April marks a significant month for us at Grandview Kids as we honour and celebrate many holidays and awareness days related to our staff and the clients, caregivers and families we serve. Join us in recognizing Autism Acceptance Month as we feature several impactful stories from the Grandview Kids community and highlight our Behaviour Services team for this month’s Program Spotlight.

April also marks Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a dedicated effort to raise awareness about the lived experiences of individuals with limb loss or limb difference. Below, we share Grandview Graduate Anna’s story, who was born without her right index finger due to banding syndrome in utero.

This month, the Grandview Kids Family Engagement Team is hosting several exciting events dedicated to clients, families and caregivers. We have also recently launched our Spring 2025 recreation programs, which are available for children and youth ages 4 to 19. I encourage you to review the events and programs listed in detail below, which include direct links to learn more and register.

Lastly, I am pleased to share news about the future of Grandview Kids’ former headquarters, located at 600 Townline Road South in Oshawa. Today, the Regional Municipality of Durham (the Region) announced that it will purchase Grandview Kids’ former headquarters, along with its surrounding property. The Region shares that the space will be used to deliver Regional services, including Early Years programs and services, as well as the construction of affordable and market units. As our longstanding partners, we are delighted the Region will become the new owner of 600 Townline and continue to deliver publicly accessible Early Years programming, which will maintain a familiar use of the space for residents living nearby and within our community.

Grandview Kids is deeply grateful to 600 Townline for providing us with a recognizable, well-loved home in our community for 41 years, offering a dedicated space to work towards achieving our vision of every child and youth living at their full potential. While it will no longer physically remain as one of our sites as we have outgrown the space, the legacy of 600 Townline and the fond memories we cherished there will always be remembered in our new home, The Jerry Coughlan Building, in features like our History Wall, archives display and through the heartfelt stories told by staff, clients and families.

I wish you and your families well, and I look forward to reconnecting with you soon!

Sincerely,

Tom McHugh

CEO, Grandview Kids

Celebrating Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month!

During the month of April, we observe Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month to recognize and support individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development. Children and youth with autism may face challenges with social interactions, have difficulty making eye contact, exhibit repetitive behaviours and experience speech difficulties.

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, family members of clients shared their experiences being caregivers to children and youth with autism >

Fizza’s Journey: Growing up with a sibling with Autism

As the youngest of five, Fizza always admired her older siblings. However, it is her brother Mohsin who leaves the deepest impact on her life. When he was diagnosed with autism and pervasive developmental disorder as a child, Fizza was too young to understand what that truly meant. All she knew was that Mohsin was different—not in a way that made him less, but in a way that made him uniquely himself.

Visit our blog to read about Grandview Kids sibling, Fizza and her journey growing up with a sibling with Autism >

Anna’s Story: Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Anna is a Grandview Kids graduate diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a heart defect and was born without her right index finger due to banding syndrome in utero. Through careful blending of her life experiences, skills, education and beliefs, she has become a beacon of inspiration for all those who get to know her.

Visit our blog to read about Grandview Kids Graduate, Anna >

Upcoming programs, workshops and events

Family Engagement

Are you a caregiver of a student in the PVNCCDSB? 

Are you interested in having a say in Special Education in your school board? Apply to be the Grandview Kids representative on the PVNCCDSB Special Education Advisory Committee! Eligibility criteria is as follows:

• You must pay taxes to the PVNCCDSB.
• You must be the parent/guardian of a student currently enrolled in the PVNCCDSB.
• You must NOT be employed by the PVNCCDSB.

For more info, please contact the Family Engagement Team at FamilyEngagement@grandviewkids.ca. 

Paperwork Party  

Join us for an in-person walk-through of the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) application. This application is submitted online. Registration is required to attend.

• Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025  
• Time: Noon to 1 p.m.  
• Location: Virtual via Microsoft Teams  

Click here to register! 

Board Game & Connections Night for Youth with Disabilities (Ages 15-21) 

Are you ready for a fun night of games, laughter and making new connections? Join us for a special Board Game & Connections Night tailored just for youth (ages 15-21). Whether you love strategy games, card games or just want to meet new friends, this night is all about having fun in a supportive, welcoming environment.

• Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m. 
• Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax) 

What to expect: 

• A variety of board games to enjoy with friends old and new.
• Opportunities to meet and connect with other young people in the community. 
• Snacks, music, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. 
• Everyone is welcome—no experience required! 

Click here to register! 

Declutter and Conquer  

Enhance your family's organizational skills—register today! Join us for a workshop dedicated to assisting parents, caregivers and their children in organizing essential documents for effective care and advocacy. 

Please bring any paperwork you need assistance with, as we will collaborate in small groups within a private setting.

Afternoon session: 

• Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 
• Time: 2 to 4 p.m. 
• Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax) 

Click here to register! 

Evening session: 

• Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 
• Time: 6 to 7 p.m. 
• Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax) 

Click here to register! 

April Caregiver Café 

April showers grow community-building powers, and the Grandview Kids Family Engagement Team members are dedicated to celebrating the strength of resilience of caregivers like you!

Join us for a special Caregiver Café this April. 

As caregivers, you face unique challenges that require immense love, patience and dedication. The Caregiver Café is a space for you to connect with other caregivers who understand the joys and struggles you experience daily, share insights and discover new ways to support both your child and yourself. 

Here’s what you can expect at this supportive, uplifting event: 

• Meaningful Conversations: Share your experiences with others who understand the complexities of raising children with disabilities and learn from the collective wisdom of fellow caregivers. 
• Connection & Support: Build relationships with other caregivers who can offer empathy, encouragement and advice that speaks directly to your unique experience. 
• Self-Care Focus: Learn ways to nurture your well-being so you can continue to be the strong, compassionate caregiver your child needs. 

Together, we can cultivate a vibrant community of caregivers who support one another and share their strengths.

• Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m. 
• Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax) 

Click here to register! 

Program Spotlight: Behaviour Services

At Grandview Kids, we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month throughout April, including Autism Acceptance Day on April 2. To help us kickstart this month of client and family stories, caring conversations and celebration, we want to introduce you to the Grandview Kids’ Behaviour Services team. Read below as we share how the Behaviour Services team offers their practice at Grandview Kids and what programs and services they provide.

Grandview Kids’ Behaviour Services team practices Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). ABA is a science-based approach to learning that focuses on creating supportive environments to help build important skills like communication, self-regulation and independence. ABA can also support children and families by reducing barriers to learning and addressing interfering or dangerous behaviours.

Grandview Kids’ Behaviour Services Team

At Grandview Kids, ABA is delivered through engaging, individualized activities tailored to each child or youth. The Behaviour Services team, including Registered Behaviour Analysts, Senior Autism Therapists and Autism Therapy Assistants, works closely with families to create personalized plans focused on communication, emotional regulation, daily living skills and behaviours that interfere with learning. A strengths-based, collaborative approach is used, working alongside Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and other specialists. 

How do we use our values in action? 

• Assent-Based Practice: Children have a voice in their learning. We listen to them, ensure they feel safe and empowered and adapt our teaching accordingly. 
• Trauma-Informed Care: Building rapport is a key part of our process. We focus on creating supportive environments that foster trust and emotional well-being. 
• Skill Building: We focus on teaching meaningful skills that integrate into daily life, creating new opportunities for reinforcement and connection for children and their families. 

How do we use our values in action? 

• Group-Based Learning: Helping children develop play, group-readiness and self-regulation skills. 
• Foundational Family Services Workshops: Offering resources and strategies to empower caregivers. 
• Extensive Needs Service: In collaboration with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, this service stream is designed to support children and youth with complex developmental, physical and communication needs. It offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary care, including Behaviour Services, medical, therapeutic and other support services. 
• Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Core Clinical Services: Providing ABA therapy in collaboration with Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy. 

Grandview Kids offers two service streams to support your child’s growth: the Focused ABA Model and the Mediated ABA Model.

Click the links below to learn more about each service stream. 

1. The Focused ABA Model targets foundational skills such as communication, imitation, play skills, behaviour management, self-care and motor skills through regular practice using ABA principles. 
2. The Mediated ABA Model focuses on a specific set of skills, guided by input from parents and assessment results, helping families practice and apply what their child learns. 

If you have questions about ABA at Grandview Kids, please visit our dedicated Purchased Services page, contact Service Navigation or speak with your Grandview Kids clinician.

Spring 2025 Recreation Programs

Grandview Kids is proud to offer programs and services that help children and youth reach their full potential. In partnership with the client and their parents or caregivers, various experienced clinicians provide services tailored to meet a child’s or youth’s specific needs and goals. Our Purchased Service offerings are separate from the long-standing, available programs at Grandview Kids and do not impact their wait times.

Available programming includes Beyond the Walls: Friendships in Leisure, Children’s Friendship Program*, Connect and Play*, Fun, Friends and Fitness, LEGO® Club and Summer Camp.

*Program fees are eligible for OAP Core Clinical Services budgets.

Click on the links above to learn more about our available programs for children and youth this spring. If you have questions about our offerings, please email PurchasedServices@grandviewkids.ca.  

Celebrating Team Grandview

Earlier this year, Leo Plue, Chair of Grandview Kids’ Board of Directors, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Nominated by peers in his community, Leo is recognized as an inspiring individual who has dedicated decades of his career to supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of his community, especially individuals with disabilities.

In 2008, Leo took on an Executive Director role and oversaw the construction of what is now known as the Abilities Centre after participating in program development and the design of the building. He was also one of the founding members of the Abilities Centre’s Foundation Board, which was tasked with fundraising for the building's capital cost and future programs. Between 2018 and 2024, Leo also participated in the Town of Whitby’s Hospital Task Force, where he provided his support in selecting a site for a much-needed new critical care and trauma hospital in Whitby.

Pictured (left to right): Sarah Klein, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of the CAO, Town of Whitby, Former Whitby MP, Ryan Turnbull, Leo Plue and Elizabeth Roy, Mayor of the Town of Whitby.

In 2020, Leo retired from his role as Executive Director of the Abilities Centre and soon after began his journey at Grandview Kids as a Director on the Board’s Finance and Facilities Committee. At the same time, Leo became Chair of the Joint Project Committee, which was tasked with directing and overseeing the construction of Grandview Kids’ Ajax-based headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building. In 2024, Leo became Chair of the Board of Directors, leveraging his extensive experience to support organizations within the public healthcare sector and further advance Grandview Kids’ vision of every child and youth reaching their full potential.

About the King Charles III Coronation Medal

The Coronation Medal, an official part of the Canadian honours system, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their community and embody the values of service and dedication. The award was established in commemoration of the coronation of King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. The recipients were selected for their leadership, volunteer commitment and dedication to Canada or a particular province, territory, region or community in Canada.

Nominees for the medals were selected for their long service and good conduct as a volunteer or member of an organization, for having demonstrated high professionalism or for performing a deed or activity that brings great credit to Canada.

Community Corner

Ajax Public Library

The Ajax Public Library invites you to attend the following events in April:

Storytimes 

• Sensory Storytime: Ages 2-6; drop in at the Grandview Kids Express Branch on Thursday, April 24 and May 22, 10 to 10:30 a.m. 
• Family Storytime: Ages 3-12; drop in at the Grandview Kids Express Branch on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 2 p.m. 

Parents 

• Parent Café – Improving Teen-Parent Communication: Adults; Monday, April 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Main Branch (resented by Anne Kwamie, retired Ontario Nurse Practitioner from Sima Health Consultancy)

Specials 

• Create Egg Carton Planters for Earth Day: Children and families; drop in at the Grandview Kids Express Branch on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to noon. Dress for a mess!
• Homeschool Club: Homeschoolers ages 6 to 12; drop in at the Grandview Kids Express Branch on Fridays, April 25 and May 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 
• Library Card Registration Sign-Ups! (drop-in event with no link to register): On Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit the Grandview Kids Express Branch to sign up for an Ajax Public Library card and learn about April - June programs, including the TD Summer Reading Club! 
• Ask an Expert - Climate Change in Durham Region: Adults; hosted at the Main Branch on Wednesday, April 30, from 7 to 8 p.m. Advanced registration is required. Climate change expert Dr. Daniel Hoornweg, an associate professor at Ontario Tech University, will present this session. 

Please be advised that the Ajax Public Library (excluding the Grandview Kids Express Branch) has new Sunday hours. Visit the Ajax Public Library website for more information > 

Pickering Public Library 

Learn more about program offerings from our community partner, the Pickering Public Library! If you have any questions about the offerings shared below, please contact your local Pickering Public Library branch. 

The Pickering Public Library invites you to attend the following events in April:

Neurodivergent Storytime (three dates): Ages 2 to 6; Thursday, April 10, 17 and 24 from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at the Pickering Public Library – Central Library Auditorium.

• This storytime takes place in a quiet and safe environment. It includes interactive stories, songs, action-rhymes, fingerplays and sensory activities that promote literacy skills and development. This storytime is ideal for children with sensory processing sensitivities and those on the Autism spectrum.

Neurodivergent Drop-in: Sun., April 13, from 11 a.m. to noon at the George Ashe Library’s Quiet Study Room.

• The library will host a unique event catering to families with children who identify as being neurodivergent to come and experience the library before regular operating hours. Children will have the opportunity to socially interact with each other in a safe and welcoming space. 
• This is a great opportunity for families to engage in play-based learning, explore the Library's resources and collection in a quiet, low-lighting environment and connect with other parents and caregivers.

Dates of significance

Every month, members of Team Grandview’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee research and share blog posts about holidays, cultural celebrations, awareness days and other dates of significance that are meaningful to staff, clients, caregivers, partners and the community. 

In April, we acknowledge World Autism Day, International Asexuality Day, World Health Day, Green Shirt Day and the International Day of Pink. Read more on our blog > 

We also acknowledge many holidays and celebrations this month, including Hanuman Jayanti, Passover/Pesach, Vaisakhi, Tamil New Year, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Read more on our blog > 

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Content in Gather is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor. Views expressed in posts and resources listed do not signify endorsement by Grandview Kids.