ACT-Autism Community Training

09/16/2025

We are grateful to Clayton Heights Sports & Therapy Center for generously sponsoring the catering for our Managing Distressed Behavior training.

🥗 Lunch and morning smoothies are provided thanks to David and the Clayton Heights team!

Located in Surrey, Clayton Heights Sports & Therapy Center offers a wide range of health services, including massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, kinesiology, and more — supporting the path to better health for their clients.

Learn more about their services here:
👉 https://claytonheightsphysio.com/

09/14/2025

Great day of training at Kwantlen teaching Managing Distressed Behaviour

09/09/2025

🍂 Back-to-School Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Children

As families settle into autumn and children return to school, the transition can bring excitement—but also stress and overwhelm, especially for neurodivergent children and youth.

To support a smoother adjustment, ACT has gathered practical, neuro-affirming strategies that families can start using right away:
🔹 Create calm after school – Allow time to decompress before homework or chores, and offer choices like quiet time, movement, or a favourite activity.
🔹 Revisit and adjust routines – Simplify mornings and evenings with predictable steps, such as preparing clothes and schoolbags the night before.
🔹 Strengthen home–school communication – Share your observations with teachers and problem-solve together when challenges arise.
🔹 Create calm after school – Allow time to decompress before homework or chores, and offer choices like quiet time, movement, or a favorite activity.
🔹 Support emotional regulation – Keep calming tools accessible at home and validate your child’s feelings after a long day.
🔹 Monitor energy and stress levels – Watch for signs of “after-school restraint collapse” and reduce extra demands until routines stabilize.
🔹 Celebrate strengths and successes – Recognize even small wins and share them with teachers to boost confidence and collaboration.

👉 Read the full article and explore more resources: https://www.actcommunity.ca/for-sale-boat-with-a-purpose-support-act-autism-community-training-copy-copy/

09/06/2025

Managing Distressed Behaviour – Day 1 & 2 Training
📅 Day 1: September 13, 2025
📅 Day 2: September 20, 2025
🕘 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
👩‍🏫 Presented by Allison Balfour

Supporting children and youth who experience distressed behaviour can be challenging. This two-day training provides parents, caregivers, and professionals with practical strategies and tools to respond effectively, while building understanding and resilience.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn evidence-informed approaches and connect with others.

🔗 Register here: https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/act-events/

09/02/2025

ACT Community’s Michelle and Allison are excited to announce that we will be teaching at Ridge Meadows College!
✨ Course: Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergence: A Neuroaffirming Approach for Community Support Workers
✨ We’ll also be teaching a second course in their Education Assistant Program.
We’re proud to partner with Ridge Meadows College to help build inclusive communities through education. 💜
Learn more about these programs here:
👉 https://rmcollege.sd42.ca/program/csw
👉 https://rmcollege.sd42.ca/program/education-assistant

08/27/2025

I had a wonderful day of learning with Kitwanga

08/25/2025

Today was a hot and great day teaching in Witset BC

08/12/2025

Register now for September training! Join Allison Balfour for Managing Distressed Behavior in Langley.

Details here: https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/act-events/

This in-person course, presented by ACT in partnership with Studio 3 Canada, is crafted to underscore practical, non-confrontational methods for both preventing and aiding individuals at risk of or encountering significant distress while displaying behaviours that may be challenging to support.

Attendees will delve into an array of topics including an Introduction to Low Arousal Approaches, encompassing interaction, defusing, and distraction strategies, alongside an exploration of Debriefing: its necessity and techniques.

Legal considerations and policy roles will be explained. Participants will gain insights into carers’ tolerance levels and responses to distressed behaviour, understanding the causes behind such behaviour, while acquiring strategies for effectively supporting with and managing behaviours of distress.

Evidence-informed training opportunities featuring provincial and international experts on a range of topics.

08/01/2025

🌱 We’re proud to support — a national conference focused on building health systems where every child and youth can thrive!

📅 Join us online October 29–30, 2025, for inspiring keynotes and interactive sessions on equity, advocacy, and youth wellbeing.

💡 Learn more and register: https://www.cpd.utoronto.ca/ccyc/
📌 Early bird deadline: September 19

07/31/2025

Way to go, Allison! 🎉

She’s featured in a new article by the Vancouver Guardian about the amazing work of Helicopters Without Borders—an organization connecting remote BC communities to vital healthcare services and supplies.
(https://vancouverguardian.com/vancouver-charity-helicopters-without-borders/)

We’re proud to support their mission and even prouder to see one of our team members highlighted!

📸 Photo via Vancouver Guardian