Bethesda upcoming events

Power of Play (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Power of Play

Learn about the importance of play on child development and how to inccorporate play throughout your child's day to teach a variety of skills.

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - Virtual Sessions (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of Children 8+ years.

Have you been caring for the needs of others? Do you feel like you've been drowning in your responsibilities?

ACT could be the lifeline you've been looking for! Take this opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the kind of struggles we face caring for children who have special needs. Reflect on what's important to you and learn how to find more peace and joy in your life.

No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

Caregivers must attend all sessions.

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - In-Person Sessions (Friday, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - In-Person Sessions

Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of youth 8+. Have you been caring for the needs of others? Do you feel like you've been drowning in your responsibilities?

No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

Caregivers must attend all sessions.

PRT Communication Drop-In (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

PRT Communication Drop-In

Have you and your child previously been enrolled in Pivotal Response Training (PRT) and could benefit from support in how to apply PRT strategies to social interactions with peers?

Drop in with your child for an opportunity to practice social skills in a small group setting. A clinician trained in PRT will be present to offer support and strategies to caregivers.

PECS Communication Drop-In (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

PECS Communication Drop-In

Does your child use PECS and you could benefit from support in encouraging use of PECS with peers?

Drop in with your child for an opportunity to practice social skills in a small group setting. A clinician trained in PECS will be present to offer support and strategies.

Co-Regulation: Helping Your Youth Manage Big Emotions (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Co-Regulation: Helping Your Youth Manage Big Emotions

Big emotions can be overwhelming for both youth and caregivers. This workshop explores how the brain and nervous system respond to stress and emotional overwhelm, and how these responses influence emotions and behaviour.

Caregivers will gain a greater understanding of the science behind emotional regulation and be introduced to practical co-regulation strategies that support connection, foster emotional safety, and encourage responding with curiosity during challenging moments.

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Take time to focus on you! CARES is an eight-week, peer-led program designed to help caregivers of loved ones with complex needs build practical skills, strengthen their well-being and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Teaching Independence (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Teaching Independence

Caregivers will learn strategies to support their child becoming more independent with daily living tasks, e.g. getting dressed, brushing teeth, cooking, cleaning etc.

Caregiver Connections - Be Well (Thursday, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Caregiver Connections - Be Well

For Caregivers of Children, Youth, and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

You are not alone. Caregiving was never meant to be done alone.

Join us for an evening of reflection, connection, and practical wellness strategies designed specifically for caregivers. Through guided activities, discussion, and shared experiences, you'll have the opportunity to pause, reconnect, and learn tools to support your well-being.

Connect with other caregivers who understand

Learn practical wellness strategies you can use right away

Explore ways to protect your energy and well-being

Discover resources and supports available in the community

Leave feeling more connected, supported, and hopeful

COMPASSION • CONNECTION • BOUNDARIES • HOPE

If you’re registered with Bethesda Children and Youth Services – please sign up by selecting the “register” button.

For caregivers within Bethesda Adult Clinical Services, please email ClinicalServicesAdmin@bethesdaservices.com

You spend so much time caring for others; this evening is for you!

Transitions, Changes, and Losses (Monday, November 02, 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Transititions, Changes, and Losses

Over the course of a day one goes through an incalculable amount of transitions and changes. Transitions and changes are common challenges for children/youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This can often create moments of stress that derail plans and cause ongoing stress for caregivers.

From daily transitions to ongoing grief, in this workshop a Behaviour Therapist (BT) and Psychotherapist introduce skills and strategies for caregivers to utilize in everyday transitions (i.e., morning routine) and helps to prepare for communicating and working through sudden or potential loss (i.e., moving, loss of employment, death and other grief).

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 02, 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

Each workshop will provide practical tools, expert guidance, and insights into the services and supports available during this important transition. Our goal is to help families plan with confidence. Take the next step toward a successful transition to adulthood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 09, 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Understanding Your Child's Diagnosis (Wednesday, November 11, 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Understanding Your Child's Diagnosis

Caregivers will learn what is autism and how to best support their child.

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Financial Planning Workshop (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 22:45:00 GMT

Financial Planning Workshop

Are You Planning for Your Loved Ones' and Your Future?

Join Us!

For a free and informative workshop on planning for your own financial future, along with planning for your child or loved one with a developmental and/or intellectual disability. Learn ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the future.

LEARN ABOUT:

Registered Disability Savings Plan
Registered Education Savings Plan
Disability Tax Credit
Wills and Planned Giving
Henson Trusts
Power of Attorney

Presented in Partnership with C.R. Smith Financial

Youth Workshop: Internet Safety (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Youth Workshop: Internet Safety

This interactive workshop is designed for teens who are interested in learning tools and strategies for using the internet safely. Topics include digital etiquette, risks and benefits of social media and private vs public information.

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 23, 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 24, 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Exploring Pathways: Early Steps Towards the Transition to Adulthood (Wednesday, November 25, 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Exploring Pathways: Early Steps Towards the Transition to Adulthood

The transtion to adulthood is a long process, but the earlier you start the better prepared you will be when your child reaches that milestone. This workshop will review practical steps that you can take now to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood.

This workshop is here to support caregivers of youth aged 8-12 years.

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Helping Teens Cope with Depression (Tuesday, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Helping Teens Cope with Depression

A psycho-educational workshop designed for parents and caregivers of teenagers who are struggling with depression and/or depressive symptoms.

This workshop will explore depression from a mental health perspective, highlighting the differences between depression and other emotions such as sadness or grief, as well as the criteria that indicate a potential clinical diagnosis of a depressive disorder or episode.

Some basic coping strategies for depression will be shared, as well as providing some general tips for caregivers who are supporting a teen with depression.

Surviving the Holidays (Wednesday, December 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Surviving the Holidays

Caregivers will learn strategies to prepare their child for being off of school and having a different routine during the holidays. Caregivers will also be provided an activity guide with ideas to keep their children busy during the holidays

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, December 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website