Free · Live · Online · Monthly
Parent Conversations
A Monthly Support Series — Hosted by Dr. Sharon Gainforth
A supportive, real-life conversation space for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children.
Parent Conversations is a free, monthly live series designed to help families feel more confident, informed, and supported, without overwhelm, pressure, or one-size-fits-all advice.
Led by Dr. Sharon Gainforth, PhD, Speech-Language Pathologist with 35+ years of clinical expertise in neurodevelopment and family support.
What to Expect
Each 60-minute session blends:
- Evidence-informed guidance
- Real caregiver questions and everyday scenarios
- Practical strategies you can use right away
- Live demonstrations of how BRIDGES Engage (and Allie) can support you
This is not a traditional webinar.
It’s a recurring conversation, grounded, interactive, and human.
Who It’s For
- Parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children
- Families at any stage of their journey
- BRIDGES Engage users, trial users, and those curious to learn more
No prior experience with BRIDGES Engage or AI required.
Session Format
- Live online
- Monthly | 60 minutes
- Time: 7:30 PM AST / 6:30 PM EST*
- Each session includes reflection, teaching, interaction, and a clear takeaway you can carry into daily life.
Please note: Live sessions are not recorded or made available for later viewing.
*Check your local time zone.
2026 Session Themes (Jan–Jun)
Jan 27, 2026 - Understanding My Child’s Autism (Without the Overwhelm)
Date: Tue, January 27, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM AST / 6:30 PM EST
Focus: Reframing autism through a strengths-based, nervous-system lens
Parents leave knowing:
- What autism is (and isn’t)
- Why behaviours are communication
- Why comparison steals confidence
Key takeaway: “Nothing is ‘wrong’ with my child — their brain just works differently.”
Handout: The handout is now available: Download here!
Feb 25, 2026 - Communication Comes Before Words
Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM AST / 6:30 PM EST
Focus: Supporting communication for children who are talking, not talking, or somewhere in between
Parents learn:
- Why connection comes before speech
- How to support gestures, AAC, visuals, and early language
- Everyday strategies they can use immediately
Key takeaway: “I don’t have to wait for words to build communication.”
Handout: The handout is now available: Download here!
Mar 17, 2026 - Understanding Behavior as Communication
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM AST / 6:30 PM EST
Focus: Understanding emotional regulation and the nervous system
Parents learn:
- The difference between meltdowns and behaviour
- Why kids “fall apart” after holding it together
- How co-regulation actually works
Key takeaway: “My calm helps my child’s calm.”
Handout: The handout is now available. Download here!
Apr 29, 2026 - Making Everyday Life Easier (Routines, Transitions & Visuals)
Date: April 29, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM AST / 6:30 PM EST
Focus: Practical tools for daily stress points
Parents learn:
- Why transitions are so hard
- How to use visuals without turning life into a therapy session
- How to lower the bar without giving up expectations
Key takeaway: “Small structure creates big calm.”
May 27, 2026 - Play, Connection & Social Growth
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM AST / 6:30 PM EST | Pre-recorded session
Focus: Supporting play, interaction, and social connection — at their level
Parents learn:
- Why play matters more than performance
- How to join their child’s world
- What “social skills” really mean for autistic kids
Key takeaway: “Connection grows skills — not the other way around.” - Session available here:
Jun 30, 2026 - Supporting Yourself as a Parent
Date: June 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM AST / 6:30 PM EST | Pre-recorded session
Focus: Parent wellbeing, resilience, and reducing burnout
Parents learn:
- Why parenting an autistic child is uniquely exhausting
- How guilt, grief, and love can coexist
- Simple ways to refill their own cup
Key takeaway: “I matter in this journey too.”
Register for a Session
Stay tuned for upcoming sessions.
Why Join
- Free, recurring live sessions — not a one-off event.
- Practical guidance grounded in real family life.
- A trusted space to learn, reflect, and connect.
- A gentle introduction to how AI can support — not replace — caregiving.
Hosted by Dr. Sharon Gainforth, PhD
Speech-Language Pathologist with over 35 years of clinical experience in neurodevelopment, communication, and family-centered support
Save Your Spot — Free Monthly Registration
Register to receive session reminders and access links.
