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balancesscs.bsky.social
Balance Support & Self Care Studios
@balancesscs.bsky.social
89 followers 70 following 370 posts
Balance Support & Self Care Studios is a Hamilton-based not-for-profit supporting Ontario parents/caregivers of individuals with diverse needs

https://linktr.ee/BalanceSSCS
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balancesscs.bsky.social
We've compiled a list of Sensitive Santa / inclusive holiday events in Ontario!

www.canva.com/design/DAG4y...

#HamOnt #autism #sensory #Christmas #holiday #SensitiveSanta
Festive blue and white graphic reading 'Looking for Sensitive Santa events?' with Santa in headphones. Pine branches frame the design
November 16, 2025 at 9:10 AM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Parents/caregivers -

You've registered your child in the #OAP. Now what?

Read on here tinyurl.com/4jw2c5rh

Learn about what programs you can apply for & things to do to support your child

#HamOnt #autism
Square Canva image with light blue background, abstract design elements and watermarked Balance SSCS logo. Blue text reads "I've Registered My Child in the OAP. Now What? Read about what you can do, apply for and access once you've registered your child in the Ontario Autism Program"
November 12, 2025 at 7:27 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
What trustees do should be clarified

For example, if the school wasn't providing EA support or following an IEP, the parent would go to the superintendent

Trustees can't advocate on behalf of an individual student to the board if a school isn't meeting their needs

#OntEd #ONpoli #HamOnt #autism
Screen capture from CP24 article titled "‘Better call Paul’: Advocates say students with special learning needs left behind by school board takeovers" Text reads "Evangelisto said there is no one within the school system tasked with advocating for students with special learning needs. Without trustees, she said, there is nobody parents can turn to, to intervene when there are problems that can’t be resolved with frontline school staff." Screen capture from CP24 article titled "‘Better call Paul’: Advocates say students with special learning needs left behind by school board takeovers" Text reads "Bruce McIntosh, a board member and founding president of the Ontario Autism Coalition, said trustees have frequently been called on to help address problems where students with special needs have fallen through the cracks."
November 11, 2025 at 11:01 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
We work very hard to inform ON parents/caregivers of public services they can access for their autistic children

BUT organizations who deny our posts make it very hard to get that info out there

#OAP #Autism #HamOnt #neurodiversity
Screenshot of a declined Facebook post from the Canadian National Autism Foundation group. The post includes an infographic about the Ontario Autism Program, featuring sections on registration steps, funding, and additional resources. The infographic is highlighted with teal and beige colors. Below, a description explains the infographic's purpose. The tone is informative, offering guidance for parents of children with autism.
November 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Advocacy in action!

We met w/Minister Parsa at QP on Nov 4 to discuss the #OAP

As parents of autistic/ND children ourselves, we have lived-in experience dealing w/the complexities of accessing public services

Thanks to Minister Parsa & his team for a productive meeting

#ONpoli #HamOnt #autism
Three people stand smiling in a well-lit room. The man in the middle is Ontario Minister Michael Parsa. He wears a suit with a poppy pin. He is flanked by two women , Myra Zettel and Sarah Klodnicki of Balance Support and Self Care Studios
November 6, 2025 at 6:33 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
NEW!

Check out our list of upcoming virtual and in-person inclusive, autism-related and disability events for Hamilton & surrounding area

www.canva.com/design/DAG34...

#HamOnt #autism #disability #neurodiversity
Text reads: "November Events! Check out upcoming virtual and in-person autism or disability-related events for Hamilton region and surrounding area"
November 6, 2025 at 5:49 AM
balancesscs.bsky.social
DYK

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) consists of BOTH direct funding & funded programs?

For more info, go here: tinyurl.com/4wfntazs

#HamOnt #autism #OntarioAutism #OntarioAutismProgram #OAP
Square Canva image with pale yellow background and blue coloured abstract designs Inside a blue circle white text reads "Did you know? The Ontario Autism Program - OAP in parentheses - consists of both direct funding and funded programs?". The Balance SSCS logo is in the bottom left corner
November 5, 2025 at 6:29 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
DYK if your child is registered in the #OAP you can access FREE Foundational Family Services?

These are meant to give you more info about your child's neurotype & how to support them

READ more here tinyurl.com/3b8whdew

#HamOnt #autism #OntarioAutism #OntarioAutismProgram
Square Canva image with blue background and abstract design elements in the corners Inside of a blue circle white text reads "Did you know? Families registered in the Ontario Autism Program can access FREE workshops, consultations & groups?". The Balance SSCS logo is at the bottom left corner
November 5, 2025 at 12:46 AM
balancesscs.bsky.social
We also met with PA Natalie Pierre regarding seclusion rooms

We don't believe they're "needed" because there ARE alternatives - www.ctinsider.com/news/article...

We need REAL change - not just more money into a system that's outdated & ableist

#OntEd #ONpoli #autism #EndSeclusion
Image is a screen capture from an article titled "Ford government having discussions to ‘better safeguard the use of seclusion rooms’ in schools" Text reads "Referring to 'seclusion' rooms, Dudley-Logue said they 'very much are needed, but yes, proper policy needs to be put in place on how and when they should be used.'”
November 3, 2025 at 5:55 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
A group has put out the results of their survey about the Ontario Autism Program

The OAP provides BOTH funding & free programs. While there's a wait for funding, parents can still access free programs

But results show there's low uptake on these programs which is concerning

#autism #OAP 1/4
Screen capture from The OAC Community Service Survey report 2025 There's a bar chart titled "Pillar Programs" shows percentages of OAP access: Entry to School 19%, Urgent Response 17%, Foundational Services 13%, Caregiver Mediated Early Years 9%.
October 24, 2025 at 5:44 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
After a period of pause & reflection, Special Needs Resource Centre is re-opening w/Fundamentals & @balancesscs.bsky.social

The centre will be an inclusive & safe space for all

Follow on IG at @specialneedsresource

More to come!

#HamOnt #autism #disability #neurodiversity
Inspirational quote on resilience and community from the Special Needs Resource Centre, accompanied by its colorful key logo. Positive tone. Text reads "What was once paused is now returning stronger than ever - rebuilt by the right people coming together at the right time, united by a shared commitment to creating the space our community deserves. Founder, Sarah Klodnicki and Co-Founder Lorraine Lowry"
October 11, 2025 at 8:50 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Wishing everyone a safe and happy long weekend!
🥧🤗🦃💓

#HamOnt #family #FamilyTime #Grateful #GiveThanksAlways #LongWeekend #WeekendModeOn #ThanksgivingWeekend
Image has the word "Happy" repeated three times. In the middle, the word "Weekend" is overlaid. At the bottom is the website address of Balance SSCS
October 11, 2025 at 8:25 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Oct 10 is World Mental Health Day

2025 theme: "Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies"

This is a day to spotlight mental health around the world, raise awareness & encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues

#HamOnt #MentalHealth #WMHD2025
Image has a fine line drawing of a person's side profile with stylized leaves in place of a brain. Text reads "Remember this: Be kind to your mind. World Mental Health Day October 10th"
October 10, 2025 at 10:06 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Join us for a #Halloween Fun Fair!

Come for an afternoon filled with costumes, crafts, games & sweet treats. Children & families can enjoy safe trick-or-treating & fun activities

📆Oct 25 at 12-3 pm
📍River Road Nature School, 2335 River Rd, Haldimand

tinyurl.com/nb7f56d9

#HamOnt #autism
Halloween-themed flyer for a fun fair at River Road Nature School in Haldimand, Ontario. Features cartoon ghosts, candy, a bat, and potion. Event details are in orange and white text.
October 9, 2025 at 4:50 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Staff are trained primarily in compliance-based strategies which are outdated. Not only that, but MoE guidelines (e.g. PPM 140) are compliance-based

Until training in trauma-informed care & neuro-affirming strategies is provided and MoE guidelines change, autistic & ND students will struggle #OntEd
Image is a screen capture from an article put out by The Conversation titled "Many autistic students are denied a full education — here’s what we need for inclusive schools" Text reads "Staff training must be comprehensive, mandatory and ongoing, centred on understanding the needs and strengths of autistic and neurodivergent students. Indeed, previous research has shown that targeted professional development can strengthen teachers’ confidence and preparedness to support autistic students."
October 8, 2025 at 12:31 AM
balancesscs.bsky.social
DYK -

we've complied a list of Canadian inclusive businesses, neuro-affirming therapists & autistic artists/authors?

Still a work-in-progress. Please let us know of any places and people that we can add 😁

www.canva.com/design/DAG0a...

#HamOnt #autism #neurodiversity #inclusion
Abstract illustration of four silhouetted heads in various colors, featuring a person with a telescope and organic patterns. Themes of imagination and exploration.
October 5, 2025 at 12:07 AM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Oct 4 is #SistersInSpiritDay

Today we honour the lives of missing & murdered Indigenous women, girls & gender diverse people, denounce ongoing colonial, racialized & gendered violence, and stand in solidarity
with those affected by #MMWIG2S+ loss

#HamOnt #SISD2025 #NoMoreStolenSisters
Image has a Grandmother Moon symbol. Blue text reads "October 4 is Sisters in Spirit Day".
October 4, 2025 at 11:41 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
DYK that we're fundraising with Mabel's Labels?

Shop & support us!

Visit mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundra... & enter our organization

Thanks for helping us to support parents/caregivers of individuals w/diverse needs!

#HamOnt #autism #neurodiversity #disability #NotForProfit #SupportLocal
Picture has a pair of blue children's shoes, a blue pencil case with an alien motif, two turquoise snack containers and an orange spoon. At the top, text reads "We're fundraising with Mabel's Labels!" Under the picture, there's a teal coloured box with white text that reads "Mabel's Labels Fundraising. Go to campaigns.mabelslabels.com and choose our organization from the list! Then shop and your labels will ship directly to you with FREE shipping"
October 3, 2025 at 5:45 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Unfortunately our website is down

Here's an alternative link to view our statement regarding the Ontario government's plan to increase #autism core service capacity

www.canva.com/design/DAG0b...

#ONpoli
Screen capture of Balance SSCS's statement regarding the Ontario government's plan to increase core service capacity for autistic youth and children
October 2, 2025 at 9:14 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Oct is

-Augmentative & Alternative Communication Awareness Month
-ADHD Awareness Month
-Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month
-Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
-National Disability Employment Awareness Month
-Occupational Therapy Month

#HamOnt #autism #LD #disability #NDEAM2025 #OT #AAC #ADHD
Image has watercolour background with leaves and abstract patterns. Brown script reads "October is". Underneath there's a list of text that reads "AAC Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Occupational Therapy Month" Under the text is the Balance SSCS website address and branded logo
October 2, 2025 at 3:39 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
#DifferentNotLess

October is Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month in Canada

Autism is a different neurotype. It's not a disease or condition that needs to be "treated" or eradicated

More than ever, we need understanding, acceptance & support

#autism #AutismAcceptance #HamOnt #neurodiversity
Image with white background has a rainbow coloured light bulb that represents neurodiversity. Bottom half of image has white text on a red-orange coloured amorphous shape that reads "October is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in Canada" Logo and website link at bottom.
October 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
ICYMI

Here's our response to the US administration's claims regarding #autism

When autism is stigmatized & misleading info not supported by science is shared as factual - this causes real harm that cannot (and should not) be ignored

shorturl.at/6ci66

#HamOnt #AutismAcceptance #neurodiversity
Screen capture of Balance SSCS's response to the US administration's announcement that Tylenol is linked to autism, the drug Leucovorin can be used to "treat" it and to ignore vaccine schedules
September 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Attention!

Website is currently down. We're hoping to sort it out soon

If you have questions about the Ontario Autism Program, Spec Ed, navigating community supports, etc, reach out to us here, Facebook, Instagram or email at balanceSSCS@gmail.com

Sorry for the inconvenience

#HamOnt #autism
Blue grid background with pop-up windows displaying a large "ERROR" message. Includes icons of a frowning face and warning signs. Tone is urgent.
September 29, 2025 at 11:41 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Sept 30 is #OrangeShirtDay & #NationalDayforTruthAndReconciliation

People need to listen with open ears to the stories of survivors & their families, & remember those that did not make it home

To learn more, go to our blog rb.gy/83cgl7

#HamOnt #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation
Image has bright orange background. In the middle is Andy Everson's 'Every Child Matters' logo, White text reads "September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation"
September 29, 2025 at 4:35 PM
balancesscs.bsky.social
Research is evolving. As more is done, our knowledge of things changes

As with any medication (prescribed or OTC) it is always best practice to seek counsel from a regulated healthcare provider
Screen capture from JAMA's website of a research study titled "Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability" Screen capture from Tylenol Canada's FAQs section of their website showing the Safety + Dosing recommendations
September 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM