Autism Services at Lansdowne Children's Centre

12/18/2025

I Have Autism. I Want You to Know This at Christmas.

Christmas can look joyful from the outside, but for many autistic children it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and exhausting.

I created this resource to help children and their families gently share what Christmas can be like for them — and what really helps. It’s designed to support understanding from relatives, friends, and the wider family, without a child having to explain themselves again and again. Other diagnoses to follow over the coming days.

This free download includes
– Colour versions (masculine and feminine)
– Printer-friendly versions
– A child-led version where they can draw themselves or add a photo

It’s about making space, reducing pressure, and helping every child feel safer, seen, and understood during the festive season.

Free download — follow instructions in the visual.

08/25/2025

🎒 Back to School with Confidence! 💚 The transition back to school can be challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but with the right strategies and support, it can be a smooth and empowering experience. Download our FREE Back to School PDF resource https://loom.ly/-dOd4zY

💡 Top Tips from Autism Services at Lansdowne Children’s Centre:

🎒School Walk-Throughs – Familiarize your child with their school environment to reduce anxiety
🎧Sensory Prep – Identify and plan for sensory triggers like noise or lighting
🖼️Visual Supports – Use tools like Social Stories to help your child understand and anticipate changes
👕Dress Rehearsals – Practice wearing school clothes and using supplies to ease sensory discomfort
👋Build Relationships – Connect early with teachers and support staff to foster collaboration

📺 Explore Our Online Resources 🆕 New Back to School resource presentation available on our website!
https://loom.ly/-dOd4zY

PLUS visit our Autism Services Webinar Gallery for expert-led presentations on anxiety, sensory strategies, online learning, and more.

📞 Need support? Contact our Family Support Worker at 519-753-3153 ext. 268 or email autism@lansdownecc.com

05/22/2025

🥳 Celebrating Brantford’s most successful Smile Cookie campaign to date! ❤️🍪 ❤️ Local Tim Hortons Restaurants awarded Lansdowne Children’s Centre and Brant Food For Thought each $79,415.54, which in turn will support over 16,000 babies, kids and teens in the community! FULL STORY --> https://loom.ly/Ipf8D9Y

Through the sale of Smile Cookies and related merchandise at the 19 participating locations, over $158,000 was raised during the campaign, which ran from April 28 to May 4. Each organization received a total of $79.415.54.

This surpasses the almost $68,000 each organization received in 2024, and the previous record of just over $76,000 in 2023.

“Most importantly the funds we are grateful to share with Brant Food for Thought will make a difference supporting families, so their children reach their goals.” - Rita-Marie Hadley, Executive Director, Lansdowne Children's Centre

Lansdowne Children's Centre for child development works with over 3,900 babies, children and teens, as well as their families. Smile Cookie funds will go to programs like Every Kid Counts and Family Engagement Services, critical programs that support families and children beyond clinical services and provide opportunities for children and youth to explore and develop their interests, abilities and social skills.

Donations also contribute to Lansdowne programs that support a family's access to mobility and communication technology, and other specialty resources for improving a child's ability to navigate and grow.

03/25/2025

An incredible donation to Lansdowne Children's Centre that helped to provide our new SMART board and tablet keyboards. Thank you Adam and Niki! 💜💜💜

11/08/2024

https://autism-summit.strategicparenting.com/global-autism-parenting-summit/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=MW30%2B+-+BP+%284X%29+-+BROAD+-+EMBRACING+-+CO%3A+A+-+26.10.2024&utm_campaign=REST+OF+THE+WORLD%3A+-+AUSTISM+SUMMIT+-+CREATIVE+TEST+-+ABO+-+26.10.2024+-+PUR&utm_term=M%C5%BD_ADHDSUMMIT_TESTNA+NALOGA+%2B+NS+%2B+PRICE_IMAGE_25.10.2024_1080x1080_EN_V1.jpg&utm_id=120214304922820283&ad_id=120214305008240283&adset_id=120214304923330283&placement=Facebook_Desktop_Feed&site_source_name=fb&cmc_adid=fb_120214305008240283&fbclid=IwY2xjawGbN-xleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqxaBnUEUKwEdRnlAH_UXsAKXXVJ8LNk25ScjPRoi_0qu8toiMWBnwCJiOZLKnOl5b92o_aem_Rp-EnejQBhUTJS_C030uxA

Helping Kids With Autism Thrive: 25+ Experts Share Practical Solutions To Overcome Parenting Challenges of Raising Kids With Autism

10/03/2024

We're SO close! Lansdowne Heroes are closing in on the event target of raising $50,000. Just $5,000 to go! Let's rally our Heroes and get to that line! You can make a donation online here: https://loom.ly/4eNQ9ng

Support a team or an individual. TEAM SUPER JACK is our 2024 Lansdowne client ambassador.

THANK YOU to all our Lansdowne Heroes - fundraisers, volunteers, and all our amazing local sponsors!

We can't wait to celebrate the day with all of you this Saturday, October 5, in Brant Park!

10/03/2024

Do you have questions about Autism? Have your Autism questions answered by Autism therapists. Sign up to join an online workshop, Wednesday October 9 - 8:00 p.m. https://loom.ly/KoJY9eI

Learn more about managing behaviour and teaching skills, foundational family services and the OAP - Ontario Autism Program.

10/02/2024

A Caregiver Corner event for caregivers and Families of Lansdowne child and youth clients, Limited space available, Register online --> https://loom.ly/6NCwuuk

This Halloween-themed event is aimed at providing an enclosed area for those who have challenges staying with their caregivers, and a flat area for those with challenges navigating stairs and sidewalks.

Halls of Halloween provides an opportunity for children and youth to desensitize to costumes, noises, and waiting in line for their treat. It allows them to practice their greetings, requests and manners regardless of their communication style.

Multiple start times available, between 5:15pm and 6:45pm.

08/13/2024

06/21/2024

*Pre-register to receive the most updated information to this years Great Wolf Lodge Discount Code! Pre-registration will close June 26, 2024 at 5pm or until full.*

Families are being given the opportunity to enjoy a visit at Great Wolf Lodge at a special discounted rate just for Autism Ontario!🐾

Stays occurring September 13 - September 18, 2024.

DO NOT contact Great Wolf Lodge. Families will receive special instructions once pre-registration closes.

Details and registration link:
https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=9916

04/01/2024

In honor of world autism day tomorrow, we will be offering any families of children with autism free entry to our petting farm - please send us a DM for your code to book online today ! ❤️🤍💚🧡💛💙💜🩷

03/28/2024

Provincial Build A Bear!

** Registration opens March 27th 2024 at Noon** - TODAY

**South Region families only.

**Max. 3 bears per family, NO EXCEPTIONS.

**2 TIMESLOTS*

Link to register:

Limeridge Mall 9am-10am - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=9582&reset=1

Limeridge Mall 10am-11am - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=9584&reset=1

Join Autism Ontario as we CeleBEARate the Spectrum across the province and get ready to build your new cuddly friend to bring with you on all your adventures.

What can you look forward to?

You will make your way through an interactive process and create your very own furry friend.

You’ll be greeted by a Bear Builder who will walk you through these 5 simple steps:

1. Choose Me: Pick 1 of 5 furry friends
2. Stuff Me: Before that stuffing goes in, remember to put in the special heart that holds your love and wishes
3. Hug Me: Give your furry friend its first hug to make sure it’s stuffed just right.
4. Dress Me: Families will have the option to choose 1 (one) piece of clothing (limited selection) on the day of the event.
5. Take me home and name me. Get ready for adventure with your new furry friend!

Need to know details:

A limited number of tickets are available. Max of 3 tickets per family. No Exceptions. Bears are for children only, parents/caregivers do not require a ticket.

During the registration process, you will need to choose your furry friend(s) and fill in the name(s) of your child(ren).

Choices:

1. Smiley monkey
2. Pink cuddles
3. Pastel swirl kitty
4. Pudding Teddy
5. Lil brownie cub

"Pre stuffed"

Yes= Your furry friend will be filled with stuffing and left open to perform the heart ceremony. This eliminates all interaction and reduces sound from the stuffing machine.
No= You will receive your furry friend and continue your Build journey as usual

Cost: $5 per ticket (children only)

Parking: Free

Sensory Friendly Accommodations:

Private event for only Autism Ontario families
Time is before mall stores open to reduce environmental stimuli
Dimmed lighting
Little to no music playing in the store
A step-by-step informational guide that allows parents/guardians to plan their experience (will be sent after registration)