Kids with autism can access free programs
It is estimated one to two per cent of the Canadian population has a diagnosis of autism.
In Niagara, that means about 7,200 people have the lifelong neurodevelopmental condition — of which 2,000 are children and youths, all of whom are eligible for free services at Bethesda’s Niagara Family Centre.
But not all of them know that is an available option. The aim of World Autism Awareness Day, held annually on April 2, is to help communities advocate, as well as promote understanding and acceptance, for people living with autism.
It’s also about bringing more awareness to what services and supports are immediately accessible for families across the Niagara region through Bethesda and Autism Ontario, with the goal of reaching “as many of those 2,000 children as possible and have them walk through our doors.”
“I hope that’s what we are seeing,” said Kendra Finlay, behavioural analyst and clinical supervisor at Bethesda.
“People who don’t know Bethesda is here don’t know what services they are able to access.”
Finlay works with families and children to identify goals that are important to them and “in a really collaborative approach” works to help build skills.
Anyone who is registered with the Ontario Autism program can access free funded services at Bethesda, immediately. For those without a diagnosis, the first step is going to a family doctor.
“Maybe a parent’s just noticing that their child is learning a little bit differently or their brain’s working a little bit differently,” Finlay said. “From there, the family doctor can refer to a number of diagnostic clinics that would help with that next step.”
Bethesda just released its spring service guide, outlining all of its programming.
In May, it is holding a youth workshop series focusing on online safety, mindfulness and self-advocacy. There is also a number of workshops focused on supporting caregivers — such as acceptance and commitment therapy. Those workshops can help caregivers learn ways to support a child experiencing difficult emotions.
Other programs include haircutting and dental clinic partnerships with Niagara College, both of which provide comfortable spaces recognizing the needs of autistic children.
“The other one that we’ve recently done as well is blood-work clinics. As you can imagine, having any child for blood work can be very difficult, and so the clinicians here at Bethesda love to support those really important milestones in life and make it just a little bit easier for families,” Finlay said.
To Autism Ontario (southern region) program co-ordinator Allyesa Stewart, the most important part of World Autism Day is taking the time to highlight autistic voices.
It has moved away from awareness toward acceptance, and “part of that is saying listen to the autistic voice, listen to what they’re saying and how they want to be supported.”
“We have a lot of our autistic adults who come to us and give us ideas and we love to implement those ideas and give them an opportunity to see what they’ve come up with and see it come to full fruition,” said Stewart, such as a “wildly successful” trivia master fundraiser it held recently.
“Just having that open attitude.” Autism Ontario offers a wide range of programming, with summer camp its most popular. It offers one-to-one support, no matter the level of need.
Campers go on public outings, “doing things just like everyone else,” which Stewart said helps foster a sense of inclusion.
“Unfortunately, there are waitlists for everything in the autism world. Our programs do tend to fill up quick quickly,” she said.
“We do our best as much as possible to accommodate as many children and families as we can.”
Bethesda’s Niagara Falls site also offers various social recreational programs throughout the year — offering time for caregivers to share similar experiences with one another. It also holds various family events, such as movie nights and waterpark days.
“We put these events on so families can go for little to no cost, try out an event and see if it’s something their child might like and how to broaden spaces within the community for them,” said Stewart.
“They don’t have to have the fear of judgment from members of the public. They get to be in a safe environment where their needs will be met.”