This webinar aired on June 5th, 2025 and is now available On-Demand. Register to watch now and view the resources to accompany the content of this presentation.

Taking care of an autistic child or adult who has sensory differences can make daily routines more challenging—like getting dressed, eating, or leaving the house. 

In our next Signature Series webinar, Occupational Therapist Moira Peña will share practical, sensory-based strategies that can make daily life at home easier. You’ll learn how sensory differences affect activities like brushing teeth, mealtimes, and transitions—and how to support your child in a way that works for them. 

In an interview with moderator Matt Ley, Moira will explain how the brain processes sensory information and how her BEST approach (Body, Emotional, Sensory, Thinking) can help. She’ll also share examples of real tools and techniques you can use right away—like sensory diets (sensory support plan), calming spaces, and co-regulation strategies. 

What you’ll learn:   

1. What sensory processing is and how it affects daily life and routines
2. What a sensory support plan (also known as a sensory diet) is and how it helps
3. How the BEST approach supports routines and emotions
4. Real-life sensory tools you can use at home to create a more autism-friendly space

Register here to watch this discussion On-Demand.

This webinar is for autistic individuals, caregivers, siblings, family members, and professionals who support the autism community.  

View the Resources and templates created for this webinar:

• Sensory Diet at Home - Template

• Using the "BEST" Approach at Home

• Understanding a Person's Sensory Profile

• Resource List for Families

See our collection of past sessions available for viewing here. Stay informed, get expert insights, and explore our growing library of topics designed to support you and your family.

Meet Our Speaker: Moira Peña, BScOT, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.) 

Moira Peña, BScOT, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting autistic children, youth, and their families. She works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto and is also the founder of Moira Peña Sensory Workshops, where she delivers professional development trainings for healthcare professionals. 

Moira is passionate about using a sensory processing lens to support autistic individuals in respectful, practical, and meaningful ways. She believes this approach is a powerful tool for providing neurodiversity-affirming care, as it is both strengths-based and grounded in the lived experiences of autistic people. 

She is the creator and host of Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit—a knowledge-sharing initiative that includes informative summits, a coaching program for occupational therapists, an open-access autism resource toolkit, and the co-developed Autism Occupational Therapy Guiding Principles, created in collaboration with autistic adults, families, and professionals. 

Moira is also an expert hub team member of the ECHO Ontario Autism Program and ECHO Autismo Neurodiversidad Argentina, where she supports clinicians and educators in building their skills to deliver best practices in autism care. She is a published author, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto, and a certified Solution-Focused Healthcare Facilitator and Coach. 

Meet Our Moderator: Matt Ley 

Matt Ley is the current President and co-founder of The Streaming Network. Starting his career in virtual events in 2007, Matt is an industry veteran who is passionate about helping customers stand out in their industry with compelling virtual events that people want to attend. The driving ambition for Matt is that virtual events are not a utility for information distribution but an opportunity for firms to create a competitive advantage. Matt is an accomplished moderator, dedicated to creating engaging, accessible virtual experiences that resonate with audiences and provide meaningful value. 

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note that Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.  

Note : ce webinaire a été diffusé le 5 juin et est maintenant disponible à la demande.   Pour plus d'information sur ce sujet, consultez les ressources supplémentaires ci-dessous. 

S’occuper d’un enfant ou d’un adulte autiste qui présente des différences sensorielles peut compliquer les routines quotidiennes, comme s’habiller, manger ou quitter la maison.

Dans le prochain webinaire de notre série emblématique, Moira Peña, ergothérapeute, nous dévoilera de pratiques stratégies sensorielles qui peuvent faciliter votre quotidien à la maison. Vous apprendrez comment les différences sensorielles se répercutent sur des activités comme le brossage des dents, les repas et les transitions, et comment aider votre enfant d’une manière qui lui convient.

Dans un entretien avec le modérateur Matt Ley, Moira nous expliquera comment le cerveau traite l’information sensorielle et en quoil’approche BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, Thinking - Corps, Émotion, Sens, Réflexion) qu’elle a mise au point peut s’avérer utile. Elle nous proposera également des exemples d’outils concrets et de techniques réelles que vous pourrez employer immédiatement - comme les régimes sensoriels, les lieux apaisants et les stratégies de corégulation.

Ce que vous apprendrez :  

1. Ce qu’est le traitement sensoriel et comment il affecte la vie quotidienne et les routines.
2. Ce qu’est un régime sensoriel (plan de soutien sensoriel) et son utilité.
3. Comment l’approche BEST sert de pilier aux routines et aux émotions.
4. Des outils sensoriels concrets que vous pourrez utiliser à la maison afin de créer un espace plus convivial pour l’autisme.

Inscrivez-vous ici pour visionner cette discussion à la demande.  

Ce webinaire s’adresse aux personnes autistes, à leurs aidant.e.s, à leurs frères et sœurs, aux membres de leurs familles et aux professionnel.le.s qui appuient la communauté autiste.

VISIONNEZ LES RESSOURCES CI-DESSOUS

Notre conférencière : Moira Peña, bacc. en ergothérapie, maîtrise en ergothérapie, ergothérapeute inscrite(Ont.) 

Moira Peña, (bacc. energothérapie, maîtrise en ergothérapie, ergothérapeute inscrite (Ont.)) a à son crédit plus de 20 années d’expérience auprès des enfants et des jeunes autistes et de leurs familles. Elle travaille au Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, à Toronto, et a fondé les Moira Peña SensoryWorkshops, où elle offre des formations de perfectionnement professionnel aux professionnel.le.sde la santé.

Moira se passionne pour l’application d’une approche de traitement sensoriel pour venir en aide aux personnes autistes de manières respectueuses, pratiques et significatives. À ses yeux, cette démarche basée sur les forces et ancrée dans les expériences vécues des individus autistes constitue un puissant outil de soins neuro-affirmatifs. 

Elle a créé et elle anime le Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit, une initiative d’échange du savoir qui englobe des rencontres informatives, un programme d’encadrement pour les ergothérapeutes, une trousse de ressources sur l’autisme en libre accès ainsi que les « Autism Occupational Therapy GuidingPrinciples » (principes directeurs de l’ergothérapie pour l’autisme), qu’elle a élaborés en collaboration avec des adultes autistes, leurs familles et des professionnel.le.s.

Moira est également membre de l’équipe d’experts du programme ECHO Ontario Autism et de ECHO Autismo Neurodiversidad Argentina, où elle aide le personnel clinicien et éducatif à développer ses compétences pour offrir les meilleures pratiques de soins aux personnes autistes. Elle est une auteure publiée, conférencière adjointe à l’Université de Toronto et facilitatrice et coach agrée en soins de santé axés sur la recherche de solutions.

Notre modérateur : Matt Ley

Matt Ley est l’actuel président de The Streaming Network, dont il est également cofondateur. Matt a entamé en 2007 sa carrière dans l’événementiel virtuel; c’est un vétéran chevronné de l’industrie qui a à cœur d’aider ses client.e.s à se démarquer dans leur secteur d’activité au moyen d’événements virtuels inspirants auxquels les gens souhaitent assister. Dans sa vision, les événements virtuels ne sont pas un simple mécanisme de diffusion de l’information, mais plutôt une occasion pour les entreprises de bonifier leur position concurrentielle. Matt est un animateur accompli qui a pour passion de créer des expériences virtuelles attrayantes et accessibles qui trouvent un écho auprès du public et apportent une valeur significative.

Avertissement : Les opinions exprimées dans ce webinaire sont celles de la (des) conférencière(s) ou du (des) conférencier(s) et ne reflètent pas nécessairement les points de vue d’Autisme Ontario. Prenez note qu’Autisme Ontario ne donne son appui à aucun produit, thérapie, traitement, stratégie, opinion, service ou individu en particulier. Nous appuyons cependant votre droit à l’information. À nos yeux, il est très important que vous fassiez vos propres recherches afin de prendre vous-même des décisions éclairées.

In Autism Ontario's premiere of In Focus, the after show, Matt Ley and Stephanie Moeser dive deeper into the topics from Autism Ontario’s Signature Series webinar on self-advocacy for autistic women and girls. They address unanswered audience questions and explore key strategies to support self-advocacy development at home, school, and beyond. 

Key topics discussed: 

✅ Masking and its impact: The conversation highlights how autistic women and girls often mask their traits to fit in, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of creating safe, unmasking spaces at home and in the community. 

✅ Parental involvement and modelling advocacy: Parents play a critical role in advocating for their children and modelling self-advocacy skills. Stephanie shares practical ways to gradually involve children in advocating for their needs, such as providing choices and including them in conversations with teachers or doctors. 

✅ Transitioning to independence: The discussion covers the challenges autistic individuals face when transitioning to adulthood, including navigating post-secondary education and the workplace. Stephanie offers tips on preparing teens early by building practical skills like making appointments, communicating needs, and understanding their rights. 

✅ Disclosure and accommodations: The episode explores the complexities of disclosing an autism diagnosis. Stephanie explains how individuals can request accommodations without fully disclosing their diagnosis, focusing instead on their functional needs. 

✅ Building resilience in advocacy: When self-advocacy efforts are met with resistance or rejection, Stephanie encourages normalizing these experiences and offering emotional support. She shares strategies for helping individuals process disappointment and remain motivated to self-advocate. 

✅ Finding peer support: The importance of connecting with other autistic individuals through peer groups or online communities is highlighted as a way to build confidence, share experiences, and reduce the pressures of masking.  Watch this after-show for practical insights and real-world strategies to empower autistic individuals in their self-advocacy journey.

In addition to the aftershow, register to watch the full interviews completed with self-advocates Lauren Portengen and Patricia Baxter to hear their insights and lived experience with self-advocacy.

This presentation will highlight the importance of building self-advocacy skills in girls and women; however, the messaging and strategies are applicable to all genders.

Ready to Dive Deeper? In Focus, the aftershow is now available. Click here for details!

This webinar will offer valuable insights and practical advice for autistic individuals and their families.

Missed the Signature Series Webinar? Don't worry! Our webinars are available for viewing on-demand. Click here to view the original Building Self-Advocacy Skills for Autistic Women and Girls with Stephanie Moeser webinar.

Stephanie Moeser, (she/her), MSW, RSW 

Stephanie has a small private practice which primarily focuses on supporting autistic folks through a neurodivergent affirming lens. She specializes in supporting autistic students attending post-secondary education and autistic girls, women, trans and non-binary people providing mental health supports addressing areas of relationships, wellness, and issues related to managing mental health challenges such as anxiety and mood disorders.  

Over the years Stephanie has presented on the topic of wellness and self-care to parents/caregivers, people living with disabilities, mental health professionals and allied health professionals. She is passionate about the need to talk about feelings and to integrate active compassion into one life. 

Meet Our Moderator: Matt Ley  

 Matt Ley is the current President and co-founder of The Streaming Network. Starting his career in virtual events in 2007, Matt is an industry veteran who is passionate about helping customers stand out in their industry with compelling virtual events that people want to attend. The driving ambition for Matt is that virtual events are not a utility for information distribution but an opportunity for firms to create a competitive advantage. Matt is an accomplished moderator, dedicated to creating engaging, accessible virtual experiences that resonate with audiences and provide meaningful value.  

#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #InternationalWomensDay #IWD #WomensDay

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinion, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.

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This webinar aired on September 24th, 2025 and is now available On-Demand. Register to watch now and view the resources to accompany the content of this presentation.

Join us for our annual panel conversation featuring three parent-experts in navigating the special education system in Ontario, each with personal and professional experience supporting autistic children and youth. This moderated session offers practical advocacy strategies and a relatable look at the realities of navigating the school system. 

Through stories rooted in lived, learned, and loved experiences, the panel will explore common challenges ("the bumps"), what helped them get through, and what others might try in their advocacy journeys. Parents will walk away with real-life strategies, encouragement, and a reminder that while advocacy looks different for every family, connection and persistence can make a difference.

Learning Goals:  

1. Learn how families have addressed challenges in the school system through information, advocacy and collaboration.
2. Discover practical, accessible approaches that parents and caregivers can use and adapt.
3. Inspire connection, empowerment and action from real stories of persistence, problem-solving, and progress.
    

To foster a comprehensive discussion, we have invited three panellists representing essential perspectives on how to advocate for your child: 

• Andrea Haefele: Curriculum Consultant and Parent Advocate
• Jessi Lalonde: Special Education Coordinator and Parent Advocate
• Tanya Jewell: Special Education Advocacy Expert, Autism Ontario and Parent Advocate

This webinar is designed for parents and caregivers of autistic children and youth, especially those currently navigating or preparing to engage in special education advocacy. 

Register here to watch this discussion On-Demand.

This session is part of a three-part series designed to support parents and caregivers navigating the special education system. Register once to gain access to all three sessions. Whether you’re brand new to advocacy or looking to strengthen your skills, this series offers practical advice, real stories, and the support you need to move forward with confidence. 

See our collection of past sessions available for viewing here. Stay informed, get expert insights, and explore our growing library of topics designed to support you and your family.

Note : ce webinaire a été diffusé le 24 septembre et est maintenant disponible à la demande. 

Joignez-vous à notre table ronde annuelle réunissant trois parents experts du parcours de l'éducation spécialisée en Ontario, dont chacun possède une expérience personnelle et professionnelle du soutien aux enfants et aux jeunes autistes. Cette discussion modérée propose des stratégies pratiques d’action revendicatrice et pose un regard réaliste sur les réalités de la navigation parmi le système scolaire.

Au moyen de récits ancrés dans des expériences vécues, apprises et appréciées, les panélistes discuteront de défis communs (les « entraves »), sur de qui les a aidées à surmonter ces défis et d’actions que les autres familles pourraient essayer dans leurs parcours de revendication. Cette activité offrira un encouragera aux parents et leur offrira des stratégies concrètes, tout en leur rappelant que même si l’action revendicatrice peut prendre une forme différente pour chaque famille, l’établissement de liens et la persévérance peuvent faire pencher la balance.

Objectifs d’apprentissage :

1. Apprenez comment l'information, l’action revendicatrice et la collaboration ont aidé des familles à relever les défis du système scolaire.
2. Découvrez des approches pratiques et accessibles que les parents et les aidant.e.s peuvent utiliser et adapter.
3. Voyez comment des histoires vécues de persévérance, de résolution de problèmes et de progrès peuvent inspirer la connexion, l'autonomisation et l'action.

Pour encourager une discussion approfondie, nous avons invité trois panélistes représentant des perspectives essentielles sur la façon de faire valoir les droits de votre enfant : 

• Andrea Haefele : Consultante en programmes scolaires et parent-défenseure. 
• Jessi Lalonde : Coordonnatrice de l’éducation spécialisée et parent-défenseure. 
• Tanya Jewell : Experte en action revendicatrice pour l'éducation spécialisée à Autism Ontario et parent-défenseure.

Ce webinaire s’adresse aux parents et aux aidant.e.s d'enfants et de jeunes autistes, en particulier ceux et celles qui naviguent actuellement dans le domaine de l'éducation spécialisée ou qui se préparent à s'engager dans l’action revendicatrice en la matière.

Inscrivez-vous ici pour visionner cette discussion à la demande.  

In this webinar, we will discuss a a strength-based approach that recognizes how special interests can facilitate, instead of hamper, participation in work, school, volunteering, connecting with others, and more. We will share and discuss real-world examples and successes of leveraging special interests from Naomi's clinical practice.    

We will also have an opportunity to hear from Alex Breton, an autistic adult who leveraged his special interest in Dungeons and Dragons to find job opportunities.

For more information on this topic, please see the additional resources attached below.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about autistic interests and what can make them different.
2. Learn strategies for engaging with your child's special interests.   
3. Understand how to connect special interests to activities of daily living, self-care, work, and school.   

This webinar is designed with parents and caregivers of autistic children and youth in mind. Professionals are welcome to view.

Speaker: Naomi Hazlett, BSc., MScOT, erg. 

Naomi Hazlett, BSc., MScOT, erg. is a registered occupational therapist with the l'Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec. She currently works at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, teaches at Concordia University, University of Toronto, and Centennial College, and has a private practice. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science and Psychology and Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Her lived experience includes neurodiversity, mental illness, and chronic pain.

Panelist: Alex Breton, Self-Advocate 

Alex Breton was diagnosed at age 2.5 with pervasive development disorder, and after further testing at age 4, he was diagnosed with Asperger's. He found living with Asperger's to be a challenge, as he struggled with being bullied at a young age and into high school due to difficulties in understanding social relationships and making friends. At age 21, he decided to pursue an education and had a career in early childhood education for four years, here, he hoped he could help kids in the same situation as him. He gravitated towards working with Autism Ontario’s summer camps and evening programs to further pursue his goal to help others on the Autism Spectrum. With his work experience, he has found it easier to connect with people on the spectrum and feels very rewarded working alongside others on the spectrum.  He is currently assisting in the Dungeons and Dragons program with the Toronto Region of Autism Ontario as a Dungeon Master with plans to take an autism and behavioural course in September 2024. 

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinion, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.