Geneva Centre for Autism

Adult Remote Summer Social Club! Jun 17, 2021 to Jul 22, 2021 Each Thu 6pm to 8pm Secure your space! https://buff.ly/3xwOtgN Every week, virtually participate in various activities alongside peers with similar interests. Events may include activities such as virtual museum tours, aquarium tours, dance parties, trivia nights, movie nights, as well as remotely exploring other sights and sounds of the city. Members are encouraged to build friendships and explore new activities.

During our next Sensory-friendly Saturdays event with Geneva Centre for Autism on May 1, explore the use of visuals for individuals with autism. Learn how to ef...fectively improve communication, routines and more with hands-on, practical tips for parents, caregivers, educators and individuals with ASD. Register today https://bit.ly/3ejxWDX See more

The Sibling Squad is a safe space to share experiences, ask questions and interact with others who have a sibling with ASD. There will be opportunities to interact through online games, and activities. It is a time for fun, getting to know each other and maybe learn something new! This group is for siblings aged 6-10 of Geneva Centre for Autism clients & is taking place Thursday, May 6, 2021, 6:00pm - 7:00pm virtually, online using ZOOM for Healthcare. To register, email [email protected]. Once registered, the ZOOM link will be emailed. There is limited space for this group

Fully funded programs available that include both Summer Camp and Adult Respite for high-needs adults who demonstrate financial need! The deadline to apply for the Summer Camp Bursary is April 30! For Summer Camp, we have availability for 25 campers to attend one 2-week session of Summer Camp.

We are excited to announce the Les & Kae Martin Bursary program for Adult Summer Camp, a fully-funded summer camp for high-needs adults with autism! The application deadline is April 30, 2021. Apply today! https://buff.ly/3ajERvF This summer, thanks to an incredibly generous donation from the Les and Kae Martin Charitable Foundation can provide availability for 25 campers to attend one 2-week session of Summer Camp. Priority will be given to individuals demonstrating financial need, who could not otherwise access the program.

Emma from the Ontario Science Centre guest hosts this special edition of Friday Fun! Today we are corking! It’s a fun craft, and a great way to work out your brain and practice your fine-motor skills. It’s easy to make your own corkers at home. You’ll need a tube for the body of your corker and some sticks to make the pegs. #Sensoryfriendly Saturdays is tomorrow April 8th at 11am! Benefits of Crafting! You can still register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_bdYt04...jBTY6GPXHU8Fsoog Research suggests that crafting can have a positive effect on individuals who live with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Crafting together in a group setting can also provide a positive environment for people with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Join us for a live panel discussion with experts, including developmental pediatrician Dr. Melanie Penner from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, to explore the many benefits of crafting and creating a social community.

With the number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario continuing to grow and in efforts to do our part in flattening the curve and to keep our community safe, we have decided to transition all services to remote. Effective Friday, April 9th at 4pm, all of our programs will transition back to remote format. For more information about our remote services, please check our website https://buff.ly/3cVEERa or call 416-322-7877 ext. 513. As always, we are here to support you on how to navigate autism services during this uncertain time. If you have any questions or concerns please call (416) 322-7877, and our staff members are happy to offer support and guidance.

Missed out on past virtual Sensory-friendly Saturdays? No problem! You can watch them here: https://buff.ly/3s0o0nN There's still time to register for this free event with our friends at the Ontario Science Centre for the next free virtual event this weekend! Apr 10th at 11am. https://buff.ly/3wEn8bI We're talking about the '. Benefits of Crafting'. Join us for a live panel discussion with experts, including developmental pediatrician Dr. Melanie Penner from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, to explore the many benefits of crafting and creating social community.

Join the United Nations virtual event today 'Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World' April 8 2021, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST/16:00 - 17:00 p.m. CET The 2021 World Autism Awareness Day observance will address these issues through a virtual event that will include moderated panel discussions with individuals on the autism spectrum who have themselves experienced the challenges and seen these new opportunities in the employment market. The event is organized by the UN Department of Global Communications and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Specialisterne Foundation.

Sensory-friendly Saturdays: Benefits of Crafting with Ontario Science Centre Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EST! Register for free here: https://buff.ly/3sVc1Jk Explore the ways in which art can calm and connect! Research suggests that crafting can have a positive effect on individuals who live with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Crafting together in a group setting can also provide a positive environment for people with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Join us for a live panel discussion with experts, including developmental pediatrician Dr. Melanie Penner from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, to explore the many benefits of crafting and creating social community.

Autism Ontario's Raise the Flag campaign, through the simple act of raising a flag, unites families, schools, communities, government and professionals in recognizing World Autism Day, and celebrates autistic people while bringing to light the systemic barriers that must be removed to create a more supportive and inclusive Ontario for them. Join at 2pm today Tuesday, April 6th for a live launch of their new video, 'What Autism Means to Us', with submitted clips from the autism community!

In honour of World Autism Awareness Day, we invite our advocates, supporters and communities to come together today, April 2nd and throughout the month to raise awareness of the many exceptionalities within our community, draw attention to the compounded impacts that COVID-19 has had on individuals with ASD, educate individuals and employers to encourage inclusion & diversity in the workforce and within the greater community & raise funds so that the GCA can continue to build out physical infrastructure and create more virtual training options so that the ASD community shifts alongside neurotypical-minded organization. As the world is figuring out how to adjust to new realities, GCA is here to ensure that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder are NOT left behind. Join the campaign today: https://bit.ly/3cPbzFy

Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Geneva Centre for Autism has been offering the PEERS program for free to families for the past three years. Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) is used to teach socially motivated teens and adults the skills necessary to make and keep meaningful friendships. This evidence-based social skills program allows participants to discuss, problem-solve and practice different social interactions to build th...eir confidence in navigating the social world. Through this grant, we have been able to serve 420 clients across the Greater Toronto Area, conduct research, and expand our reach to serve new clients across multiple locations. Due to COVID-19, we transitioned to remote services to provide clients with a safe platform for learning and engaging. This format has proven to be successful and has been widely received by both participants and their families. GCA will continue to offer the PEERS program fee for service along with all of our other social skills programs. Please visit https://buff.ly/2Hk0HUy on Tuesday, November 24th at 12:00pm when all our social skills programs for winter will be live!

We are so excited to be one of this year’s Canada Post Community Foundation grant recipients! This grant will help us to create a new Sensory Room and Teen Rec Space. Thank you Canada Post Community Foundation!

The International Virtual Autism Symposium starts TOMORROW! Don’t miss your chance to join a global community of leading experts, professionals, and families to learn clinical breakthroughs and best practices in the field of autism. Join for 1, 2, or all 3 days. #autism2020

#AUTISM2020 was incredible virtually this year! You can still register to view the available recorded sessions! You can view the agenda here: https://buff.ly/35wqQc3 & email [email protected] w/ your First name, Last name & number of days (1, 2 OR 3) to access the recordings that are available until Nov 17th.

"When I was nine I started getting more serious about art. I kept practicing and this is where it’s gotten me (so far), Meghan said, adding she is considering fine art or graphic design as a career." https://buff.ly/32s56fr #AUTISM2020

When it comes to social development and sexuality, knowing what to expect is an important part of supporting youth with ASD and IDD to manage these changes. Learn about how social boundaries improve social inclusion, and much more, in a TWO part presentation from sexuality consultant, and co-creator of the widely used CIRCLES Curriculum Series, Leslie Walker- Hirsch, IMEd., FAAIDD. In Part 1, Leslie Walker-Hirsch will address the way social development and sexuality are t...he same and different for typically maturing youngers and those with ASD and IDD. She will identify social boundaries, where they come from, why we need them and the role they play in sexuality education. Attendees will also be introduced to the CIRCLES SOCIAL BOUNDARIES curriculum. Part 2 will delve further into the CIRCLES multimedia-teaching curriculum, describe current social expectations, issues associated with technology and online bullying, and the self-protection aspects of social boundaries. See Leslie Walker- Hirsch at the Geneva Centre for Autism Virtual Symposium, November 2020! #AUTISM2020 https://buff.ly/30iy4x9

In August, we re-opened our buildings offering limited summer camp. The plan has always been to gradually resume more services starting mid-October. Our current safety protocols have proven to be successful and we are confident we can continue to do our best to keep our clients and staff safe. (You can download the evening and weekend Respite application form, complete it and email it back to [email protected]) Read more here: https://buff.ly/2StWwYs

Did you know OAP (Ontario Autism Program) funding can cover the cost of your Symposium registration? OAP eligibility covers parent and caregiver coaching and training to learn behaviour strategies to use with your child. For example, autism-specific training, online training on behavioural strategies and fees for a college diploma in autism or behavioural sciences. We also provide special symposium pricing for parents of children with ASD / individuals with ASD / students & siblings' https://buff.ly/36hBwu6. Like & share with other parents to be entered into a draw to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! We will post the lucky name Monday, November 16th!

If you still wish to register for our #AUTISM2020 Virtual International Symposium, please email [email protected] Please provide the following information: First name, Last name, email address, number of days (1, 2 OR 3) you would like to attend or access recordings (which are available until Nov 17th).

Did you miss our last Sensory-Friendly Saturday with the Ontario Science Centre about Building Independence? Check out the video here: https://buff.ly/34aeqVu Don't miss the next one tomorrow at 11am about Positive Parenting! https://buff.ly/3jhEHaO

We are SO excited for our first VIRTUAL International Symposium that starts tomorrow! We have fantastic speakers that include not only Temple Grandin and Tony Attwood but amazing speakers on the spectrum to share their expertise, insight and experiences like Kerry Magro, Nadira Badri, David Barber, Hartley Sigal & Priyanka Paul. The next 3 days are going to be full of knowledge sharing and networking and we hope that you're there! Today's the last day to register - check out the full agenda and other details: https://buff.ly/3eICUtI

EARLY BIRD ENDS TOMORROW SEPTEMBER 30TH! For the first time ever, Geneva Centre for Autism’s International Symposium will be taking place VIRTUALLY. https://buff.ly/3n1oFUt

Sensory Friendly Saturday is this upcoming Saturday with our friends at the Ontario Science Centre, October 3rd at 11am! Discover the benefits and practices of positive parenting! The most common parenting challenges are compounded for parents of children with special needs. Learn strategies for consistently parenting your child with mindfulness, compassion and care to best support their learning and development. It’s a liquid. No, it’s a solid. Wait it’s both?!? Make Oobleck, and learn about the properties of this non-Newtonian substance. Stir it, squeeze it and jab it, and discover what happens. Register here: https://buff.ly/33dhTTZ

Congratulations Johnny! We are so pleased to share that one of our staff members, Johnny, has been awarded the Jim Raymer Award by our friends at Corbrook. Johnny is a fantastic team member on our Web, E-Learning & Design team. The Jim Raymer Award honours individuals who have shown great progress and growth within their employment journey. The award recipient is an individual who has excelled in their respective field and acts as a tremendous role model for others. Jim Raymer was a conscientious participant at Corbrook for 33 years before building the courage to find employment in the community. This annual award honours Jim's memory and celebrates the achievements of one exemplary Corbrook participant.

Children can communicate in many different ways: words, eye contact, gestures, even tantrums! But is the way your child or student communicates the most effective or appropriate? Challenges with functional communication are common among children with ASD. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), developed by Andy Bondy, PhD., and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, is an evidence-based, alternative/augmentative communication system implemented worldwide with thousands of learne...rs of all ages. At this years’ Geneva Centre For Autism VIRTUAL Symposium, Andy Bondy will outline the core six Phases of the PECS protocol, review key international research, and break down common myths and misinterpretations in An Overview of the Picture Exchange Communication System. Lori Frost will follow, and address assessing your student’s current communication skills, identifying the function of challenging behaviours, and teaching replacement communication skills in Help! I can’t WAIT to ASK for a BREAK! Functional Communication Training for Behaviour Management. Be sure to check out what are sure to be informative presentations followed by an engaging joint Q&A session with both of these experts, at the Geneva Centre for Autism VIRTUAL Symposium. #AUTISM2020 https://buff.ly/3aZQF5t PECS Canada PECS -USA PECS UK PECS - Pyramid Australia

Today we’re going to look at two different fall crafts using tissue paper: sun catchers and a fall tree!! Materials Needed: tissue paper, wax paper, glue, paper, markers and scissors.

Join us at #AUTISM2020 November 11-13th this year, VIRTUALLY! With stress, uncertainty, and unrest at a record high, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe's message is both inspirational and practical. Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe will be presenting her keynote 'Resilience Through Optimal Stress, Resourcefulness, And Goal Setting: Making It Work For You!' and then a live Q&A. This interactive and engaging presentation helps participants regain a sense of order in ever-changing times and learn how to establish new daily routines to increase productivity and decrease anxiety. https://buff.ly/33wxA7B

Learning problems are often a lifelong struggle - they don’t simply go away with age. Schools have numerous supports available to help younger children and teenagers succeed, but what happens when these children head off to college or university? Presenter Dr. Kerry Magro speaks from personal experience when he provides insight on accommodations, self-advocacy tips, combating bullying, and spreading awareness for disabilities at your school and much more!. As an award-winni...ng professional speaker and best-selling author, Dr. Kerry Magro is someone that you don’t want to miss at this year’s VIRTUAL Symposium! Educators, Caregivers, Social Workers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Behaviour Professionals will leave this presentation with tools they can use to better advocate for the children and adults in their care. #AUTISM2020 https://buff.ly/3b89yDv Kerry's Autism Journey See more

Did you miss our last free online Sensory-Friendly Saturday w/ Ontario Science Centre? Check it out here, https://buff.ly/3bC2pLT! Don't forget, tomorrow at 11am, we discuss 'Building Independence' and play with making our own bubbles and even turn household items into bubble wands! Register for free here! https://buff.ly/338Q9yD

FREE ONLINE Sensory Friendly Saturdays w/ Ontario Science Centre Sept 12th at 11am! Independence is a step-by-step process. Find out how to help your child gradually build their independence in different areasfrom self-care to leisure activitiesand get tips for reinforcing independent behaviour. Then for some fun, blow big, beautiful bubbles using our famous KidSpark bubble recipe! Plus, learn how to turn household items like spatulas, string, straws and even socks into bubble wands. Register: https://buff.ly/3haOAVP

Impairments in social communication and interactions are hallmark characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For example, a child with ASD may want to join peers on the playground but not know how to initiate play when these valuable opportunities arise. Behaviour professionals, practitioners and educators alike are invited to learn from Dr. Alice Shillingsburg, who will present strategies on how to teach children with ASD to initiate and respond to social partners. In addition, procedures to enhance motivation for social engagement will be discussed. See Dr. Shillingsburg at Canada’s largest autism symposium, held VIRTUALLY this year on November 11th-13th. #AUTISM2020 https://buff.ly/3a4hQLO May Institute