Lake Ridge Community Support Services update based on the most recent announcement by the Ontario Government on phase 1 of re-opening the province.

During this uncertain time, many people are finding it difficult to keep busy, If you’re anything like me, maybe your default activity to keep you busy has been using your phone to browse social media or binge-watching your favourite show on Netflix. Regardless, I’ve noticed whatever I’ve chosen to do hasn’t been very meaningful, so I thought I’d share some ideas of some things that I have done and you can do to avoid excessive use of screen time.

23-APR-2020 - On March 16th after much deliberation, we decided to suspend all face-to-face services in response to the need for physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. While face-to-face services continue to be suspended to help proactively stop the potential spread of the coronavirus and ensure the safety of our clients, families, mediators and staff at Lake Ridge Community Support Services we continue to deliver effective ABA services via Telehealth and online Virtual sessions.

Saving money is always a win, but as the world struggles to deal with our new pandemic reality, financial constraints seem to be at the forefront of many people’s minds. Being a mom of 4, I have learned a thing or two about stretching the family budget to ensure everyone is fed, clothed and entertained. Here are a few simple, yet effective things you can do to feed your family well on a budget.

Best Practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 from Durham Public Health Department, videos on hand washing and the recommended precautions.

March break and school shutdowns amid COVID-19 means parents will be entertaining their children for the next 3 weeks as we adjust to social distancing. In light of that here are some ideas of how you can keep your kids engaged and having fun during this unprecedented time.

15-MAR-2020 Given the continuously changing situation in Durham Region and Ontario with the COVID-19 virus, Lake Ridge Community Support Services with much deliberation has decided to suspend all face to face services for the next three weeks, effective Monday March 16, 2020. We plan to open Monday April 6, 2020 provided it is safe to do so. We are making this decision to help proactively stop the potential spread of the virus and ensure the safety of our clients, families, mediators and staff.

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day, while Autism Speaks dedicates the month of April to increase understanding and acceptance and to foster support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Autism Speaks, n.d.). This is done by lighting up buildings blue, wearing blue, knowledge sharing, and fundraising.

5-MAR-2020 Corona Virus update, who is at risk, and how can you protect employees and clients. To date (5-Mar-2020), 2 cases of novel coronavirus COVID-19 have been reported in Durham Region. The Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely.

It’s March and that means March Break is upon us. With school stoppages this year you may be running out of ideas on how to keep your kids busy. Especially if you weren’t able to get them into a camp on time. Here are 5 things you can do to keep your kids busy and having fun.

On their Sesame Street & Autism site, Sesame Street is providing interactive daily routine cards that specifically focus on instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) like going to a birthday party and activities of daily living (ADLs) like washing hands.

Here are 3 ways children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to be victimized by bullies and what you can do about it. Like anyone else, children with autism spectrum disorder are susceptible to bullying. In fact, kids with ASD may be at a disadvantage in social situations that can leave them more exposed to bullies than your average child.

Learn about the Coronavirus, what are the risks, how is it spread and how can you protect employees and clients. To date (5-Feb-2020), no cases of novel coronavirus have been reported in Durham Region.  The Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely.

Recently our very own Clinical Director, Karen Chartier, M.ADS, BCBA participated in a study published in the Canadian Journal of Behavioural Sciences. The study was on the use of flexible peer-based groups that facilitate professional development amongst behaviour analysts in the form of a community of practice meetings.

Today is #BellLetsTalk day and for everyone in our community, this day can be very relevant.

Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Update January 24, 2020 - Recent information released by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services brings some important news to those waiting to find out what will happen once their child’s existing behaviour plans finish.

Starting on April 1, 2021, all behavioural services purchased through the OAP Childhood Budget must be supervised by a Clinical Supervisor who meets the OAP’s qualification requirements, but what do you do until then?

Read the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services December 17, 2019 Press Release here outlining plans for a needs-based autism program consisting of core services like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), foundational family services, early intervention and urgent and complex needs.

Tarra McPhail, Behaviour Consultant and mother to a son with High Functioning Autism shares her story of trying to get an Autism diagnosis for her son. How her expertise and instincts led her journey and the challenges to find help.

Sensory Santa, sometimes referred to as “Silent Santa” is an opportunity for children with autism and/or sensory processing disorder to visit Santa in a quiet and welcoming, sensory-friendly environment.