Child and Youth mental health (CYMH):
Foundry BC: https://foundrybc.ca/
Foundry virtual support: https://foundrybc.ca/virtual/groups-workshops/
Gender care:
https://www.plea.ca/transsupport/
Counselling/therapy:
BC-counsellors.org/counsellors/
http://www.psychologists.bc.ca
http://www.bcaslpa.ca/publicfind--professional
Neurodivergent-specific counsellor database: https://neurodivergentcounselling.ca/find-nd-counsellor
Medication (SSRI) info:
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/sites/default/files/resources/SSRI_MedicationSheet2022.pdf
Parent mental health courses:
Youth mental health courses:
https://find.healthlinkbc.ca/ResourceView2.aspx?org=53965&agencynum=17664814
Support group for older children with family members coping with a mental illness.
https://www.gv.ymca.ca/y-mind-teen. Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. This program supports teens who are experiencing symptoms of stress and anxiety to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope.
Anxiety resources:
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/school-attendance-webinars
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/anxiety
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/depression
https://www.anxietycanada.com/
Comprehensive Selective Mutism Program (Vancouver):
https://www.cornerstonepsychology.ca/club-brave
Selective mutism therapy - https://leapclinic.ca/our-services/
YOUTH POST-SECONDARY SUPPORT
Student Aid BC Appendix 8 for part-time students: application form
Student Aid BC Appendix 8 for full-time students: application form
STEPS forward information support: https://www.bc-ipse.org/about.html
CanWork BC Youth Tool: An online, self-paced platform specifically designed for youth with disabilities (ages 15–30) to build life skills and navigate their employment journey: https://www.canworkbc.ca/youth
WorkBC Centres: There are 102 locations across B.C. where you can meet with a job counsellor to create a personalized employment plan: https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/workbc-centre-locations
Based on established research, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can mitigate the negative long-term health and psychological outcomes associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), demonstrating a beneficial protective effect that fosters resilience. This means that experiencing certain positive relationships and environments can help to offset, or buffer, the harmful impact of childhood trauma, thereby improving overall well-being later in life.
Supporting research
Bethell et al. (2019): In a large-scale population study, researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between PCEs and positive mental health outcomes in adults who had experienced ACEs. Those who reported more PCEs had significantly lower odds of depression or poor mental health.
Aparicio (2016): Research suggests that maltreated parents can use their positive memories to break the intergenerational cycle of trauma. PCEs serve as a source of resilience, allowing them to provide better parenting for their own children.
Crandall et al. (2019): This study found that higher levels of PCEs were associated with less depression and stress in adulthood, even after accounting for ACEs. However, the buffering effect was less pronounced for individuals with the highest levels of ACEs.
Karatzias et al. (2020): Research on individuals with complex PTSD shows that PCEs are associated with fewer symptoms of disturbances in self-organization, a key component of complex trauma, even when controlling for ACEs.
Kuhar & Kocjan (2021): A study on Slovenian adults found that higher PCE scores significantly attenuated the association between ACEs and poor self-rated physical and mental health. PCEs were negatively associated with these poor health outcomes, even in the presence of ACEs.
Canadian Paediatric Society (2023): A position statement explains that positive childhood experiences have been shown to help mitigate the effects of ACEs, with research indicating that "family-based interventions to promote parental sensitivity can help mitigate or interrupt the intergenerational effects of ACEs".
Roberts et al. (2021): Research on young adults found that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), a type of PCE, played a protective role by moderating the link between ACEs and mental health symptoms.
Parent Education:
Rolling with ADHD: BC Children’s Hospital parent training course:
https://healthymindslearning.ca/rollingwith-adhd/
CYMH ADHD program (+pharmacological treatment session): parents of children 5-18 year old (broken
up into age categories). Good addition after Rolling with ADHD. (including EFFT and Attachment related
issues).
Vancouver Coastal Health parent training for ADHD: Send an email to: adhd@vch.ca and include: Child’s first and last name, Child’s birthday, Parent’s name and email address.
Celebrate Calm: https://celebratecalm.com/
20 tips for parenting ADHD:
https://www.oceanviewpaediatrics.com/_files/ugd/f57aed _70047aed4c5c48598ea95d486c95f99e.pdf
10 rules for defiant kids:
https://www.oceanviewpaediatrics.com/_files/ugd/f57aed_a65ed0269f104f1c8bfe108b958af4ba.pdf
Executive function 101: https://genetic.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Exec-Function-e-book.pdf
Kelty mental health resource: https://keltymentalhealth.ca/adhd
Additude magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/
CADDRA – The Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (www.caddra.ca)
CHADD –The National resource on ADHD (www.chadd.ca)
Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (www.caddac.ca/adhd)
ADHD related books:
Late, Lost, and Unprepared: A Parents' Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning by Dr. Joyce Cooper-Kahn and Dr. Laurie Dietzel
Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential by Dawson and Guare
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide by Dr. Russell Barkley
Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
ADHD counselling:
Dr. Randelle Gillis (ADHD specialist) -
Social Emotional Learning Centre (SELC) program through the VSB:
https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5081/social-emotional-learning-centre-selc-selc
ADHD Classroom resources:
-Elementary classroom adaptations:
-Highschool classroom adaptations:
-Preschool adaptations:
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-children-preschool-parent-teacher-help/
Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC):
AIS BC’s mandate includes responsibility for provincial autism information, resources, referrals, and the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). AIS BC is located on the first floor of the Pacific Autism Family Network Good Life Fitness Family Autism Hub at 3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC. AIS BC offers a family-friendly website and a toll-free line, with hours of operation from 8:30-4:30 weekdays (excluding statutory holidays).
Families, service providers, ministry staff, and the general public can reach AIS BC at: Mailing Address: AIS BC c/o 3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1C7
Toll Free Line: 1-844-878-4700
Email – general information: AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca
Email – RASP: RASP@gov.bc.ca
Website: (www.gov.bc.ca/autisminfo)
ACT-Autism Community Training: http://www.actcommunity.ca/. Training opportunities and information resources for families and service providers across BC, including:
- Live events - available both in-person and via web streaming; MCFD-funded bursaries available.
- Autism Videos @ ACT – nearly 30 free online videos.
- Autism Information Database –over 1,000 vetted information resources related to autism.
- ACT’s Special Needs Events Listing – information on what BC organizations are doing.
AutismBC (https://www.autismbc.ca/)-Autism Speaks Canada/Autism Speaks websites (www.autismspeaks.ca)
-The Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD). POPARD offers an Introduction to ASD 5-day course for parents and school staff. The website also includes free e-learning
modules on various topics related to autism (https://www.autismoutreach.ca/ )
-Canucks Autism Network- provides social and recreational activities for children with autism and their families, including one-to-one support if needed (http://www.canucksautism.ca/)
Autism related books:
-A Parent’s Guide to High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: How to Meet the Challenges and Help your Child Thrive by Ozonoff, Dawson, & McPartland
- Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood
Sensory Resources:
-The Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine Aron and The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
Emotional Regulation Resource:
-The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross W. Greene (also see www.livesinthebalance.org)
Body focused repetitive behaviors:
https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/body-focused-repetitive-behaviours/
Adaptive ski program:
https://pimbc.ca/powderhounds/
BC Chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association (www.ldabc.ca)
Tutoring for special needs (https://www.varsitytutors.com/df/ca/canada-learning_differences-tutoring)
Individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) are eligible for Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) provided by the Ministry for Child and Family Development. These services can provide them with assistance in doing various activities and some professional consultation in the home. Social or life skills groups are also available through the CYSN.
Sports and activities:
Special Olympics BC: https://www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/registration
The family can contact their local Ministry for Child and Family Development office to initiate services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs
Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) is the resource to help with the transition to adult services (Community Living BC): https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/
The CLBC Assessor form will be required and is to be completed by a psychologist registered with the College of Health Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) or a school psychologist licensed by the CHCPBC. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/CLBC-Eligibility-Form-Assessor.pdf
Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities (STADD) offers Navigator services for youth who are transitioning to adult services and their families. Navigators act as the primary point of contact for individuals in coordinating transition planning and access to supports and services through the transition period of 16 – 24 years of age. You can call a Navigator at 1-855-356-5609. https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/what-support-is-available/preparing-access-clbc-supports/services-to-adults-with-developmental-disabilities-stadd/
Persons with Disability (PWD) assistance is available from 18 years old. The application can begin when at 17.5 years of age. There is a simplified application process for people who are eligible for community Living BC (called a "prescribed class application"). Contact 1-866-866-0800 to initiate an application.
Link to PWD form pdf:
-The Family Support Resource Centre and the Sunny Hill Education Resource Centre at BC Children's Hospital have an extensive online catalogue, including Sexual Health Services for children/youth with
neurodevelopmental differences (https://libraries.phsa.ca/fsrc)
-Odin Books (odinbooks.com/)
-Family Support Institute of BC (www.familysupportbc.com)
-Motor/DCD Resources: Can Child (www.dcd.canchild.ca)
Child and Youth mental health (CYMH):
Foundry BC: https://foundrybc.ca/
Foundry virtual support: https://foundrybc.ca/virtual/groups-workshops/
Gender care:
https://www.plea.ca/transsupport/
Counselling/therapy:
BC-counsellors.org/counsellors/
http://www.psychologists.bc.ca
http://www.bcaslpa.ca/publicfind--professional
Neurodivergent-specific counsellor database: https://neurodivergentcounselling.ca/find-nd-counsellor
Medication (SSRI) info:
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/sites/default/files/resources/SSRI_MedicationSheet2022.pdf
Parent mental health courses:
Youth mental health courses:
https://find.healthlinkbc.ca/ResourceView2.aspx?org=53965&agencynum=17664814
Support group for older children with family members coping with a mental illness.
https://www.gv.ymca.ca/y-mind-teen. Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. This program supports teens who are experiencing symptoms of stress and anxiety to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope.
Anxiety resources:
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/school-attendance-webinars
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/anxiety
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/depression
https://www.anxietycanada.com/
Comprehensive Selective Mutism Program (Vancouver):
https://www.cornerstonepsychology.ca/club-brave
Selective mutism therapy - https://leapclinic.ca/our-services/
YOUTH POST-SECONDARY SUPPORT
Student Aid BC Appendix 8 for part-time students: application form
Student Aid BC Appendix 8 for full-time students: application form
STEPS forward information support: https://www.bc-ipse.org/about.html
CanWork BC Youth Tool: An online, self-paced platform specifically designed for youth with disabilities (ages 15–30) to build life skills and navigate their employment journey: https://www.canworkbc.ca/youth
WorkBC Centres: There are 102 locations across B.C. where you can meet with a job counsellor to create a personalized employment plan: https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/workbc-centre-locations
Based on established research, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can mitigate the negative long-term health and psychological outcomes associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), demonstrating a beneficial protective effect that fosters resilience. This means that experiencing certain positive relationships and environments can help to offset, or buffer, the harmful impact of childhood trauma, thereby improving overall well-being later in life.
Supporting research
Bethell et al. (2019): In a large-scale population study, researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between PCEs and positive mental health outcomes in adults who had experienced ACEs. Those who reported more PCEs had significantly lower odds of depression or poor mental health.
Aparicio (2016): Research suggests that maltreated parents can use their positive memories to break the intergenerational cycle of trauma. PCEs serve as a source of resilience, allowing them to provide better parenting for their own children.
Crandall et al. (2019): This study found that higher levels of PCEs were associated with less depression and stress in adulthood, even after accounting for ACEs. However, the buffering effect was less pronounced for individuals with the highest levels of ACEs.
Karatzias et al. (2020): Research on individuals with complex PTSD shows that PCEs are associated with fewer symptoms of disturbances in self-organization, a key component of complex trauma, even when controlling for ACEs.
Kuhar & Kocjan (2021): A study on Slovenian adults found that higher PCE scores significantly attenuated the association between ACEs and poor self-rated physical and mental health. PCEs were negatively associated with these poor health outcomes, even in the presence of ACEs.
Canadian Paediatric Society (2023): A position statement explains that positive childhood experiences have been shown to help mitigate the effects of ACEs, with research indicating that "family-based interventions to promote parental sensitivity can help mitigate or interrupt the intergenerational effects of ACEs".
Roberts et al. (2021): Research on young adults found that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), a type of PCE, played a protective role by moderating the link between ACEs and mental health symptoms.
Parent Education:
Rolling with ADHD: BC Children’s Hospital parent training course:
https://healthymindslearning.ca/rollingwith-adhd/
CYMH ADHD program (+pharmacological treatment session): parents of children 5-18 year old (broken
up into age categories). Good addition after Rolling with ADHD. (including EFFT and Attachment related
issues).
Vancouver Coastal Health parent training for ADHD: Send an email to: adhd@vch.ca and include: Child’s first and last name, Child’s birthday, Parent’s name and email address.
Celebrate Calm: https://celebratecalm.com/
20 tips for parenting ADHD:
https://www.oceanviewpaediatrics.com/_files/ugd/f57aed _70047aed4c5c48598ea95d486c95f99e.pdf
10 rules for defiant kids:
https://www.oceanviewpaediatrics.com/_files/ugd/f57aed_a65ed0269f104f1c8bfe108b958af4ba.pdf
Executive function 101: https://genetic.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Exec-Function-e-book.pdf
Kelty mental health resource: https://keltymentalhealth.ca/adhd
Additude magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/
CADDRA – The Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (www.caddra.ca)
CHADD –The National resource on ADHD (www.chadd.ca)
Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (www.caddac.ca/adhd)
ADHD related books:
Late, Lost, and Unprepared: A Parents' Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning by Dr. Joyce Cooper-Kahn and Dr. Laurie Dietzel
Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential by Dawson and Guare
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide by Dr. Russell Barkley
Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
ADHD counselling:
Dr. Randelle Gillis (ADHD specialist) -
Social Emotional Learning Centre (SELC) program through the VSB:
https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5081/social-emotional-learning-centre-selc-selc
ADHD Classroom resources:
-Elementary classroom adaptations:
-Highschool classroom adaptations:
-Preschool adaptations:
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-children-preschool-parent-teacher-help/
Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC):
AIS BC’s mandate includes responsibility for provincial autism information, resources, referrals, and the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). AIS BC is located on the first floor of the Pacific Autism Family Network Good Life Fitness Family Autism Hub at 3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC. AIS BC offers a family-friendly website and a toll-free line, with hours of operation from 8:30-4:30 weekdays (excluding statutory holidays).
Families, service providers, ministry staff, and the general public can reach AIS BC at: Mailing Address: AIS BC c/o 3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1C7
Toll Free Line: 1-844-878-4700
Email – general information: AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca
Email – RASP: RASP@gov.bc.ca
Website: (www.gov.bc.ca/autisminfo)
ACT-Autism Community Training: http://www.actcommunity.ca/. Training opportunities and information resources for families and service providers across BC, including:
- Live events - available both in-person and via web streaming; MCFD-funded bursaries available.
- Autism Videos @ ACT – nearly 30 free online videos.
- Autism Information Database –over 1,000 vetted information resources related to autism.
- ACT’s Special Needs Events Listing – information on what BC organizations are doing.
AutismBC (https://www.autismbc.ca/)-Autism Speaks Canada/Autism Speaks websites (www.autismspeaks.ca)
-The Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD). POPARD offers an Introduction to ASD 5-day course for parents and school staff. The website also includes free e-learning
modules on various topics related to autism (https://www.autismoutreach.ca/ )
-Canucks Autism Network- provides social and recreational activities for children with autism and their families, including one-to-one support if needed (http://www.canucksautism.ca/)
Autism related books:
-A Parent’s Guide to High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: How to Meet the Challenges and Help your Child Thrive by Ozonoff, Dawson, & McPartland
- Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood
Sensory Resources:
-The Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine Aron and The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
Emotional Regulation Resource:
-The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross W. Greene (also see www.livesinthebalance.org)
Body focused repetitive behaviors:
https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/body-focused-repetitive-behaviours/
Adaptive ski program:
https://pimbc.ca/powderhounds/
BC Chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association (www.ldabc.ca)
Tutoring for special needs (https://www.varsitytutors.com/df/ca/canada-learning_differences-tutoring)
Individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) are eligible for Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) provided by the Ministry for Child and Family Development. These services can provide them with assistance in doing various activities and some professional consultation in the home. Social or life skills groups are also available through the CYSN.
Sports and activities:
Special Olympics BC: https://www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/registration
The family can contact their local Ministry for Child and Family Development office to initiate services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs
Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) is the resource to help with the transition to adult services (Community Living BC): https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/
The CLBC Assessor form will be required and is to be completed by a psychologist registered with the College of Health Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) or a school psychologist licensed by the CHCPBC. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/CLBC-Eligibility-Form-Assessor.pdf
Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities (STADD) offers Navigator services for youth who are transitioning to adult services and their families. Navigators act as the primary point of contact for individuals in coordinating transition planning and access to supports and services through the transition period of 16 – 24 years of age. You can call a Navigator at 1-855-356-5609. https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/what-support-is-available/preparing-access-clbc-supports/services-to-adults-with-developmental-disabilities-stadd/
Persons with Disability (PWD) assistance is available from 18 years old. The application can begin when at 17.5 years of age. There is a simplified application process for people who are eligible for community Living BC (called a "prescribed class application"). Contact 1-866-866-0800 to initiate an application.
Link to PWD form pdf:
-The Family Support Resource Centre and the Sunny Hill Education Resource Centre at BC Children's Hospital have an extensive online catalogue, including Sexual Health Services for children/youth with
neurodevelopmental differences (https://libraries.phsa.ca/fsrc)
-Odin Books (odinbooks.com/)
-Family Support Institute of BC (www.familysupportbc.com)
-Motor/DCD Resources: Can Child (www.dcd.canchild.ca)