Thames Valley Children's Centre

Reminder.. this event will take place on November 25 from 4 - 7pm

Thank you CTV London for helping spread awareness for #worldprematurityday! Watch to see how 22 weekers Ema and Luna are doing now, thanks to the staff at Children's Hospital and our incredible donors!

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is excited to offer Autism Insights: Research Innovations, Strategies and the Lived Experience, a FREE 5-day virtual summit designed for parents, caregivers, health professionals and other service providers interested in learning about autism. Summit attendees can look forward to hearing about the latest on research innovations taking place at Holland Bloorview, helpful strategies and ways in which our communities can better supp...ort children and youth on the autism spectrum and their families. Holland Bloorview's Autism Summit will take place on December 1 - 5, 2020 and will feature Holland Bloorview’s amazing expert staff, researchers, parent advocates, parent advisors and autistic self-advocates. https://hollandbloorview.ca/stories-ne//autism-summit-2020

I LOVE these daily routine cards! They make it so easy...there are 12 topics to choose from. Things like "Trying a New Food", "Going to the Dentist" and "Morning Routine". They are narrated, and have fun colourful pictures! http://autism.sesamestreet.org/daily-routine-cards/

To trick-or-treat, or not to trick-or-treat? This year, most families are debating this question (and this post is NOT to cause debate!) But autism families ask this question every year, because "for a child who has autism, some Halloween traditionslike wearing a costume, going trick-or-treating or even hearing the doorbell ring repeatedlymay be challenging." Keeping Halloween Safe and Fun is a great resource from Marcus Autism Center. Although the point "Avoid face painting and masks" may need to be revised this year https://www.marcus.org//aut/keeping-halloween-safe-and-fun

The holidays can be a fun time to spend with family! Holidays can also be stressful and difficult for some children and youth with autism. Different routines, time off school, family gatherings, and traditions involving things they are not familiar with, might cause stress for the whole family. "Making the Most of the Holidays" will teach simple things you can do at home to make the holidays more successful, set your child up for success, and teach new traditions. The guided conversation will be open-ended and inclusive, allowing you to tailor the information to your own family traditions and holiday your family celebrates! Learn more: https://www.tvcc.on.ca/making-most-holidays

TVCC provides Foundational Family Services (FFS) across the 10 counties of Southwestern Ontario. FFS is designed to give parents and caregivers of children/youth registered with the Ontario Autism Program, the necessary tools to work with their children and participate in their ongoing learning and development. If your agency staff would like to learn more about these free services for families, join us for a 45-minute Lunch & Learn in October. We will share what FFS looks li...ke at TVCC, which families are eligible and how you can refer a family to these services. Bring your questions and ideas! Oct 23, 2020: Register at https://llffsoct23.eventbrite.ca Oct 26, 2020: Register at https://llffsoct26.eventbrite.ca Oct 29, 2020: Register at https://llffsoct29.eventbrite.ca Read more: https://www.tvcc.on.ca/foundational-family-services-tvcc-lu

Attention service providers! TVCC provides Foundational Family Services (FFS) across the 10 counties of Southwestern Ontario. FFS is designed to give parents and caregivers of children/youth registered with the Ontario Autism Program, the necessary tools to work with their children and participate in their ongoing learning and development. If your agency staff would like to learn more about these free services for families, join us for a 45-minute Lunch & Learn in October. W...e will share what FFS looks like at TVCC, which families are eligible and how you can refer a family to these services. Bring your questions and ideas! Oct 23, 2020: Register at https://llffsoct23.eventbrite.ca Oct 26, 2020: Register at https://llffsoct26.eventbrite.ca Oct 29, 2020: Register at https://llffsoct29.eventbrite.ca Read more: https://www.tvcc.on.ca/foundational-family-services-tvcc-lu

Find out what level your region is in here :

What to Expect: #TVDSB Special Education

Check out and share the latest newsletter from the Autism & Behavioural Services department! https://conta.cc/3dmc7mc

Update on the Ontario Autism Program. There is now an extension on the use of Interim One-Time Funding and more clarity on eligible services:

Please share! Group Behavioural Treatment registration is now open, for children and youth with autism. See all group offerings at: https://www.tvcc.on.ca/group-behavioural-treatment

Do you find yourself repeating things over and over? Does your child say "NO!" or ignore your simple requests? There is still time to register for Cooperation 101, on September 15th at 630 pm! Join us for a live webinar and learn how to turn "no!" into "yes!". Teaching your child to cooperate is one of the first steps in teaching new skills or changing negative behaviours. A child who is willing and listening is better prepared to learn new things from you.... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cooperation-101-online-tickets

Sesame Street has a video about about Thomas, a boy with autism who uses a tablet to communicate. Does your child have questions about friends at school who do not talk, but use a tablet to communicate instead? https://autism.sesamestreet.org/video/thomas-story/ A reminder that TVCC Kids on the Block have a story about autism, and can present virtually to a classroom or group. More information: https://www.tvcc.on.ca/service/kids-block

St Thomas and area families...

Finding Motivation 101 is happening two more times in October. Sign up at https://www.tvcc.on.ca/finding-motivation-101 Many children and youth with autism have limited or hard to identify areas of interest. This can make it difficult to find things that motivate them for social interactions, hard tasks, activities, or overall positive behaviour. During Finding Motivation 101, we will discuss many strategies to help find motivation, and we can help you keep it! You will have a chance to ask your own questions and hear from others dealing with similar challenges.

Ive signed up for this unique opportunity to provide feedback to the Organization for Autism Research on a friendship resource. The purpose of this resource is to increase autism acceptance by teaching kids to embrace and accommodate for their friends differences. OAR is also looking for parents of children with autism to review the resource. Read more and sign up: https://researchautism.org/oar-needs-reviewers-for-friend/

Check out our latest COVID-19 Update: TVCC began providing a limited number of scheduled in-person visits with clients in mid-June. Since that time, we have gradually offered more visits to more clients. We have moved purposefully and slowly to ensure the safety and well-being of you the clients and families we serve and our staff. You may be wondering what the impact of the current increase in COVID cases on Ontario might mean for in-person visits at TVCC...

Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth Families: Four County Labour Market Planning Board wants to hear about how people across Grey Bruce Huron Perth Counties have been impacted by COVID-19. This will better inform efforts to support our workforce and families during these challenging times. Please share your experiences and how this crisis has impacted you, your family and your job. Please widely circulate this survey and encourage people your organization works with to share their ex...periences about how this crisis has impacted them, their family and their job. Please complete the anonymous and confidential survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCLMPBCOVIDIMPACT Complete the survey by November 30th, 2020. For any questions on the survey please contact: Sarah Pelton ([email protected]).

London area families.. check out the new familyinfo.ca website!

Researchers from George Mason University are conducting a project to better understand the challenges that parents and caregivers face when helping young adults with intellectual disabilities and #autism to regulate their emotions. Access the survey here: http://ow.ly/ulir50B4I99

Just a reminder to London area families about changes in effect today ...

Calling all youth! TVCC is continuing with Youth Connect on Wednesdays at 3:00 - we would love to have you join us! https://www.tvcc.on.ca/youth-connect-virtual-drop-0 Questions? send us a message

Check out this web series coming up... future planning... great topics to consider!

I came across this link of videos for back to school... lots of valuable videos for a range of topics for all families as we head into a new season of 2020. Check them out.

We have an important update regarding children whose hearing was unable to be screened following COVID-19 closures...

NEWEating Lunch in Our Classroom FREE Story! Thank you to Greta Lundsgaard for collaborating on this story about eating in the classroom! We wanted to put i...t out for all of you who might also need it To download for free, pls visit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com//Eating-Lunch-In-My-Cl

Please spread the word about two brand new education workshops offered by TVCC. These workshops are open to parents/caregivers, therapists or professionals who would benefit (read the full descriptions at the links provided). Since these workshops are funded by the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) as a Foundational Family Service, examples provided during the workshops will tend to focus on children with a diagnosis of autism. https://www.tvcc.on.ca/successful-social-skills-and-a...utism https://www.tvcc.on.ca/finding-motivation-101

Stratford, Ontario family physician Dr. Sean Blaine has some words of advice for parents as they prepare to send their children back to school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7hdVJ9BQYE&feature=youtu.be

A webinar for parents/caregivers, community and therapists supporting children/youth with special needs, who have started or are considering starting toilet training. This workshop is also for those who are experiencing challenges with any part of toilet training. Join us to better understand the many parts of toilet training and for help deciding if your child is ready for this step. The presenter will discuss common toileting challenges and offer practical solutions. As a group, participants will have a chance to ask their own questions as well. More information and register at https://www.tvcc.on.ca/toilet-training-101-0

An amazing opportunity to participate in a free online program. This is not limited to caregivers of those with Autism. Autism Ontario Windsor-Essex Chapter will be sending out a survey to confirm what time is best to run this program. The anticipated start date is currently the week of September 21st, 2020. If you are interested in participating or know of someone who would be, please e-mail [email protected] with your name and contact information ASAP so they can get an idea of how many individuals are interested in this program.

Our last campfire of the summer is coming up tomorrow... not too late to come and see what they are all about! Check your email for your unique BINGO card. Message us if you would like the card resent to you.

Some helpful advice to help prepare students for this unconventional school year!

London area families... take a look at this!

20% of Canadian youth are affected by mental illness but only 1 in 5 receive the services they need. Thats why Childrens Health Foundation and Sobeys have teamed up to create a circle of support. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3aHJsXG #FamilyofSupport

Wed love to have more families of children and youth with autism join our private group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2537215906510037 Youll find information related to OAP Foundational Family Services!

This event is TODAY at 12 noon. A great speaker and expert, Dr. Colin King. Ill be there! - Bekki, Autism & Behavioural Services

Tonight from 7-830, explore tools and tips on supporting your childrens mental health as they return to school.

Swimming is a wonderful physical activity for all ages and all abilities. Send us a message if you have questions about swimming - we would love to connect!

Try mindfulness !

Well, another campfire is down to its last red embers. Here is our group story - great for a few laughs! I think that Alf and Michael Jackson would be a lot of fun to travel with!

We are already looking forward to our next campfire on Monday! Cant wait to see you!

Will it Smore? It is up to you... ARE ROY AND SMITTY UP FOR IT? Want to join us at our Family Campfire? Send me a message! We would love to have you join us. You get to vote on what is in their smore (cheese or broccoli or sardines or skittles or olives or apples... looks like there might be gummy bears too!) [email protected]

Some pretty wonderful things happening in small towns in our area. Shout out to Oneida for being highlighted in the CBC article.

#NationalSmoresDay I wonder what the best toppings are on a smores.... do you think our special guests are up for the challenge? What would you be willing to try? Join us at our Campfire on Monday! https://www.tvcc.on.ca/virtual-camp-fire-our-tvcc-family

Thank you Autism little learners for the downloadable colouring book !

View todays letter to parents/guardians from #BWDSB Director Wilder regarding the latest on return to school planning for September: http://ow.ly/xYgr50ATJKY

Drumroll please........ our special guest at tonights campfire is Jillian from the Childrens Museum as we explore stars and constellations. Join us tonight! Questions? Send us a message - we would love to have you join us!

Join us tomorrow at 1:00. It is one month until school starts! Lets chat. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/caregivers-connecting-virtual-c

Parent and Guardians are asked to visit the http://tvdsb.ca/parentportal by August 18 to indicate whether or not children will be returning to in-person learning in September. http://tvdsb.ca/returntolearn #TVDSB