|
ACT has compiled a listing of volunteer community groups from across British Columbia as a community service to those seeking assistance or looking for information. These groups provide support to parents of children/adults on the Spectrum, and/or for people who themselves have ASD and/or for siblings and extended family members.
Some of these groups are not specific to Autism, as they assist families and/or persons who have a wide range of disabilities and/or require specific supports which share characteristics commonly found in ASD.
Post on ACT's Community Groups List
If your group would like to be listed, please complete the Community Group Profile Form.
Our list is divided into four regions, which have been aligned with Community Living BC's service areas.
Map courtesy of Community Living BC.
- Coast — Interior — North — Vancouver Island — On-Line Support (province-wide) -
|
Coast
|
|
|
A Social LIFE
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coastal
|
Focus of Interest:
|
families and caregivers of people ages 14-24 with Developmental Disabilities and Intellectual Challenges.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Practice social skills, have fun, meet new people, get out of the house, try new things. Network,
have snacks, play foosball, pool, basketball, xbox 360, and watch movies.
Our goal is to help families with older teens to help their kids make some friends, talk about support, play dates. etc.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Every second and fourth Sunday of the month
|
Languages Used:
|
English and laughter
|
Meeting Location:
|
Port Moody Youth Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
620 8th Street,
New Westminster, BC
v3m 1v9
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Stephanie
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(604) 765-9784
|
|
ABA Support Network
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coastal
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Small groups of ABA parents wanting to connect and network
|
Website:
|
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Various days depending on location |
Meeting Location:
|
9 different locations in BC (see contact emails) |
Contact Emails:
|
South Surrey Jenni -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
North Surrey Jennifer -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Cloverdale Terrie -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Burnaby Brian -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Maple Ridge Claudia -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Victoria Franca -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Armstrong Stephanie -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Abbbotsford/Chilliwack Stacey -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
ASBC - Parent Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Lower Mainland
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parent Support Group
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Provide support to parents/families with autistic children
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Phone Number:
|
(604) 434.0880
|
|
ASBC Richmond Parent Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coast
|
Focus of Interest:
|
ASD
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
There will be speakers for most meetings, sharing on topics related to autism. Parents can connect with each other for support and information.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Bi-monthly meetings on the last Monday of the month, at 7-9pm
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Steveston Community Centre, Richmond
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
4111 Moncton,
Richmond, BC
V6Y 2C1
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Autism Society of BC
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(604) 434-0880
|
Website:
|
|
|
ASPIE XX (Aspie adult women group)
|
Region / Community Served:
|
North
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Women diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome: especially older women who were diagnosed late in their life. And their partners, parents and/or significant persons in their life..
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
All women welcomed: if you personally are diagnosed and you are an adult female please join the group..
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Once a month
|
Time:
|
-
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
North Vancouver
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
16-288 St.David's Avenue
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7L 4X2
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Fatos Erguven Malmberg
|
Email Address:
|
Please call ACT at 604-205-5467 for this contact information.
|
Phone Number:
|
Please call ACT at 604-205-5467 for this contact information.
|
Website:
|
-
|
|
ASPIRES Society
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coast
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Assisting in the creation of social programs and recreational activities for youth with Asperger's Syndrome/HFA. Also to promote friendships of youth and child with like-minded personalities, ages and social emergence.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Support and promote information, through networking, social and educational programs/activities for youth with Asperger's and their families.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
1 -2 times per month
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
North Vancouver
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Stella Crofts-Fagerlund
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
BC Epilepsy Society - Chilliwack Epilepsy Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Chilliwack and surrounding areas
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Epilepsy
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide information, support, and advocacy.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
3rd Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Communitas Supportive Care Society
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
#1-9339 Mary St.,
Chilliwack, BC
V2P 1Y5
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Visit www.bcepilepsy.com to find regional contact
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-875-6704 (head office)
|
Website:
|
|
|
BC Epilepsy Society - Lower Mainland Epilepsy Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Lower Mainland
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Epilepsy
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide information, support, and advocacy.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
1st Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
510-999 West Broadway,
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 3T2
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-875-6704
|
|
Biomedical Treatment for ASD in BC
|
Region / Community Served:
|
British Columbia
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Biomedical Treatment for Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
This group was started by parents for parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in BC. It is a place to share ideas and lend support.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
As this group is new we haven't had a meet up yet but plan to in the future.
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Vancouver, BC & the internet.
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Laura Costas
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Burnaby BACI Chinese Autism Parent Support Group
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Usually there is speaker come to speak to parent group about various Autism topics and parents/child have social opportunity and experience sharing during meeting.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly (plus special events) Meet every 2nd or last Saturday of the month from 6:30PM to 8:30PM.
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
John Tsang
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-323-1328
|
|
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association of BC (CHHA-BC)
|
Region / Community Served:
|
British Columbia
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Families of Children who are hard of hearing
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
a province wide network of parents, families and friends of hard of hearing children
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly (plus special events)
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Surrey (some events are held at other locations)
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Janet Les
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-794-3772
|
|
CMHA Chinese Family Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Greater Vancouver Area
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Persons or family members living with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Every Third Saturday monthly
|
Time:
|
2pm-4pm
|
Languages Used:
|
Cantonese, Mandarin and English
|
Meeting Location:
|
The Caring Place Richmond
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
#340-7000 Minoru Blvd.,
Richmond, BC
V6Y 3Z5
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Bessie Wang, Canadian Mental Health Association Richmond Branch
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-276-8834 Ext. 12
|
Website:
|
|
|
DDA Vancouver Chinese Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Greater Vancouver Area
|
Focus of Interest:
|
General support for children's and adult's issues including ASD.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly: Every Third Saturday
|
Time:
|
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
|
Languages Used:
|
Cantonese, Mandarin
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
2083 E 37th Ave.,
Vancouver, BC,
V5P 1G3
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
John
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-323-1328
|
|
DDA Youth in Transition
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Greater Vancouver Area
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Support information for transition to adulthood.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly: First Wednesday of the month
|
Time:
|
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
|
Meeting Location:
|
Room 104/105 Pacific Community Health Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
2110 W 43rd Ave/W. Blvd.,
Vancouver, BC,
V6M 3W9
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Rachelle
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-264-1240
|
|
Disability Resource Centre - Chinese Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coastal & Fraser
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Cross Disability, parents of kids with diverse special needs.
-To provide information and resources for people with disabilities
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
-To explore job opportunities for people with disabilities
-In support of a future residence that will provide independent or assisted living for people with disabilities
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly: Every Third Saturday
|
Time:
|
11:00am - 12:30 pm
|
Languages Used:
|
Cantonese, Mandarin
|
Meeting Location:
|
Disability Resource Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
160 - 5726 Minoru Blvd.,
Richmond, BC,
V6X 2B1
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Disability Resource Centre: Ella Huang or Chinese Support Group: Katy Kwong
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
Disability Resource Centre: 604-232-2404 or Chinese Support Group: 604-270-0868
|
|
Down Syndrome Research Foundation Parent Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver, Burnaby, Fraser Valley
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Down Syndrome
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To offer a network for parents that provides encouragement and to share experiences, strategies and successes. We welcome parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
First Thursday of every month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
(no meetings in July and August for summer break - group will resume meeting September 7, 2006).
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
1409 Sperling Avenue,
Burnaby, BC
V5B 4J8
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Anne Eichmann
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-444-3773
|
|
Family Support Education Networking Making Connections
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Tri Cities & New Westminster
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Children & Youth with Special Needs & Adults with Developmental Disabilities
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide education, support and networking for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and/or developmental disabilities.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Times subject to change
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Locations subject to change
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Family Support Worker for the Simon Fraser Society for Community Living
|
Phone Number:
|
(604) 525-9494
|
|
Fraser Valley Autism Society
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Aldergrove to Hope
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Supporting Families dealing with ASD
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We offer support, information and resources to families and individuals dealing with ASD. We also provide social outings for families on an on-going basis as well as workshop opportunites.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Once a month on the 2nd Wednesday alternating between Abbotsford and Chilliwack.
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Abbotsford and Chilliwack
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Karen Davis or Tammy Hatch
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-490-3827 (FVAS)
|
Website:
|
|
|
Fraser Valley FiT Network Society
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Fraser Valley
|
Focus of Interest:
|
A Network created to keep Special Needs Families in Touch. Monthly FIT Meets, Seasonal Family Fun Events and Casual Coffee nights provide opportunities for parents with special needs children to "Get FiT" -Families in Touch
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
*Pump up your knowledge base when you attend a FiT Meet. Featuring Monthly Seminars with Guest Speakers on relevant topics you are sure to empower yourself with information and opportunities to Network within your Community.
*Step up your routine by challenging your family to attend a FiT Family Fun Event. FiT Family Fun examples: Family Picnic, Family Retreat, Pumpkin Carving, etc.
*Tone your emotional wellbeing by coming out for a Casual Coffee Night. These evenings promise good company, good food and good times.
if you want to keep 'FiT' email Hayley Nimmo at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or check out our website at fitnetworksociety.com
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
FiT Meets are the first Wednesday of every month with Casual Coffee Dates in between and Family Fun Events Seasonally
|
Languages Used:
|
English (many of our parents speak different languages)
|
Meeting Location:
|
Barnes Harley Davidson Dealership
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
8859 201st street,
North Langley, BC
V2Y 0C8
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Hayley Nimmo
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Website:
|
|
|
Gifted Children’s Association Parents Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Various Communities in Lower Mainland
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Gifted Children
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To foster parent support groups; to encourage the sharing of informational and educational materials; to promote parent growth, understanding, and skills in assisting the development of gifted and talented children. To help parents and other concerned individuals meet the needs of gifted and talented children.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
|
Languages Used:
|
Confirm with Regional Group
|
Meeting Location:
|
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Visit website to find regional contact
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
1-877-707-6111 (head office)
|
|
Learning Disabilities of BC – Vancouver Chapter
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coast
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Learning Disabilities
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To foster the full potential of persons with learning disabilities. To ensure that they have equitable access to education, health and employment opportunities
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Centre open year-round, close for statutory holiday
|
Time:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Corner of Rupert & Broadway
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
3292 E Broadway
Vancouver, BC,
V5M 1Z8
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Rachel Chiang - Information Officer
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(604) 873-8139
|
Website:
|
|
|
Parent 2 Parent
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver (we serve the lower mainland but meet in Vancouver)
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parents of children on the spectrum or with other special needs as well as support people, professionals and interested others
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
This is an opportunity for parents and people working with children with special needs to share information and make contacts in the community. (Not all parents come to us with diagnosed children. Other parents are dealing with various special needs, i.e. giftedness. Due to the co-morbidity associated with autism, many parents of children with autism can relate to a variety of other special needs as well.)
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Every Tuesday
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Canadian Armed Forces Base in Kits (this group is not affiliated with the service)
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Janan 604-221-0877 or Jenna 604-724-5509 or Sheena 604-224-0578
|
Phone Number:
|
604-221-0877, 604-724-5509, or 604-224-0578 (see contact person field above)
|
|
Parent Network for Parents with Children with Special Needs
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Delta and Surrey
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parents of children (0-18 years) with Special Needs
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We send out an extensive information weekly newsletter.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
We meet the last Tuesday evening of every month, except July and December, in either North Delta or Ladner.
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Reach Child and Youth Development Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
# 3 - 3800 72nd Street,
Delta, BC,
V4K 3N2
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Pam Collins
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-946-6422 ext. 359
|
|
RAPS – Richmond Autism Parents Support
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Richmond
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parent Support Group
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
An informal group which meets on a drop in basis; we provide information to parents of children with autism. We bring in several guest speakers during the course of the year to cover specific topics. We provide an opportunity for parents to network, discuss issues, share their successes, challenges and learn from each other.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
On the third Wednesday of each month, from September through June
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Disability Resource Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
#210 - 3671 Chatham Street,
Richmond, BC
V7E 2Z1
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
-
|
Email Address:
Website: |
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
rapsupport.org
|
|
Son Rise Parents Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coast
Online (Everywhere)
|
Focus of Interest:
|
We are a growing group of parents who are interested in implementing the Son Rise programme, or who are actively running a home based Son Rise programme in British Columbia.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
The Son-Rise Program® teaches a specific and comprehensive system of treatment and education designed to help families and caregivers enable their children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication and skill acquisition. It offers highly effective educational techniques, strategies and principles for designing, implementing and maintaining a stimulating, high-energy, one-on-one, home-based, child-centered program.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Sporadically
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Vancouver/Online
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Fiona
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Strathcona Chinese Autism Gym Social Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coast
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Autism and general.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We welcome drop in social gym at the Strathcona Community Centre
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Every Friday evening 7:30pm - 9pm
|
Languages Used:
|
Chinese & English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Strathcona Community Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
601 Keefer St.,
Vancouver, BC,
V6A 3V8
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
John Tsang
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(604) 323-1328
|
|
Strong Hearts Vancouver Parent Support Group for Young Children with an ASD (under 6)
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coastal
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Young children (6 and under), diagnosed or not, with an ASD or suspected ASD.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We are a newly formed group of parents with young children (diagnosed or not) that plans to meet initially on the Vancouver Westside one time per month in a family home. We are parents seeking other parents going through similar experiences and wish to provide each other with support as we go through the earlier years of their journey of recovery and healing. We believe there is tremendous hope with early intervention, and that recovery can be possible. We seek to exchange information and research on treatments and intervention and to simply provide an opportunity to lend an ear and support each other. Discussions on all aspects of ASD, treatments (including traditional and emerging), interventions, biomedical, family life, siblings -- all welcome.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
One time per month, most likely. Possibly 2 times, if needed
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Vancouver Westside, near UBC
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Fiona
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Support Group for Parents Who Have Children with Autism
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Maple Ridge (anyone can attend)
|
Focus of Interest:
|
1/2 Education, 1/2 Parent to Parent Connections
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
LAST TUESDAY of the month
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
RMACL Office. 11641-224th St. Maple Ridge
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Devon Clayton
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-467-8700
|
|
To & Through Adulthood
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Tri-Cities & New Westminster
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Special Needs
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Provide support to parents with special needs who are transitioning from school to adulthood.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Meeting times subject to change
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Meeting locations subject to change
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Family Support Worker or Transition Planner with the Simon Fraser Society for Community Living
|
Phone Number:
|
604-525-9494
|
|
|
Interior
|
|
|
Aktion Club
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Kelowna
|
Focus of Interest:
|
A community service group composed of adults with disabilities
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Aktion Club projects are unique to the individuals of the Club. This club is exactly what the members decide it to be and the opportunities can be endless. This new Aktion Club will build and enhance community partnerships, leadership as well as innovation and creativity within our community. Activities enable members to interact socially, demonstrate leadership and integrate into community and achieve personal and community service goals.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Schedule TBA at meetings
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Central Okanagan Child Development Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
1546 Bernard Ave
Kelowna, BC
V1Y 3W9
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
John McGale (250-763-2217 ext.12) and/or Cliff Andrusko (250-763-2217 ext. 11)
|
Website:
|
|
|
Autism Kamloops
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Thompson, Nicola, Shuswap
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parent Support
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Membership in Autism Kamloops and meetings are free and open to everyone. This includes parents, caregivers and professionals – with an interest in autism spectrum disorder. The aim is to bring people together to share information and to promote a better understanding of autism in Kamloops and region.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Fourth Wednesday of each month
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Kamloops
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Betty-Ann Garreck
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
250-376-5495
|
|
Autism Support Kelowna
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Kelowna & Area
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Support & Experience Sharing for Families of Children with ASD
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We welcome relatives of children with ASD & related disorders. This group provides families with support, information and encouragement.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
First Saturday of the Month and some weekly coffee groups
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Kelowna
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Tracey Hellmig
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 860-2740
|
|
Cariboo ASD Parent Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Cariboo – South Central Interior
|
Focus of Interest:
|
ASD parents, individuals, families and community education
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To support parents, individuals & families living with autism and to create awareness of autism in our community. To promote peer relationships for people with Autism in district schools & communities.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
100 Mile House, BC ( Box 1197)
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Kate Regan
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Families in Touch (FIT)
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Central Okanagan
|
Focus of Interest:
|
General support to families with children of all types of disabilities
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
FIT is a parent driven network. Our primary role is connecting families who have children with disabilities. Fit believes families share unique experiences, knowledge and are a valuable resource to each other. Together families develop supportive relationships with the community and decrease their dependency on services.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Kelowna
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Donna Long
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Gifted Children’s Association Parents Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Armstrong & Shuswap
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Gifted Children
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To foster parent support groups; to encourage the sharing of informational and educational materials; to promote parent growth, understanding, and skills in assisting the development of gifted and talented children. To help parents and other concerned individuals meet the needs of gifted and talented children.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
|
Languages Used:
|
Confirm with Regional Group
|
Meeting Location:
|
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Visit website to find regional contact
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
1-877-707-6111 (head office)
|
|
NONA – North Okanagan Support & Educational Group for Parents of Autism & Related Disorders
|
Region / Community Served:
|
North Okanagan – Vernon, Armstrong, Salmon Arm
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Support & Education for Parents of Children with ASD
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We welcome all parents of children with ASD & related disorders (0-18years). We provide support & education to parents and family events.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Once a month – first Monday of the month
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
NONA Child Development Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
2802 – 34th Street,
Vernon, BC
V1T 1W8
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Lorraine Donald
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
250-549-1281 ext. 215
|
|
Social thinking/interaction discussion group for parents
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Interior
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Asperger's Syndrome, high functioning autism, NVLD, ADHD: parents group for discussion about social interaction issues.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To support parents in their understanding of social interaction thinking skills
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Once every two months
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
my clinic in my home
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
12016 Cottonwood Lane
Coldstream (south Vernon), B.C.,
V1B 2E6
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Clare Fuller
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 542-5416
|
|
Stepping Stones Counselling Group - Navigating Our Social World Groups
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Interior
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Groups are for children and teens who have Autism Spectrum Disorders, FASD and individuals with other developmental disabilities or a dual diagnosis.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Our groups are designed to help children and teens develop positive social interactions and practice social skill building through the use of music and drama.
Our facilitators are skilled in facilitating engaging groups. Debra has her Masters in Social Work and specializes in working with individuals with various developmental disabilities or mental health issues. Robin holds her Masters in Music Therapy and works with children and youth and is experienced in providing music therapy to individuals with Autism.
Please contact Debra for registration information. All costs of groups are 100% covered by autism funding.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Mondays 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesdays 6-7:30 p.m.
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Stepping Stones Counselling Group
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
1720 Ethel Street
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 2Y7
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Debra Pyper
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 763-7414
|
Website:
|
|
|
West Kootenay Community Group for Autism
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Castlegar, Trail, Rossland, Fruitvale, Montrose
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Special Needs, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We welcome anyone who needs to talk and be supported or needs education/information. We discuss a wide range of topics including ABA, education, emotional support, etc.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Once a Month
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Trail
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Susan Henke
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Williams Lake Autism Spectrum Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Interior
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parent support and information
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide support, information and networking for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Guest speakers arranged depending on the needs of the group.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Child Development Centre, Williams Lake
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Malissa Kelly Angela Reay
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
Angela Reay 250-305-2524
|
|
Williams Lake Sibling Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Interior
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Support Group for siblings who have a brother or sister with a disability.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide support, information, friendship and fun to siblings seven years of age or older.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
monthly
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Child Development Centre, Williams Lake
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Angela Reay
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
250-305-2524
|
|
|
North
|
|
|
BC Epilepsy Society - Prince George Epilepsy Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Prince George
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Epilepsy
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide information and public education about epilepsy.
Provide support to those living with epilepsy
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
2nd Tuesday of the month from 7-9 pm
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Prince George Brain Injured Society
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
1237 4th Avenue,
Prince George, BC,
V2L 3J5
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Visit www.bcepilepsy.com to find regional contact
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-875-6704 (head office)
|
|
Butterfly Families Parent to Parent Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Fort St. John
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parental Support
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Every 3rd Wednesday, September - June
|
Time:
|
7:00-8:30pm
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Child Development Centre, Fort St. John
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
10417 106th ave.
Fort St. John
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
-
|
Email Address:
|
-
|
Phone Number:
|
250-785-3200
|
|
Quesnel Community Autism Committee
|
Region / Community Served:
|
North
|
Focus of Interest:
|
ASD
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
A sharing / support group for family members who work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
First Monday of the month 6:00-8:00 pm
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Quesnel Child Development Centre, 3rd Floor (Child care is provided)
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
488 McLean Street,
Quesnel, BC,
V2J 2C9
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Carla Fulton
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 992-2481
|
Website:
|
|
|
|
Vancouver Island
|
|
|
ASBC Mid-Island Community Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Island
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Support for families, professionals, and caregivers of people with ASD.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Bringing families, professionals, and caregivers together to share information, network, discuss specific topics, and share both the joys and challenges of living and working with people on the autism spectrum in our community.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly, 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
(excl. July & August)
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Oliver Woods Community Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
6000 Oliver Rd,
Nanaimo, BC,
V9T 6G6
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Alexandria Stuart
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 714-0801
|
Website:
|
|
|
ASSG Autism Spectrum Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Comox Valley
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Parent's group for those raising children on the Autistic Spectrum
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
We are a group of parents who meet monthly to share our experiences, offer encouragement, information and support. We occasionally have guest speakers from the community.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Child Development Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
237 Third Street,
Courtenay, BC,
V9N 1E1
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Jane Gadsby or Emma Salter
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 336-2113 or (250) 890-3277
|
|
Autism Saanich
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Island
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Support group for parents of children with ASD with a focus on school-related matters.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To share information, resources and perspectives with the primary goal of helping our children and their schools. Meetings with invited speakers are open to all.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Monthly (See website for details)
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Saanich Peninsula
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Mary Ellen Ross
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 658-4112
|
Website:
|
|
|
Autism Support Group of Port Alberni
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Port Alberni, Parksville, Vancouver Island
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Autism
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
Information & Parent Support, Advocacy, Networking, Connecting Families to Services and Resources
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Weekly
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Port Alberni
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Tara Patterson
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 724-6319
|
|
BC Epilepsy Society - Comox Valley Epilepsy Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Comox Valley and surrounding areas
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Epilepsy
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide information, support, and advocacy.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
First Tuesday of every month from 3:00 – 5:00 pm 3rd Monday of the month in the evening
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Comox Valley Nursing Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
961 England Ave,
Courtenay, BC,
V9N 2N7
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-875-6704 (head office)
|
|
Comox Valley Autism Spectrum Parent/Family Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Island
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Autism Spectrum Children/Youth
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide support for parents and families working with autism spectrum disorder.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Once a month
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Comox Valley Child Development Centre
|
Meeting Location Address:
|
237 3rd Street
Courtenay, BC V9N 1E1
Canada
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Patricia Rousseau
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
(250) 338-2981
|
|
Gifted Children’s Association Parents Support Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
South Island
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Gifted Children
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To foster parent support groups; to encourage the sharing of informational and educational materials; to promote parent growth, understanding, and skills in assisting the development of gifted and talented children. To help parents and other concerned individuals meet the needs of gifted and talented children.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
|
Languages Used:
|
Confirm with Regional Group
|
Meeting Location:
|
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Visit website to find regional contact
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
1-877-707-6111 (head office)
|
|
VSCA – Victoria Society for Children with Autism
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Victoria & surrounding area
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Autism
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To provide support and information to families of children with autism, and recreational and social opportunities to children and teens with autism and their families.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
VSCA has changed from offering monthly parent support meetings to monthly social events for members. These events provide a safe and accepting environment for children and/or teens on the spectrum and their siblings to have fun, while parents have an opportunity to meet others and ask questions. For upcoming events, please go to our website at www.victoriaautismsociety.com.
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
The location of our events changes monthly. Please see our website for upcoming events and locations.
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Leslie Clark
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
250-818-4662
|
|
|
On-Line Support
|
|
GRACING – Grandparents Realizing Autistic Children’s Involvement, Needs & Growth
|
Region / Community Served:
|
British Columbia
|
Focus of Interest:
|
Grandparents of Autistic Children
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
To serve grandparents that have autistic grandchildren by supporting each other and helping each other find solutions to problems
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
On-line discussion/chat board
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
www.yahoo.ca, click on groups and type in gracing. You will need to sign up for a yahoo account in order to join the GRACING group.
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Jacquie or Dan Bye
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Phone Number:
|
604-583-3502
|
|
Son Rise Parents Group
|
Region / Community Served:
|
Vancouver Coastal Online (province-wide)
|
Focus of Interest:
|
We are a growing group of parents who are interested in implementing the Son Rise programme, or who are actively running a home based Son Rise programme in British Columbia.
|
Your Mandate or Purpose:
|
The Son-Rise Program® teaches a specific and comprehensive system of treatment and education designed to help families and caregivers enable their children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication and skill acquisition. It offers highly effective educational techniques, strategies and principles for designing, implementing and maintaining a stimulating, high-energy, one-on-one, home-based, child-centered program.
|
How Often do you Meet?
|
Sporadically
|
Languages Used:
|
English
|
Meeting Location:
|
Vancouver/Online
|
Name of Contact Person:
|
Fiona
|
Email Address:
|
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
|
Community Resources 
