Intersections: Grief Support Group

Intersections: Grief Peer Support

Recreational Respite is grateful to have been awarded a grant from The Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada to deliver neurodivergent-affirming grief support to bereaved teens on the autism spectrum and/or intellectual disabilities across Canada. Recognizing that neurodivergent individuals process and express grief differently, this initiative addresses the need for tailored support that traditional grief programs often overlook, filling a critical gap in grief resources on a national scale.

Through a series of six online group programs, participants will find a safe and inclusive space to navigate grief with peers. Participants will gain insight about complex emotions; apply methods to creatively express and process grief and loss; develop coping strategies; and build community with peers who have had similar experiences. This online, interactive series aims to empower neurodivergent teens with the tools and support they need as they navigate grief related to the death or dying of a loved one.

The next group will be offered Wednesdays February 4 – March 11
Time: 4-5pm Pacific / 5-6pm Mountain / 6-7pm Central / 7-8 pm Eastern / 8-9 pm Atlantic / 8:30-9:30 Newfoundland

Please note, this series has been designed to serve individuals residing in Canada, who are between the ages of 13-18, and are on the autism spectrum and/or have an intellectual disability. The participants should be able to commit to all six weeks, and be comfortable participating in virtual groups independently, or with support. Spaces are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Intersections groups in-person or online?

The next group will meet virtually.

How was the content developed?

The content for Intersections Grief Peer- Support Groups was developed by the program team at Recreational Respite, including therapeutic recreationists, grief educators, parents of neurodivergent children, and overseen by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Contributions were made by Autism Canada, and the Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto. While financially supported by The Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada, Recreational Respite Inc is solely responsible for all content.

What are the groups like?

Intersections grief-support group programs are guided at an adaptive and neuro-affirming pace, and ensure that teens feel welcome to participate in ways that are meaningful and helpful for them.

Are accessibility accommodations available?

Yes. Each participant will be screened for accessibility needs prior to joining Intersections. Recreational Respite’s experienced virtual team always seeks to provide accommodations and/or support for an inclusive experience. Participants may bring a support person to the groups if needed.

Who is funding Intersection grief peer-support group?

Funding is provided by the Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada, with supports in kind contributed by Recreational Respite, BFO-Toronto, and Autism Canada.

Who are the facilitators?

Lila is a Grief and Death Doula, a Hospice Care Companion, and professional artist with several years of experience leading summer camps and afterschool programs for children and teenagers. Lila is an experienced provider of 1:1 therapeutic respite support to families accessing the OAP Urgent Response Services. As a DiscoverYOUth Mentor, Lila honed skills in supporting and mentored 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 12-19. Lila is motivated to provide compassionate and professional care and education to youth of diverse abilities who are navigating the death and dying of a loved one.

Kelsey is a Social Service Worker, Community Engagement Provider and Virtual Recreation Provider with Recreational Respite. She supports individuals and families who are experiencing health or social challenges, and has diverse experiences serving children and youth who have a variety of barriers to participation through both 1:1 and group settings. As a lifelong learner, Kelsey continues to upskill through courses that increase her knowledge and practical skills including autism studies, mental health intervention, and more.

Who is eligible to join Intersections grief peer-support groups?

The person interested in joining the series:
– is residing in Canada
– is within the age range of 13-18 years old
– is navigating grief due to the death or dying of a loved one
– is on the autism spectrum, and/or has an intellectual disability (diagnosed or self-identified)
– is comfortable participating in virtual groups (such as Zoom) independently, or with support.

Where can I get more information?

If you have additional questions, please call us at 1-877-855-7070, or email groups@recrespite.com

This initiative was prepared by Recreational Respite in partnership with the Bereaved Families of Ontario -Toronto and Autism Canada. While financially supported by The Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada, Recreational Respite Inc is solely responsible for all content.

Testimonial for Intersections

As a parent, I cannot overstate the importance of the Intersections grief and bereavement program. Both of my sons, 'S' who is 12 and 'K' who is 19, participated in this series at a time when our family has been navigating the tremendous challenge of my husband’s declining health. Grief is not something most children, let alone neurodivergent children, are ever prepared to face. Finding a space that truly understood their needs and gave them the tools to express their emotions felt like a lifeline. The program created a safe and supportive environment where my boys could learn the language to describe the sadness, worry, and anger they were carrying. For 'S', the drawing and journaling activities gave him a way to share what words could not capture. For 'K', the memory box exercise helped him hold on to the parts of his dad he treasures most while also finding new ways to cope with overwhelming feelings. Both of them came away with a stronger sense of comfort in naming their emotions and strategies to take care of themselves when those emotions feel too heavy. What stood out most was the community they built. My boys connected with peers who understood grief in a way many of their friends cannot, and they experienced the relief of being in a group where their feelings were not only valid but deeply respected. Watching them affirm and support each other showed me just how much this program gave them—a sense of belonging, understanding, and hope at a time when so much feels uncertain. This program filled a gap our family could not have bridged alone. It gave my children language, tools, and connection at a time when they needed it most. I am profoundly grateful to Recreational Respite Inc. and Bereaved Families of Ontario - Toronto for offering this kind of compassionate, accessible support, and I strongly hope it can continue for other families like mine who are walking through grief with their children. Sincerely,

hands holding each other, painted with various colors

Dominique

Parent