Summer Service Guide

CHILDREN’S SERVICESSummer Service Guide

July and August 2021

ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAMFOUNDATIONAL FAMILY SERVICESBethesda is pleased to offer Foundational Family Services for children/youth and their families who are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. All Foundational Family Services are provided at no cost to families and are outlined in this service guide.

RESOURCES AND SERVICE COORDINATION

Bethesda’s Service Coordinators can:• Provide information about service options and assist with program registration• Answer questions and share resources• Assist families completing OAP funding applications• Help families reconcile their OAP funding expense forms Families can contact a Service Coordinator by calling 905.684.6918 ext. 170, or sending an emailto [email protected] to book an individual consultation.

FAMILY AND PEER MENTORING AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

Supports inclusive of the whole family are offered in a variety different formats including:• Parent/Caregiver Support Groups• Groups• Social Recreational Groups• Youth Advisory

WORKSHOPS AND COACHING SESSIONS

Browse this publication for information on available interactive workshops that cover topics related to the early years through to young adulthood.

BRIEF CONSULTATIONS

Brief consultations are single or time limited (1-3) individualized sessions that are focused on specific needs or goals. Parents/caregivers can meet with a clinician to ask questions, review resources and discuss a variety of strategies that relate to their child’s social skills, life skills, communication and behaviour. Examples of topics that can be discussed during a clinic appointment include, but are not limited to: behavioural concerns, teaching new skills, increasing independence, completing OAP registration and funding applications and learning about community resources. Brief Consultations focus on proactive strategies. Call 905.684.6918 ext. 170 to request an appointment. TRANSITION SUPPORTS

Transition supports are offered to support children, youth and their families during different life stages and changes, e.g. starting school, new diagnosis.

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TABLET LENDING LIBRARY

Would your family benefit from the short-term use of a tablet for virtual therapy, workshops or groups?

Thanks to Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and United Way Niagara, Bethesda was fortunate to receive a grant that will assist us connecting those we support with their community through the development of a tablet lending library.

Throughout the pandemic, Bethesda responded to the needs in our community by expanding virtual service options that include therapy sessions, workshops, clinics and group programs. With many families and individuals not being equipped with the technology required, we recognized that we needed to find a way to connect everyone virtually.

Tablets will be available for all families accessing Children’s Services at Bethesda, including the Ontario Autism Program’s Foundational Family Services. If your family would benefit from access to a tablet for virtual services, please contact us to see if the Tablet Lending Library is the right fit for you.

Our deepest thanks go out to the Government of Canada and United Way Niagara for seeing the value in this initiative and helping us to connect our community during such an unprecedented time.

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Strategies from the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention ® Training Program

Teaching Tolerance

Caregivers will work with a clinician to create an individualized safety plan for their child/youth outlining de-escalation techniques to avoid the use of physical intervention. This workshop is based on Sharing Strategies from the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention ® Training Program. Note: Participants will not be certified and physical restraints/ disengagements are not covered in this workshop.

Desensitization is a term we use in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to describe teaching tolerance to activities or situations the child finds difficult. Join this workshop to learn some practical ways to increase your child’s tolerance level to non-preferred items.

DATE/TIME WednesdayJuly 76:30pm - 8:30pm


Getting a Haircut

Does your child have difficulties getting their hair cut? Join us for a virtual workshop reviewing different tips, strategies and other recommendations to help make hair appointments for your child more enjoyable and successful!


Improving Sleep Understanding and Improving Communication in Your Child

Caregivers will learn strategies that can be used to help children fall asleep and maintain a full night’s sleep. After attending the workshop, you can request an individualized consultation to support you with practicing these skills at home.

This workshop will help caregivers to better understand terms, definitions and different components of communication. Learn how to build motivating communication opportunities into everyday activities and Identify strategies to increase your child’s communication.

DATE/TIME TuesdayAugust 36:30pm - 7:30pm

DATE/TIME WednesdayAugust 116:00pm - 7:00pm

WORKSHOPSJOIN US FOR THE FOLLOWING VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

OFFERED FROM JULY TO AUGUST

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Caregiver Development

Sensory Processing and Behaviour: Understanding the Links and General StrategiesThis workshop will provide parents and caregivers an introduction to understanding sensory processing and behaviour, as well as some strategies to use with your child.

DATE/TIME MondayAugust 166:00pm - 7:00pm

Transition Back to School Change of Season Clothing

Getting back into routine can be difficult, especially after the summer months. Learn about some strategies and ideas to help get your family and children back into a routine in time for September.

Does your child have difficulties transitioning between seasons? This workshop will review various tips, strategies and other recommendations to assist with the change of season and seasonal clothing.



Transition to Adulthood Workshop Transition to High School Workshop

This workshop will provide information for parents/caregivers to support your child’s transition to adulthood. Topics will include: registering with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), ODSP, transition planning, and more. Transition planning can take several years and parents are encouraged to attend this workshop in your child’s early teen years and revisit this workshop at different points during their teenage years.

Is your youth transitioning into Grade 9 in September? This virtual workshop will review what is taught to your youth in the Transition to High School group service. Concepts covered include the following: organizational and time management skills, expected and unexpected behaviours, appropriate social skills, and navigating the school environment.



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Caregiver Development

Supporting Your Teen

WORKSHOPS

Teaching Turn Taking Supporting your Child Taking the BusParents are invited to the second of a series of workshops outlining general readiness skills that will be used in the kindergarten classroom. This workshop will review how to practice turn taking and social skills.

Help prepare your child for taking the bus to school by joining us to talk about practicing taking the bus, how to prepare your child, and strategies for success.

DATE/TIME TuesdayJuly 276:30pm - 7:30pm


Supporting your Child Walking to School

Learning How to Use a Picture Activity Schedule (PAS)

This workshop will review strategies that will help you and your child have a successful walk to school.

Parents are invited to the third of a series of workshops outlining general readiness skills that will be used in the kindergarten classroom. This workshop will review how to teach your child to follow a picture activity schedule to increase independence with activities and how to teach your child independence with common routines in the classroom.



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Back to SchoolWORKSHOPS

Not able to attend a workshop?

Please reach out to a Service Coordinator to schedule a 1:1

consultation to review the workshop material. All Caregiver development

workshops have 1:1 follow up consultation options where caregivers can review and personalize information as it relates to their child and family, with

an ABA clinician.

To access a 1:1 consultationcall: 905.684.6918 Ext. 170

or email:[email protected]

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Family Activities

Trip Around the World

Join us for a trip around the world, your family will be provided with a kit before the first group which includes a World Map, push pins, your itinerary and a pen. Each week we will travel to a different area of the world, explore the area virtually and meet someone who lives there who can answer questions/show us around! Spot prizes will be won for participation!! Places we will go include: Australia, Northern Canada, Ireland, Germany and more!!

AGES

DATE/TIME

All ages

FridaysJuly 9 - August 2710:00am - 11:00am

Activity Kits

What does being creative mean to you? Let’s explore our creativity together. Please join us for a fun filled activity for the whole family. All registered families will receive a kit with games, activities or baking supplies to explore our creativity together. There will be 4 Family Activity kit sessions this summer.

Friday, July 16: Friday, July 30: Friday, August 13: Friday, August 27:

AGES

TIME

All ages

3:30pm - 4:30pm

GROUP SERVICES

JOIN US FOR THE FOLLOWING VIRTUAL GROUPSOFFERED FROM JULY TO AUGUST

No groups will take place on the Civic Holiday - Monday, August 2.

Sensory KitGet Creative KitCookie KitLet’s Play Kit

Roblox/Among Us Video Game ClubChildren will have the opportunity to play Roblox and Among Us in a supportive environment where they can engage with their peers to imagine, create, and share experiences with each other. Information regarding the content of the games played will be made available to caregivers upon registration.

Children will have the opportunity to play Roblox, Among Us and other games in a supportive environment where they can engage with their peers to imagine, create, and share experiences with each other. Information regarding the content of the games played will be made available to caregivers upon registration.

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 9 years

Mondays, Wednesdays and FridaysJuly 5 - August 279:30am - 10:15am

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

Mondays, Wednesdays and FridaysJuly 5 - August 272:30pm - 3:15pm

Story Time and Music

Join us for a fun 30 minute group where your child can listen to stories and songs. Each week features a different theme:

JULYJuly 5 - 9: July 12 - 17: July 19 - 23: July 26 - 30:

AUGUSTAugust 3 - 6: August 9 - 13: August 16 - 20: August 23 - 27:

AGES

TIME

2 - 5 years

Monday - Friday 9:30am - 10:00am

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Recreational GroupsGROUPS

LettersNumbersColoursAnimals

ShapesSea CreaturesTransportationNature

LEGO Builders PaintingDoes your child love building with LEGO? Each week we will have different LEGO challenges and time for free play to show off our imagination and unique creations. *Please ensure your child has access to a small-medium sized bin of loose LEGO pieces that they are able to use and play with during the group.

Get creative by following along with a guided painting lesson! There will be a new project for each session. You are welcome to join one or all of the sessions. A list of all materials required will be shared with participants in advance.

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

MondaysJuly 5 - August 23 10:30am - 11:30am

AGES

DATE/TIME

8 - 14 years

MondaysJuly 5 - 261:00pm - 2:00pm

RobloxTeens will have the opportunity to play Roblox in a supportive environment where they can engage with their peers to imagine, create, and share experiences.

AGES

DATE/TIME

14+ years

Mondays and FridaysJuly 5 - August 272:30pm - 3:30pm

Summer Club 6 - 9 Summer Club 10 - 14Do you like brain teasers, scavenger hunts, drawing, crafts, acting things out, or naming that tune? If you answered “Yes”, then Summer Club is for you!

Do you like brain teasers, scavenger hunts, drawing, crafts, acting things out, or naming that tune? If you answered “Yes”, then Summer Club is for you! Come hang out with some peers ... and be prepared to laugh a lot!

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 9 years

Tuesdays and ThursdaysJuly 6 - August 269:30am - 10:15am

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

Tuesdays and ThursdaysJuly 6 - August 262:30pm - 3:15pm

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GROUPSRecreational Groups

Scavenger Hunt Trivia and GamesHone your curiosity, problem-solving, and sportsmanship skills with us on a Virtual Scavenger Hunt! Children can play with peers to seek and find items around their home.

Test your knowledge with a variety of trivia topics. Games may include Jeopardy, Kahoot and other games of skill.

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

TuesdaysJuly 6 - 2710:30am - 11:30am

AGES

DATE/TIME

14+ years

Tuesdays and ThursdaysJuly 6 - August 262:30pm - 3:30pm

Among Us Craft KitsJoin us for Among Us, an online social deduction game hosted by Bethesda’s Respite team. This game is FREE to download as an app on any mobile device. (tablet, phone) Information regarding the content of the games played will be made available to caregivers upon registration.

Sign up to receive a craft kit that your child can complete at home. Each week will have a different theme with several fun craft activities. Join us on Wednesday mornings for your child to decorate their crafts together with peers and show off their creations!

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

TuesdaysJuly 6 - 271:00pm - 2:00pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

WednesdaysJuly 7 - 2810:30am - 11:30am

Baking Buddies Among UsDoes your child love to bake? In this fun virtual baking club, we are going to follow recipes together to make yummy snacks and treats! Registered families will be sent a detailed email explaining how to participate and the ingredients required for each week’s recipe. Parent supervision will be required.

Join us for Among Us, an online social deduction game hosted by Bethesda’s Respite team. This game is FREE to download as an app on any mobile device. (tablet, phone) Information regarding the content of the games played will be made available to caregivers upon registration.

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

WednesdaysJuly 7 - August 251:00pm - 2:00pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

14+ years

WednesdaysJuly 7 - August 252:30pm - 3:30pm

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Move and Groove Trivia and GamesJoin us for a fun 60 minute dance group where your child can shake and shimmy all their sillies out.

Hang out with other peers to play interactive game like Jeopardy, Trivia, Board Games and other fun activities. Games will change each week based on interest of participants.

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

ThursdaysJuly 8 - 2910:30am - 11:30am

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

ThursdaysJuly 8 - 291:00pm - 2:00pm

Fun on FridaysEach week we will be offering a special group focusing on a specific interest. We will be chatting, answering questions and participating in games and activities related to that theme. Your child can sign up for any or all of the weeks that are of interest to them. When registering, please indicate which weeks you would like to sign your child up for.

Friday, July 9: DisneyFriday, July 16: MinecraftFriday, July 23: Nintendo Friday, July 30: Pokémon

AGES

TIME

10 - 14 years

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Create with Play-Doh Among UsEach week we will have different Play-Doh activities and challenges to show off our imaginations and unique creations. Please ensure your child has access to an assortment of Play-Doh materials and tools that they are able to use and play with during the group.

Join us for Among Us, an online social deduction game hosted by Bethesda’s Respite team. This game is FREE to download as an app on any mobile device. (tablet, phone) Information regarding the content of the games played will be made available to caregivers upon registration.

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

FridaysJuly 9 - 3010:30am - 11:30am

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

TuesdaysAugust 3 - 2410:30am - 11:30am

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Trivia and Games Crafty KidsHang out with other peers to play interactive game like Jeopardy, Trivia, Board Games and other fun activities. Games will change each week based on interest of participants.

Each week we will be creating different crafts using a variety of materials. Children will have opportunity to interact with peers and show off their handmade creations! A comprehensive list of crafts for each week along with what materials that will be required will be sent to registered families.

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

TuesdaysAugust 3 - 241:00pm - 2:00pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

WednesdaysAugust 4 - 2510:30am - 11:30am

Themed ThursdaysEach week we will be offering a special group focusing on a specific interest. We will be chatting, answering questions and participating in games and activities related to that theme. Your child can sign up for any or all of the weeks that are of interest to them. When registering, please indicate which weeks you would like to sign your child up for.

Thursday, August 5: Disney Thursday, August 12: Minecraft Thursday, August 19: Nintendo Thursday, August 26: Pokémon

AGES

TIME

6 - 12 years

10:30am - 11:30am

Science Trivia and GamesJoin us for some fun and exciting science experiments and lessons, from learning about different science subjects to doing easy and fun experiments at home. For this group, we will be using things you can find in your home.

Hang out with other peers to play interactive game like Jeopardy, Trivia, Board Games and other fun activities. Games will change each week based on interest of participants.

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

ThursdaysAugust 5 - 261:00pm - 2:00pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 12 years

FridaysAugust 6 - 2710:30am - 11:30am

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Painting Halloween in AugustGet creative by following along with a guided painting lesson! There will be a new project for each session. You are welcome to join one or all of the sessions. A list of all materials required will be shared with participants in advance.

Join us for a fun and spooky Halloween in August with crafts, games, snacks and activities all Halloween themed.

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

FridaysAugust 6 - 271:00pm - 2:00pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

8 - 14 years

MondaysAugust 9 - 231:00pm - 2:00pm

Coffee Chat: Parent Support Group Sibling Resilience Support Group

Join us for an opportunity to make connections, share ideas and experiences, and ask and answer questions with the support of other families. This group is co-hosted with Autism Ontario Niagara Chapter.

This group is hosted in partnership with The Young Caregivers Association and is designed for young children who have a sibling diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The virtual group will include a number of activities to help foster and build resilience in siblings.

AGES

DATE/TIME

Open

MondaysJuly 5, 19 August 9, 236:00pm - 7:00pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

7 - 12 years

MondaysJuly 19 and August 235:30pm - 6:30pm

Peer Mentorship ProgramCalling all teens looking to become a peer mentor this year! Bethesda is offering a peer mentor training program taking place virtually with 1.5 hour sessions. This training will outline expectations as a peer mentor including roles and responsibilities, conflict resolution and leadership skills. The goal is to empower future leaders to come along side and support other youth throughout the 2021-2022 year!

AGES

DATE/TIME

14+ years

Available by individual appointment upon request. Contact a Service Coordinator at 905.684.6918 Ext. 170 [email protected].

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Family Support and Peer Mentorship

“Wow that was a really great session. Thank you for inviting Sandra. Sometimes it’s really nice to hear other parents’ stories because I think even many times for me I feel alone going through things. Thank you.”

–Coffee Chat Participant

Keeping your Cool: Part 1 Superheroes and HeroinesThe Keeping Your Cool series will teach children to identify their emotions, learn how their emotions impact others, and explore practical strategies for regulating their emotions. Part 1 of this series will focus on using ABA strategies to teach the concepts and use of the Zones of Regulation. This program is appropriate for children who can: follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate using verbal requests, comments, and questions and can participate in a group setting without 1:1 support.

Calling all super heroes and heroines!! During this group, children will use their imaginations to increase conversation skills with peers and improve their cooperative play skills. Using evidence-based ABA strategies, children will learn to interact, have conversations and make friends.

AGES

DATE/TIME

9 - 12 years

Mondays and WednesdaysJuly 5 - 2610:30am - 11:30am

AGES

DATE/TIME

6 - 9 years

Mondays and WednesdaysJuly 5 - 261:00pm - 2:00pm

Stranger Danger Transition to Post-Secondary: Part 1

Does your child know what to do if they are approached by a stranger? In this group, children will learn what a stranger is and how to respond if a stranger approaches them, identify community helpers and learn how to stay safe in the community.

This group will explore topics such as setting SMART goals, organization skills. Participants will be encouraged to practice new skills during the virtual group and continue practicing at home with caregiver support.

AGES

DATE/TIME

9 - 12 years

Tuesdays and ThursdaysJuly 6 - 2710:30am - 11:30am

AGES

DATE/TIME

17 years

Tuesdays and ThursdaysJuly 6 - 201:00pm - 2:00pm

Transition to Adulthood Transition to Post-Secondary: Part 2Turning 18 soon? This virtual group will explore topics such as setting goals, meal planning, money management, keeping your space clean, developing cover letters and resumes, job readiness skills, using public transportation and personal hygiene. Participants will be encouraged to practice new skills during the virtual group and continue practicing at home with caregiver support.

Part Two of this series focuses on meal planning and other life skills such as laundry and cleaning, money management, using public transportation and personal hygiene. Participants will be encouraged to practice new skills during the virtual group and continue practicing at home with caregiver support.

AGES

DATE/TIME

16 - 17 years

Tuesdays and ThursdaysAugust 3 - 243:30pm - 4:30pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

17 years

Mondays and WednesdaysAugust 4 - 1611:00am - 12:00pm

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GROUPSClinical Groups

Making Friends 101 Foundations for LearningThis group is designed to teach children a variety of social skills, including, initiating a conversation, setting up a hang out, being a good sport and handling teaching and rejection. Children will participate in a variety of lessons and practice their new skills during interactive games and activities. As a parent/caregiver, you will be provided with the tools to be a ‘friendship coach’ through feedback and weekly homework assignments that are designed to build on the skills practiced in the sessions.

Your little learners will enjoy a group opportunity to practice common kindergarten social and academic activities such as reviewing the daily the calendar, matching or patterns, numbers, show and tell and more.

AGES

DATE/TIME

10 - 14 years

Mondays and WednesdaysAugust 4 - 253:30pm - 4:30pm

Transition to High School

Is your youth transitioning into Grade 9 in September? In partnership with your school board, this virtual group will use ABA strategies to target specific skills to increase the youth’s overall comfort and confidence entering High School. Over the course of the three weeks, youth will participate in a mix of lessons, interactive discussions and activities. Concepts covered include the following: organization and time management skills, expected and unexpected behaviours, social skills and navigating the school environment.

AGES

DATE/TIME

15

GROUPSClinical Groups

13 - 14 years

DSBN Group 1: Pre-session with parents and teens Wednesday, August 11. Mondays and Wednesdays (August 16 - September 1) and Wednesday evenings in September 1:00pm - 3:00pm

DSBN Group 2: Pre-session with parents and teens Thursday, August 12. Tuesdays and Thursdays (August 17 - September 2) and Thursday evenings in September 1:00pm - 3:00pm

NCDSB Group 3: Pre-session with parents and teens Wednesday, August 11. Mondays and Wednesdays (August 16 - September 1) and Wednesday evenings in September 10:00am - 12:00pm

AGES

DATE/TIME

3 - 4 years

Monday to FridayAugust 23 - September 39:00am - 9:30am

FEE FOR SERVICE OPTIONSBEHAVIOURAL SERVICES

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an intervention based on the science of learning and behaviour. Clinicians work with individuals and their families to identify goals to increase behaviours/skills that are important to them and decrease behaviour that interferes with skill development and day-to-day functioning. ABA therapy can help increase a child/youth’s social communication, teach new skills and increase their independence. ABA involves designing, implementing and monitoring interventions that are supervised by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA or BCBA-D).* To access an individualized behaviour service, a Clinical Treatment Plan is required.

Clinical Treatment Plan

All individualized ABA and EIBI services start with a Clinical Treatment Plan. Clinicians will meet with you and your child/youth to assess his/her strengths and areas of need. Together, we will determine goals and develop an individualized service plan that best supports your child/youth and family. Cost: $150.00

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) The goal of intensive, comprehensive intervention is to increase a child’s rate of learning and improve cognitive, language, social and self-help skills. Children in EIBI receive 20-40 hours of therapy a week for a period of at least 6 months up to 2-3 years. EIBI has a three-tiered supervision model with Instructor Therapists providing direct therapy, a Senior Therapist supervising your child and their programming every week, and a BCBA Clinical Supervisor who is an approved provider on the OAP Provider List.Cost: $70 per hour** Additional costs for mileage and travel time for community sessions.

Individualized ABA Services Individualized ABA Services provide skill building and/or behaviour reduction programming designed to address the goals outlined in the Clinical Treatment Plan. The range in price for service reflects the type of professional that will be needed to best support your child’s treatment plan. Psychiatric Consultation is available for children and youth who are actively receiving a Behavioural Service at Bethesda. The consultation can be integrated into the child/youth’s Clinical Treatment Plan to assess and treat mental health concerns. All Behavioural Programs are supervised by a BCBA Clinical Supervisor.Cost: $55-$75 per hour** Additional costs for mileage and travel time for community sessions.

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SPECIALIZED SERVICES

Bethesda offers a variety of specialized services that can be accessed individually or as part of an integrated ClinicalTreatment Plan.

Psychology Assessments:

A Psychological Assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of a child/youth’s cognitive and adaptive functioning and may include measures of social emotional development and academic achievement. The assessment process may include interviews, observation, testing and consultation with other professionals. The assessment can be used to assess eligibility for developmental services.Cost: $2500**Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health profession that works with children/youth and their families to help identify factors that might be impacting a child/youth’s ability to participate in activities of daily life e.g. self-care, play, social communication and coping skills. OT assessment and intervention will focus on understanding how motor skill development, sensory responses, and visual-perceptual skill development are linked to the child/youth’s participation and provide therapeutic strategies to help enhance these skill areas.Cost: $100 per hour* Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.

Speech and Language Therapy:

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) work with families who have concerns about their child/youth’s communication development. SLP’s assess and treat a broad range of speech, language, communication, swallowing and eating concerns.Cost: $125 per hour* Services may be eligible for billing to private insurance providers.

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Documents

Summer Service Guide