiver services at Mariani and Associates. This will be evaluated on a case-bycase basis. Please do not hesitate to register.

For help with:
  • Behaviour
  • Caregiver Training
  • Coaching
  • Consultation
  • Mental health
Provider:Mariani and Associates

We are happy to offer virtual drop-in clinics for caregivers to access a 50-minute consultation session with Dr. Price. Parents/Caregivers will be able to schedule a time during one of the clinic days, where they are able to discuss any current mental health concerns related to their child(ren) with Autism Spectrum Disorder, learn basic strategies that can be implemented at home, and to receive recommendations to plan for next steps.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Thunder Bay
Provider:George Jeffrey Children's Centre

Objectives of the presentation:
To provide education about what is happening to your child in terms of puberty
To enable you to assess where your child is at and if they are ready for building their independence in a variety of skills
To provide you with the language in order to have a comfortable and confident conversation with your child
To provide options in tools and equipment to support skills development and/or accommodate sensory concerns

 
Virtual only program
Location:Thunder Bay
Provider:George Jeffrey Children's Centre

Objectives of the presentation:
To provide education about what is happening to your child in terms of puberty
To enable you to assess where your child is at and if they are ready for building their independence in a variety of skills
To provide you with the language in order to have a comfortable and confident conversation with your child
To provide options in tools and equipment to support skills development and/or accommodate sensory concerns

 
Virtual only program
Location:Thunder Bay
Who is Eligible:

This recorded webinar is intended for children of all ages

Provider:George Jeffrey Children's Centre

This presentation covers, from an occupational therapy perspective, the importance of sleep, some of the mechanisms of sleep and strategies to help instill good sleep at home.

Webinar link will be sent out after every registration.

N/A
Location:Other
Who is Eligible:

This session is applicable to families with a youth/teen with ASD. This service is not intended for very young children with ASD (under 5).

Provider:Applied Behaviour Analytic Services

Daily Living Skills are a broad range of skills such as cooking, chores and grooming. These skills are necessary and an important part of increasing of independence. This workshop will introduce daily living skills and assist caregivers with assessing a developmentally appropriate skill to teach. This session will describe how to write a task analysis to guide teaching. During follow-up consultation, the facilitator with revise the written task analysis and discuss behavioural teaching methods such as chaining and prompting.
Workshop: provides caregivers with an overview of daily living skills, assessment and task analysis.
Consults: Caregivers will receive 2 individualized consultations to discuss a changing method and suitable prompt strategy.

 
Program also available virtually
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

This service is intended for caregivers and children with ASD who are minimally verbal or starting to use words and short phrases.

Available virtually to families in any Northern district – urban, rural or remote.

Provider:ABA Northern Services and Training Inc.

Following a brief assessment of communication skills using the ABLLS-R, your child will be provided with a 45-minute individualized programming session (1-2 times a week) targeting 2 communication goals. Teaching strategies will be based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). A total of 10 sessions will be offered per child, including the brief assessment.

Sessions can be either child-direct or caregiver coaching (if done virtually).

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Best suited for learners aged 5 or younger, who are having difficulties with appropriate reciprocal play.

Must have a reliable Internet connection and a device with webcam and audio capabilities. An adult facilitator must be present to help guide the intervention.

Provider:Behaviour Analysis North

Reciprocal imitation training (RIT) is a naturalistic intervention designed to teach learners to imitate spontaneously during on-going play interactions with a play partner as a means of social interaction. RIT can be implemented in a variety of play settings and during daily routines.

Benefits
Imitation is a pivotal skill in early development through which children learn new skills and engage in social interactions with others. Imitation plays a key role in the development of social communication, which includes: language, pretend play, social interaction, and emotional exchange. This approach can be very effective when implemented by parents.

 
Program also available virtually
Location:Sault Ste Marie
Who is Eligible:

Parents and caregivers

For virtual workshop: families must have access to reliable internet and technology.

Provider:THRIVE Child Development Centre

Reinforcement is an integral element of ABA, and when used effectively, can dramatically increase skills in individuals diagnosed with ASD. Throughout this 2-hour workshop, participants will explore the various types, scheduled and effects of positive reinforcement.

In-person
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Designed to support children, aged 7 to 12 years.

Due to the content of this group, it is not intended for children with intellectual disabilities or significant learning problems. Eligibility to be determined at intake.

Provider:Mariani and Associates

The Resilience Builder Program (Alvord, Zucker, & Grados, 2011) is designed to support children, aged 7 to 12 years, to bounce back from stress by developing resilience and protective factors, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, flexible thinking, and social competence. All materials will be provided.

Note: All applicants must undergo an intake interview to determine eligibility.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Parents with a child with an ASD diagnosis, who are looking for techniques and tools to help manage their child’s challenging behaviours.

Must have a reliable Internet connection and a device with webcam
and audio capabilities.

Provider:Behaviour Analysis North

This program will help you learn strategies designed to create an environment that encourages co-operation resulting in a decrease in disruptive behaviour, as well as improving daily living skills such as; getting dressed, bathing and brushing teeth.

Benefits
Within the 11-week sessions new strategies are incorporated and a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) will be developed with you and an ABA therapist. The BSP is built over time, therefore the completed and final document will provide a rich description of the different intervention strategies you and the therapist developed to help address your child’s challenging behaviour(s) and improve their daily living skills.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Thunder Bay
Who is Eligible:

These are “live” virtual presentations that can be attended via Zoom while others sessions are recorded webinar links that will be sent to the participants after they register and they will have the opportunity to participate in a live Questions and Answers session with OT and/or SLP. Internet connection and use of a tablet/IPad or computer will be required

Provider:S. Grenier Consulting

Learn how sensory processing fits into the many factors that affect our participation and enjoyment of daily activities. Begin to observe your child’s behaviour with these factors in mind and learn common strategies that could support them in everyday life.

Webinar duration: Approximately 60 minutes (Webinar link will be sent out after every registration.)
Dates of each live Questions and Answers sessions:
November 27, 2020, 1:00 pm and January 29, 2021, 1:00 pm
**Cut off registration date for Questions and Answer Sessions is two weeks prior to Q & A session dates**

N/A
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Sibling of a child with autism.

Must be able to follow group instruction.

Does not exhibit challenging behaviours that may put themselves or others at risk of injury.

Suitable age range from 8-13 years old.

Provider:Behaviour Analysis Training & Supervision (BATS)

SibShops are events which provide 8-13 year old brothers and sisters of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting.

SibShops intersperse information and discussion activities with high-energy games, new friends, and cooking and craft activities to get children talking, laughing and learning. An introduction to ASD will be included to provide participants with a better understanding of the disorder and how it may impact their sibling.

This offering is best suited for: Siblings of children with autism who are interested in not only learning about ASD, but also meeting other siblings, having fun, laughing, and talking about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with special needs.

 
Program also available virtually
Location:Thunder Bay
Who is Eligible:

Siblings ages 8 -17

Provider:George Jeffrey Children's Centre

Sibshops is an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting. In a fun and relaxing atmosphere, facilitators will provide opportunities to discuss common joys and concerns, how to handle commonly experienced situations, and a venue to learn more about the implication of their siblings’ special needs.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Other
Who is Eligible:

For parents of children / youth 3 years to 18 years old

For help with:
  • Sleeping
Provider:Kerry Maisels Behaviour Consulting Inc

The objective of this workshop is to provide an introduction to sleep and some of the challenges parents face when it comes to their child or youth sleeping through the night. The instructor will provide two 2-hour workshops to review common protocols for sleep training followed by 30 minutes of consultation weekly for 10 weeks to support implementation of the strategies discussed in the workshops.

 
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.

 
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 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:Sault Ste Marie
Who is Eligible:

parents and caregivers along with their child age 3 to 7 years old
child with social communication difficulties
child must be able to have a back-and-forth conversation for up to 3 turns (if unable to, please refer to More Than Words Program)
families must have access to reliable internet and technology

Provider:THRIVE Child Development Centre

Participants will learn how your child carries on conversation and next steps to support back-and-forth conversations, how to encourage attending to non-verbal social messages, how to talk so they can tune in to what others are thinking, how to increase story-telling and play imaginatively, and how to help them make friends. Participants will receive 4 individual consultation sessions with caregiver & child; 8 group learning sessions for caregivers.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Service is inclusive for caregivers having children with ASD who use few single words/phrases and/or who use little appropriate, independent or creative play. Both English and French families are welcome and will receive the consultation in their language of choice. Available virtually to families in any Northern district – urban, rural or remote.

Provider:Roots & Wings Psychology

Research shows that language develops after teaching gestures, joint attention and play skills to minimally verbal children. Moreover, having functional and creative play skills increases children’s ability to play on their own as well as with others. Join us to learn about language and play milestones, to identify your child’s current and target levels of play and language skills and importantly, to practice key strategies to promote your child’s play and language development. Our multidisciplinary team uses play-based natural environment teaching, along with evidence based developmental, linguistic, and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) methods.

Caregivers training is provided in a 1-hour weekly session for 5 weeks followed by three, 1-hour in-person, phone or video consultations with a multidisciplinary team member to implement individualized strategies with their child at home.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

For parents/caregivers who want to learn strategies to engage learners between the ages of 2 and 8 years old.

Provider:ABA Northern Services and Training Inc.

Teaching your child play skills to help expand their language and social interactions, for children 2 to 8 years of age who have minimal language during play.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Parents/Caregivers of children diagnosed with autism (between the ages of 3 to 15 years old)

Provider:ABA Northern Services and Training Inc.

This workshop has 3 group sessions across 2 months with 2 follow up individual sessions with a BCBA.

Session 1: Review ABA strategies on teaching self help skills
Session 2: Identify and develop a self-help goal
Session 3: Follow up progress and goal monitoring

*Consultative support from a BCBA

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Parents with a child or adolescent with an ASD diagnosis or behaviour challenges.

Provider:S. Grenier Consulting

Parents play an important role in the sex education of their children. Every day, they serve as models of sexual health while also conveying their own values and beliefs. It is reassuring for teens to know there are trusting adults to support, guide and act as non-judgemental sources of information and education. The goal of the consultation is to provide parents and caregivers the information needed to support a structure for appropriate sexual behaviour based on ABA strategies and offer opportunities for teaching their teens social integration and healthy sexuality. Virtual brainstorming ABA strategies and sexuality with families on an individual basis. One follow up session to ensure good practice and application of ABA strategies. Parents should come prepared with their questions and concerns. If further evaluation is required, parents will be encouraged to contact a BCBA for clinical treatment.

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

For youths diagnosed with autism between the ages of 12 years and older.

Provider:ABA Northern Services and Training Inc.

This group will run for 6 consecutive weeks with a facilitator mediating the discussions on various topics. Aimed at getting youths to socialize, providing platforms to build social skills, and using technology to do it!

 
Virtual only program
Location:Sudbury
Who is Eligible:

Learners aged 12 years or older, who would benefit from improving social-emotional skills and/or engaging in increased adaptive, and appropriate behaviour.

Must have a reliable Internet connection and a device with webcam and audio capabilities. An adult facilitator must be present to help guide the intervention.

***Prerequisite skills: able to engage in communication exchanges that included
speaking in at least one to two sentences at a time and understand simple spoken
directions.

Provider:Behaviour Analysis North

The Think Good Feel Good program uses a cognitive behavioural approach to explore and test their thoughts and learn alternative cognitive and behavioural skills.

Learners develop prosocial behaviour skills, and have the necessary tools to overcome social and emotional challenges.