Autism Society Manitoba Conference is on October 3, 2016



Professional Development Days for Manitoba Educators and Support Staff

On The Spectrum Therapy Services will be providing half-day workshops for 2 separate school divisions in Winnipeg, Manitoba in September and October 2016.

If you would like to schedule a workshop on Autism in your school division, please call (204) 415-7656 for more information.

Thank you.

Help, I’m an adult with ASD.

Many adults with ASD (either diagnosed or suspected) may come to a point where they are wanting to achieve certain goals but have limited awareness of where to begin.  The search for independence, autonomy and meaningful relationships and/or work can be strong yet there may be deficits in functional abilities that prevent a person from achieving success.

On The Spectrum Therapy Services assists adults with ASD in determining SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-oriented) goals and in building improved insight and awareness into the inner workings of the brain affected by ASD.  Helping an adult to become more self-aware and more in-tune with the surrounding environment (culturally, socially, physically and emotionally) provides an individual with an ability to begin to reflect on one’s behavior and the impact it may have on others.  Reading others’ emotions, body language, tone of voice, figures of speech, sarcasm and general mood is a skill that requires effort, concentration and a fair amount of emotional energy.

A key component to dissect is MOTIVATION.  Therapy sessions are geared towards identifying motivators (what provides ‘meaning’ to an individual?) and in creating a step-by-step action plan to facilitate an individual’s success in goal attainment.

Using a strengths-based approach, On The Spectrum Therapy Services works with adults of all ages to promote participation in meaningful occupations so that individuals with ASD can feel efficacious, proud and productive.



Relationship Struggles: Counselling Services for Individuals, Couples and Families

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be challenged with interpersonal, relationship or family dynamics due to the often puzzling social nuances and miscommunication that occurs from time to time. What starts out as a small conflict can quickly escalate into an erupting volcano when the communication breaks down between individuals.  On The Spectrum Therapy Services assists individuals and families in opening up lines of communication by facilitating a deeper understanding of the potential perceptual differences and guiding the family to a common ground.  Other interventions may include supporting individuals in developing healthier coping skills, a better awareness of how one’s behavior can impact on others (perspective-taking) and practical strategies to manage ‘in the moment’ conflict.

Whether the struggles stem from parenting frustrations (not feeling heard), individual client perceptions (s/he is doing it wrong), poor coping strategies (meltdowns), issues with self-esteem (everybody hates me, I’m a failure), loss of perceived control (sensory overload, unpredictability of partner) or intimate relationship difficulties (intimacy, affection, expectations) speaking with a therapist who can help navigate the waters of ASD will provide clarity and thus more harmonious relationships overall.

Call to schedule your appointment.  Individuals, couples and families welcome.

Adults Developing Independence

Many young adults (ages 16-30 years) with Autism Spectrum Disorder require assistance with learning the skills to become independent in daily living.  On The Spectrum Therapy Services provides individualized support in acquiring the skills necessary to achieve maximum independence and improved mental health.

Areas of Intervention for an ADULT with ASD may include addressing the following:

  • Self-management:  Developing schedules, routines, time management, prioritizing, goal setting, determining motivators
  • Self-Care:  Learning the importance of proper grooming, hygiene, sleep hygiene, nutrition, dental care
  • Stress Management:  Developing self-awareness, triggers to stress/anxiety, coping strategies, relaxation practices
  • Meal Preparation:  Meal planning, grocery shopping, budgeting, safe cooking skills, kitchen safety, healthy eating
  • Transportation:  Learning bus routes, accessing public transit, pre-planning routes, safety awareness in the community
  • Social Skills:  Learning the impact of behavior on social perceptions, preparing for job interviews, preparing for dating, body language, gestures, eye contact, figures of speech, nuances in non-verbal communication, navigating family dynamics/relationships with family and friends, initiating/maintaining and ending conversations

Adults with Autism

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Do you have an adult child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Are you an adult with ASD?

ASD is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental disorder so it would stand to reason that our children with ASD grow up to be adults with ASD.  As adulthood approaches, many hurdles have already been tackled and it is the refinement of skills that is needed.  In some cases, some of the early childhood issues remain problematic or challenging.   As you know, when you meet one person with autism, you meet one person with autism.  There are no two people with ASD that are alike.  Each person has unique strengths, talents, skills and a personality that shines.

Issues of adulthood may be very different from the early days of picky eating, toilet-training difficulties, sleep deprivation and managing morning routines.  However, there are various concerns that may continue to exist for the adult with Autism.  Since some of the daily challenges stem from having difficulties in the domains of social communication, organization (behavior) and managing self-regulation of emotions, some adults with ASD will have these questions:

  • How do I organize myself to get through the day?
  • How do I prepare a meal?
  • How do I shop for groceries?
  • How do I pay my bills?
  • How do I get a job?
  • How do I keep my friendships?
  • How do I ask a person out on a date?
  • How do I manage intimate relationships?
  • How do I interact with people at work to make it a pleasant place to be?

For parents or caregivers of adults with ASD, there may be more significant issues that are of concern in day to day living.  Depending on the person’s cognitive abilities and communication skills, each adult child will function at varying degrees of independence.  Some adults with ASD will require supported living environments.  In this case, how does the caregiver promote the ongoing development of independent living skills in that individual? What are the barriers to that individual living a more fulfilling independent existence?

If you would like more guidance in the area of supporting an adult with ASD, please call 204 415-7656 to book your therapist.  Help is only a phone call away.