It’s that festive season! Join us for enjoyable activities at Commonwealth Place on December 10th, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. We have exciting activities and delicious treats in store! Let’s start the holiday season with joy and cheer!
Join us for an informative AutismBC Talks: Neurodivergence and Mental Health Supports: A Therapist’s Perspective, This Talk is designed to empower individuals and families to better understand the intersection of neurodivergence and mental health and considerations for navigating mental health services and supports, from the perspectives and experiences of a clinical social worker in their role as a mental health therapist and researcher in this space.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
• Learn from the experiences of a clinical social worker who works alongside mostly neurodivergent folks in a private practice counselling setting.
• Answers to your frequently asked questions about:
Ways in which neurodivergence and mental health can intersect
Common mental health experiences of neurodivergent individuals
Common barriers and facilitators experienced by neurodivergent individuals in mental health systems of care
Potential ways to support and reinforce mental health and wellbeing
Our goal is to offer an opportunity for participants to learn about common experiences of mental health and well-being among the neurodivergent community, to learn more about the research to date in this area, and to have your questions answered.
We will have a 1-hour question and answer session with Rae to address inquiries from our membership. We’ll begin by discussing Frequently Asked Questions in a Q&A format with Liv and Rae. These questions have been submitted in advance during the registration process. Towards the end, we’ll allocate approximately 15 minutes to address live questions.
Considering the sensitive nature of the topic and the past trauma some of our members have experienced while seeking mental health support, we intend to keep the recording private and not publicly post it. Following the live session, we will provide a summary and transcription of the questions on our blog.
Join Sarah and community members for this Tuesday Meets Zoom chat. Sometimes all you need is to connect with someone who “gets it” and to be recharged and uplifted to keep going for the next little while.
How: We’re hassle-free! Just bring yourself and your listening ears, and maybe a cup of your favourite coffee or tea.
When: Tuesday, November 28th at 10:00 AM — 11:00 AM
Who: Parents and Caregivers of age 0-10 yrs autistic children and youth or those awaiting an assessment. This group is hosted by our Vancouver Island Regional Coordinator, Sarah Taylor.
Creating Inclusive Communities
Would you like to learn how to better support someone on the autism spectrum? Would you like to make your business or place of work more inclusive by becoming more sensory-friendly? Our community inclusion autism training does just that! Over the course of an hour, participants learn how community members on the autism spectrum may experience the world with the goal of increasing autism awareness and acceptance.
The world we want to see is one where community accommodations are commonplace, and community spaces are designed to support all neurotypes.
We offer this workshop to build supportive, inclusive communities for autistic people. The world we want to see is one where community accommodations are commonplace.
Guided by insights from autism service providers, parents of autistic children, and self-advocates, our training tackles important questions:
What is Autism
How many people in BC are on the Autism spectrum?
What does AutismBC do?
How and why can my workplace offer simple accommodations to be more inclusive?
We will discuss all of these questions and more!
Join us for a 30-minute introduction session, followed by 30 minutes of questions. Extend the invitation to your co-workers, family, and friends — all are welcome!
Throughout our session, you will:
Expand your awareness about autism and the ways autistic people might experience the world.
Gain insight into how you may offer accommodations or alter environments to provide support.
Individuals come together for regular sessions, engaging in various ways. They can choose to participate by listening attentively, asking questions, or sharing a unique accommodation they have developed and believe others should adopt. Through collective efforts, we strive to enhance social inclusion within the autistic community throughout British Columbia.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, Nov 23rd
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PST
Location: Live and online. The Zoom link will be provided in the registration confirmation as well as in a reminder email. We hope to see you there.
Sometimes all you need is to connect with people who “get it” and to be recharged and uplifted to keep going for the next little while. Join other parents and caregivers of adults on the spectrum two days a month for a Zoom chat.
How: We’re hassle-free! Just bring yourself and your listening ears, and maybe a cup of your favourite coffee or tea.
When: Wednesday, November 22, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Who: Parents and caregivers of adults on the autism spectrum. This group is administrated by our Information Officer Lindy Chau.
Cost: Free
REGISTER NOW!
Come and be a part of Victoria Autism’s Family Night scheduled for November 10th, running from 6:30pm to 8pm. The venue is Saanich Baptist Church at 4347 Wilkinson Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 5B8. Delight in delicious snacks while childcare services are also provided. See you there!
Register Now!
Are you an autistic adult who’s interested in meeting and connecting with other adults like yourself? If so, then this is the group for you!
Sometimes it is great to connect with someone who “gets it” and to be recharged and uplifted to keep going for the next little while.
We will have group conversations about the importance of community inclusion, making communities more accessible, self advocacy, and any other topics that group attendees want to discuss.
How: We’re hassle-free! Just bring yourself and your listening ears, and maybe a cup of your favourite coffee or tea. Join us on the computer or by phone.
When: This support group runs on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, from 4:30 – 6:00pm on Zoom.
Who: The group is a safe place for adults on the spectrum to share their personal journeys with autism, as well as the challenges they face, in a safe and supportive environment. Everybody’s lived experiences and personal stories are important. Please feel free to join, listen or share whether you have a diagnosis or self-identify! This group is administered by community members Ulina, Jon, Megan.
Cost: Free
Sometimes all you need is to connect with people who “get it” and to be recharged and uplifted to keep going for the next little while. Join other parents and caregivers of children/teens/adults on the spectrum two evenings a month for a Zoom chat.
How: We’re hassle-free! Just bring yourself and your listening ears, and maybe a cup of your favourite coffee or tea.
When: This support group typically runs on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, from 6:30 – 8:00pm.
Who: Parents and caregivers of children/teens/adults on the autism spectrum. This group is administrated by our Interior Regional Coordinator, Lisa Watson, and community member Carla.
Cost: Free
Sometimes all you need is to connect with people who “get it” and to be recharged and uplifted to keep going for the next little while. Join other parents and caregivers of age 10+ children and teens on the spectrum every Thursday morning for a Zoom chat.
How: We’re hassle-free! Just bring yourself and your listening ears, and maybe a cup of your favourite coffee or tea.
When: This support group runs from 10-11am on Thursdays.
Who: Parents and Caregivers of age 10+yrs children and youth on the autism spectrum. This group is administrated by our Interior Regional Coordinator, Lisa Watson and our Northern Regional Coordinator & Program Coordinator Sharon Grattan.
Cost: Free
AutismBC and Canucks Autism Network (CAN) are proud to partner with Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Air Canada & Air Canada Foundation to deliver Autism Aviation Day for individuals on the autism spectrum and their family members.
AutismBC Goes to YYJ Autism Aviation Day is an opportunity to practice the airport experience, decrease anxiety associated with air travel, and to build confidence for future travel success.
What is Autism Aviation Day?
Autism Aviation Day will take attendees through the entire pre-flight process, including check-in, security, finding the gate, waiting, aircraft boarding, simulated take-off and de-planing, in a safe and supportive environment. Following the experience, a reception with snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Who: This event is open to all individuals on the autism spectrum and their family members
When: Saturday, April 29th, 2023
Time: 9:30am-2:30pm
Where: Victoria International Airport Location: 1640 Electra Blvd, Sidney, BC V8L 5V4
Registration: Apply to attend! Sign up is open until Sun, Apr 9th
Please Note: there are a limited number of spaces available. Due to the popularity of this event, we anticipate that we will not be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend. ***All applicants will be notified of their enrollment status by Thursday, April 13th***
The event builds on the success of previous “airport accessibility tours” CAN has hosted in partnership with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW).
AutismBC is pleased to collaborate with Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD) to present a series of Talks in 2023.
This Talk aims to help autistic children and youth increase their self-awareness and self-advocacy by sharing their diagnosis with them and exploring what this means to them.
This session will:
Provide a review of the research on sharing a diagnosis with children and youth.
Discuss strategies and support for parents/caregivers to assist with the process of sharing.
Discuss the importance of self-advocacy for autistic individuals, including resources to support this.
Include research that includes valuable insights from autistic voices as well as literature that provides a parent perspective
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Topic: Sharing an Autism Diagnosis and the Importance of Self-Advocacy
Speaker: Veena Birring Hayer, MSW, RSW, Family-School Liaison, POPARD
Date: Friday, March 31, 2023
Time: 10:30 – 11:30AM (45 minutes presentation with 15 minutes Q&A)
Location: Online via Zoom
Join Victoria Society for Children with Autism and friends for a fun-filled holiday celebration at Commonwealth Place! This festive party will feature:
Door Prizes donated by local businesses
Snacks and drinks
Craft activities and kids’ games
A photographer for festive photos
Join us at Westshore Town Centre November 27th for Quiet Time with Santa.
Christmas is a busy time of the year. Malls are crowded with people taking pictures with Santa, buying presents and just running around. The sights, sounds and smells of the mall can be overwhelming. Westshore Town Centre understands that this can be hard for children with autism and wants our community to also enjoy the holiday festivities.
We have partnered with Westshore this holiday season to bring a Quiet Time with Santa.
You are invited to join us for a sensory-friendly hour on Sunday, November 27th from 9 to 10am in Westshore Town Centre next to Coast Capital Savings. This exclusive event will provide a comfortable environment for families to enjoy their time with Santa in a quieter setting. The mall music will be turned off during this time.
Space is very limited and each family will have 5 minutes. You can Register HERE starting on November 14th at 1pm.
Your visit will include one photo. Additional photos can be purchased.
We hope to see you and your family on November 27th at Westshore Town Centre.
AutismBC provides free, safe, and supportive community events where everyone can be themselves. These events are an opportunity for our members to come together, talk and, have fun with others who understand and share similar life experiences. Our goal is to reduce financial barriers to recreation and promote inclusion for people on the autism spectrum and their families.
This event is FREE to AutismBC members. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Taylor at staylor@autismbc.ca.
Please also join us for Friday November 18th for a Talk on Preparing for Transition to Adulthood: Options for Post-Secondary and Employment
More information HERE
Community Living Victoria (CLV) Family Support is a fundraised program that has helped children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism to access services in the community for over 30 years. We provide service planning, referrals, and advocacy to a wide range of families and individuals struggling to access supports. In 2021 CLV Family Support provided direct support to 245 families.
CLV is hosting a large fundraising event in November. Our concert for “Hope. Help. Home.” featuring the artist Ivan Hartle, will be held at the McPherson Playhouse on November 18, 2022. Our event is expected to draw over 500 supporters and participating businesses will be prominently featured during our virtual silent auction that will be launched that evening.
The auction runs November 18 - 28, 2022, so mark the dates. The theme chosen, “Going Coastal”, reflects the great spirit, caring, and strength of our Island community as demonstrated throughout the pandemic.
If you know anyone who has something to contribute to the Auction; whether it be a small item for a gift basket or a stand-alone item, please let us know. Your support makes a difference!
AutismBC is pleased to collaborate with Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD) to present a series of workshops in 2022. This Talk aims to provide resources for those making the transition to post-secondary education and workplaces.
Transitions are a natural part of life, but they may be particularly difficult for students with ASD. Planning early for the transition into adulthood can help make this important shift manageable for both families and autistic youth.
This session will:
Review prepation strategies through home and school
Provide information on the services and supports available in community
Discuss post-secondary and employment opportunities for autistic youth and young adults
You must register to attend this workshop.
There will be no recording for this workshop (policy of POPARD).
Stella will send you the Zoom link closer to the workshop day.
Speaker: Chelsea Jelic, MSc, RSLP, Consultant, POPARD
Time: Friday November 18, 2022 10:30 – 11:30AM
Topic: Preparing for Transition to Adulthood: Options for Post-Secondary and Employment
1 hour session:
– 45 minutes content and 15 minutes Q&A
Join us for Zoom Trivia night
What to expect:
4 rounds – 10 questions each round – 10 questions of a photo share ID on Zoom, possibly a music round – mark your own score
2-person teams so we will leave the Zoom chat open and people can private message their teammates or they can play with their roommates.
Sign up here to get the Zoom Link and to let us know that you are planning on coming.
The National Autism Conference, hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada, on November 15-16, 2022. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Please see the details for this event below. We would appreciate your support in sharing this information with your networks.
National Autism Conference
When: November 15-16, 2022 (10am – 5pm ET)
Where: Virtual
What:
The National Autism Conference will bring people together to help inform a national autism strategy, including Autistic Canadians, their families and caregivers, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and other stakeholders. The discussions that will take place during the conference will help solidify priority areas for action for a national autism strategy, and identify possible short, medium, and long-term objectives.
Registration:
For up-to-date information, see our webpage here:
Sometimes all you need is to connect with people who “get it” and to be recharged and uplifted to keep going for the next little while. Join other parents and caregivers of children/teens/adults on the spectrum two evenings a month for a Zoom chat.
How: We’re hassle-free! Just bring yourself and your listening ears, and maybe a cup of your favourite coffee or tea.
When: This support group typically runs on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, from 6:30-8:00pm.
Who: Parents and caregivers of children/teens/adults on the autism spectrum. This group is administrated by our Interior Regional Coordinator, Lisa Watson, and community member Carla.
Register: Sign up here to be added to the mailing list for future meetings and other parent/caregiver information. Please take a moment to read our group guidelines.
The Annual Halloween Dance is back in-person and will be taking place on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. This all ages, all abilities event is happening at Fairfield Community Centre (1341 Thurlow Rd) This year pre-registration for the dance is required so that we can ensure we are meeting our venue's new capacity guidelines.
A few additional notes about this event:
- Masks are not required according to provincial mandates at this time. However, for the safety of those attending we highly encourage you to wear as mask if you are comfortable doing so.
- We ask that all who are under the age of 18 or those who require 1:1 support to please attend with a guardian or support worker.
- We ask that you refrain from wearing gruesome or intentionally scary costumes to this all ages event.
- We will not be using any form of strobing or flashing lights during this event.
- This is a wheelchair accessible location that has gender neutral, single stall bathrooms available.
- Our aim is to have a scent reduced environment, so please refrain from using any scented products prior to attending. This not includes products with artificial scents like perfumes, colognes, body sprays but also products made with essential oils.
Housing programs for autistic adults, and the BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptation program with BC Housing
AutismBC is pleased to collaborate with BC Housing for a talk on housing program such as Subsidized Housing and the Rental Assistance Program for autistic adults, and the BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) for families with autistic children/adults. In this session, a representative from BC Housing will provide information about their housing program that are applicable for the autism community in BC.
This talk is intended for autistic adults and/or caregivers and families supporting adults and children on the autism spectrum. BC housing primarily supports those who are looking to live independently and seeking information on subsidized housing and rental assistance options in BC and how to access this program.
What to Expect:
60-min presentation by the BC Housing representative with a 30-minute question period
What are the BC housing programs suitable for adults on the autism spectrum?
How do I know if I am eligible/ or if my family is eligible?
How can I apply for the housing program from BC Housing?
What is the BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptation (BC RAHA) program? Am I eligible? How can I apply for this rebate program?
An overview of the process involved in qualifying for BC housing and the typical wait times.
What not to expect:
To be clear we will not be discussing – What you can do to advocate for inclusive housing in your community. – That advocacy should be directed to your local CLBC offices. CLBC representatives are not present at this presentation. We want to ensure that you are coming to this talk to learn about the BC Housing Programs.
Where: Online, Zoom (Registration Required)
Registration is required, and a Zoom link will be sent in the event reminder email. Please ensure that our email address hello@autismbc.ca is on your safe mailing list.
Youth with ADHD often become dysregulated during times of change and/or when things don't go their way.
In order to support your child, it is helpful for them to build their social emotional and regulation skills so that they can manage their feelings and behaviours in these difficult moment.
Join Mary Klovance B.A., B.Ed., M.A, R.C.C. to learn more about how you can foster these important skills within your child.
In this webinar we will discuss the following:
> Building Resilience
> Social Emotional Skills
> Building Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy
> Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation Strategies at home and at school
Join VSCA kids and friends for a virtual game night!
Register NOW!
Hang out, explore, and play some minecraft games with others in the Victoria Autism group. Please register for a free ticket on Eventbrite so that we can send you the google meet and minecraft server details.
If you would like tech support please feel free to email us prior to the event at support@victoriaautism.com
Register NOW!
Join VSCA kids and friends for a virtual game night!
Register NOW!
Hang out, explore, and play some minecraft games with others in the Victoria Autism group. Please register for a free ticket on Eventbrite so that we can send you the google meet and minecraft server details.
Register NOW!
About this event
Join us to play various online games together. Invite your friends and get your chill on as we chat and team up!
AutismBC Socials offer community members with common interests and hobbies a way to connect openly and safely online. Join Noelle’s Introduction to Yoga and Movement Class every month and be part of an all-accepting group. This class is intended to bring together autistic adults from across BC.
What to expect: This is a non-judgmental environment where you can be yourself. As Noelle guides you through a series of breath and body movements, you will feel relaxed and centred while practicing mindfulness that will benefit your mental and physical well-being. After the class, we will keep the Zoom Room open for those looking to connect with others.
“The Journey to Myself Through Yoga.”
About Noelle: Founder of Empowered Spectrum Yoga, Noelle Smith is a certified yoga and meditation instructor and autism advocate. Being on the autism spectrum herself, Noelle is passionate about teaching yoga and meditation for all levels and all walks of life to promote mindfulness, mental health, self-discovery and acceptance. She has experienced first-hand how mindful living can alleviate the stresses and anxiety related to being on the autism spectrum. Noelle is delighted to meet all your wonderful faces for this social club. Read Noelle’s story here.
Time: 6:30 – 7:15 PST (45 minutes)
How to join: Sign up first and we will send a private Zoom room link to you closer to the date.
Registration: Sign up here
Cost: AutismBC covers the costs so they are free for all to participate.
Learning to eat is a journey for all children, but it can be especially challenging for some children and their families! This workshop is designed for parents and professionals who have a picky or selective eater 0-5 year old child in their lives.
Participants will learn:
Why eating can be especially hard for some children
What caregivers can do to help
How to know if it is time to reach out to a feeding professional
There will be about 1-hour presentation and then 30 min opportunity for Q&A at the end of the event.
This session will be presented live online. There will be no recording of this session kept. The presentation slides will not be shared so if you are interested in this session we hope to see you there!
Sometimes all you need is to connect with people who “get it” and to be recharged and uplifted to keep going for the next little while. Join other parents and caregivers of children/teens/adults on the spectrum two evenings a month for a Zoom chat.
How: We’re hassle-free! Just bring yourself and your listening ears, and maybe a cup of your favourite coffee or tea.
When: This support group runs on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, from 6:30-8:00pm.
Who: Parents and caregivers of children/teens/adults on the autism spectrum. This group is administrated by our Interior Regional Coordinator, Lisa Watson
Register: Sign up here to be added to the mailing list for future meetings and other parent/caregiver information. Please take a moment to read our group guidelines.
AutismBC Socials offer community members with common interests and hobbies a way to connect openly and safely online. Join Noelle’s Introduction to Yoga and Movement Class every month and be part of an all-accepting group. This class is intended to bring together autistic adults from across BC.
What to expect: This is a non-judgmental environment where you can be yourself. As Noelle guides you through a series of breath and body movements, you will feel relaxed and centred while practicing mindfulness that will benefit your mental and physical well-being. After the class, we will keep the Zoom Room open for those looking to connect with others.
“The Journey to Myself Through Yoga.”
About Noelle: Founder of Empowered Spectrum Yoga, Noelle Smith is a certified yoga and meditation instructor and autism advocate. Being on the autism spectrum herself, Noelle is passionate about teaching yoga and meditation for all levels and all walks of life to promote mindfulness, mental health, self-discovery and acceptance. She has experienced first-hand how mindful living can alleviate the stresses and anxiety related to being on the autism spectrum. Noelle is delighted to meet all your wonderful faces for this social club. Read Noelle’s story here.
Time: 6:30 – 7:15 PST (45 minutes)
How to join: Sign up first and we will send a private Zoom room link to you closer to the date.
Cost: AutismBC covers the costs so they are free for all to participate.
