Community Services Newsletter - Autism Ontario

Page 2 of 12Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) InitiativeKerry’s Place Autism Services is pleased toannounce a new service for children and youth withAutism Spectrum Disorder in the Peel Region. This newinitiative, launched in the summer of 2011, is intendedto provide hands-on behavioural intervention and skillbuilding for children and youth with ASD. Programoptions are flexible and depend upon the goal identifiedfor each child. Support can occur in family homes,family Resource Centres and community settings.Frequently Asked Questions About ABAWhat is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?Applied Behavioural Analysis is a way to understand and change behaviour. Itfocuses on how learning takes place, how a person’s environment can affectbehaviour, and how changes in behaviour take place.In an ABA approach, it is important that all learned skills are maintained and areused by children in different places with different people. Based on the child’sstrengths and needs, skills to be taught are broken down into small steps andtaught in a natural setting. When teaching each step, positive reinforcement suchas rewards is used to encourage development of the new skill or behaviour.Is Applied Behavioural Analysis the same as IBI?No, however the two terms are often mixed up. IBI – Intensive BehaviouralIntervention draws on the foundations of the science of ABA and is a specificintervention. In this method the emphasis is on the intensity and length oftreatment. Methods of teaching that are found in ABA, such as reinforcement, arealso used successfully in IBI.My child already participated in an IBI program, would this program beappropriate?Absolutely! Children and youth continue to grow and learn throughout their life.Using strategies based on ABA can assist in building new skills and help tacklebehavioural challenges. Older children and teens respond particularly well tolearning in natural environments such as the home, community or playground.Using an ABA approach doesn’t require individuals to attend long centre-basedsessions.I have no special training in ABA, will the program be difficult or overwhelming?Caregivers often naturally apply the principles of ABA in everyday parenting. Haveyou ever given your child encouragement for a job well done? This is ABA! TheABA program does not require you to go back to school but you will have access toa consultant who will help guide you through understanding behaviours, observingbehaviour and how to implement strategies.Have more questions or are interested in registering for the program?Please call 1-800-668-6432 to reach Central West ABAintake. Referrals can be made by parents or service providers.Your tongue is the only muscle in your body that is attached at only one end.

Page 3 of 12New Changes to Adult SupportsIf your family member is turning 18, here is some important informationabout Adult Supports:Six months prior to your family member turning 18 contact Developmental ServicesOntario (DSO). DSO is responsible for confirming the eligibility of all applicants foradult developmental services (18 years and older) and supports in Central WestRegion. The Peel office is located in Brampton and serves the Peel Region.DSO Central West Region can:• provide information• confirm eligibility• help you complete the application and Supports Intensity Scale package• facilitate referral for servicesDSO Central West Region is administered by Sunbeam Residential DevelopmentCentre of Kitchener, Ontario.For more information please call 905-453-2747 / tollfree 1-888-941-1121 or visit www.dsontario.ca.Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)Six months prior to your family member’s birthday contact the Ontario DisabilitySupport Program (ODSP). ODSP is an Ontario government program designed tomeet the unique needs of individuals who have developmental disabilities and arein financial need or who want to work and need support. You must be 18 years ofage to apply for ODSP.The program has two parts; Income Supports and Employment Supports. Incomesupports provides financial assistance and other benefits to eligible individuals thatcan include accommodation and basic living expenses as well as prescription drugsand basic dental care. Employment supports provides services to eligibleindividuals to assist them with overcoming barriers to employment.Please contact your local Ministry of Community and Social Services ODSPoffice and ask to speak with Intake to conduct a phone interview. In Mississaugacall 905-897-3100. In Brampton & Caledon call 905-460-5025.For more information visit www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp.Kerry’s Place Autism Services Adult SupportsKerry's Place Autism Services provides very individualized supports for adults livingwith Autism Spectrum Disorder in Peel Region. Services range from short-termtransitional supports to more long-term Meaningful Day activities. Support is goaloriented and individualized. To determine eligibility for Kerry's Place AutismServices Adult supports, participants will need to qualify for Developmental ServicesOntario supports and be registered through DSO (phone number listed above).For more information please call Beverly Howellat 905-457-1130 ext. 209.Social GroupsAre you interested in meeting other members of Kerry's Place with similar interests,but do not feel comfortable with a large group or are not sure how to organizeevents with a few people? Do you live in Peel or Halton and are you at least18 years of age or older? Kerry's Place can facilitate these arrangements, just letus know of your interest by calling Navlet Riley-Shoultz at 905-457-1130 ext.251. Activities will take place in the community and are scheduled in accordancewith participants availability for the duration of 6 weeks.There is a small fee per session.

Page 4 of 12Parents of Adults with ASD Support GroupAre you the parent of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder who is18 years of age or older? Do you have questions or concerns regarding his/herfuture? Do you want to know more about potential housing options, ODSP, collegeand university, how to be involved with your adult son or daughter, how to accessday programs, or long term planning? Do you want to meet other parents who maybe experiencing similar situations? If you have answered yes to any of these questionsor have other topics of interest you wish to explore then please come and joinus. The group meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 7 - 9 p.m. There is nocost for this group.To find out more about the group or to register, pleasecall Melanie at 905-855-4984 ext. 200.LocationKerry’s Place Autism Services6660 Kennedy Road, Unit 6Mississauga, ON L5T 2M9DatesJanuary 26/12 April 26/12February 23/12 May 24/12March 22/12 June 28/12Family NightsDo you want to connect with otherparents and family members of children/teens ages 17 and under with an AutismSpectrum Disorder? Come out and youcan share and/or receive new information,strategies, and ideas.Guest speakers and resources are providedto assist in specific areas asdirected by the group. Family Nights arefacilitated by Autism Consultants. Coffeeand light snacks are also provided.Additionally, we are happy to announcethat we are able to provide child care forour Family Nights at locations within thePeel community! Space is limited.Individuals who require 1 to 1 supportwill still be eligible but families willneed to provide their own respite workerfor the evening.Meetings will take place on the lastMonday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m.There is no cost to attend Family Nightsand/or child care.LocationsTo better meet the needs of familieswho attend our Family Nights, pleaserespond to our survey at:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/familynightsIf you do not have access to the internet,a copy can be mailed to you bycontacting Melanie at 905-855-4984ext. 200.To register for Family Nights as wellas child care, please call Melanieat 905-855-4984 ext. 200.DatesChartwell Baptist Church—Clarkson Village1880 Lakeshore Road WestMississauga, ON L5J 1J7Kerry’s Place Autism Services6660 Kennedy Road, Unit 6Mississauga, ON L5T 2M9January 30/12March 26/12May 28/12February 27/12April 30/12June 25/12

Page 5 of 12WorkshopsLocation6660 Kennedy Rd., Unit 6Mississauga, ONDates/TimeThursday, January 26/12Thursday, February 9/12Thursday, February 23/126—8 p.m.Location6660 Kennedy Rd., Unit 6,Mississauga, ONDates/TimeWednesdays,February 22, 29 andMarch 7, 14, 21/126—8 p.m.How to register for workshopsWorkshops are free. To register call Melanie at 905-855-4984 ext. 200 or email mvaartjes@kerrysplace.org.If the workshop you have registered for is cancelled due to low registration numbers you will receive a cancellation callone week prior to the scheduled date. If the workshop is cancelled because of dangerous driving conditions due toweather you will receive a phone call the day of the workshop.Location6660 Kennedy Rd., Unit 6,Mississauga, ONDate/TimeWednesday, March 28/126—8 p.m.Location6660 Kennedy Rd., Unit 6,Mississauga, ONDate/TimeThursday, April 12/126—8 p.m.ASD and the Early Years: Helpful Tips & Next StepsReceiving an ASD diagnosis for a young child can be an overwhelming experience for manyparents. Knowing how to help your child and the types of support strategies to introduceat home is not an easy task.For this reason, our 3 part workshop series is intended for parents of preschoolers withASD between the ages of 3 ½ - 5 years old. Parents will gain practical information tohelp support their child during the early years of childhood development. Workshoptopics will include:1) Workshop 1: Daily Routines and the Use of Visuals: Strategies to Foster Independence2) Workshop 2: Approaches to Support Communication & Social Skills During the EarlyYears3) Workshop 3: Developing Play Skills & the Importance of Play for School ReadinessPlease note that parents have the option of attending all 3 workshops or registeringindividually for a specific workshop of interest.Healthy Relationships WorkshopKerry’s Place Autism Services is pleased to present the Healthy Relationships Workshopfor young adults aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. Thisworkshop will be focusing on dating, which will also include relationship building,communication skills, and appropriate social skills related to dating. The workshop willconsist of one session per week and will provide an opportunity for young adults to buildtheir self-esteem and nurture lasting relationships. Each participant should be able tofollow basic instructions and communicate verbally.A Beginner’s Guide to ABAThe purpose of the workshop is to provide parents and other caregivers with:• A brief history about Applied Behaviour Analysis, and its founding fathers• An overview of the basic principles and concepts within ABA• An understanding of how to use these new principles, and apply them to youreveryday life• Knowledge about the Central West ABA initiative programMaking Sense of SensesDebbie Rodrigues is a registered Occupational Therapist who has 20+ years of experiencein both hospital and community settings. Debbie opened her private pediatric O.T.practice in June 2000. Debbie currently provides assessment and treatment for childrenin her home-based clinic in Caledon. By attending this workshop, you will be able toprovide your child with sensory solutions for a variety of challenging behaviors. You willgain an understanding of how sensory defensiveness can affect your child’s ability to dealwith new situations, manage transitions, and even impact the type of food they will eat!Parents with children who are experiencing difficulty staying calm and focused can benefitfrom learning fun and helpful sensory strategies that can be used every day at homeand at school to help boost their child’s ability to learn.

Page 6 of 12Free Respite Training WorkshopsThe Central West Autism Respite TrainingInitiative Committee is offering freeworkshops funded by the Ministry ofChildren and Youth Services.The Central West Region includes: Peel,Halton, Dufferin, Wellington and Waterloo.Workshops will be offered in each of theseareas; however, those living in adjoiningregions are welcome to attend.Purpose of workshops: These workshopsare designed to increase the knowledge andskills about Autism Spectrum Disorder forRespite Workers, Parents, Family andFriends and Agency Staff.Some of the topics offered may include:• Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder• Using Visuals• Behaviour and Communication• Introduction to Asperger’s Syndrome• Strategies for Difficult Situations• Planning for Successful TransitionsFor more information and toregister for any of the workshopsvisit:www.kerrysplace.org/RespiteTrainingIf you are unable to registerthrough the website call toll freeat 1-888-928-5463.Sibling WorkshopsSibling Workshops are offered to children who have a brother or sister with adiagnosis of a developmental disability. We are offering six sessions for childrenbetween the ages of 7-11 years. The workshops are held at a safe place and in astructured environment and are developed to focus on sharing experiences,learning about other disabilities and to meet new people. This is offered inpartnership with Brampton Caledon Community Living, Community LivingMississauga, Treatment, Research & Education for Autism and DevelopmentalDisorders (TRE-ADD) and Kerry's Place Autism Services. Workshops will be heldfrom 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a fee of $10 per session which covers the cost ofdinner, drinks and arts and crafts.To find out more about the group or to register, pleasecall Melanie at 905-855-4984 ext. 200.LocationsCommunity Living MississaugaLocation TBDBrampton Caledon Community Living19 Rutherford Rd. S., Unit BBrampton, ON L6W 3J3DatesJanuary 16/12March 19/12May 28/12February 27/12April 16/12June 18/12To make half a kilo of honey, bees must collect nectar from over 2 million individualflowers. In its lifetime, the average worker bee produces 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey.

Page 8 of 12Funding Sources (Ministry & Private)Special Services at Homewww.children.gov.on.caDisability Tax Creditwww.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/fq_cdb-eng.html#q1Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilitieswww.children.gov.on.caMinistry of Health and Long Term Care,Assistive Devices Programwww.health.gov.on.caJennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charitywww.jenniferashleigh.orgPresident’s Choice Children’s Charitywww.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/aboutUsCharity.jsp905-567-71771-800-387-1193905-567-7177416-327-8804or 1-800-268-6021905-852-17991-877-525-4762For further information, you may visit www.kidspathwayspeel.com andconnect to the “Special Needs Funding” link or call 905-890-9432 / fromCaledon, 1-888-836-5550.CAMH Healthcare Studies for Families and IndividualsAre you a parent of a teenager or adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) orare you an adult with Asperger Syndrome? Would you like better health servicesin Ontario for your teenage or adult son or daughter or for yourself?CAMH is conducting surveys asking parents and individuals what their experiencehas been like using health services such as doctors, dentists or psychologists.They have heard stories from parents and individuals describing both poor andexcellent care and want to understand better why things work well, and why theyfail. This information will be shared with doctors and other health professionals,government and families/individuals like you to bring about change.The projects ask questions about your recent contact with health professionalsregarding your adolescent (12+) or adult son or daughter with ASD or yourself.The first set of questions takes about 30 minutes, and follow-ups over the nextyear take 10 minutes or less. We want to know if your son or daughter is gettingthe health care needed or if you are getting the health care needed, what typesof health services are being used and your satisfaction with these services. Also,if you are not using any services, we would like to know why and whether you aresatisfied with your situation. Your voice is important and we need to hear fromyou!Parents will receive an honorarium for their time re: ASD - A Family Study.Individuals will receive an honorarium for their time re: Adults with AspergerSyndrome Study.This project is funded by CIHR #MOP-102677To participate in the Health Service Use Among Adolescents and Adults withASD - A Family Study visithttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Family_Study_Consent.To participate in the Healthcare Survey for Adults with Asperger Syndromevisit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AdultsAspergerStudyConsentor call Dr. Yona Lunsky at 416-535-8501 ext. 7813.

Page 9 of 12ReviewsBook by Kelly Ward, Autism Consultant, Kerry’s Place Autism ServicesBuilding Bridges Through Sensory Integration: Therapy for Children withAutism and other Pervasive Development Disorders, 2 nd Edition by Ellen Yack,B.Sc., M.Ed., O.T.; Paula Aquilla, B.Sc. O.T.; Shirley Sutton, B.Sc., O.T.A comprehensive and easy to read inside look into sensory complications and challengesthat can often affect individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Written by renowned andrevered Occupational Therapists in the field, this book uses user-friendly language thatde-mystifies and explains in a clear way how to approach sensory issues. It explains thesensory systems and how they interact with ASD, offers tips on managing sensory-drivenbehaviours, and daily living strategies. Filled with lots of ideas for creative interventionactivities and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home-made approaches, it will surely make youfeel more confident and prepared to handle those complicated sensory needs. It canserve as a guide for parents, teachers, as well as other professionals alike that needhelp understanding sensory issues in their loved ones. Highly recommended.Toy by Tasha Bateman, Autism Consultant, Kerry’s Place Autism ServicesLittle People Busy Day HomeThis Little People Busy Day Home is an engaging toy for any child who is beginning toconnect to imaginative play. The Little Family and their house provide a number ofopportunities for parents, siblings and friends to play together in an imaginative world.Practicing role-modeling and problem solving with these little people can help childrento more clearly understand their relationships in their own family. As an added bonusthe Little People Busy Day Home contains five interactive spots where children canmanipulate the house to create a variety of sounds. This sensory stimulation encourageschildren to play longer and allows an opportunity to understand how they canaffect the world around them.The Little People Busy Day Home provides the chance for parents to simply play withtheir children while imparting the social skills necessary for playing with their friends.This toy can be found in our Mississauga Resource Centre toy library.CD by Memona Hossain, Autism Consultant, Kerry’s Place Autism ServicesBe A Friend: Songs for Social Skills Training by Jed Baker PhD and JeffreyFriedberg MA, MT-BCA fun teaching tool, this CD includes 16 songs to help teach social skills. Songs include“Personal Space,” “Eye Contact,” “Calm Down,” and “Sensitive Topics.” Developed bya Clinical Psychologist and Children’s Musician and Music Therapist, these songs creatememorable tunes to help children remember every day social skills strategies. Teachingresources to complement this CD are also available online. This CD is suitable forchildren under 6 years of age.To access any of the resources listed above and manymore, please visit http://secure.kerrysplace.org/elib/or e-mail elibrarywest@kerrysplace.org for moreinformation.It takes glass one million years to decompose, which means it basically never wears outand can be recycled an infinite number of times.

Page 10 of 12Autism-Friendly Supportive Community Environments∗ YMCA Brampton, Caledon 905-451-1400∗ YMCA Mississauga 905-897-6801∗ Brunswick Lanes 905-790-0052∗ Imagemaker Art Studio 905-891-0972∗ Chinguacousy Wellness Centre 905-789-6111∗ Balls of Fun Inc. 905-828-4386∗ Airborne Trampoline Centre 905-828-2412∗ Ontario Special Olympics Area Coordinator JeannieSkeggs 905-575-4055, 1-888-333-5515 ext. 249∗ Parks and Recreation Special Needs ContactsCity of Brampton - Paula Johns 905-874-2370Town of Caledon - Catherine McLean 905-857-3313City of Mississauga – Lisa Boyce-Gonsalves 905-615-3200 ext. 5479∗ Sing and Say Music ProgramHearsay Speech & Hearing Centre 905-875-3345∗ Music & Me 905-876-6682∗ BodiWorks Adapted Gym Program 905-608-9314∗ Sunrise Equestrian & Rec. Centre (Guelph) 519-837-0558∗ AMC Courtney Park 16 Sensory Friendly Films 905-362-1234Camp & Day Program InformationGymnastics Mississaugacamp available905-270-6161www.gymmississauga.orgLiving Arts Centrecamp programs for 6-16 year olds905-306-6158www.livingartscentre.caDramaWaylearn leadership and life skills through dramafor teens with special needsMississauga416-614-1078dramawayoffice@gmail.comMaking Waves Swim School905-455-7946www.makingwavesswimschool.caThe Rock Oasis Inc.wall climbingKids Super Gym Mississaugagymnastics programs integrated or one-ononeclassed depending on participants needsNorth Mississauga Soccer ClubSpecial Needs Soccer LeagueReach for the Rainbowassists in finding supports for summercamp programs and swimming programsthroughout the year416-703-3434http://rockoasis.com905-607-5437www.kids-supergym.com905-858-1227www.nmsc.net416-503-0088www.reachfortherainbow.caVisual Arts Mississaugawww.visualartsmississauga.comOntario Camping Associationpromoting and encouraging children and youthcamping in Ontario416-485-0425www.ontariocamps.ca

Page 11 of 12Emergency Food Services in PeelPlease call your local food bank first as the information, hours of operation and services listed below aresubject to change then if you are interested in receiving services from any of the organizations below, pleasecontact them directly as there may be limits on how often you can access their services.Islamic Forum of CanadaKnights TableSaint Vincent de PaulSt. John Fisher Conference200 Advance Blvd., Brampton, ON L6T 4V4116 Kennedy Rd. S., Unit 6Brampton, ON L6W 3E7300 Balmoral Dr.Brampton, ON L6T 1V6905-790-8859 / 905-799-0763www.islamicforumonline.com905-454-8725905-790-2479 (leave message)Saint Vincent de PaulSt. Leonard’s ConferenceSalvation Army Brampton(also serves North Peel)St. Andrew’s PresbyterianChurch187 Conestoga Rd., Brampton, ON L6Z 3X8 905-846-5385 (leave message)8054 Torbram Rd., Brampton, ON L6T 3T2 905-451-884044 Church St. E., Brampton, ON L6V 1G3 905-451-1723St. Anne’s Food AssistanceProgram115 Vodden St. E., Brampton, ON L6V 1M4905-453-1303St. Paul’s United Church 30 Main St. S., Brampton, ON L6W 2C4 905-451-1405Ste. Louise OutreachCentre32 Haggert Ave. N., Brampton, ON L6X 1Y3905-454-2144http://stelouisefoodbank.com/Caledon CommunityServicesCompass Market FoodBankThe Deacon’s CupboardSt. Peter’s Church Erindale18 King St. E., Bolton, ON L7E 1E8 905-584-9460310 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, ON L5H 1G8 905-274-93091745 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON L5K 2E1 905-828-1588 ext. 64Eden Community FoodBank1) 3051 Battleford Rd., Mississauga, ON L5N 5Z92) 3185 Unity Dr., Unit 2, Mississauga, ON L5L4L5905-785-3651Grace Mt. Zion ApostolicChurch5865 Coopers Ave., Mississauga, ON L4Z 1R9 905-501-8958ICNA Relief Food BankThe Mississauga Food Bank113-165 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON L5B 2N62550 Goldenridge Rd., Unit 36, Mississauga, ONL4X 2S3905-277-4357www.icnareliefcanada.ca905-270-5589www.themississaugafoodbank.orgMississauga Seventh DayAdventist Church2250 Credit Valley Rd., Mississauga, ON L5M 4L9 905-608-0013Mt. Zion Apostolic Church6810 Professional Crt., Malton, ON L4V 1X6905-908-1205http://www.mzaccanada.com/Muslim Welfare Centre 3490 Mavis Rd., Mississauga, ON L5L 1T8 905-281-9730Malton Food Bank (OICS)6915 Dixie Rd., Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5T 2G2905-696-9963www.maltonfoodbank.orgOpen Door Square OneShopping Centre100 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9 905-276-9136

Page 12 of 12Emergency Food Services in PeelPlease call your local food bank first as the information, hours of operation and services listed below aresubject to change then if you are interested in receiving services from any of the organizations below, pleasecontact them directly as there may be limits on how often you can access their services.Saint Vincent de PaulSt. John of the CrossConference6890 Glen Erin Dr., Mississauga, ON L5N 2E1905-821-1331 ext. 305 (leavemessage)Saint Vincent de PaulOur Lady of the AirwaysThe Salvation ArmyCornerstone CommunityChurchThe Salvation ArmyErin MillsSalvation ArmyMississauga BranchSt. Dominic’s RomanCatholic Church7411 Darcel Ave., Mississauga, ON L4T 2X5 905-671-8382 (leave message)3020 Vanderbilt Rd., Mississauga, ON L5N 4W8 905-824-04502460 The Collegeway, Mississauga, ON L5L 1V3 905-607-2151 press 13167 Cawthra Rd., Mississauga, ON L5A 2X4 905-279-3941625 Atwater Ave., Mississauga, ON L5G 2A8 905-278-7762St. Mary’s Food BankSt. Mary’s Food BankSeva Food Bank5715 Coopers Ave., Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L4Z2C71699 Dundas St. E., Mississauga, ON L4X 1L53413 Wolfedale Rd., Unit 12, Mississauga, ON L5C1V8905-890-0900www.stmarysfb.com905-238-9008www.stmarysfb.comwww.sevafoodbank.comNOTES: