CARES
Caregiving for autistic individuals comes with unique challenges, and the well- being of caregivers is often overlooked. At Autism Ontario, we are committed to addressing the emotional, social, and psychological needs of caregivers, ensuring they have the resources to support their loved ones but also themselves.
Building on our mission, we're excited to share the many ways and resources we are enhancing caregiver support.
CARES: What,Why & How?
Our Resources for Caregivers
SAAAC CARES Caregiver Workbook
The SAAAC CARES Caregiver Workbook is a hands-on guide for caregivers of children with autism, designed to support their emotional and psychological well-being. It includes six structured modules that address critical aspects of caregiving:
- Caregiver Burnout: Identifies signs of burnout and offers strategies for renewal.
- Managing Stress: Provides personalized tools to cope with daily pressures.
- Helpful Thinking: Teaches techniques to challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
- Rewriting Our Stories: Focuses on self-compassion and reframing challenges.
- Problem-Solving: Builds flexible thinking and decision-making skills.
- Assertive Communication: Empowers caregivers to advocate for themselves.
How It Helps:
- Offers practical exercises to implement in daily life.
- Provides a safe space for reflection and growth.
- Encourages building strong peer connections during group sessions.
Upcoming Events
Autism Ontario is excited to host 7-week sessions. Each session lasts 1 hour, providing an interactive and supportive environment for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and gain valuable skills.
April 22nd, 2025 12:00 PM to June 3rd, 2025 1:00 PM
April 22nd, 2025 7:00 PM to June 3rd, 2025 8:00 PM
April 23rd, 2025 7:00 PM to June 4th, 2025 8:00 PM
April 24th, 2025 12:00 PM to June 5th, 2025 1:00 PM
Interested in Future CARES Support Groups?
Our support groups often fill up quickly, but we want to ensure everyone has a chance to participate. If you're interested in future caregiver support groups or wish to join a waitlist for upcoming sessions, please sign up using the form below.
By signing up, you'll receive early notifications about new events and available spots in existing groups.
Get Involved
Support the CARES Program: Empowering Caregivers Together
The CARES Program is a vital initiative that thrives solely through the generosity of fundraising efforts and grants. Every aspect of this program, from workshops to resources, is built to support caregivers in meaningful ways.
A significant portion of our success has been made possible by the generous contributions of organizations like Petro-Canada, whose support has brought the program to life and sustained its mission. To share the impact of this incredible journey, we’ve created a video that highlights the transformative work being done and the lives touched by the CARES Program.
Your support can help us continue this essential work. Donations ensure that caregivers and families across Ontario receive the resources and community they need. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Contact Us
For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at cares@autismontario.com.
We're always happy to help.