3 week course

PARENTING COURSE

Parenting a Neuro-Diverse Child

3 week course starting January 12th, 2023 (Online)
Thursdays @ 7pm: January 12th, 19th, & 26th 
Led by Therapist: Nicole Callander, RSSW

Nicole Callander, Therapist, Mom and Founder of Friends 4 Kindness will present with a personal and professional lens on the topics of advocacy, caregiver self-care/circle of supports and how to prepare for transitioning into school and navigating the transition into adulthood.

Human Strong is a Bayridge Circle of Care Company

Parenting Series: Living with a Neuro-Diverse Child

How this workshop can help?

Hi! My name is Nicole Callander. I am a therapist, mother of two neuro-diverse children and the founder of Friends 4 Kindness- an organization that celebrates neuro-diversity and supports individuals who struggle with social connections. I personally understand how difficult it can be to sometimes "just be a mom" when you have to be a full- time caregiver, advocate and work a full-time job. In this course, I will discuss from a personal and professional lens- Ways to manage all our "hats" to help us prevent burnout and become a more effective advocate, caregiver and parent. We will discuss topics such as becoming an advocate and effective advocating skills. The importance of support circles and self-care as a caregiver and navigating the transition into school and then planning for after High School (adulthood). This course is beneficial for parents of newly diagnosed children, parents whose children are transitioning into school, and those who are planning for their child after high school and are navigating the systems and feelings after your child ages out of their therapists, school and programs. Being

Neurodivergent means having a brain that works and/or behaves differently from the average or "Neurotypical" person. This may be differences in social preferences, ways of learning, ways of communicating and/or ways of perceiving the environment. Some examples that fall within the spectrum of neurodiversity are ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, some Genetic Disabilities.

In the "Living with a Neuro-Diverse Child" course we will discuss :

  • Advocating: Becoming an effective Advocate
  • The importance of Support Circles and Self Care for Caregivers
  • Transitions: Transition into school and planning for after High School

"The world would be poorer and life duller if we were all the same" Neil Milliken

Course Contents

Week 1- Effective Advocating


In Week 1, we will discuss effective advocating. What is an advocate? How to become an Effective Advocate? The importance of having your child's voice heard- Why Self Advocacy is important.

Week 2- Circle of Supports and Caregiver Self-Care.

In Week 2, we will discuss the importance of creating a circle of support and caregiver self- care. What are the signs of Burnout and Caregiver stress? How do we take care of ourselves when we spend all our time taking care of our child's needs?

Week 3- Transitions into School and After High School 

In Week 3, we will discuss how to manage transitioning into school and preparing for after high school. What are my options? Where do I start and when do I start planning? How do I make transitions easier?

Interested in Joining Other Workshops?

Check Out the Monthly Workshop Schedule.

Online workshops are open to all Human Strong users.  Although the workshops can have limited seating, you're welcome to join as many workshops as you like.  We value the community and encourage you to share this workshop with friend & family.

Share on Social

Meet the Workshop's Therapist:

Nicole Callander, RSSW, Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Focus: Anxiety, Anger Management, Adults, Adolescents, Youth Issues, Self-esteem, Teen-Parent Relationships, Mental Health Issues, Problematic Behaviour
"I am registered therapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I have specialized training in Anxiety, Anger Management, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Individuals with Special Needs and Adolescents.

My biggest passion is empowering individuals to find the resources they need to become the best version of themselves.  

I am experienced in helping individuals of all ages overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, work and stress management. I am the mother of four children. Two of my children have special needs (my daughter has a severe genetic disability, and my son has ADHD, Executive Functioning issues and severe learning disabilities). 

It’s a rewarding and privileged experience to walk along the path of self-empowerment with my clients. I would be honoured to take the journey with you."