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Indigenous Caregiver Supports
Indigenous Disability Canada – National Indigenous Navigation Services (NINS)
The IDC National Indigenous Navigation Services is a free, nation-wide program that supports eligible Indigenous, Métis and Inuit persons and families navigate federal, provincial/territorial and regional disability-related benefits. They support indigenous peoples free of charge with the Disability Tax Benefit (DTC), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), Canada Pension Plans (CPP), Provincial Income Assistance Programs and more.
Email: ninsadmin@bcands.bc.ca
Phone: 1 (888) 815-5511
Website: www.bcands.bc.ca
An Exploration of Indigenous Autism in Canada: A Nehiyaw Perspective
Recorded February 22, 2024. Indigenous people are often under-presented in the discourse around autism. Drawing from his experience as a parent and member of Samson Cree Nation, Grant will explore ideas and concepts on how to better support Indigenous families with autistic children by incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into practice. Grant will also discuss the significance of Indigenous culture and connection in creating healthy environments, as well as explore practical tips for integrating holistic models into Western approaches, practices, services, and supports. Join Grant as he guides us on an exploration of Indigenous autism in Canada.
Website: https://autismalberta.ca/videos/an-exploration-of-indigenous-autism-in-canada-a-nehiyaw-perspective/
Apollo Counselling Services Inc.
Apollo Counselling has a combined 25+ years of experience working with neurodivergent individuals, including autism. All services are VIRTUAL ONLY. They offer individual counselling, couples counselling, family counselling, divorce consulting, and workshops. They have a therapist who is also a lawyer that offers support to those going through legal proceedings, an Indigenous counsellor, and an entire BIPOC team offering sessions in English, French, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog.
Email: admin@apollocounselling.ca
Website: www.apollocounselling.ca
The Gift of Being Different
The Gift of Being Different, a short documentary, follows Grant Bruno as he navigates the world of autism. Grant is a parent to Autistic children and a PhD researcher exploring autism in First Nations communities. Grant is a registered member of nipsihkipahk (Samson Cree Nation), one of the reserves that makes up Maskwacis, Alberta. Through the film we learn his community views autism as a gift.
Website: https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/asd-id-core-knowledge/the-gift-of-being-different
Raising Our Children in Love – Akomimoksin and Sâkihitowin
Autism Society Alberta held an event on July 14, 2024. Grant Bruno and Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy, members of our Indigenous Relations Circle, give a keynote presentation on their experiences raising autistic children as Indigenous people.
Website: www.autismalberta.ca/videos/keynote-presentation/
Caregiving Panel – Community-Centred Caregiving Perspectives on Autism
Autism Society Alberta held an event on July 14, 2024. In this panel, Indigenous caregivers of autistic children and young adults from Treaties 6, 7 and 8 discuss their experiences of raising their children while interacting with educational and medical systems. They discuss many facets of caregiving from diagnosis to adulthood. Ryan Running Rabbit moderates this discussion.
Website: www.autismalberta.ca/videos/caregiving-panel-presentation/
Indigenous Autism in Global Contexts
Autism Society Alberta held an event on July 14, 2024. In this video Dr. Lindblom discusses the research she has undertaken in relation to autism and Indigenous Peoples around the world. During this presentation, Indigenous Autism in Global Contexts, talks about her experiences as she’s researched in Canada and Sweden.
Website: www.autismalberta.ca/videos/indigenous-autism-in-global-contexts/
Calgary and Area Moms Autism Support Network
A Facebook group dedicated to helping parents connect with one another. Note that the group is private; those wishing to view or create posts must request permission from the moderators to join.
Website: www.facebook.com/groups/Calgaryautismsupport
Calgary SCOPE Society
Provides counseling for parents and families who have a child ages 0-18 with a disability. To be eligible, families need to have approved counseling hours included in their child’s FSCD contract. Counseling hours will be billed directly through FSCD. Hosts Coffee and Connect Support Group, a monthly meeting for parents of guardians of adults living with a disability.
Email: counselling@calgaryscope.org
Phone: (403) 509-0200
Website: www.calgaryscope.org/
Canada Caregiver Credit
The Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) is a non-refundable tax credit for individuals who care for a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependant with a physical or mental impairment.
Canadian Companion Services
Provides care for individuals living with disabilities and complex needs in a range of various residential services including living support, and supportive roommate. Also included are respite, day programs and community access services for family managed and PDD-funded individuals.
Email: talkto@canadiancompanion.org
Phone: (587) 889-7755
Website: www.canadiancompanion.org
Canadian Mental Health Association
Programming is offered (in the form of workshops and peer support groups) that focuses on the needs of those living with or caring for someone with a mental health and/or addiction issue, who are often themselves left unattended to.
Email: peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca
Phone: (403) 297-1700
Website: www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca/families/
Caregivers Alberta
Provides peer support opportunities for caregivers, system navigation, and community awareness.
Email: office@caregiversalberta.ca
Phone: (780) 453-5088
Website: www.caregiversalberta.ca/
Connections for Families
Support for parents with intellectual disabilities and their families. Provide in-home support, advocacy and counseling.
Email: info@connectionsforfamilies.ca
Phone: (403) 209-1100
Website: www.connectionsforfamilies.ca/
Distress Centre
The Distress Centre provides 24-hour crisis support, professional counseling and referrals – all at no cost.
Phone: (403) 266-4357
Website: www.distresscentre.com/
Family Caregiver Centre
Supports for individuals who care for people with disabilities. Offers connections to healthcare and community services, a supportive person to talk to, education programs, and a library of books, videos, and articles.
Email: family.caregivercentre@albertahealthservices.ca
Phone: (403) 955-1674
Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/services/Page13155.aspx
Family to Family Connections (through AHS)
A peer mentor support program where you can connect one on one with a family member who has significant experience with their child’s or their own health need or disability. They are there to listen, share their experiences and direct you to appropriate resources.
Email: F2FConnections@albertahealthservices.ca
Phone: (403) 955-7187
Website: http://fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca/family/f2f/connect-with-another-family.php
Fathers’ Autism Network (FAN)
An Autism Calgary Support Group welcoming all Fathers who lives impacted by autism to join us at our next scheduled meeting, come and take a break connecting fathers a supportive evening out! Or in, as our meetings have a hybrid option available! The meetings are often casual conversations, sharing your experiences or hearing the thoughts of others who understand your challenges.
Email: fan@autismcalgary.com
Website: https://autismcalgary.com/fan/
Kawa Health
Kawa Health offers occupational therapy services for parents and caregivers of children with autism, with a focus on mental health, daily routines, and meaningful activity. They aim to complement family and child services by supporting parent wellness and resilience through both individual and group-based approaches.
Area of Expertise: They support parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children and youth—including those with autism, ADHD, and learning differences—through occupational therapy focused on mental health, balance, and self-care. Mental Health & Coping Support, Routine Building, Energy & Time Management, Meaningful Activity & Identity, Environment & Sensory Support, Group & Individual Programs
Ages: Adults
Billing: Direct Billing to Private Health Insurance Companies
Email: info@kawahealth.ca
Website: www.kawahealth.ca/
Keeping it Together (KIT)
An Autism Calgary support group for autism mom’s that is hosted by Autism Calgary. There are a variety of topics & themes from physical activities to creative outlets & self care!
Email: Lisav@autismcalgary.com
Website: https://autismcalgary.com/kit/
Parent to Parent Coffee Support
An Autism Calgary meeting for parents and caregivers to come meet with other parents and caregivers for coffee and conversation at Autism Calgary.
Email: lisav@autismcalgary.com
Website: https://autismcalgary.com/parent-to-parent-coffee-support/
Southwood United Church – Coping and Caring
This caring group meets monthly to support caregivers and those dealing with difficult times. All are welcome. 2nd Monday of every month at 1:00pm in the Library.
Website: www.southwoodchurch.ca/