***Any part of the editorials on the Prairie Spectrum website referring to CDS have not yet been certified. Prairie Spectrum and CDS are currently working together to deliver the most accurate and authentic information possible. As such, the editorials will be updated from time to time as new and validated information becomes available.
In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding. We encourage you to contact us if you find any errors or outdated information before it has had a chance to be updated. As always, please contact your medical, therapeutic, or resource professionals directly to receive absolute and personalized answers***
When someone receives life altering news, they can expect to go through a wide range of emotions. They may feel anger, denial, guilt, relief, acceptance, inner peace, etc. They may look for support groups or local resources to help them cope. Another thing they may do first is go into ‘research mode’ and try to find out as much as they can about the condition they/their child has just been diagnosed with. The local public or university libraries are two great places to find research materials that focus specifically on what ASD is. However, depending on where you are located, getting to a library may not be an option.
In today’s age of information, nothing is faster or more readily available than the internet. A simple search engine inquiry can net hundreds of thousands of results instantaneously. Sorting through those results; not so instantaneous. For those looking for area specific information, genuine and reliable results can be even trickier to find. Fear not though, Prairie Spectrum is here to help!
There are several ways in which your child may have received a diagnosis of ASD. Some methods include referrals through day care, school assessment, family general practitioner, paediatrician, or assessment through the Children’s Development Clinic. Happily, what follows after that fated moment is a little less confusing and about the same for most everyone.
One of the first things that will happen is that your child’s information and diagnosis will be referred to Children’s disABILITY Services.
Children’s disABILITY Services (CDS) is a program provided through the Manitoba Families Department of the provincial government, which supports families who are raising a child (or children) with developmental and/or physical disabilities. It is a program freely offered to Manitoban families at no cost to them. The supports and resources they offer are to assist parents in caring for their child (children) at home and in their own community. CDS is going to be a big part of your and your family’s life, so to give them the due that they are owed, we’re going to take a quick break here and come back to them a little later.
Getting back to those who’d like to find local supports, here is a quick overview of a few social groups and organizations whom you may be interested in.
Westman Autism Parent Support Group (WAPS for short) – This is a Facebook group of parents/caregivers who are raising a child/children with ASD. It is a non-profit group that was started around 20 years ago and whose membership encompasses families from all over the Westman area. Their goal is to provide emotional support as well as facilitate information sharing. Signing up is free! Right now there are about 70 members. Simply go to your Facebook search command and enter in the group name. It is also a private, closed group, so anything shared within is not seen by others looking at your newsfeed.
Inclusion Westman (formerly known as Community Living-Brandon) – This is a local chapter of the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) and under the headship of the Community Living Manitoba branch. They are a voluntary, not-for-profit, organization committed to assisting those who live with an intellectual disability, by promoting their full inclusion in the community. They hold several functions throughout the year, including fundraisers and advocacy classes. They have also recently started a Facebook support group, ‘Inclusion Westman Families’. For more information on this fantastic organization, please visit their website or any one of their social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter-@CLBdn)
Learning Disability Association of Manitoba – Brandon Chapter (LDAM-Bdn) – This organization works with people of all ages who have intellectual and attention deficit disorders to reach their goals and live better lives. They also provide educational and networking support for the friends and families of these individuals. Parenting classes, information nights and monthly support group meetings for teens, adults, and parents/caregivers are just some of the ways this association helps out their local community and promotes inclusivity.
Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre (ERFRC) – This establishment is probably one of the best kept secrets in Westman. They offer a wealth of parenting programs, support, and education to the Westman community (over forty programs offered now!)From parenting classes to family activities to respite childcare, the ERFRC has something for everyone. Call them at 204-726-6280 to find out more and learn how you can sign up for their newsletter of seasonal programs.
Lastly, we come to Autism Winnipeg PACE (Parent of Autistic Children Everywhere) – Don’t let the location in the name fool you. While all of the events held by this group (a Facebook group, by the way) are held in the Twin River city, this group is a fantastic place for parents/caregivers to go to share their darkest fears, their greatest victories, their frustrations, their anger, their joys, the highs and lows, and everything in between. To speak with a group of people who understand where they are coming from and who don’t judge. There are members from all over the province here and a lot of good discussions are going on every day. The special events they hold are for every age group and can include all family members. Right now there is no PACE group in Brandon, however the founder of this amazing group is currently in the process of moving to the Westman area and hopes to start one early 2018. So be on the lookout!
These five supports are by no means the only ones available to Manitobans living in Westman. There are dozens more all over Canada that you may be interested in. For the sake of simplicity and not wanting to overload you with an info dump, the five listed here are thought to be the most pertinent. Under the Local Resources, Organizations, & Supports heading, you will be able to find more on these organizations, as well as others.
Now let’s get back to that organization we mentioned earlier: CDS.