Image: L. Gomes / PML / Exterior of the Pacific Autism Family Network centre in downtown Chilliwack.

By Laurice Gomes

Autism Community Resources

Pacific Autism Family Network launching free social programs for families in Chilliwack

Aug 10, 2022 | 6:00 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Pacific Autism Family Network in downtown Chilliwack has developed six free programs for families in the community that have a loved one on the spectrum. .

Hannah Vannery is the Fraser Valley spokes manager for the organization and said the first program that is coming up next week (Aug. 17) is the Neurovaliant Connections Group.

“It’s kind of a gaming group; I feel like a lot of gamers are going to be interested in this,” she said. “And there will be pizzas donated by Jim’s downtown.”

The next group offered at the centre is Parents and Coffee, and Vannery described it as a safe space for parents to vent, ask questions, and chat with each other over coffee.

The third group is one where behavioural interventionists from the community can utilize the Pacific Autism space and run their sessions there. The spokes manager remarked that this was a really good way for their client’s skills to be transferred across different environments.

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A teen’s group for ages 13 to 17 will also be available, and Vannery stressed that the ages are just suggestions.

“I want to make sure people know I’m not checking I.D,” she emphasized. “If you have a 12-year-old that is mature for their age, then by all means bring them. These are just rough age guidelines.”

She added that the group will have games, snacks, and the intent is for teens to be social.

A similar group, with a younger age demographic is the Youngins Group for ages 7 to 12, where children will enjoy doing crafts, playing games, and socializing.

The last group is the Tots Group, which is catered toward parents and children under the age of five.

“We have all these awesome resources that we’ve been given through grants, and we just want people in the community to be able to use this space,” Vannery said. “And my whole goal is that people don’t feel alone.”

For more information on the programs, people can email Hannah Vannery at hannah@pacificautismfamily.com.