An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

The workshop offers an introduction to the diverse spectrum of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). We will discuss the unique strengths and challenges individuals with ASD navigate daily, while exploring strategies to create supportive environments.

Appropriate for: : Individuals, families and professionals.

Register online

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday, May 26, 2026
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Register by: May 22, 2026

Emotional Regulation – Virtual Workshop

Presenter: Jennifer Jacobs

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Register By: May 22, 2026

Register online

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Register By: June 19, 2026

Register online

This workshop will look at myths about emotions, explaining strategies to promote emotional regulation. This workshop would be suitable for caregivers who are struggling to help those that they care for cope with emotions. The idea that ‘all behaviour is communication’ will be explored along with ways to interpret the behaviour of nonverbal individuals.

Appropriate for: Parents and Caregivers.

Upcoming dates:

Presenter: Denise Burke

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Time: 6 pm to 7 pm

Register By: June 5, 2026

Groups at SDRC

Autism Social Skills Group

SDRC offers a 6-week Social Skills Group to children/youth with an autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 11 and 17 years. A referral is required as this is not a drop-in group. The Six-Week Group runs on Tuesday evenings from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm.

SDRC offers a Monthly Social Group for youth between the ages of 14 and 17 years with an autism spectrum disorder with no intellectual disability. Individuals must be able to be independent. The purpose of the group is to help individuals develop social skills. A referral is required as this is not a drop-in group.
Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.

The Weekly Mothers’ Support Group at SDRC

The Mothers’ Support Group is a 6-week group, providing the opportunity for mothers to discuss a range of topics related to parenting a child with an intellectual disability and/or autism. Topics include: understanding and sharing the diagnosis, grief and resilience, community resources, behavioural challenges and self-care. Guest speakers from the community and SDRC also contribute their expertise.

The group is a great way to connect with other mothers who understand your daily experience. It is a small group, for
6 – 10 members, and runs for 6 consecutive weeks.

Two times are offered:
– Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
– Thursday mornings from 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Groups are offered 2 – 3 times per year. Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.

The Monthly Mothers’ Group

Monthly Mothers’ groups of SDRC are offered at two different times:

Daytime: The last Friday of the month
from 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Evening: The last Tuesday of the month
from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The purpose of the group is to connect with other mothers, share ideas, learn more about community resources and get support. Speakers are often invited to share information on topics of interest to group members. Some of the topics discussed in the past year were: anxiety, school issues and grief.

Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.

The Monthly Fathers’ Support Group

The Fathers’ Support group is open to fathers in Waterloo Region who have a child (of any age) with an intellectual disability and/or autism. The group meets monthly.

It is a great opportunity for dads to discuss a wide range of topics related to parenting a child with an intellectual disability and/or autism. Fathers learn from guest speakers as well as from each other, sharing wisdom, understanding and a chance to talk to other dads who “get it”.

Some of the topics discussed in the past year were: mindfulness, sharing the diagnosis and advocating for your child.

The Fathers Support Group meets on the
3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

Please call 519-741-1121 for more information about how to join.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Contact the FASD Coordinators at SDRC directly for clarification on eligibility or services for children under 18 at: plexusfasd@sunbeamcommunity.ca

They can also be found on Instagram and Twitter at – @Plexus Fasd Iike, follow, share and connect!

Referrals can be made here: Plexus Referral
sunbeam-centre.ontarionow.ca/self-referral/?aLanguage=

Recreation and Wellness Programs of SCDS

The team introduces the monthly Recreation and Wellness Calendar of Events, which contains information and details for all group activities at Sunbeam. It can be found on the Sunbeam Community website here:

www.sunbeamcommunity.ca/recreation-wellness-program

These programs are eligible for Passport funding for adults 18 and older, and are also available as fee-for-service options for children aged 12 and up.

For more information and registration, please contact the Recreation & Wellness department via phone: 519-893-6200 (ext. 1211) or email: recreation@sunbeamcommunity.ca

DSO Central West

DSO CWR is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, is one of nine DSO’s in Ontario and is administered by Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services.

What services can you apply for?

There are many different services offered across the province. Some of the services that may be available in your area include:

• • housing supports
  • respite for your caregivers
  • supports to help you take part in the community
  • specialized and clinical supports
  • Adult Protective Service Worker Program
  • Passport program

Please check their website, www.dsocwr.ca, for more information.

Autism Awareness Month

April 2 is Autism Awareness Day and April is the Autism Awareness Month. This celebration to raise awareness for everything related to autism, specially inclusion and accessibility for people with autism.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can include impairments in speech, non-verbal communication and social interactions combined with restricted and repetitive behaviours, interests or activities. Each person with ASD is unique, and the term “spectrum” refers to the wide variation in strengths and challenges reflected among those with the disorder.

Visit our website www.sdrc.ca to learn about our professional and support services available to individuals of all ages with a developmental disability and/or an autism spectrum disorder.

Join in any of our clinical workshops related with autism and/or developmental disabilities:
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder on May 26 at 6 pm .

Ask A SLP about AAC – April 13 at 6 pm

Emotional Regulation on May 27 at 12 pm or June 23 at 6 pm

School Refusal on June 9 at 6 pm

Anne Stafford Light Up the Future Bursary Application

Community Living Ontario (CLO) works with people who have an intellectual disability and their families to lead the way in advancing inclusion in their own lives and in their neighbourhoods and communities. It is Community Living Ontario’s intent, as is the “Light Up the Future” Bursary’s intent, to help people in the most individualized and positive way.

Pursuits funded by the “Light Up the Future” Bursary must be consistent with promoting the above vision and purpose.
Eligibility – The Bursary is open to people who:

• • Are residents of Ontario
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Identify as having an intellectual disability

Each recipient may be awarded up to $1,000 to support them in achieving their goals.

Applications due by Monday, April 27, 2026, 5:00 pm.

Please click on this link for the application form Online.

Connecting, Interests and Activities (CIA)

CIA is a group in Waterloo Region for adults (18+) with Asperger’s or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. The group previously met monthly at the Downtown Community Centre. While regular meetings are not currently scheduled, the space remains available on a requested basis, recognizing that in-person gatherings may not be suitable or comfortable for everyone.

Informal, one-on-one peer support is available for adults either individually or accompanied by a support person, who are looking to connect, ask questions, explore resources, or simply have a conversation with someone who shares lived experience.

Optional group sessions or gatherings can be explored, depending on the needs, comfort levels, and preferences of those expressing interest. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelly Groh at 519-731-3923 or grohtech@xplornet.com.

CMHA Suicide Prevention Guide ‘Lean in and Listen’ is available online now

Lean in and Listen: A guide to help prevent suicide can help when someone needs it most. Inside the guide, you’ll find; what to say (and not say) when someone reaches out for help, what it means to be a “trusted person”, step-by-step instructions for creating a safety plan. Please check at this link below:

https://cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CMHA-Lean-In-and-Listen-Suicide-Prevention-Guide.pdf

9-8-8

9-8-8 is a national helpline in Canada that gives people access to suicide prevention services via call or text. It’s available in all provinces and territories, 24/7 and free of charge. Its goal is to prevent suicide. Calls and texts will be directed to a network of partners in communities across the country. People can call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English and French.

Groups and Workshops at Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health

Groups are ongoing sessions, typically meeting weekly for about 8 weeks. Workshops are one-time events focused on specific topics.

Please visit their website at www.caminowellbeing.ca/groups-workshops for details.

To register for any group or workshop, please email groups@caminowellbeing.ca or call 519-743-6333.

Free Income Tax Clinics in Waterloo Region

Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax for returns for eligible people with low income.

For support with your tax return, walk in during business hours, complete a few forms, and drop off your documents. A volunteer will prepare and e-file your tax return. Then, you pick up your documents. You will have to show proof of your identity when you drop-off and pick-up your documents.

Please check this website for locations and details: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/xe8.html

Some of the free Income Tax Clinic locations in Waterloo Region:

March 2, 2026 – April 30, 2026

1. Region of Waterloo Welcome Space
Come to any of the Region of Waterloo Welcome Space locations listed below, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (closed holidays). Phone number (519) 575-4400, Email addresstaxclinics@regionofwaterloo.ca
• Cambridge Welcome Space, 150 Main Street, Cambridge
• Kitchener Welcome Space, 20 Weber Street E., Kitchener
• Waterloo Welcome Space, 99 Regina Street S., Waterloo

2. Lesley Crompton Tax Prep
Waterloo on N2K3P3
Please email lesleyacrompton@gmail.com to make an appointment.
Lesley Crompton, 519 572-2570

3. The Working Centre
58 Queen St. S., Kitchener on N2G 6A5
519 743-1151
Email: taxclinic@theworkingcentre.org

Disability Tax Related Links

Here are some links for tax related information and forms helpful for people with developmental disabilities:

RC4064 Disability-Related Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4064.html

RC4065 Medical Expenses Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4065.html

RC4460 Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4460.html

Forms:

T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2201.html

T929 Disability Supports Deduction
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t929.html

GST518 GST/HST Specially Equipped Motor Vehicle Rebate Application
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/gst518.html

XE8 Application for Refund of Federal Excise Tax on Gasoline

Family Centre Spring Wellness Fair

A free Inclusion Workshop

EAFWR is offering free interactive Inclusion Workshops on May 5 & June 27 from 5 – 8 pm at 91 Moore Ave, They will explore community inclusion and how to be with each other in a way that includes everyone, 5 ingredients for quality support, stories from qualified facilitators who have lived experienced, and draw on the experience of everyone in the room. You will leave with a better understanding of your impact on relationships and how you’re contributing to a community where everyone belongs.

This workshop is geared towards an adult audience. It is designed for Direct Support People, employees in developmental services, adults living with disabilities and their families.

https://www.eafwr.on.ca/training/inclusion-workshop/

School-Issue Parent Support Group of WRFN

This peer-led group provides support, advice and a safe environment for parents who have questions or concerns about school issues affecting their children with special needs. The WRFN (Waterloo Region Family Network) School Issues Support Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month during the school year. For more information, please contact Lisa Cook at lisa.cook@wrfn.info.