Ride the Bus with Us

 If your child with autism is not comfortable using public transportation then this workshop is for you! The Centre for Autism Services Alberta has teamed up with Edmonton Transit System (ETS) to offer a four-week workshop on using public transit that is designed specifically for parents and their child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
What will participants learn?
Parents will learn about ETS services to support people with special needs. Parents will learn behavioural and sensory strategies to help their child cope with public transit. Parents will practice these strategies with their child in a safe environment during field trips.

A child with ASD will learn the rules for taking a city bus or LRT. Under the guidance of the Centre’s Occupational Therapists, a child will practice riding the bus and using public transportation. Desensitization strategies and social skills will help kids become more comfortable with public transportation.

Who should take this course? This course is open to children with ASD 5 years of age and older who receive specialized services from the Centre for Autism Services Alberta. At least one parent must attend. Siblings and other family members are also welcome to participate. All levels of ability will be accommodated.

Contact: Gail Stanford at: 780-488-6600, ext 216
email : gstanford@centreforautism.ab.ca

 Check out this You Tube video to help better understand what a person with autism may experience on public transit.

 Bus ride video

Cool Kids - Managing Your Feelings

Cool Kids is designed to help children manage a wide variety of emotions by working on the following skills:

• Identify a variety of feelings (happy, sad, mad, excited, worried and scared)
• Identify specific situations or events that are associated with certain feelings
• Identify a variety of bodily reactions that occur when a person is experiencing a heightened sense of emotion and rate the emotion on a 5-point scale
• Relaxation strategies: belly breathing, yoga movements and progressive muscle relaxation
• Identify additional strategies for coping and managing strong emotions (eg - safe place visualization, asking an adult for help, positive self-talk and positive thoughts) 

This group is for children 6 to 11 years of age who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and struggle to express their feelings in safe and appropriate ways. 

Dates: To be announced
Location: Centre for Autism Services Alberta

Address: 4752 - 99 St.

Contact Person

Gail Stanford, Groups Consultant
780- 488-6600 ext 216

gstanford@centreforautism.ab.ca