In this article in City Life, David Willis, Director of Strides Toronto’s activities as Toronto’s Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health and System Transformation, discusses the impact the pandemic has had on youth mental health and, in particular, on racialized youth. Youth feel isolated and alone, without peer support or the usual engagement in fun activities. But there is help available for youth that is free, anonymous and non-judgmental.

If you are experiencing a health crisis, please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.

The province of Ontario is now in Step 3 of its Roadmap to Reopen. Strides Toronto is gradually expanding our in-person services. Services are available in person, as well as online and by telephone. Clients can book appointments by contacting their service provider or calling 416-438-3697. We continue to accept new requests for service.

To access the What’s Up Walk-In, please call 1-866-585-6486. The telephone and virtual walk-in hours are Monday – Friday 9AM to 7PM with the last session between 6:30pm and 7:00pm.

The health and safety of our clients and staff is very important to us. We have taken a number of precautions and implemented processes to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at our locations. This video explains what you can expect when you come in to Strides Toronto for service.

All staff and clients entering Strides Toronto locations must answer NO to all of the questions in this COVID-19 Self-Assessment.

We will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and take actions, as necessary, to maintain the health and safety of our clients and service providers in line with public health advice and best practices.  If you think you may have COVID-19, please visit the City of Toronto’s assessment page. Updates on Strides Toronto services will be provided via this website.  For more information on COVID-19 please see visit Toronto Public Health’s website.

Strides Toronto applauds the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announcement on August 4th committing funding for foundational services addressing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a part of the new needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP) designed to provide families and caregivers a range of evidence-based services to support their children’s learning and development. Foundational Family Services will be individualized and responsive to families’ changing needs over time.

Strides Toronto is pleased to be offering Foundational Family Services in a variety of formats including group, individual, self-directed, virtual, and in-person services (temporarily on hold due to COVID-19). All families registered in the OAP are eligible to receive these services and supports at no cost. You can choose to access these services at any point based on your needs. There are no limits to the number of times you can register for these services.

We offer a wide range of Foundational Family Services. These services and supports may include:

Workshops and Coaching Sessions
We offer a variety of virtual education opportunities on a wide range of topics. Workshops will be delivered online either through video links or through our Zoom Healthcare video conferencing platform.

Coaching is integrated into our various services to support parents and caregivers to implement the recommended strategies and transfer skills.

Brief Targeted Consultation
This brief service includes coaching and strategies using Applied Behaviour Analysis principles (ABA) to address your child/youth’s individual strengths, needs, and goals. Consultations will be offered by phone or by video through our secure Zoom Healthcare platform to help address a specific goal.

Transition Supports
We provide supports and services to promote a smooth transition into the school system and the broader community.

Family Resource and Clinic Days
We have an established parent education curriculum, including training packages to support social communication and behaviour management. Strides Toronto encourages active engagement and participation in treatment sessions so parents can learn techniques for home and community settings

For more information about Strides Toronto’s Foundational Family Services, please contact 416-438-3697, ext. 19055, or email autism@stridestoronto.ca.