People with loved ones on the autism spectrum are encouraged these days by some new and expanded access to support services in our region.
The new aspect involves virtual clinics, where a North Bay group offers help to people to deal with autism.
According to the organization Hands - The Family Help Network, one in 66 children in Canada are living with various levels of autism.
Hands currently holds autism walk in clinics on the first Tuesday of every month, but now it's also taking its services to a virtual level.
“It's not always easy for families to get themselves where they need to go for services. And it's really important to us as an agency to reach out to as many people as we can, so they can access the information that they need.” said Jose Vince, of Hands – The Family Help Network.
The clinics will allow families across the north to connect with someone from Hands the same day they call in for an appointment.
And it even has families from as far away as Moosonee signing up to use the service.
“We want to be able to provide them with resources available to grow and learn how they can support students with various needs in the school. So, being able to have access to chat virtually with people from Hands has really had a warm welcome here in the school and we've had some staff members sign up already who want to take part in virtual clinics.” said Stephen Tod, Principal of Moosonee Public School.
Officials say the clinics will help address concerns, as well provide family supports and resources.
So why is it important for the organization to help families outside of North Bay?
“They’re the same as our families in North Bay, and they need that support as well. It's also important too, for them to know that someone is there and that they do have access to similar services.” said Laura Boudreau, of Hands.
Currently the organization holds its virtual clinics every other Tuesday from noon until six, but says it's looking to add more .
