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While we’re waiting

Join us for a parent-led online discussion for families awaiting their child’s autism diagnostic assessment.

While We’re Waiting is an online discussion group for families who are waiting for an autism diagnostic assessment for their child. Facilitated by parents of children who have gone through the assessment process already, it is an opportunity to share your thoughts, questions, and feelings about the upcoming assessment and possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Parents who have gone through the ASD assessment process asked for this group, designed this group, and facilitate this group.

Register Now!

Meet Our Facilitators

Adrienne Zarem

Adrienne Zarem

  • Holland Bloorview Family as Faculty Member
  • Proud Mom to Amira (age 13) and Aaliyah (age 15)
  • Favourite Place: Family Cottage
  • Favourite Leisure Activity: Cooking and Listening to Podcasts
  • Favourite Self-care Practices: Running
  • Favourite Part of Parenting: Watching my girls enjoy each other’s company

All About Almira

  • Diagnosed with Autism at age 2
  • Currently attending her local middle school
  • Loves science and asking questions

All About Aaliyah

  • Proud “Young Carer” to her sister
  • Diagnosed with ADHD at age 9
  • Loves competitive indoor rock climbing

Greatest Lesson Learned:

  • Achievements don’t have to be grand to be meaningful.
  • All kids are inherently good and try their best.
  • Peer support makes parenting easier!
Alifa Khan

Alifa KhanHolland Bloorview Family as Faculty Member

Alifa has been a Family Leader with Holland Bloorview for 10 years. Her most cherished gifts are her three children, ages 16, 5, and 2, two of whom have neurodevelopmental differences.

Her greatest teachers

My children, other parents, and my children’s health care team (doctors, nurses, therapists, etc.)

Her greatest lesson learned

Everyone is doing the best they can with the knowledge, wisdom, and resources they have.

Alifa KhanHer favourite quote is

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” – Brene Brown

Her greatest hope

To be a kind, compassionate presence.

Gunjan Seth

Gunjan SethGunjan is the parent of a 16-year-old with Autism and ADHD, and a proud immigrant to Canada. She immigrated to Canada over a decade ago from Southeast Asia (India). She speaks Hindi and English and can also understand Punjabi. Her son was diagnosed with Autism in his early years and loves jokes, music, building with Legos, and travelling.

Gunjan has been a Family Leader at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for almost ten years, and she also serves as a Family Mentor, Family as Faculty member, and past co-chair of the Family Advisory Committee. She is a Parent Advisor with ECHO Autism Ontario and a Family Partner with AutismSpeaks. Additionally, she is an ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Facilitator and a Humanistic Care Coach. Her favorite self-compassion practices include meditation and spending time in nature.

"Every human is unique and very capable of learning when provided with appropriate support. No one is broken, and we are all whole," is one of the key lessons Gunjan has discovered as a parent. She hopes to create a world that is inclusive, welcoming, and compassionate for everyone.

Marissa Seymour

Marissa SeymourMarissa is a Family Leader within Holland Bloorview and has 13 years of experience working with children and adults with autism and their families. She is also a proud mom to her 9-year-old son, Xavier. In her spare time, she loves to exercise, cook, and get outdoors!

Marissa has been a Family Leader for 4 years and serves as a Family as Faculty member, Family Advisory Council member, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Facilitator within the hospital.

In addition, with her passion for advocacy, she holds several roles outside of Holland Bloorview including Family Advisory Committee Member at Surrey Place Centre, Facilitator within the IPE (Interprofessional Education) curriculum at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare & Education, and as Autism Ontario’s Special Education Advisory Committee voting representative for the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

About Xavier

  • Diagnosed at 23 months old
  • AISP placement within his school (Autism Intensive Support Program)
  • Loves clay, swimming, penguins, trains, and dinosaurs!
  • Her favourite quote is:

“I raise up my voice – not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice may be heard” - Malala

Monica Halsey
  • Monica HalseyHolland Bloorview Family as Faculty Member
  • Proud Mum to Shea (age 16)
  • Favourite place: Any local café for coffee
  • Favourite pastime: Baking with my kids, watching movies, yoga
  • Favourite self-care practices: Yoga, walks with friends and a good meal!
  • Favourite part of parenting: Learning more about myself and the world around me

All about Shea

  • Diagnosed with Autism at age 4
  • Has an exceptional memory for detail
  • Loves cars, animals, nature, and the Blue Jays

Greatest Lessons Learned

  • Be flexible and open-minded!
  • Parenting is never predictable!
  • Everyone has unique gifts to share!