Being a parent can be exhausting on the best of days. The work is never really done. And while it comes with its own set of rewards—raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be even more challenging. So how does a parent or caregiver catch a break? If you have a child with autism in Toronto, where resources are abundant, it’s possible to find useful support systems with a little help.

Here are ten ways Monarch House strives to support parents and caregivers of children with autism in Toronto.

1. Getting Access To Respite Care Services
Burnout for caregivers is a legitimate concern. Parenting a neurodivergent child often requires round-the-clock attention, and there’s only so much time in the day. Monarch House can help parents look into respite care programs to provide a desperately-needed break, while ensuring that their child receives proper care in our supportive environment.

2. Looking Into Accessible Therapies and Interventions
Monarch House has access to a wide variety of professional services for neurodivergent children. Look to us for help with speech therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Having access to evidence-based interventions is critical for children with autism. In addition, for Toronto-based families there is the potential for increased funding for therapy programs to help alleviate your financial burden.

3. Seeking Out Support Groups and Peer Networks
‍It takes a village to raise a child, so there is no harm in reaching out to others in the same boat. Building a supportive network is key for the parents of neurodivergent children. Monarch House can be your hub to start up support groups and peer networks. This will give you the space to share experiences and pool resources. It helps knowing you’re not alone on your journey.

‍4. Looking For Financial Assistance and Benefits
We can point you in the right direction when it comes to getting help with your finances. It can be overwhelming for parents to navigate the complex web of monetary assistance programs, but there are many options available in the Toronto area—such as disability tax credits and funding for assistive devices. We can offer guidance in accessing these benefits.

‍5. Accessible Diagnostic Services
Monarch House can give you access to the diagnostic services you need. By having everything under one roof, we can significantly reduce stress for you and your family. Look to us to ensure early identification and timely intervention for children with autism, which is crucial for a neurodivergent child’s development. This also serves to get you the help you need, once intervention is underway.

6. Making Use Of Comprehensive Educational Support
Parents don’t have time to home-school on top of doing their regular jobs. We can work with you, and the school system, to make sure that your neurodivergent child gets the best education possible. We offer a variety of educational programs, tailored to support children with ASD. We can take some of the added educational strain off your shoulders by offering inclusive education practices and providing specialized instruction for educators. This equips schools to better accommodate your child’s diverse learning needs.

7. Finding Accessible Recreation and Leisure Activities
You can’t be the only person responsible for your child’s playtime. Parents of neurodivergent children need a break too. Monarch House can step in by offering inclusive recreational programs and sensory-friendly spaces for your child.

8. There Is Employment and Vocational Support for Parents
‍There are enough balls in the air already. Balancing caregiving responsibilities with employment can be challenging for parents on a good day. By offering guidance with flexible work arrangements, helping with access to vocational training, and providing advice on employment support, Monarch House can help to enable parents to maintain fulfilling careers while prioritizing their child’s needs.

9. Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services
Our focus on inclusivity extends to parents and caregivers as well. We recognize that with Toronto’s diverse population, families of neurodivergent children require culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Therefore, we ensure that support and information is available in multiple languages and that our programs are sensitive to a diversity of cultures.

‍10. Advocacy and Policy Reform
‍Parents of neurodivergent children need their bandwagon as well. It is important to campaign for policy reform and systemic change towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for families of children with autism. Change will come by amplifying the voices of caregivers and lobbying for increased funding and resources. Through a concerted effort, it is possible to create significant change at the societal level.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. For parents and caregivers of children with autism in Toronto, support comes in the form of a multi-faceted approach. From access to services to making use of community resources, to building advocacy, every effort contributes to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for families navigating the challenges of autism. By working with parents to implement these ten strategies, Monarch House strives for a future where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.