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April 2025 – Newsletter
Let’s Talk About Love
A 2016 study found that the vast majority (73%) of high functioning autistic people surveyed have had romantic experiences. In fact, only 7% of participants reported no desire to be in a relationship. The study also found higher relationship satisfaction among autistic couples compared with autistic-neurotypical couples.
ASD individuals whose partner was also on the autism spectrum were significantly more satisfied with their relationship than those with neurotypical partners. Severity of autism, schizoid symptoms, empathy skills, and need for social support were not correlated with relationship status.
Research has found that autistic people are equally interested in romantic relationships as neurotypical people. They just tend to have a slightly harder time knowing how to navigate dating and interpreting social cues, particularly at the start of the relationship.
(Journal Of Clinical Psychology)
Learn More : https://psychcentral.com/autism/autism-and-relationships
Important Days
HIE Awareness Month (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy)
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
March 29 – April 1 – Eid al-Fitr
Many Muslims in Canada celebrate Eid al-Fitr (also known as Id al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr) on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries.
April 9 – Day of Pink
International Day of Pink Wear pink on Wednesday, April 9, to raise awareness and fight against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny worldwide.
April 13 – FND Awareness Day
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a challenge with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals.
April 14-20 – National Volunteer Week
April 17 – World Hemophilia Day
World Hemophilia Day is commemorated every year on April 17. The day, devoted to those who have hemophilia, is marked to raise awareness and help them have a better future. Hemophilia is a rare condition in which blood cannot clot properly because it lacks adequate blood-clotting proteins.
April 22 to 28 – World Primary Immunodeficiency Week
Disability Tax CreditThe disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
If you have a severe and prolonged impairment, you may apply for the credit. If you are approved, you may claim the credit at tax time.
By reducing the amount of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to the impairment.
The Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, issued the following statement on March 3, 2025:
“I am very proud to announce that the final Canada Disability Benefit Regulations are now complete and will come into force on May 15, 2025. This means that the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will be delivered on time, with the first cheques going out to Canadians in July of this year.
British Columbia Legislature
The website provides information on everything from the work of the Legislative Assembly and its parliamentary committees, to visitor tours, educational programs and public consultation opportunities. You can find information about your Member of the Legislative Assembly, read the latest bills, watch live broadcasts of proceedings, and review Hansard transcripts of debates.
Learn More : https://www.leg.bc.ca/
Navigating Intimacy and Consent in Relationships with Disabilities
Intimacy and relationships are an important part of the human experience, and individuals with disabilities have the same right to explore and enjoy these connections as anyone else. However, societal misconceptions and a lack of accessible information often make it challenging to navigate these topics openly.
For members of the home sharing community, including home sharing providers (HSPs) and coordinators, supporting individuals in building healthy, respectful relationships is a key part of fostering independence and overall well-being. This article provides guidance on navigating intimacy and consent in relationships involving individuals with disabilities, emphasizing respect, autonomy, and education.
Read Now : https://homesharingbc.ca/2025/04/03/navigating-intimacy-and-consent-in-relationships/
Free Tools, Resources & Training
Provided by Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC)
Each month we work hard to bring you the best tools, training and resources for little or no cost. The following tools, resources and training is proudly brought to you by the HSSSBC. Enjoy!
Sexuality and the Spectrum: Lessons on Sex, Dating, and Love, Autism Style with Amy Gravino
This webinar features a woman on the autism spectrum who will share her personal experiences, debunk common myths about autism and dating, and discuss the potential of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in teaching dating skills. Attendees will gain insights into the unique challenges of teaching these skills and receive practical strategies and resources to facilitate conversations about relationships and sexuality with autistic individuals. This session is invaluable for parents and clinicians seeking to enhance their support for the autistic community in this important area.
Explore The Module : https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/communication/sexuality-and-the-spectrum-lessons-on-sex-dating-and-love-autism-style-with-amy-gravino
Autism and Intimate Relationships
Autistic individuals often encounter unique challenges and experiences in intimate relationships that are seldom addressed in mainstream discussions. This insightful webinar features Ashton Bartz, an Autistic individual, and Chris Rohweder, her non-Autistic partner, as they share their personal journey of navigating love across different neurotypes. They delve into the concept of neurodivergent love languages, discuss the impact of trauma on relationships, and highlight the importance of mutual support and understanding. Their candid conversation offers valuable perspectives for Autistic individuals, their partners, and professionals seeking to foster respectful and fulfilling relationships within the Autistic community.
Explore The Module : https://reframingautism.org.au/autism-and-intimate-relationships/?mc_cid=4be712fe5d&mc_eid=UNIQID
OFL New Module: Little Things
The little things aren’t little at all. They’re what turn good support into great support. Because small actions make a big difference. Little Things is packed with practical strategies to help you become a better support worker. Because it’s not just about the big tasks—it’s about the moments that truly matter.
What You Will Learn
- Understand how small, thoughtful actions can bring joy, fun, meaning, and well-being to the lives of the people you support.
- Involve people in everyday tasks to promote independence and personal growth.
- Communicate in ways that show respect and build trust.
- Respect personal spaces and choices, fostering dignity and a sense of control.
- Respond to everyday situations in a way that maximizes respect and inclusion.
Explore The Module : https://www.openfuturelearning.org/blog/index.php/little-things/
OFL Featured Module: Sexuality and Relationships
This module is written by, and also features a range of short films with internationally acclaimed author and lecturer Dave Hingsburger.
What You Will Learn
- Explain how the sexuality of the people we support has been denied, punished, oppressed and abused throughout history.
- Explain some of the most common stereotypes that are attached to the people we support and their sexuality
- Understand the importance of being able to reflect on your own attitudes and practices.
- Understand that every person is a sexual being and that both sexuality and intellectual disability are naturally occurring.
- Define the ten skills of likeability, and the importance of friendships.
- Explain the three basic skills that are necessary to have in place before embarking on any sex education curriculum.
- Explain the purpose of sex education and some of the associated myths.
- Understand how to most effectively support and apply a sex education curriculum.
- Understand how to support the sexuality of people with more significant disabilities and know when and how to intervene.
- Understand and explain the importance of good policy.
Explore The Module : https://www.openfuturelearning.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=login.home
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK!
HSSSBC provides remote (telephone/virtual meetings) assistance to help you navigate your home sharing arrangement. Our expert coaches will share invaluable insights, strategies, tools, and best practices, empowering you to create a harmonious living situation based on your unique needs.
Please note that the mandate of the society excludes some topics of discussion including: emergency placements, funding, specific business practices of service providers, and accountability issues.
All sessions are private and confidential. Your information will not be shared.
Book Your Session : https://homesharingbc.ca/home-sharing-provider-coaching-session/
The Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors.
We are particularly looking for individuals outside the Lower Mainland with experience as
Self-Advocates, Home Sharing Providers, Service Providers, or with a background in Finance/Accounting.
Help shape the future of home sharing and improve inclusive housing options for adults with developmental disabilities across British Columbia. Meetings are held online, with opportunities for in-person connections.
Apply Now : https://homesharingbc.ca/recruitment/
Fall in love with someone who loves the way you laugh and would do absolutely anything to hear it.
Fall in love with someone who puts their head on your chest just to hear your heart beat.
Fall in love with someone who kisses you in public and is proud to show you off to anyone they know.
Fall in love with someone who would never ever want to hurt you.
Fall in love with someone who falls in love with your flaws and thinks you are perfect just the way you are.
Fall in love with someone who thinks that you are the one they would love to wake up to each day.
Thank you for reading till the end.
We have a little gift for you.
Tag us and another home sharing provider on social to win a gift card!
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