Kids have to be exposed to different things in order to develop.
-Temple Grandin
Autism Spectrum Disorder Respite Services
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Respite Services offer a variety of recreational activities for children/youth to enjoy with their peers.
Referrals can be initiated through Contact Niagara.
The following services are offered through this program:
After School Social Skills Respite Program
This program operates at Bethesda, as well as within the community. Children/youth attend group sessions covering topics such as social skills, life skills, coping skills, leisure skills, and gross motor activities. Groups run weekly for seven weeks from 4:00pm to 7:30pm.
Each program operates for 3½ hours on Saturdays over a four-week period at Bethesda, as well as within the community. Children/youth learn social skills while participating in community outings.
This program is offered to children ages 2½ to 5 years. It runs once a week for 6 weeks from 9:00am to 11:00am on Friday mornings at different Ontario Early Years Centres throughout the Niagara Region. The program is designed to enhance children’s social and play skills.
Intensive In-Home Respite Support Services
This program offers in-home respite relief to parents. This service is intended for families who are unable to access other Respite Services available at Bethesda.
Respite Camps are available in the summer at various locations in the Niagara Region. March Break camps and Holiday Drop-In programs are also available.
Coordination of Respite Flex Fund
This program provides “Flex Dollars” for families to purchase respite services within the community.
How are these services accessed?
Referrals can be initiated through Contact Niagara.
