Relate Program

The Relate Program provides education and consultation to caregivers and professionals supporting Autistic children and those with other neurodevelopmental difficulties (preschool and school aged), who are experiencing challenges or differences related to social communication development, relationships, and behaviour. This program is funded by the WRHA and the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.

Overview

The Relate Program helps caregivers and professionals find strategies that work for the child and family using an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach that aligns with the child’s development. Parents and caregivers learn to use brain-based supports and strategies to use to guide the child’s social-cognitive learning related to communication, forming relationships, flexible thinking, attention, and emotional co-regulation.

For Families: The Relate Program for caregivers starts with a five-week group course (a two-hour session each week), called the Relate Parent Learning Series (RPLS). This group education program for parents/caregivers is offered approximately four times per year. RPLS sessions explore core neurodevelopmental differences that are understood to impact social communication and social behaviour related to Autism. When caregivers better understand these differences, it improves the parent-child feedback system and relationship. Using the power of video review, participants will also learn and practice accommodations and adjustments they can make to support areas such as attachment, co-regulation, attention maintenance, emotional arousal, flexible thinking, and integrated social thinking. An option for individualized home-program support may be provided to families upon completion of the RPLS. For more information, read the Relate Program flyer.

For Agencies: Throughout the year the Relate Program provides workshops to professionals such as school teams, childcare facilities, and allied health staff. There are public workshops are hosted by RCC throughout the school year. Agencies can also reach out to request professional development for their site or conference.

What To Expect During Your Visit

Workshops are offered live through Zoom Healthcare or Microsoft Teams. In-person workshops are available upon request.

Individual sessions with families may occur virtually or in-person at SSCY Centre. When you (parents/caregivers) attend SSCY Centre for a visit, you will check-in at the front reception desk. You will be asked to confirm your child’s demographic information. If possible, please bring your child’s Manitoba Health Card to your appointment.

The clinician will then greet you in the waiting room and bring you to an individual assessment room. Appointments are approximately one hour in duration. During this time, the Speech Language Pathologist will discuss with you and assess your child’s strengths and support needs. They will provide you with recommendations, strategies and resources to assist you and your child in making meaningful connections and improved communication. With your consent, the session may be video-recorded to assist in the assessment and coaching process.

Meet Your Team

Speech Language Pathologist who is also a Relationship Development Intervention® Consultant.

Administrative Assistant who accepts registrations and responds to general inquiries.

How To Access The Program

Self-referrals are accepted for the Relate Parent Learning Series by calling the administrative assistant at the number below. This program is offered at no cost to families.

Participants can register for Relate Program workshops by completing and submitting the Workshop Registration Form by fax or email. The workshops for professionals are subject to a nominal fee. Payment is accepted by credit card, cash or cheque.

Contact Information

To register for the Relate Program services, please call the Administrative Assistant at (204) 258-6500 or fax (204) 477-5547 or email relate@rccinc.ca. Please note, personal health information is not to be shared through email.