Support for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities

Many families feel very isolated when faced with the additional challenges of parenting a teen with intellectual disabilities. These youth are at greater risk for homelessness, unemployment and becoming involved with the law.

We offer help to parents and other family members to resolve difficulties. Our case managers will help you to find your way through the complex system of support services and will advocate on your behalf with schools, courts, healthcare institutions and government agencies.

Our collaborative approach involves working closely with doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, behaviour therapists, schools, various funding sources and respite services.  Family Support Workers also provide individual help for parents and make home visits when needed.

 

Monthly Support Groups for Parents/Caregivers

Parents can also join a monthly support group facilitated by our staff to share their experiences and learn about different disabilities, adolescent development and the various services that may be helpful.  See flyer>

 

Follow these links for more information about services for people with developmental disabilities:

Developmental Services Toronto
Community Living Toronto

 

A mother's story

"I am a mother of an intellectually disabled teenager. Raising my son in the early years is different than now. He is growing up before my eyes and becoming a young man. High school is different than elementary school: puberty is hard because he does not understand why his body is changing. Ontario Disability Support Program (financial support) concerns will be here before I know it! What do I do? I have so many questions and concerns!"

"When I heard about a new parents’ support group for parents of adolescents at YouthLink, I was ecstatic! There I met other parents in the same situation as myself! We share our experiences and stories of triumphs and situations that did not go well. We help each other with the concerns that we have with our kids and our own stresses in life! As a group we are there for each other because each of us understands what the other is going through."