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We are committed to offering meaningful services that reflect the real needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families. Our groups are designed to build connection, support skill development, and foster a strong sense of identity and resilience. Our services are thoughtfully designed to meet clinical needs while remaining flexible and person-centered. We integrate evidence-based approaches with lived experience to promote resilience, confidence, and a sense of community. Whether you are navigating life with a differently wired brain or supporting someone who is, we are here to support you.
Co-facilitated by Dr. Julia Ryan (C. Psych), Dr. Kelly Weegar (C. Psych), and Joanne Doucette (MSW), Empower Parents is a supportive, skills-based 2-day workshop designed for parents and caregivers of autistic children and youth who want to better understand and support their child’s mental and emotional well-being. Grounded in autism-informed and emotion-focused care, the workshop explores how the autistic brain influences emotional regulation, stress responses, and social development, and how these factors intersect with anxiety, mood, behavior, and daily mental health challenges. Parents learn practical strategies to strengthen connection, support emotional regulation, and reduce overwhelm—both for their child and for themselves. Alongside skill-building, the workshop offers a compassionate space for reflection, shared understanding, and connection with other parents who recognize the emotional demands of caregiving. Participants leave with greater clarity, increased confidence, and actionable next steps to support their child’s mental health while sustaining their own.
For more information on dates, cost, and registration, please see below. Please note that these workshops are now VIRTUAL for parents across Ontario. Please contact julia@drjuliaryan.ca for any questions.
Led by Erin Shaheen (SSW), these workshops are built on her unique blend of professional experience as a disability advisor providing counselling for academic success and independence to youth and parents, and her personal, lived experience parenting a neurodivergent young adult. Erin offers a compassionate and practical space to help you identify key strategies and resources to guide your child toward a successful and independent launch into adulthood.
We are offering two distinct two-part virtual workshops to meet different needs:
1. Preparing for College and University: This workshop is for parents whose neurodivergent young adult is attending post-secondary in the fall. You will gain valuable knowledge on topics like funding, housing, and accommodations, and learn skills to encourage your child's self-advocacy and executive functioning. The goal is to leave you feeling more equipped and confident in supporting their academic success and independence.
2. Exploring Alternative Paths: This workshop is for parents whose neurodivergent young adult is taking a non-traditional path. We will explore strategies to encourage well-being, life skills, alternative academic pathways, and work readiness. You will discover programs that promote your child's interests, build their skills, and explore the unique benefits of forging a new path, all while connecting with other parents in a supportive space.
This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers of autistic children and youth. We offer separate groups for parents of children aged 6–12 and youth aged 13–21, so content and discussion are developmentally relevant. The content is best suited to the needs of autistic children. and teens with typically developing verbal and intellectual skills.
Who is this workshop for?
Empower Parents combines autism-informed education with emotion-focused and mental health–supportive strategies. Parents learn how the autistic brain influences emotional regulation, stress, anxiety, and social development, while gaining practical tools to strengthen connection, reduce overwhelm, and support their child’s mental health and well-being.
What is the focus of the workshop?
Who is this workshop for?
This is a skills-based psychoeducational workshop, not group therapy. That said, it is facilitated by registered clinicians and includes meaningful emotional support, reflection, and normalization. Many parents find it complements ongoing therapy or assessment services.
What is the focus of the workshop?
Is this a therapy group?
Who is this workshop for?
Each workshop includes two full-day sessions (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day). Sessions include a mix of guided learning, discussion, practice, reflection, and opportunities to ask questions.
What is the focus of the workshop?
Is this a therapy group?
How is the workshop structured?
Who is this workshop for?
How is the workshop structured?
Who is this workshop for?
Currently the workshop is offered virtually, allowing families to participate without the added stress of commuting while receiving the same content and facilitation as in-person offerings. Future in person sessions may be available.
What is the focus of the workshop?
Is this a therapy group?
How is the workshop structured?
Who is this workshop for?
Is this in person or virtual?
The total cost is $1,000 for one person, which includes both full-day sessions. A $250 deposit is required at registration. The workshop is eligible for extended insurance coverage under psychology, and direct billing is available for most insurance providers. A discount is available for a child or youth's second caregiver.
What is the cost, and is insurance accepted?
What is the focus of the workshop?
Is this a therapy group?
How is the workshop structured?
Who is this workshop for?
Is this in person or virtual?
Yes! We are actively planning more sessions. If these dates and times don't work or you'd like to share feedback about your preferences, please click below to share your contact information and comments.
What is the cost, and is insurance accepted?
What is the focus of the workshop?
Is this a therapy group?
How is the workshop structured?
Will there be more?
Who is this workshop for?
Is this in person or virtual?
Empower Parents Workshop — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers of autistic children and youth. We offer separate groups for parents of children aged 6–12 and youth aged 13–21, so content and discussion are developmentally relevant.
What is the focus of the workshop?
Empower Parents combines autism-informed education with emotion-focused and mental health–supportive strategies. Parents learn how the autistic brain influences emotional regulation, stress, anxiety, and social development, while gaining practical tools to strengthen connection, reduce overwhelm, and support their child’s mental health and well-being.
Empower Parents - Winter & Spri…
Is this a therapy group?
This is a skills-based psychoeducational workshop, not group therapy. That said, it is facilitated by registered clinicians and includes meaningful emotional support, reflection, and normalization. Many parents find it complements ongoing therapy or assessment services.
What will parents gain from attending?
Parents can expect to leave with:
A clearer understanding of their child’s emotional and mental health needs
Practical, autism-informed strategies they can use right away
Increased confidence in their parenting approach
Support and connection with other parents who understand the experience
Greater clarity around next steps for supporting their family’s well-being
Empower Parents - Winter & Spri…
Does the workshop support parent mental health too?
Yes. Parenting an autistic child can be emotionally demanding, and parent well-being is an important part of this workshop. Time is intentionally built in to address caregiver stress, burnout, and emotional load, alongside strategies for supporting your child.
How is the workshop structured?
Each workshop includes two full-day sessions (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day). Sessions include a mix of guided learning, discussion, reflection, and opportunities to ask questions.
Empower Parents - Winter & Spri…
Is the workshop offered in person or virtually?
The workshop is offered virtually, allowing families to participate without the added stress of commuting while receiving the same content and facilitation as in-person offerings.
Empower Parents - Winter & Spri…
Who facilitates the workshop?
The workshop is facilitated by Dr. Julia Ryan, Dr. Kelly Weegar, and Joanne Doucette, all of whom bring extensive clinical experience working with autistic children, youth, and families.
Empower Parents - Winter & Spri…
What is the cost, and is insurance accepted?
The total cost is $1,000, which includes both full-day sessions. A $250 deposit is required at registration. The workshop is eligible for extended insurance coverage under psychology, and direct billing is available for most insurance providers.
Empower Parents - Winter & Spri…
Is there a discount for two caregivers from the same family?
Yes. We recognize the value of caregivers working as a team. A family discount is available when a second parent or caregiver from the same family attends.
Empower Parents - Winter & Spri…
What if I’m not sure this workshop is the right fit?
If you’re unsure whether this workshop fits your family’s needs, you’re welcome to reach out with questions. This workshop is often a good fit for parents who want structured, supportive guidance and community, whether or not they are currently accessing individual services.
How do I register or learn more?
Registration details and upcoming dates are available through the website. If you have questions, you can also contact julia@drjuliaryan.ca
.