What's New?

Autism Parenting Summit - Free Online

The Summit connects autism experts with special needs families, offering effective strategies on key topics to support your child. Special guest speaker of this year is Dr. Temple Grandin, World-renowned Autistic Spokesperson, Best-selling Author, Inventor, Scientist and Professor of Animal Science. Grab your free pass!

Clinic-Based Services Now Open in Vancouver!

We are thrilled to announce that as of April 1, 2026, Linh Huynh OT is now offering clinic-based occupational therapy services in Vancouver City Square Mall. Book your first clinic session today!

BC Disability Funding is Changing — What Families Need to Know

The BC Government announced the Autism Funding Unit (AFU) will be replaced by two new programs: the BC Children & Youth Disability Benefit and the BC Children & Youth Disability Supplement. These broader programs open support to families of children with a wider range of disabilities. Current funding continues until your transition is complete.

Becky Kennedy: The Single Most Important Parenting Strategy

Everyone loses their temper from time to time — but the stakes are high when your child is involved. Clinical psychologist and parenting expert Becky Kennedy shares practical advice to help parents manage the guilt and shame of their not-so-great moments, and models the types of conversations that rebuild connection. It's never too late to reconnect.

Happy Family Online Conference — Free

The Happy Family Annual Conference shares the heart and science of parenting. This year's themes include Mindfulness & Parenting, Anxiety, Triggers & Trauma, Inner Work of Parenting & Partnering, School, Screens & Social Skills, and Protective Conversations on Gender, Racism & Self-Harm. Completely free and online.

Life On The Spectrum — Documentary by Autism Speaks Canada

A 20-minute documentary sharing the lived experiences of autistic Canadians and their families from coast to coast, created to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Honest, moving, and essential viewing for families, educators, and clinicians.

Parenting Neurodivergent Kids — Good Inside with Dr. Becky

A scratchy t-shirt tag or birthday party noise — no big deal for one child, a total meltdown for another. Dr. Becky talks to Laura Petix, a pediatric OT and mom of a sensory-sensitive 4-year-old, about parenting neurodivergent kids and practical strategies to support their unique sensory needs. A must-listen for any parent navigating sensory sensitivities.

Tip Toe Walking — Causes, Concerns & Activities

Toe walking can lead to falls and may signal vestibular issues or developmental delays. It's worth consulting your doctor to rule out underlying causes, then following up with a physiotherapist or OT for targeted activities. Here are practical strategies to encourage heel-to-toe walking, improve balance, and provide sensory input:

Extend Range of Motion

• Stretch the Achilles heel cord with knee straight — hold 1 minute
• Stand or walk up a wedge or incline

Strengthen Muscles

• Pick up marbles with toes
• Balance a beanbag on the foot
• Sit on a scooterboard and push with bare feet
• Walk up a slide
• Hold a chair pose against the wall

Animal Movement Activities

• Crab walk, bear walk, penguin walk (heels down, toes up)
• Leapfrog, hopping, and squatting

Improve Balance

• Wobble board or Bosu ball
• Balance beam or floor spots

Sensory Exposure

• Barefoot walking in grass and sand
• Texture obstacle course indoors
• Feet painting
• Joint compression or vibration at the ankles
• Scuba flippers to encourage heel-to-toe
• Marching and stomping

Protecting Your Mental Health Every Day

Mental health care is a daily practice — like brushing your teeth. Small, regular activities help us feel steady, resilient, and better able to cope. Download the Mental Health Foundation's tips for mental health, backed by research, and find something that works for your family.

Mental Health First Aid — Free 2-Day Virtual Course

This 9-hour interactive course introduces participants to warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and provides tools for supporting someone in crisis. Certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Taught by Master Facilitator Carla Abichahine. 1:00–4:30 PM PDT each day.

The Nervous System & Self-Regulation: Maintaining Relationship with Yourself in Times of Tragedy

A free live webinar exploring how our nervous systems respond during difficult times and how self-regulation supports our relationships — with ourselves and our children. 10:00–11:00 AM PDT via Zoom.

It's Never Too Late: Healing Parent-Child Relational Stress Using Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)

A free live event exploring how emotion-focused approaches can help heal relational stress between parents and children — and why it truly is never too late to rebuild connection. 6:30–7:30 PM PDT.

Your Complex Child's Neurobiology — Live with Kim Barthel

Join ParentDashboard Host Michelle Boshard and world-renowned clinician, author, and speaker Kim Barthel to discuss the remarkable complexity of children's brains and what it means for how we parent and support them. Free live webinar. 12:00–1:00 PM PDT.

The First 5 Years — Essential Developmental Milestones

The early years of a child's life are essential for healthy brain development. The five core areas OTs look at are: Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Social-Emotional development. Together with families, we identify functional goals in each area. The Infant Mental Health Promotion has translated recent research into practical guides for caregivers.

Child & Youth Mental Health Toolkits

One in five children experiences at least one mental health disorder — and more often than not, they experience more than one. The "FLOWER" model used in Collaborative Mental Health Care beautifully illustrates the layered and complex nature of a child's presentation: behaviour, sensory, mental health, diagnosis, or any combination. A great framework for families and care teams alike.

Autism Spectrum Disorder — Fast Facts

A clear, accessible overview of ASD — what it is, how it presents, and why understanding makes all the difference. For more information and in-depth resources, visit our proud partner Autism Canada.

ADHD Webinar Series for Parents & Caregivers

A free 5-part ADHD webinar series in collaboration with BC Children's Hospital Provincial ADHD Program. Topics include:

• Practical Self-Regulation Tools for Children with ADHD
• ADHD Basics
• ADHD Treatment in Children & Youth
• Parenting a Child with ADHD
• ADHD Goes to School

Wandering Prevention Resources for Families of Children with Autism

Wandering by children with autism is common, dangerous, and a significant source of family stress. Autism Speaks has compiled practical safety tips and resources to help families prevent wandering and reduce risk. Six key tips include: securing your home, considering a tracking device, using an ID bracelet, teaching swimming, alerting neighbours, and contacting first responders in advance.

OCD & Related Disorders — Resources for Families

Everyone has unwanted thoughts from time to time — but for children with OCD, these thoughts and compulsions become deeply distressing and hard to move past. The Kelty Centre, in partnership with BC Children's Mental Health Program, has compiled a recommended resource list including websites, guides, books, and provincial support services to help families understand and navigate OCD.

Internet Safety for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Many autistic individuals find comfort and connection through the internet — but research shows they are more susceptible to cyberbullying, scams, and internet addiction. This comprehensive guide covers the risks associated with internet use and ASD, includes a detailed safety infographic, and lists online security resources for families.