Caregivers play a key role in supporting the mental health of autistic children, who often experience higher levels of anxiety than their neurotypical peers. In this interactive workshop, you’ll

Caregivers play a key role in supporting the mental health of autistic children, who often experience higher levels of anxiety than their neurotypical peers. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies to help your child manage anxiety at home and in the community, including how to create a personalized “Feel Better Box” for self-regulation. We’ll also explore school-related factors like bullying, transitions, and the importance of strong relationships. 

Participants will: 

Understand why autistic children may feel anxious at school. 

Learn school-specific ways to help their child talk about and manage their feelings and explore supports that may be available at school. 

Learn what to include in a “Feel Better Box” to support their child when they feel stressed or overwhelmed at school. 

 This workshop is appropriate for parents and caregivers of autistic children aged 6-12, as well as for educators and other professionals working with this population. 

Danielle is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience supporting autistic children, youth, and families across Ontario. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Queen’s University and her Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Danielle has experience in child welfare, children’s treatment and rehabilitation, children’s mental health, and pediatric social work in a hospital setting. She has published studies in the journals of Alcohol and Alcoholism, Child: Care, Health, and Development, and Child Abuse and Neglect focusing on neurodivergent populations. Danielle started on the Subject Matter Expert team in 2022 and has been supporting a variety of training and education initiatives including the implementation of the Content Advisory Committee, consultation to Access OAP, and the creation of various workshops, webinars, and resources supporting mental health promotion across the lifespan.  

Maryam is a Registered Occupational Therapist with experience supporting autistic children and their families across clinic, school, and community settings in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure. She completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a second undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, both from McMaster University. Maryam joined Autism Ontario in 2025 as a Training and Education Specialist, where her role includes supporting the development of resources focused on functional skill-building and mental health promotion in neurodivergent populations.