EN 
FR We offer numerous supportive resources for families.
Caregivers Connecting
Virtual Family Support for Caregivers
York Support Services, Family Peer Mentor Program is hosting virtual family support drop-ins for family caregivers who are caring for an adult or child with a developmental disability. A new topic will be covered at each session.
Join us for an opportunity to share your story and connect with others going through the same experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space.
The virtual family support drop-ins offer encouragement for you to:
- share your experience.
- increase your capacity for resiliency.
- learn to manage your stress.
- build a more meaningful life.
These sessions are for parents and caregivers of an adult or child with a developmental disability or autism.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
For questions or more information contact Sherry Summers at 905-898-6455 ext. 2213 or via email ssummers@yssn.ca
Caregiver Workshops
Cooking with Steffie – Holiday Desserts with a Healthy Twist! 
Join Stephanie Cho as she creates three make-ahead holiday desserts with a focus on healthy choices. Free workshop available to parents or caregivers of a child or adult with a developmental disability.
Details:
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Caregiver Mindfulness Sessions
Join us for virtual mindfulness sessions that will teach you how to reduce stress, increase resiliency, improve relationships and regulate emotions. Core concepts of mindfulness will be explored through meditation and mindful exercises. Everyone is welcome.
Details
This workshop is free and will be offered virtually. Details provided upon registration.
Stay tuned for upcoming dates
Ontario Autism Program Workshops
These workshops are for families with children up to age 17 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
If you have a child with autism and need help to register with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) please call YSSN at 905-898-6455 ext. 2574 to request an appointment with an OAP support worker.
Advocacy Basics: Your role as a parent
Learn different strategies of how you can advocate for your child.
Details:
Thursday, October, 21, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, October, 25, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Visual Schedules
Learn the important role using visual schedules in reducing stress and challenging behaviours. What they are and how to create/use them.
Details:
Wednesday, October, 27, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
How to teach your child to self-advocate 
Learning to self advocate is part of developing independence. Learn how to help to your child build their skill now and into the future.
Details:
Thursday, October, 18, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, November, 1, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sibling Workshop 
How to support your Neuro-typical child to build relationships within their family and community.
Details:
Thursday, November, 4, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, November, 8, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Keeping your child safe – managing & supporting destructive behaviours
Keeping our children safe is the priority in every family. In this session, families will learn the strategies for managing destructive behaviours.
Details:
Wednesday, November, 10, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
School Readiness
Learn tips and tricks to manage transitions, build routines and reduce stress in the home, as you and your child prepare to start a new school year.
Details:
Thursday, November, 11, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, November, 15, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
How to reduce stress in the home environment & routine building
Learn strategies to arrange your home environment in a way that can reduce stress, plan routines and support self care.
Details:
Thursday, November, 18, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, November, 22, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Learn how to regulate during the Holiday Season 
The holidays bringing excitement, late night, changes to routines and sometimes challenging behaviour. Learn how to plan ahead and prepare for these challenges at home and in the community.
Details:
Wednesday, November, 24, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Essentials of healthy eating and sleeping 
Children with an ASD diagnosis often experience challenges developing eating and sleeping routines. Learn strategies to make these routines less stressful.
Details:
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Autism 101 for Grandparents
Grandparents are an important part of the family support system. Learn more about autism and how you can provide support to your family.
Details:
Thursday, December, 2, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, December, 6, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
How to create a strong Support Team 
Your child’s team includes, educators, therapists, consultants etc. Learn how to create a strong team to suit your families’ unique needs for now and into the future.
Details:
Thursday, December, 9, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Caregiver Burnout and Respite
Learn about how you can recognize and support burnout and access respite support.
Details
Thursday, November, 25, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, November, 29, 2021
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
