Spring Break Struggles Are Real — And They’re Telling You Something Important

Kristi Rigg

west coast center for learning | Neuroaffirming support programs for neurodivergent kids and teens in surrey, bc

Discover how neuroaffirming support programs can help families navigate the challenges of Spring Break. After weeks of winter weather, you couldn’t wait for the break to arrive—picturing relaxed mornings and local adventures—but then the vision quietly fell apart. Instead of a reset, it felt like more of the same, just louder and without the school structure to hold things together. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone; for neurodivergent children between the ages of 8 and 12, there is a scientific reason the break feels harder than expected.

Spring Break Camps for Neurodivergent Kids: A Sweet Spot for Building Skills

Kristi Rigg

Child participating in spring break camps for neurodivergent kids in Surrey, BC

It’s a few weeks after the Winter Holiday Break and you likely have a clear picture of how the school year is going. You’ve watched how your child navigates group projects, handles lunchtime, manages homework, and copes (or doesn’t) when plans change. And if things have been hard, you’re probably wondering what might help finish the school year strong.

New Year’s Eve Planning with Your Autistic or ADHD Child: Ideas for Staying Home or Going Out

Heather Seabrook

New Year's Eve Planning for ADHD and Autistic Children from WCCL

When you’re parenting an autistic child or a child with ADHD, New Year’s Eve planning looks different. For many families with neurodivergent children, this night brings unique sensory and emotional challenges. If your child struggles with loud noises and crowds, gets completely dysregulated by late nights, or falls apart when bedtime routines disappear, traditional celebrations can feel impossible.

Winter Break Tips for ADHD and Autistic Children

Kristi Rigg

winter break tips for ADHD and Autistic Children from WCCL

Winter break can feel like a welcome pause from school routines—but for many ADHD and autistic children and teens, the sudden shift can be overwhelming. Changes in schedule, unpredictable days, sensory-heavy environments, and increased social demands often disrupt their emotional regulation, and social–emotional skills. The good news? …

What to Do After an ADHD Diagnosis: One Parent’s Journey from Overwhelm to Understanding

Shannon Kalinka

adhd diagnosis | programs and help at west coast centre for learning | secret agent society

When we first received my daughter’s ADHD diagnosis, the thing that surprised me most was that nobody seemed to have any recommendations for what to do NEXT. Finally having a name for her experience was validating, but I expected that moment to be the start of a new journey, not an ending with no clear next step in sight…

October is Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Dyslexia Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

Kristi Rigg

October is Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Dyslexia month. Look beyond stereotypes and discover programs that help at wccl.

October isn’t just about fall leaves and pumpkin spice. For millions of Canadian families, it’s about awareness—shining a light on learning disabilities, ADHD, and dyslexia. This year, campaigns like CADDAC’s “The Many Faces of ADHD” and Dyslexia Canada’s #MarkItRead are asking us to look beyond stereotypes and understand what these conditions really are.

Helping Neurodivergent Girls Build Friendships in Middle School

Kristi Rigg

helping neurodivergent girls make and keep friends in middle school

Middle school can feel overwhelming for many girls, but for neurodivergent girls, friendship struggles are often even more complex. If your daughter comes home discouraged, sitting alone at lunch or feeling left out of shifting friend groups, you’re not alone — and there are ways you can support her.

Building Workplace Skills in Autistic Youth

Bohdanna Popowycz

Teaching workplace skills to neurodivergent youth at wccl

“When will my child be ready for a job?” It’s one of the most common questions I hear from parents of autistic teens and young adults. The good news? You’ve likely been building their workplace skills for years without even realizing it. The key is understanding which skills matter most for workplace success, and how to develop them intentionally through your daily family life.