Caregiver Supports
🛠️ Helping You Become Their Best Coach and Advocate 😊
Free Services for OAP Families
At Lake Ridge Community Support Services, we know that navigating your child’s journey can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a range of free Foundational Family Support services to empower you with the knowledge, strategies, and tools you need to support your child with autism or an intellectual disability—whether you’re waiting for funding, accessing core clinical services, or looking for additional guidance.
Our programs are designed to help you build confidence, reduce stress, and create meaningful progress for your child and family. Through expert-led workshops, consultations, and self-paced learning opportunities, you’ll gain practical skills and insights tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Explore Free Foundational Family Services
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📱 Brief Targeted Consultations
Up to 3 one-hour sessions a specific need or goal and the tools to support your child’s development.
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🧸 Learn, Explore and Play
A 3-part series that teaches you how to develop your child’s communication skills through play.
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🏫 Navigating the Education System
Learn how the school system supports children with autism and how to advocate for your child within it.
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👩🏫 Understanding the OAP
Gain clarity on the Ontario Autism Program and how to advocate for your child within it.
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🛑 Crisis Prevention & Management
Expert advice on how to prevent and manage a behavioural crisis to keep your child and others safe.
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🤝 Peer Mentoring & Support
Support Groups for parents, caregivers and siblings to build community and share knowledge.
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☯️ Understanding Autism: 2 Perspectives
Empower your understanding of your child. Explore autism through the medical and social models.
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💻On-Demand Coaching
Access a library of resources to support your child. From bite-sized videos to downloadable tools to empower you as a caregiver.
Start your journey today
These services are designed to be flexible, accessible, and responsive to your family’s needs. Whether you need immediate strategies or long-term planning support, we’re here to help.
🔹 Explore our programs by clicking the links above
🔹 Reach out to our team for guidance on where to start: Contact Our Service Navigator
🔹 Sign up for an upcoming workshop and connect with other caregivers: View Events
Eligibility
To access these free services, your child:
✅ Must also have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and be under the age of 18.
✅ Must be registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and have a valid OAP number
😕 Can’t find your OAP Number? Check out our FAQ
❓Not registered with the OAP? Visit the Ontario Autism Program website
Join the LRCSS Caregiver Community on Facebook!
This private group offers 24/7 access to other caregivers who share resources, experiences, and encouragement.
FAQs
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You can register with the OAP HERE.
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Foundational Family Services are available to families who care for persons under the age of 18, registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
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Check your OAP Childhood Budget Information Letter.
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If you don’t have your letter you can call the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services at 1-888-444-4530 or via email at oap@ontario.ca and they can provide you with your OAP Reference Number.