Empower Parents Workshop

Empower Parents: Support and Strategies for Parenting Your Autistic Child/Teen

Are you the parent of a tween or teen who has recently received an autism diagnosis?

These in-person, therapist-led workshops are designed to support parents with evidence-informed knowledge, therapeutic strategies, and a sense of community.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, school challenges, social struggles, or parenting stress, these sessions will help you feel more resourced and confident as you support your child.

For Parents of Middle School Youth (Ages 11–14)

This 4-session workshop is designed for parents of youth in grades 6 to 8, a time of rapid emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Together, we’ll explore how to support your child’s development while strengthening your own confidence as a caregiver.

Workshop Dates:
• September 19th and 20th, 2025
• October 3rd & 4th, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (each day)
Location: 111 Sherwood Drive, Ottawa, ON (Parking available on site)
Cost: $1000 total for 4 sessions (participants must commit to all 4 sessions)
Family Discount: A second parent/caregiver from the same family receives a discounted rate.

For Parents of Teens (Ages 14–19)

This 2-day intensive workshop is tailored to the needs of parents of high school-aged youth.

We’ll focus on the challenges faced by families who have received a late diagnosis of autism for their teen, providing evidence-informed knowledge, therapeutic strategies, and a sense of community.

Workshop Dates:
• November 21, 2025
• December 5, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (each day)
Location: 111 Sherwood Drive, Ottawa, ON (Parking available on site)

What You’ll Gain

Clear Understanding

Learn how the autistic brain influences emotional and social development in the tween and teen years.

Emotion-Focused Strategies

Strengthen your connection with your child or teen while supporting their emotional
wellbeing.

Parent Wellbeing

Connect with other parents who truly understand and receive support with parenting
stress and self-care.

Parent Confidence

Identify your parenting strengths and walk away with actionable next steps to support your child and work as a team.

"If you feel alone, this workshop is for you. First, I am so grateful for Joanne and Julia. This is such an amazing group and I would so highly recommend it. The facilitators work so well together and have such a wealth of knowledge. They created such a supportive and safe group environment. I'm also grateful to meet other parents who are on this journey. It helps to break isolation and is so validating."