Autism Resources for Parents of Children with Autism
Expert Advice for Child and Youth Mental Health During the Winter
Children’s Mental Health Ontario – Recognizing that this winter may be a difficult time for a lot of families, especially those whose children have mental illness, we have rounded up expert child and youth mental health tips to help you through the season: https://kinarkautismservices.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Ready-to-take-on-Winter-Expert-Advice-for-Child-and-Youth-Mental-Health_KinarkAutism.pdf
Children and Youth Returning to School
Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital return to school recommendations for kids with special needs: https://www.kinark.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/Holland-Bloorview-Back-to-School-Recommendations-Final4.pdf
How to explain a global pandemic to children with ASD
This article provides parents with tips on how to communicate information about COVID-19 to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder including: creating routines, using child-friendly language, and visual supports. Read How to explain global health crisis to children with autism on Psychology Today
Information Booklet on supporting individuals with autism through uncertain times
This resource provides tips for parents on how to support their children through uncertain times, as well as links to educational apps, resources, and schedules. Click here to view the information booklet
Autism Speaks Canada COVID-19 Supports and Resources
This resource provides information for parents on caring for themselves and their children with autism during the pandemic. Click here to view the Covid-19 information and resources on autismspeaks.ca
CBC News – Tips on supporting children with autism at home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Tips for creating routines and structure for children with autism while at home during the pandemic. Click here to view the article on CBC.ca
Social Stories and Visual Resources
This social story uses visuals and text to explain (in child-friendly language) what the coronavirus is, and how to remain safe and healthy while staying home. Click here to view and download this resource by Little Puddins that will help you explain the coronavirus to children with autism.
Vulnerable Person’s Registry
The Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) is a community initiative in partnership with local Police Services and community agencies. The registry promotes communication between vulnerable persons, their supporters, and the police. The sharing of this information will assist officers when responding to an emergency involving the vulnerable individual, providing quick access to critical information, such as emergency contacts, physical descriptions, and any sensitivities that the person may experience.
This voluntary database helps to alleviate safety concerns for those that are vulnerable in our community. A vulnerable person is a person who, due to a medical, cognitive, mental health, or physical condition, may exhibit patterns of behaviour that could pose a danger to themselves. Examples of vulnerable persons include individuals with autism, dementia, an acquired brain injury, or cerebral palsy.
How to register for your area/region
The VPR is free of charge and available to anyone who feels they are vulnerable in times of emergency.
Please be mindful of the municipality you are registering within by selecting your region’s registry from the list below:
- Durham Region: https://www.drps.ca/online-services/online-reporting-and-registries/vulnerable-person-registry/
- Northumberland County: https://www.phps.on.ca/vulnerable-person-registry.php
- Peterborough County: https://www.peterboroughpolice.com/en/report/a-vulnerable-person.aspx
- South Simcoe: https://www.vulnerablepersonsregistry.ca/Registries/Pre
- York Region: https://event.yrp.ca/VPR/authorizationform.aspx
Free Parent Education Videos
Kinark Autism Services offers families free educational videos that provide introductory and foundational information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Our goal is to provide you with practical and easy-to-understand information so you can ensure your child(ren)’s success.
In these videos, you will meet Kinark clinicians who are committed to sharing the latest research and their clinical expertise. You can access these videos online and go through them at a time and pace that is convenient for you.
We hope you find these videos informative and look forward to sharing more resources with you in the future.
Video #1 – Foundations of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Having trouble viewing this video? Email autisminfo@kinark.on.ca
This video provides an introduction to ABA and will help families gain a better understanding of how their child can benefit from its application. Viewers will learn how to define behaviour, identify the “ABC’s” of behaviour, and use reinforcement to support and reinforce skills development. Common terminology and the functions of behaviour will also be discussed. The video is one-hour long and can be paused at any time.
Why should families watch this video? Understanding ABA learning strategies helps parents to make the most of teaching opportunities to support their child at home. Knowing the ABA terminology can help parents to effectively collaborate with their child(ren)’s service provider and play an active role in their service planning.
Video #2 – Let’s Talk about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This video helps viewers better understand ASD and the strengths and needs of children on the autism spectrum. Viewers will learn what ASD is and isn’t, its characteristics and prevalence, common myths associated with the disorder, as well as effective and evidence-based services. The video is 40 minutes long and can be paused at any time.
Why should families watch this video? Knowledge is power! Understanding more about ASD helps parents make informed choices and better advocate for their child(ren).
Have you found a link that does not work on our website?
If you have a discovered a broken link that leads to a blank or 404 page on the Kinark Autism Services website, please contact us.