Virtual Events for Everyone
Below are a few upcoming virtual events related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) related to autism.
CAMH Mindfulness Mondays
Mondays/Anytime
Free online mindfulness sessions for caregivers and loved ones in the developmental disability community, regardless of age or disability. Mindfulness is a set of easy meditation techniques that can help reduce anxiety
For mental health professionals, caregivers and family members who work or live with young people on the spectrum, Temple Grandin likely needs no introduction. As a person living with autism who is also a best-selling author, international presenter and a professor of Animal Science, Dr. Grandin is amongst the first of neurodiversity advocates able to provide the neurotypical world with the invaluable inside narrative of autism. This is an On Demand Webinar. You will receive access information through LiveStorm shortly after your registration is complete.
Being Autistic & Taking Language about COVID-19 Literally
Emma Reardon looks at how autistic people interpret things literally, at least on instinct, and how the language of COVID-19 creates extra layers of stress and emotional labor for autistic people.
Online Physical Activity Sessions
Fridays | 2:00-3:00PM EST
Physical activity is important for physical and mental health, and can especially be helpful to manage stress and anxiety during difficult times. We have heard that some people are having a difficult time maintaining a physically active lifestyle, and have come up with some ideas on how to include physical activity in everyday life.
Join us once a week to learn more about the importance of physical activity, different ways you can incorporate physical activity into your day, and we will review different resources that offer free workouts. The sessions will also include stretch breaks and a short, low intensity workout. The physical activity sessions will be facilitated by Patrick Jachyra and Bri Redquest who completed a PhD in human movement studies, and are post-doctoral fellows from the Azrieli Centre.
The continuing onset of COVID has been an overwhelming pressure for staff at the front line of service. In response, the Centre for Mindfulness Studies is offering CARE ‘Community and Resiliency for our Essential Workers’ to improve and address day-to-day functioning, well-being and emotional challenges posed by COVID. Designed for caregivers, front line and health-care workers, CARE mindfulness program will explore an empathy model and cultivating healthy social connections and emotional regulation through mindfulness.
Designed for busy schedules, CARE is 75 minutes a day, ONE day a week, for 6 weeks and offered live online so you can attend the group from your home or work space. Participants also have optional access to daily drop-in support sessions to help them develop and maintain a regular mindfulness practice.
In this workshop participants will:
- Learn coping skills and emotional regulation
- Develop strategies to deal with difficult situations
- Increase connection with others and reduce feelings of isolation
Who should attend: This program is for staff who are dealing with the stressors and anxiety brought on by the challenges of COVID 19. To be eligible for this program, participants must be working on the front lines of healthcare, community care, mental health or support services and meet the criteria of the registration form.
When: Every Wednesday from January 6 – February 10, 2021 | 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Where: ONLINE – Zoom for Health (link will be sent after registration)
Registration deadline is January 5, 2021, Pre-register here through ticket leap here.
Your trainer: Rose Mina Munjee is a Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Mindfulness Teacher (MBSR, MBCT, MSC, AMM Mind), and Faculty Member, Centre for Mindfulness Studies. If you have any questions about the training or registration, please email us at: community@mindfulnessstudies.com
Remember - you are not alone!