Family Support Groups

Family Support Groups

Kinark is pleased to offer two categories of support groups for families of children and youth with autism.

Parent Support Groups: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 

Being a caregiver for a child with special needs can be challenging, but it’s also a unique opportunity for personal growth. Exhausted? Sad? Angry? Feeling isolated? Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Caregivers Support Groups, led by clinicians who are also caregivers themselves, can help. 

ACT presents activities that foster the well-being of caregivers by increasing emotional resilience through mindfulness exercises, acceptance, and values-based processes. With ACT, you’ll acquire skills to struggle less and become more flexible when facing difficult situations and feelings. Rather than attempting to change unwanted feelings or thoughts, ACT helps you develop a new, mindful relationship with those experiences. ACT processes have been scientifically shown to lead to greater life satisfaction without having to eliminate our challenges. ACT shows us that it’s possible to struggle less, reminds us of who we are, and reconnects us with what we value most in life. 

Join us for our free virtual ACT-based Caregiver Support Groups. Over six weeks, we aim to engage in dialogue and guide you away from feeling stuck, helping you evolve into your fullest self. 

Interested in Parent Support Groups? Click below to complete the interest form.

Sibling Support Groups

Being a sibling of a child with special needs can be challenging, but it is also a unique opportunity for personal growth. Do you have a child or youth who has a sibling with autism? Our Sibling Support Groups, led by our highly trained multidisciplinary staff, can help. 

At Kinark, we can empathize with the unique experiences of having a sibling with special needs. Our Sibling Support Group aims to create a space where siblings can come together to build relationships through fun and interactive activities. With a focus on mindfulness and open discussion, siblings can share their experiences and the emotions that come with being a sibling. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where siblings can enjoy, interact, and express themselves without fear of judgment, alongside other like-minded peers. 

Join us for our free Sibling Support Groups. Over five sessions, we will explore topics including relationships, values, feelings, emotions, and reflection—through meaningful and engaging activities! 

Interested in Sibling Support Groups? Click below to complete the interest form.

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 If you would like more information about our Family Support Group services, please contact our team at autisminfo@kinark.on.ca.