Bethesda Children and Youth Services | FREE Virtual Workshops
FREE Virtual Workshops
For ANY family in Ontario registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
Children and Youth Services
Bethesda Children and Youth Services is thrilled to provide a series of FREE virtual workshops designed to empower and support Ontario families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to live their best lives.
These comprehensive programs cover a wide range of topics tailored to the specific needs of parents, caregivers, and youth.
Parent and Caregiver Workshops equip caregivers with essential tools and strategies to navigate the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism. From understanding the complexities of ASD to managing challenging behaviours, these workshops offer practical guidance and support.
Introduction to Teaching Series provide caregivers with valuable insights into effective teaching techniques and strategies to foster their child’s growth and development. These workshops will cover topics such as creating inclusive learning environments, developing essential life skills, and promoting independence.
Workshops for Youth Ages 12+ focus on building resilience, self-advocacy, and social skills. These sessions will create a supportive space for young people to connect with peers, learn valuable life skills, and develop a strong sense of self.
How do I get started with Bethesda’s Free Foundational Family Services?
If you have any questions about the below steps please reach out to a service coordinator: serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com
905.684.6918 ext. 170
Step 1
Step 2
Are you registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) or Bethesda Children’s Behaviour Services?
Create your account through Bethesda’s membership portal. See page 4 *Your account will be approved within three (3) business days.
If you already have an account, log in.
Step 3
Step 4
Review the events in this guide to find the best programs for you and your family.
Please note there is a limit of one recreational and one clinical group service per child.
Register for your selections. If your preferred group is full, register for that group’s waitlist. Service Coordinators review and confirm registrants before each group begins and room may become available for you.
Create a Membership
Membership needs to be confirmed before you can begin registering for events.
Create your membership here
Follow these steps to create a membership account through Bethesda’s portal:
1. Navigate to bethesdaservices.com > Select Children & Youth Services in the menu bar > Select Client Login from the secondary menu bar.
3. Enter your Email Address > Click I’m not a robot > Click Next
If you will be creating accounts for more than one child, please register each child with a unique email address.
4. Enter the requested client information for your child > Click Next
5. Review and confirm the membership information > Click Confirm.
6. Once your membership application has been reviewed and accepted by a Service Coordinator, you will receive an email from admin@portal.bethesdaservices.com with a temporary password.
7. Please log in using the provided temporary password and immediately change your password to one you will more easily remember by clicking the Change password button.
8. Enter your current and new password (new password must include at least 12 characters, upper and lower case letters, at least one number and at least one special character.) > Click Save.
Your website membership application is now complete!
If you require assistance with creating your membership account, please connect with a Service Coordinator at 905.684.6918 ext. 170 or serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com
Bethesda YouTube Channel
Explore our updated videos to learn more about our mission, our purpose and our commitment to helping people thrive at every stage of life. Visit our YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe once you’re there!
Connect with Bethesda Online!
Check out our social media channels for helpful tips, to stay up to date on upcoming events, and view pictures of our Bethesda community in action!
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Workshops and Caregiver Learning Series
Understanding the Ontario Autism Program
Clarifying Autism Services and funding options. Meet one-on-one with a Service Coordinator to help parents and caregivers navigate Autism services in the Niagara Region and the province.
Get clear and concise information about:
• The Ontario Autism Program (OAP): Understand eligibility and explore funding options.
• One-time Funding: Learn about additional financial support available.
• Evidence-based Interventions: Discover the benefits of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and other proven strategies.
DATE/TIME Available by individual appointment upon request. Phone 905.684.6918 ext.170
Caregiver Workshops
LOCATION Virtual, phone, or in-person appointments available.
Contact us to register
Bethesda Children and Youth Services is committed to empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and strategies to support your child’s overall well-being.
Autistic Burnout
Is your child/youth experiencing depression, or could it be “autistic burnout”? Come learn about the signs and symptoms of a concept that has been gaining attention in recent years, “autistic burnout”. Let’s discuss how you can support your child through certain lifestyle changes to improve their psychological wellbeing.
DATE/TIME Wednesday April 15 12:00pm - 1:00pm
LOCATION Virtual register
Foundations of Trauma
A psychoeducational workshop designed for parents and caregivers to learn about the impacts of trauma. This includes aspects such as the types of trauma, common signs and symptoms following exposure to trauma, and how trauma impacts both the brain and the body. Some basic grounding activities will also be taught as ways to help those who have experienced trauma manage their strong emotions or traumatic memories in the moment.
*Please note, due to the sensitive nature of this subject matter and to protect the confidentiality of all those attending, all participants are invited to leave their cameras off during the presentation if they are more comfortable to do so.
DATE/TIME Monday May 4 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Exploring Pathways:
Early Steps Towards the Transition to Adulthood
The transition to adulthood is a long process, but the earlier you start the better prepared you will be when your child reaches that milestone. This workshop will review practical steps that you can take now to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood.
DATE/TIME Wednesday May 13 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Emotional Regulation: How to Lend Your Calm
Caregivers will learn practical strategies on how to be an emotional support for their child, and teach them calming strategies.
DATE/TIME Wednesday May 20 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Surviving the Summer
This workshop will focus on providing practical strategies to help parents and caregivers survive the summer! Summer can be a challenging time for a lot of kids. This workshop will provide parents, and caregivers practical strategies to make the transition to summer easier. Parents will also be provided an activity guide with 100 free or low cost ideas to keep kids of all ages entertained away from screens.
DATE/TIME Wednesday May 27 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual register register
Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series
A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood! Each workshop will provide practical tools, expert guidance, and insights into the services and supports available during this important transition. Our goal is to help families plan with confidence. Take the next step toward a successful transition to adulthood!
DATE/TIME Tuesdays
June 2- June 23
6:00pm - 8:30pm
LOCATION Virtual register
Proactive Strategies for Managing Misbehaviour
Does challenging behaviour disrupt your family harmony? This workshop equips parents with positive, proactive strategies to prevent and manage misbehaviour in children and teens. Join us to explore:
• Understanding the root causes of misbehaviour
• Effective communication techniques to foster cooperation
• Positive reinforcement strategies to encourage desired behaviour
• Proactive techniques to de-escalate situations and prevent outbursts
DATE/TIME Wednesday June 10
6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual register
Empowering Conversations: A Guide to Puberty for Parents
Puberty is a journey of exciting changes! This informative workshop equips parents and caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to guide their children (ages 8-15) through this important stage.
Join us to explore:
• Open communication strategies to discuss physical and emotional changes
• Setting positive hygiene routines that promote self-care and confidence
• Practical tips for addressing common concerns and questions
• Resources to support you and your child on this journey
DATE/TIME Wednesday June 17
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Toilet Training
Is your child showing readiness signs for toilet training? This workshop will help parents and caregivers recognize readiness skills and patterns of current toileting behaviours and learn toilet training strategies based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This workshop is best suited for parents of children aged 7 and younger.
DATE/TIME Wednesday June 17
6:30pm - 7:30pm
In partnership with AccessOAP, these virtual workshops help families register with AccessOAP, confidently use the Family Portal, and better understand available Core Clinical Services.
Applying to AccessOAP and the Family Portal
This virtual information session will provide an overview of the application process for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and guide families through the process of creating an AccessOAP account and navigating the family portal. This session is designed for families, children, or youth with a new diagnosis, as well as those seeking information about the Ontario Autism Program and how to apply.
DATE/TIME Tuesday April 21 6:30pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
All Things Core Clinical Services
This virtual information session will provide an overview of core clinical services and the supports they offer, the determination of needs process, and information on how to sign your Funding Agreement. This session is designed for families who have recently been invited or are new to core clinical services.
