Geneva Centre for Autism

 
You are here: Services Services for Parents-Caregivers Parent Training Foundation Workshops

Donate Now Find us on Facebook Follow up on Twitter

Increase Font Size Option 5 Reset Font Size Option 5 Decrease Font Size Option 5

The Foundations

All parents who have registered with Geneva Centre for Autism and have spoken to one of our Social Workers are encouraged to attend The Foundation sessions at any time during their involvement with the Centre.

What are The Foundations?

Parent education sessions including the following topics:

How will they help parents?

Although many parents/caregivers come to us with very specific or special concerns we strongly suggest that they first attend the Foundation workshops. The Foundation workshops provide parents/caregivers with information to help better understand Autism Spectrum Disorders. These workshops are an important building-block of knowledge. All workshops take place at Geneva Centre for Autism unless otherwise noted. Parents/caregivers should register in advance by calling 416-322-7877 ext. 0.

How do parents register?

Call (416) 322-7877 ext. 0

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders Top
This workshop provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) with a primary focus on Autism. Learn how a diagnosis is made, how to recognize the characteristics of autism and the common strengths and challenges of individuals with an ASD.  Current trends on autism research are shared.

NOTE: There is no charge for this workshop, but please register in advance to ensure availability

 

Introduction to Asperger Syndrome Top

This workshop provides an overview of the common characteristics of Asperger Syndrome (AS). Discussion highlights both the strengths and challenges experienced by individuals with AS. Learning characteristics and the differences between Autism and Asperger Syndrome are examined. The impact that AS has on both the diagnosed individual and the people around them is discussed.

NOTE: There is no charge for this workshop, but please register in advance to ensure availability.


Communication Top

This workshop provides a framework for understanding what “communication” means for a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Speech-Language Pathologists discuss their role and help parents/caregivers understand how the characteristics of autism impact speech, language and social interactions. Strategies to facilitate communication, understanding, and social skills are provided for verbal and non-verbal individuals.

 

Sensory Motor Development Top

Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder often experience sensory and motor differences which impact their behaviour, ability to acquire skills and their general quality of life. This workshop provides a framework for understanding these sensory motor differences. Ways to help determine whether a child is experiencing these differences are discussed and general strategies to enhance sensory and motor functions are provided.

 

Behaviour 101 Top

This workshop provides a framework for understanding the basic principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. The topics covered include defining behaviour, reinforcement, functional analysis of behaviour and understanding antecedents and consequences. A focus is placed on the communicative function of behaviour.

 

Learning and teaching Top

During this session, various learning styles typical of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are presented. Discussion includes the importance of recognizing these learning styles and how teaching styles may be adapted to accommodate particular learning styles.

Sexuality & ASD Top

Would you like to be able to help your child understand puberty, social boundaries and develop a healthy sexuality? This two-part workshop explores the physical and emotional stages of social sexual development.  The group explores how characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may impact on an individual’s emotions, behaviours and understanding of social sexual boundaries. The CIRCLES®: Intimacy & Relationships program is used as a framework for discussing the levels of closeness that exist with others and how safe relationships are built over time through different levels of talk, touch and trust. Outcomes: Participants identify the underlying characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders as they relate to sexuality and learn how Autism may affect children’s understanding of social boundaries.  Participants learn specific strategies for teaching children about different types of relationships.

Stress & ASD Top

Does your child appear to have lots of energy? Does your child seem to have a low frustration tolerance? Does their behaviour escalate quickly? Does your child often avoid activities or situations? Is the expression of emotions difficult for your child? If you have responded ‘yes’ to the above questions, then this may be the workshop for you. This two-part workshop looks at anger and anxiety and the effect these emotions have in the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Participants are given information on a variety of tools to assess levels of arousal and stress as well as strategies used to teach individuals to manage their emotions. For the second part of the workshop participants are divided into two groups; one to learn about early emotional regulation skills (i.e., behavioural strategies) and one to learn about more advanced emotional regulation skills (i.e., cognitive behavioural strategies) required for adolescence and adulthood.