Volume 9 | October 2018
October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada
Celebrate with us!
October is Autism Awareness and Acceptance month in Canada.

Autism Services at TVCC has lots going on in celebration. See below more information about our staff training, turning 18 and TVCC's information fair.

Autism Ontario has many events happening in your local area. Check out their website today for more information.
Did you know!
Autism Services at TVCC is turning 18!
The Autism program started in October of 2000 and there were 12 employees when it began. Autism Services now has over 160 employees providing services across 10 counties in the Southwest region of Ontario.

We have implemented many changes and offered many more services to meet our growing client needs.

We are looking forward to the next 18 years!
Staff Training
Our staff from across all 10 counties will be taking part in two days of training on October 24th and October 25th.

In order to serve our families and support our clients to be their best, we require time to share the latest research and learn new skills.

During the two days, staff will learn more about a variety of topics including; parent engagement, youth anxiety, stress and depression, mental health and other topics.
TVCC Information Fair
Have you ever wondered what services are available for school-age kids, tweens and teens? We have so much to offer and we want to share it all with you.

TVCC is opening all our doors and inviting you to learn about all the services we provide in Southwestern Ontario!

Join us Saturday, October 20, 2018 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at TVCC (779 Base Line Rd E, London). Drop in and take a tour. Meet our staff and learn about our programs.

All families, community partners, and curious individuals are welcome! This is a kid-friendly event.

Upcoming TVCC Education Workshops
Register for a workshop in your area today! In October we are offering Understanding Behaviour. Stay tuned for November when we will be offering Toilet Training through live videoconferencing. See when and what is in your region by clicking on the link below.
If your family is new to TVCC or your child was recently diagnosed with ASD, we recommend you attend three Introductory Workshops to start:

Orientation to Autism Services - also available online!
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?
Autism Ontario Family Activities
Autism Ontario is busy planning events for children, parents and families year round. Check out their website to find one in your area.

Activities such as: Mystery Dinner Theatre Date Night in London and Chatham Corn Maze in Thamesville.
In the News
Labour Day provided an increased awareness about employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

In Newfoundland and Labrador an agency called Avalon Employment Inc. shared 3 of their success stories. As one manager said "You realize that every employee has limitations and strengths, no matter who they are."

Sunday Morning with CBS also featured a story of companies opening their doors to talent with autism. Christopher Pauley said it best when offering advice to others on the spectrum, "Don't give up, and make sure to always aim high. Don't aim in the middle. You know, shoot for the stars every time, 'cause you never know what might happen."

Closer to home Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) staff received awareness training from Autism Ontario & Good Foot Delivery. The awareness training will be a part of their annual training and recruitment cycle.

If you know an organization that would be interested and benefit from knowing more about Autism, TVCC provides training across Southwestern Ontario. Interested organizations can contact our Parent & Community Educator, Laura DeVries at [email protected] to receive more information and arrange a workshop at their organization.
Resource Corner
October can provide unpredictable weather patterns. It is important to have indoor and outdoor activities available.Here are a few ideas to try out this fall with your family.

  • Take a fall family photo
  • Crafts involving leaves, pine cones, etc.
  • Go apple or pumpkin picking
  • Go to a corn maze (like the one above in Thamesville)
  • Make a costume
  • Rake a pile of leaves and then jump in them
  • Decorate a pumpkin

If your child has never carved a pumpkin before here is a helpful tip sheet on shaping that uses carving a pumpkin as an example.
What resources do you need?
Is there a specific topic or resource you would like to see featured in the Resource Corner? I would like to hear from you! Your Parent & Community Educator, Laura DeVries at [email protected]
Thames Valley Children's Centre | 519.685.8700 | 1.866.590.8822