Three partners are coming together to help families concerned about autism.
The Prince Albert Early Years Family Resource Centre, Saskatchewan Rivers School Division and Prince Albert Autism Services will present a Community Information Sessions on Feb. 4 at Vincent Massey School.
Barb Hunter, a Program Designer for the Prince Albert Early Years Family Resource Centre, said they were getting a lot of questions about autism services and wanted to offer more information.
“There is a lot of concern,” Hunter said. “There’s very high rates of it, (and) it’s such a wide spectrum. Here at the Family Resource Centre, we have a lot of families asking for milestones, like, where should my child be at?”
These sessions are being organized in response to a request from the Early Years Family Resource Centre’s accountability partner, Saskatchewan Rivers School Division (SRSD). The division asked the FRC to set up some community presentations that may benefit families and the broader community.
Hunter said they were happy to do so.
“We have partnered with Autism Services. They do come here once in a while just to talk with families,” she explained. “There is a long wait list with PA Autism services. It just kind of helps gives families some answers or direction.”
Hunter said the rise in questions and rates has been occurring for several years.
“It is a big, big issue and just because of wait lists, and resources, it brings a lot of anxiety,” she said. “The presentation is open to people that have kids that they just might be wondering where to start (or) they might already be connected to services. (It’s for) anybody that’s curious about anything.”
Ashley Duret of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Prince Albert Autism Services will conduct the presentation. It will be open to families, caregivers, and community members. This includes someone is just beginning to explore concerns, is already connected to services, or is simply interested in learning more, everyone is welcome to attend.
Hunter said hosting an information session like this helps increase awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including the assessment process, how to access services, and what supports are available locally.
“We know that for many families—especially those with very young children—not knowing where to start can feel overwhelming and anxiety-provoking,” she said.
Hunter added that Duret will also answer questions about autism and autism services
This is the first of several presentations on different topics coming to the community with more to be announced in the future
The Early Years Resource Centre is hopeful that this presentation will help reduce some of that uncertainty by providing clear information, a chance to ask questions, and an opportunity to connect with a trusted local organization in a supportive environment.
They look forward to welcoming families and community members to this informative and supportive session.
The presentation is at Vincent Massey School on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca
