CARES | SAAAC Autism Centre

Written By Denise Koulis

The SAAAC Autism Centre is a registered charity based in Toronto formed to make autism services equitable for all Canadians. In support of its primary mission of increasing access to autism services to underserved communities, SAAAC engages in a wide range of advocacy and awareness building initiatives, in addition to providing free and subsidized programs for individuals with autism and their families. 

CHALLENGE

The joys and responsibilities of parenting a child with complex needs often come with a high degree of stress, as there are many demands put on parents. Whether it's the feelings of being overwhelmed after a diagnosis or dealing with the day-to-day needs of an individual with a developmental disability, caregivers of individuals on the autism spectrum generally experience high levels of anxiety and depression. In serving families over the years, SAAAC have come to deeply understand that the well-being of the children they serve is intrinsically tied to the well-being of their parents.  Parental distress increases the likelihood of comorbid mental health concerns in children with autism. When left unaddressed, the psychological distress most often reported by caregivers can lead to a downward spiral of increasing crises affecting the whole family.  

INNOVATION

To prevent this downward spiral, SAAAC has implemented the CARES program. CARES is an eight-week skills-based support group program that connects caregivers to each other and shows them that they're not alone in their struggles; as well as assist them in supporting their own mental health. Using trained peer facilitators, CARES aims to empower and serve diverse communities through a culturally responsive framework, which engages caregivers whose experiences and cultures are traditionally excluded from mainstream settings.

 
“Even if you are helping just one person, that thoughtful action helps create a ripple effect that can be felt far and wide. I know that the work we are doing at the SAAAC Autism Centre is not just helping children and youth with ASD, but also helping build a more supportive and inclusive society.”
— Geetha Moorthy | Founder and Executive Director, SAAAC Autism Centre
 
 

Connect

Website: https://saaac.org/
Email: cares@saaac.org

Denise Koulis
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