Sarah Furlong Mental Health Advocate

07/19/2025

07/16/2025

Having completed my puzzle, I am reminded of the instinctual nature of motherly intuition. As mothers, we possess an innate understanding of our children's needs. Living in a neurodivergent household has inspired me to advocate for children and parents requiring services, preventative measures, educational support, and diagnoses to empower family units. I firmly believe that our society tends to be reactive rather than proactive in its approach. Today, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing my family's future trajectory. Nevertheless, recognizing that many families may not be aware of the signs or require support services to equip them with necessary tools, I will continue to advocate and provide assistance through the Mental Health Foundation of Canada. Mental Health Foundation of Canada Autism Society, Newfoundland & Labrador

07/16/2025

Fabulous playgroup being offered by the Autism Society, Newfoundland & Labrador . Looking forward to checking it out.

Littles Summer Playgroup – Drop-In Program for Children with High Support Needs (Ages 2–6)
The Littles Summer Playgroup is a welcoming, inclusive drop-in playgroup for:
Autistic children ages 2 to 6 with high support needs
Neurodivergent children (including ADHD, sensory processing differences, etc.)
Children with co-occurring disabilities or diagnoses
This group offers a low child-to-staff ratio and is designed to support children who benefit from higher support and quieter, flexible environments. Key Features:
🧸 Unstructured, child-led play — no scheduled activities or transitions
🌈 Sensory-friendly environment — set up for regulation, safety, and comfort
🤝 Caregiver-stay model — families stay and engage alongside their children
💬 Welcoming of all communication styles and abilities
🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️ Supports both indoor and outdoor play opportunities
Location & Schedule:
📍 Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism, with some sessions walking to the
Janeway’s fenced-in Therapeutic Rehabilitation Playground
🕙 Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
📅 July 3rd to August 28th, 2025
🌞 Drop-in format — come when it works for you
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning each week, this playgroup offers a safe space where children can simply be themselves, and families can feel seen, supported, and connected.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=t_74vYLkLESzUiOSnycP1BpbedcPBipGk9WCmK-PiURUNzYwSTFRWVZaVTBRVlhaSktTTzk1OEhQSC4u

For more information, please contact:
📧 Rachel Kenny at rkenny@asnl.ca

07/05/2025

FOOD FOR THOUGHT! The most resilient individuals I have encountered have often faced the most traumatic experiences. While it may seem that you are isolated, the majority of people experience some form of adversity throughout their lives. These experiences play a crucial role in shaping our identities and defining our life's purpose. I often wonder why some individuals are presented with more complex adversities than others, Is it because these individuals are destined to be the change makers in the world 🌎