Programs & Services (New – in development)

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.

As the summer comes to a close, many caregivers are looking for ways to ensure their children are fully prepared for the upcoming academic year. This interactive workshop titled “Ramping up for the new school year” is designed for caregivers with a child with autism who want to support their children with school-related transitions with confidence and success. Workshop highlights include creating a conducive learning/study environment at home, monitoring academic progress, managing school stress, understanding common challenges children face as they return to school, effective communication with educators, advocating for your child's needs, etc.

In this virtual group, caregivers who have a child with autism will learn about the functions of behaviour to better understand the reasons why their child might be exhibiting difficult behaviours, along with various evidence-based strategies and instruction on how to apply them in the home environment. NEW THIS ROUND: we have added components of our popular “Supporting Resiliency in Children” group, including developing skills and strategies to foster resilience in children using cognitive-behavioral techniques. The goal of this group is to enhance parenting skills to reduce the impact of behaviours on daily living and family relationships.

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.

Facing Your Fears is a family-focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) group therapy program to support autistic children with managing anxiety in everyday life. Please note that this group actively involves BOTH children and a caregiver in each session.

This service is not intended for children who have significant learning problems and who are unable to read at a Grade 2 level. It is also not intended for children who exhibit significant disruptive behaviours that could affect the group sessions, as individual service may be recommended. A brief intake will be conducted over the phone to ensure that the group is a good fit for each child.

A caregiver must attend and participate in each session. The caregiver should remain consistent for each session. Homework completion is required between sessions. A minimum of 4 child/caregiver dyads is required to run this group.

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.

This is a parent/caregiver mediated program offered to families who would like to work on a specific goal. The 12-week program includes 6 or more face-to-face or virtual meetings throughout the 12-week service. A meeting will occur for the following: discussion around suitability of the goal, observation, assessment, strategy development, parent/caregiver direct support/coaching, and generalization and maintenance.

Our Direct BCBA Consultation Service and Caregiver Coaching offers personalized support for caregivers who want to help their child reach specific goals. Through this service, caregivers will work one-on-one with a Registered Behaviour Analyst to develop and implement strategies tailored to their child’s needs. Consultations are available virtually, by phone, or in-person where possible, providing flexibility for families. This service helps caregivers feel confident in their role and empowered to support their child’s development.

PEERS® for Preschoolers is an evidence-based social skills program designed for children ages 4 to 6 who struggle with making and keeping friends. Developed at UCLA, this program provides a fun and supportive environment where children learn essential social and play skills. To participate, children should be able to use basic words to express themselves, follow simple directions, sit for short periods, and manage mild frustration. They should also show some interest in playing with others. Parent involvement is a key part of the program. While children learn social skills in their own small group sessions, parents attend concurrent coaching sessions. These sessions teach parents how to reinforce social skills at home and in everyday situations, helping children practice and apply what they learn. The program runs for 12 weeks in small group sessions, using role-playing, social coaching, play-based learning, and behavioral modeling. Families also receive homework assignments to support continued practice outside of class. Children develop skills such as starting conversations, taking turns, sharing, playing cooperatively, managing emotions, reading social cues, and responding to teasing or exclusion. By combining structured lessons, play, and active parent participation, PEERS® for Preschoolers helps children build confidence in social interactions and form meaningful friendships.