Jumpstart is a parent training and coaching program for families registered with Toronto Partnership for Autism Service (TPAS). There are 2 distinct series within Jumpstart, 1. Parent education workshops 2. In-home coaching sessions, each designed to address the individual needs of families.

Jumpstart information sessions are held monthly in the East, West, South, and North quadrants. To register for these sessions please contact 416-322-7877 ext. 271.

By participating in Jumpstart, parents will:

• Connect with other parents of a child with Autism
• Identify specific goals for their child
• Learn and implement practical strategies to target identified goals in the home
• Develop confidence in their ability to teach their child new skills 

• Identify how autism may affect their child’s social skills, behaviour and communication
• Identify the special learning style of their child
• Recognize ‘typical’ development in their child
• Identify their strengths and realistic goals with respect to their child.
• Meet other parents and share knowledge, experiences and resources
• Prioritize goals for their child and family
• Work in ‘partnership’ with professionals.
• Recognize and/or define terminology and jargon
• Provide verbal and written feedback to the Geneva Centre
• Identify a variety of options for intervention and support
• Assess areas of strength in their child
• Assess areas of need and realistic goals for their child
• Identify ways to structure the environment to optimize their child’s potential
• Identify a variety of influences on behaviour
• Identify and monitor progress of their child in a variety of areas
• Choose realistic and practical goals and interventions

Activities
The outcomes and goals listed will be achieved as a result of: Active participation in small educational groups, led by an experienced facilitator and or in-home coaching sessions.