For children who love picture books and stories, creativity and discovery! This small-group program is designed for children with diverse needs, including all those who need additional support to thrive in library programs, and their families or caregivers. Enjoy connecting with other kids and their families for Summer Reading Club in this sensory-friendly, distraction-reduced program.

For children in Grades K – 7 who have an interest in picture books.

Space is limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Siblings welcome.

Registration required:

Call 604.331.3657 or email [email protected] for details.

Accessibility Information:

The accessibility options for this program are extensive and flexible. When you contact us to register we will work with you to help your child with their specific needs.

Affirming Paths Counselling & Consulting provides inclusive, affirming support for all identities, with specialized experience supporting neurodivergent and BIPOC individuals and families. Practice is grounded in a genuine respect for the lived experience of every individual and offers care that is: inclusive, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive. We support caregivers/parents of neurodivergent and/or medically complex children and youth through their unique journey, along with offering family counselling for parents and children. Individual counselling is provided for neurodivergent youth and adults with an approach that aligns with individualized needs. Affirming Paths also offers consultation and thoughtfully designed psychoeducational workshops and training for educational settings, workplaces, and community organizations. Sessions are practical and tailored to the needs of each organization, supporting meaningful shifts in understanding, practice and culture.

BC Children’s Hospital – Sauder Sibling Centre & Services

BC Children’s has a dedicated Sauder Sibling Centre that provides safe, short-term sibling support for up to two hours. Research has shown that distraction, play, activities and entertainment greatly reduce fear and anxiety in siblings of children in care. This also allows the parents/care providers time to focus on the child in care without worry.

Centre Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

With the support of hospital volunteers, the centre provides age-appropriate activities such as:
– Arts and crafts
– Board games
– Movies
– Video games
– Quiet spaces to read or rest

Eligible Children:
The Sauder Sibling Centre is for siblings of patients in the care of either BC Children’s + Women’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre, or Healthy Minds Centre. The space is available to siblings on campus/at the hospitals for up to two hours, while the patient is in care/receiving care. The Centre is volunteer-supported with Coordinators onsite.
– Sibling Centre Requirements: Children must be 3 years of age or older, toilet trained, and able to feed themselves
– Children aged three years and under may receive in-room volunteer support by booking an appointment for the Under Three Sibling Support Service – Contact to Book

How to Book:
– Online portal: https://siblingcentre.janeapp.com
– Phone: 604-875-3594 or toll free: 1-855-875-3594
– Email: [email protected]

Bookings are first come, first served. Visits are limited to one visit per child per day. Drop-ins are welcome, depending on availability.

Additional Resources
Sauder Sibling Centre Resource List (PDF) – includes a feedback survey, and links to books, websites, articles and apps – https://www.bcchildrens.ca/sites/g/files/qpdaav156/files/2025-04/sibling-centre-resource-list.pdf

Young Sibling Peer Support Groups – BC, Yukon, Alberta partnership (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71lwt1glYcE

Sibling Support Resources for Caregivers (PDF) – a one-page guide co-designed with Child Life to help adults talk with sibling caregivers and access English-language support materials. PDF includes English, French, Tagalog, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese and Arabic translations – https://www.bcchildrens.ca/sites/g/files/qpdaav156/files/2025-10/sibling-support-resources-caregivers_0.pdf

BC Children’s Hospital
Young Sibling Peer Support Network – Free, Online, Peer Support Groups

For sibling carers aged 8–12 who have a sibling with a disability and/or medical condition.

These free, monthly online peer groups offer a safe and welcoming space for siblings to connect with others who understand. Participants can share experiences, feel less alone, and build coping skills through fun, facilitator guided therapeutic activities.

Open to all families across all of BC, the Yukon and Alberta!

No cost and no referral required

View dates and times in the online booking portal

Register either:
Online – https://siblingcentre.janeapp.com
By phone – 604-875-3594 or toll free: 1-855-875-3594
By email – [email protected]

This camp is ONLY for children/youth with special needs designations (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory impairment, attention deficit disorder, complex health challenges, etc.).

NO siblings allowed in the Music Therapy camp. NO exceptions.
ONLY registrations submitted online will be considered.
You will receive an email confirmation of your session’s week and time shortly after submitting your registration form. Please check your inbox. This camp is on a first come first served basis. We will be gathering a waiting list, as needed.

Learn more and apply at https://vcm.bc.ca/learn/summer-intensive-programs/music-therapy/

Ages 1-6 and 2-8 (Medically Complex Children)
With Dr. Johanne Brodeur

EACH participant under 6 years old must be accompanied by ONE caregiver at all times during the sessions. NO exceptions.

June 29 – July 4 (no session July 1) | Langford location

1-2 years old – 8:30-9:15 am
3-4 years old – 9:15-10:00 am
5-6 years old – 10:00-10:45 am
2-8 years old – Medically Complex Children 10:45-11:30 am*

June 29 – July 4 (no session July 1) | Victoria location

1-2 years old – 3:15-4:00pm
3-4 years old – 1:00-1:45pm
5-6 years old – 1:45-2:30pm
2-8 years old – Medically Complex Children 2:30-3:15pm*

*Medically Complex Children must meet at least 4 of the following criteria: Non-ambulatory (in a wheelchair or adapted stroller)/non-verbal/visually impaired/hearing impaired/severe cognitive deficit/neurological motor deficit/upper and/or lower body physical restrictive movements/seizure disorder.

Ages 7-12
Children participating in these sessions will attend unaccompanied and MUST be verbal and able to follow directions independently. Exceptions will be made for children with physical challenges in need of assistance only to play instruments.

With Julien Amar
June 29 – July 4 (no session July 1) | Victoria location

7-8 years old – 9:30-10:15am
9-10 years old – 10:30-12:15pm
11-12 years old – 12:30-2:15pm

With Tyler Henderson
June 29 – July 4 (no session July 1) | Langford location

7-8 years old – 12:30-1:15pm
9-10 years old – 1:30-3:15pm
11-12 years old – 3:30-5:15pm

Ages 7-19
With Tyler Henderson

EACH participant must be accompanied by ONE caregiver at all times during the sessions. NO exceptions.

July 6 – July 10 | Langford location

7-8 years old – 8:30-9:15am
9-10 years old – 9:30-10:15am
11-12 years old – 10:30-11:15am
13-15 years old – 11:30-12:15pm

July 6 – July 10 | Victoria location

7-8 years old – 1:45-2:30pm
9-10 years old – 2:45-3:30pm
11-12 years old – 3:45-4:30pm
16-19 years old – 4:45-5:30pm

So Social is a premier, neurodiversity-affirming centre that stands out as a place where clients love to be. Staffed by some of Canada’s top specialists, we offer social groups in small, well-matched groups so that every individual receives the support they need to build confidence, foster connections, and inspire growth. Our proven approach has made us a trusted program on the North Shore for over 15 years!

Summer Social is a full-day therapeutic program offered by So Social designed to help children ages 5–13 learn, connect with peers, and have fun. We combine high-quality therapy with practical, engaging activities so kids can build skills and then practice them in meaningful ways with new friends. We also take children into the community to create even more opportunities for real-world practice, connection, and confidence-building. Our program offers small, well-matched groups, with lessons and activities adapted to each child’s individual goals and needs. Sessions are neurodiversity-affirming and child-led, with a focus on supporting authentic growth, connection, and participation.

Mitch and Murray Productions is proud to present ACTING ATYPICAL, a foundational exploration of acting for teens and adults on the autism spectrum. The exciting program was created by our artistic director Aaron Craven and he hosts the class throughout the season, with guest coaches from our company also teaching periodically.

In this workshop, participants explore the world of acting. In a supportive and sensory-friendly environment, Aaron guides students through an introductory look at acting, the differences between acting on camera and stage, and much more. The class includes some fun and interactive improv work, some scripted work in front of the camera and a spirited conversation about the wonderful world of performing.

The goal for the workshop is for participants to benefit from the social and emotional tools which acting can provide, to learn a bit about the craft and bottom line, to have fun!

*Participants must be capable of working independently in a 3:1 student to staff ratio.

The Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism provides educational, therapeutic, life skills, and family support services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder with four unique programs. The program is CARF-accredited.

School-Based Program (5-12 years): The school-based program at Chris Rose Therapy Centre supports children aged 5-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, focusing on their strengths and community integration. Each child receives an individualized plan, developed in partnership with families and home schools. The program does not include academics, which are managed by the home school. Children attend 1-5 days per week, depending on family and school agreements. The program uses various therapies, excluding ABA, such as music therapy, speech therapy, and life skills training. Enrollment requires coordination with the home school, and a close liaison is maintained between the program and the child’s school.

Extended Program (6-18 years): This community-based program supports children aged 6 to 18 eligible for Autism Funding, offering goal-oriented intervention outside their educational setting. Tailored to each child’s strengths and needs, children work one-on-one with staff for 1-2 hours weekly. It runs from September to June in Kamloops.

Summer Program (5 – 18 years): This recreational program for children with ASD (ages 5-18) who have a worker with the local CYSN office. We offer activities like hiking, swimming, and crafts. It runs four days a week for seven weeks, addressing language, social, and behavioural issues. Autism Funding can be used for eligible children. Registration date will be determined by the CYSN office each year, and we will post it once we are advised. Parents / legal guardians can register for camp by telephone (250-376-6494) or in person at 1111 Tranquille Road.

Community Inclusion Services (19 years and up): This program supports individuals with ASD aged 19+ who are members of CLBC (Community Living British Columbia) and offers personalized services aligned with their goals. Services include employment, skill development, and community or home-based inclusion. Hours vary by contract and goals. Contact your CLBC worker for more details.

What is DIR®?

DIR® is the Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based model (pronounced saying each letter as an initialism: D.I.R.). DIR provides a foundational framework for understanding human development and learning, and how each person individually perceives and interacts with the world differently. It outlines the critical role social-emotional development has on overall human development, starting at birth and continuing throughout the lifespan. The model highlights the power of relationships and emotional connections to fuel development. Through a deep understanding of the “D” ( the developmental process) and the “I” (a person’s individual differences) we can use the “R” (human relationships) to promote healthy development and to help everyone reach their fullest potential.

DIR® is rooted in the science of human development and can sound technical at times, but it is also simple. It is a pathway to promote healthy development in a respectful manner that builds connections, understanding, love, communication, and engagement.

DIRFloortime® (Floortime™) is the application of the DIR® model into practice.
While the DIR® model helps us understand and promote the positive development of all children, DIR and DIRFloortime are most commonly utilized with children with educational, social-emotional, mental health, and/or developmental challenges. DIRFloortime has become most widely known as an approach to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). You can read more about DIR and ASD in many books, including “Engaging Autism” and “The Child with Special Needs” by Drs. Greenspan and Weider.

Zaineb Ghlayem, M.Ed., DIR-Expert, is a leader in autism, neurodiversity-affirming practice, and inclusive education. She founded Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy in British Columbia, where she develops relationship-based programs supporting emotional development and meaningful participation for neurodivergent children and youth.

A certified DIRFloortime® Expert and Training Leader through the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning, Zaineb provides professional training, consultation, and program development for educators, therapists, and organizations internationally. Her work focuses on regulation and co-regulation, trauma-informed and PDA-informed supports, and transforming systems toward inclusive, strengths-based practices. Culturally agile and globally informed,

Zaineb works across diverse communities and systems. She is fluent in both Arabic and English, allowing her to support professionals and families across cultures and expand access to neurodiversity-affirming approaches internationally.

Qualifications:

• Master of Education
• BC Independent School Teaching Certificate (SR – Humanities), Canada.
• DIRFloortime® Expert and Training Leader, ICDL, USA.
• Motivational Interviewing, Change Talk BC, Canada.
• Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Canada.
• Autism & Neurodiversity Support, Therapists Neurodiversity Collective, USA.
• Kids Yoga Instructor Training, Kidding Around Yoga, Canada.
• PDA: Neurodiversity-Affirming, Trauma Informed Practice & Supports, Therapists Neurodiversity Collective, USA.

We provide counselling services for individuals, couples, and families, with special training and support for behavioural and emotional challenges through play therapy, art therapy, and parenting consultation. Our seasoned therapists take a trauma-informed approach to their work and bring a variety of post-graduate training and certifications to best serve your needs.

我們為個人、伴侶和家庭提供輔導服務，並收到專門的培訓，針對行為和情緒挑戰提供支持，包括遊戲療法、藝術療法和育兒諮詢。我們經驗豐富的治療師以創傷知情的方式開展工作，並擁有各種高級培訓和認證，以更有效地輔助您的需求。