About us
What We Do

Children & Youth Services

ABOUT

Our Children and Youth Department understands that parents of a child with epilepsy or other seizure disorders have many questions and concerns, and we’re here for you.

Seizures do not only affect the individual experiencing the seizures, but can impact the entire family unit. Our goal is to support and empower your entire family by providing you with information, education, and various support services.

If you require support at any time, please complete an intake form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Sign up for the Children & Youth Services ENewsletter to stay keep up to date with the latest epilepsy news.

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SERVICES

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We offer counselling to children or youth living with epilepsy, their parents, guardians, and siblings, on issues surrounding epilepsy such as:

  • Psychoeducation for epilepsy
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Independence
  • Parenting for a child with a health condition
  • Dealing with stigma
  • Developing coping skills
  • Goal setting
  • Helping clients navigate the health care system & school system
  • Self and parent advocacy skills
  • Sibling support

Our counsellors will conduct an intake session to learn more about you and your epilepsy story, and then will recommend further services to best meet your family’s needs. To request an intake session or talk to one of our counsellors, please complete an intake form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Our monthly Children and Youth Services ENews include an opportunity for parents to network with each other, ask questions, share resources, provide feedback, and support one another. To join the Parent Support Network, please subscribe to our Children & Youth Services ENewsletter.

We give educational presentations on epilepsy to over 100 organizations each year, including epilepsy 101 presentations to school children and teachers. Please click the button below if you would like to request a presentation.

SUPPORT GROUPS

We provide a safe and understanding space for families to have the opportunity to talk about their issues, connect with others, and share their resources and experiences they have learned along the way.

Young Adults Living With Epilepsy

Youth Support Group

Parents of Young Children Living with Epilepsy

Parents of Teens Living with Epilepsy

To join any of our Support Groups you first need to have an intake session with one of our counsellors. To request an intake session or talk to one of our counsellors, To access our services, please complete an intake form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

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FAMILY RETREAT

In an effort to continue providing opportunities for families to connect and engage, the Children and Youth Department hosts annual weekend retreats. Our retreats are a great opportunity for families and individuals to build connections in a supportive, fun environment, while learning strategies and resources from other members and health care professionals. Epilepsy Toronto’s retreats bring a sense of understanding, encouragement, and belonging to those in attendance.

TEACHING AWARENESS THROUGH PUPPETRY

Teaching Awareness through Puppetry (TAP) is an educational outreach program that is available to run workshops in classrooms and schools to teach students about awareness and acceptance of differences. TAP uses life size puppets to deliver our workshops. The puppets help break down barriers allowing to facilitate healthy, rich conversations about questions the children might not feel comfortable asking a real person. TAP has a workshop dedicated to epilepsy. The students and teachers learn about seizure first aid and what it is like to be a person living with epilepsy.

Email TAP to find out more about our program and how they can help your school be a kinder, more inclusive community: info@tap-toronto.com.

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LIVE WITH LILY!

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Live with Lily! is an online children’s show created in collaboration with Teaching Awareness through Puppetry and Epilepsy Toronto. Each episode of Live with Lily! provides valuable information, support, and community for children impacted by epilepsy in a fun and interactive way.
Make sure you tune in to Live with Lily’s Instagram @live_with_lily for short and fun episodes all month long that will help teach the children in your life all about epilepsy.
You can also watch all the past episodes of Live with Lily! here on Youtube or here on Facebook.

BABIES AND TOTS GROUP

Join our  Child & Youth Services Co-ordinator as they lead a playful program of music, movement and games for Babies and Tots.  Join her for an afternoon of fun with your little ones! It’s a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers of young children who experience seizures, find new resources, and make new friends. Siblings are welcome!

For more information or to register, please email Elana at elana@epilepsytoronto.org.

UPLIFT                         

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UPLIFT stands for Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts.

You may not be formally diagnosed with anxiety or depression, but find yourself stressed and overwhelmed by the impact of seizures on a family member who you care for. This evidence-based 8-week mindfulness-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)  group for adult caregivers impacted by epilepsy and depression/anxiety can help you. For more information on UPLIFT, please click HERE.

RESOURCES