National Occupational Therapy (OT) Month is a time to celebrate the great work occupational therapists do to support kids and youth at CTN. With a focus on family, fun, fitness, friends and the future, occupational therapists leverage everyday life activities to support health, well-being and participation in daily activities. Families can access a range of downloadable resources, such as developing core strength, fine motor skills and sensory self-regulation, that were created by our team to support kids and youth in developing skills at home and school through the Online Resource Centre on our website.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month helps to raise awareness for augmentative and alternative communication and the many ways people communicate. There are a variety of speech, language and communication resources available through the Online Resource Centre on our website. Our Speech Development Tips video series is another great resource and aims to empower caregivers to progress their child’s speech development and prepare their child for speech therapy services.
In Ontario, 1 in 10 people are impacted by Learning Disabilities (LDs). Learning Disabilities Awareness Month focuses on raising awareness and reducing stigma so people of all ages can get the support they need to reach their potential. CTN is a SmartStart Hub – a one-stop point of entry to help families in Simcoe County and York Region in finding the support and services they need for their child’s development if they have concerns. For more information, visit our SmartStart Hub page.
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is a time to focus on increasing understanding and awareness of autism and to help end the stigma and discrimination that some Autistic people experience. CTN offers monthly webinars for families in Simcoe County and York Region with a child or youth recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum. These webinars help parents navigate resources, understand their emotions, share the diagnosis and connect with other families and the system. View upcoming dates for the webinars here. You can also find additional resources on Autism Canada's website.
ADHD Awareness Month helps raise awareness about the information and resources available to help people with ADHD thrive and to reduce the stigma associated with this neurodevelopmental disorder. For more information, visit the ADHD Awareness Month website.
As a child grows, so do their eyes, and healthy vision is an important part of a child’s overall well-being. Children’s Vision Month highlights the importance of comprehensive eye examinations for kids and youth to help with early detection of eye disease and several systemic diseases. For more information, visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists website.
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month is recognized globally to help raise awareness and make a difference in the lives of individuals living with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects nearly every aspect of a child’s life. For more information, visit the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association website.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of sudden infant death and to promote safe sleep for babies. To learn more and access the SIDS Awareness Month toolkit, visit the Safe to Sleep website.
Boomerang Health- Conversation Club- Vaughan
Conversation Club is aimed at enhancing participants’ conversation skills, such as initiating and maintaining conversations, participating in group discussions, and connecting with peers.
Mackenzie Health (OAP)- The Relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Mental Health- Online
The Foundational Family Services program is designed to provide caregivers and their support teams with knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program is delivered through a series of virtual workshops designed to help increase knowledge of ASD and empower children and their caregivers to succeed. Participants will learn about ASD, mental illnesses, and biological, psychological, and social factors that may impact or contribute to an individual’s behaviour.
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