Curious Minds- Supports for Autism and other Dev Disabilities in Vancouver

04/25/2026

Once again we are faced with an Autism Funding gate keeping crisis and likely support for harmful ABA/EIBI. We must insure that families have choice in therapies that are a 'goodness' of fit, relationship-based, trauma informed and neurologist-diverse affirming. Dr Josh Feder is a leading advocate and DIR Floortime expert who has helped insure families and autistics have choices in the funding for needed and appropriate therapies. Here is what we are all about on the relationship based developmental and individual processing differences side of the field.

04/25/2026

Private equity companies are turning autism treatment into a multi-billion dollar industry, sold as behavior management. Many providers (myself included) believe that autism is not a behavior to manage, but a neurodivergent brain that should be appreciated, accommodated, and nurtured.

04/25/2026

03/27/2026

03/18/2026

If you’re in the Soo area you may want to check this out 🤗

⏰ Reminder: Caregiver Education Session – After an ASD Diagnosis 💙

This Wednesday, March 18 from 7:30–9:30 PM, join us for a supportive session on understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder, the caregiver–child relationship, and what comes after a diagnosis.

💻 Virtual or in person
🎤 Presented by Lisa Runco, SLP & RDI Certified Consultant
📞 Register: (705) 759‑1131 ext. 0

03/09/2026

Thank you, Coaching With Brooke!❤️

03/06/2026

03/04/2026

Great to come on board with Robin Walker and the team at Open Minds Core Services Centre to provide distance online consulting and training in my hometown of Sault Ste Marie.

Please join us in welcoming Blair Armstrong, BSc., Ph.D. (ABD), Infant Mental Health and Early Childhood Developmental Disorders. We are thrilled to have Blair joining us as a consultant and professional mentor!

In his mentorship role, Blair will be assisting our team through professional development, case consultations, and overall capacity building.

Blair has been working with neurodivergent children, youth, and adults, and their families for 30 years. As an RDI® and DIR Floortime® Consultant, Blair is accepting new families. Services are provided virtually, with occasional in-person sessions available. For inquiries and referrals, please contact the centre at 705-253-1157 or email info@ssmopenminds.org.

Learn more about Blair https://ssmopenminds.org/meet-the-team, and his services https://ssmopenminds.org/rdi®

03/04/2026

In this episode, Dr. Gutstein discusses how most autism treatment models are out-dated and don't take into account the current research. For more information...

03/04/2026

This graphic illustrates a popular quote “behaviour is communication” and asks us to dig deeper to see what is behind troubling behaviour. Download your copy here: https://self-reg.ca/behaviour-is-communication/ 🗻

03/04/2026

What’s really in play you say?

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬?
Playing with sand offers a variety of opportunities!

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Stimulates multiple senses simultaneously, supporting the development of sensory integration processing abilities.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Expands language & communication as they describe their ideas, share their experiences, and express their thoughts.

𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 & 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹: Unexpected things will happen! An opportunity to work on supporting teamwork, negotiation, turn-taking, and communication skills.

𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Digging, scooping, pouring, and shaping sand enhances hand-eye coordination, spatial planning, coordination, strength, and balance.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Encourages both steady attention and focus as they engage in sensorimotor and creative projects.

𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Encourages imaginative thinking as they create and construct various scenarios and stories, using sand to bring their ideas to life.

03/04/2026

With Racing with Autism – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉