Counsellor's Corner

April is Autism Acceptance Month and a time to celebrate differences. This is a great opportunity to introduce children to the concept of neurodiversity—the idea that everyone’s brain works differently and that these differences should be embraced. Teaching kids about neurodiversity fosters empathy, inclusivity, and respect for their peers who may experience the world in unique ways.

One of the best ways to start the conversation is through books! Below is a list of children’s books that highlight neurodiversity.

📖 All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer

📖 A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey
📖 Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor

📖 The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Temple Grandin

📖 I Am a Masterpiece! by Mia Armstrong

📖 Wonderfully Wired Brains by Louise Gooding

📖 A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond

📖 Some Brains by Nelly Thomas

📖 Brilliant Bea by Shaina Rudolph and Mary Vukadinovich

Alberta Health Services offers free mental health resources and virtual mental health education sessions for parents and caregivers who support children and youth. There are also sessions for adults looking to support their own wellness.

With students being online more and more, it’s important that parents/guardians are informed. Saffron has put together some great resources.

The local Family Resource Network is a partnership between Strathcona County's Family and Community Services, Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The FRN offers free programs and services for families with children and youth ages 0-18 years, including:

• Programs to support healthy child development
• Reliable parenting information
• Connection to other local resources

Family and Community Services offers Counselling and Solutions Navigation support. FCS offers walk-in, virtual, and over the phone counselling using a pay what you can afford model. You will be connected to the next available counsellor. The Solutions Navigation team will listen and help you figure out solutions to challenges in your life. Navigation is free to access.

To access these services, call 780-464-4044 or visit them on the second floor of the Community Centre at 401 Festival Lane. Use the following links for more information.

Kids Help Phone-1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868

Community Resources-211 or Text INFO to 211

Mental Health Helpline-1-877-303-2642

Crisis Text Line- Text CONNECT to 741741

Health Link-811

Income Support-Alberta Support Centre 1-877-644-9992 or 24 Hour Support 1-866-644-5135

Family Violence-Find Support-Call or Text 780-310-1818

Talk Suicide Canada-Call or Text 988