#TeamGrandview Article

Grandview Kids has achieved a perfect score in its recent Accreditation Canada survey, earning Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest possible designation. To put this into context, Grandview Kids was evaluated on hundreds of criteria, including 77 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs), meeting every single one.

Watch as Grandview Kids’ Chief Executive Officer, Tom McHugh, shares his reflections on this outstanding achievement.

“I want to congratulate and thank every member of Team Grandview for contributing to our successful Accreditation survey. I am privileged to work alongside such a highly motivated and talented group of changemakers and innovators in our community,” says Grandview Kids CEO, Tom McHugh. “From thorough on-site reviews, to interviews, observations, documentation and a detailed assessment against hundreds of criteria, Team Grandview truly went above and beyond to demonstrate how deeply committed Grandview Kids is to excellence in paediatric rehabilitation.”

Accreditation Canada is an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards of excellence for quality and safety in health care organizations across Canada. Grandview Kids participates in accreditation on a four-year cycle and is assessed against standards that examine Governance, Leadership, Infection Prevention and Control, Medication Management, and care provision practices for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. By participating in Accreditation, Grandview Kids is enabled to critically evaluate its services and care, ensuring they are delivered to the highest standards.

In November 2025, Accreditation Canada surveyors spoke with Grandview Kids’ Board of Directors, clinicians and staff, parents and caregivers and community partners. In line with rigorous national standards, our surveyors closely examined the quality, safety and overall client experience across our sites. 

Throughout their time at our sites across Durham Region, the surveyors applauded Grandview Kids’ emphasis on client safety and continuous quality improvement through its evidence-based approach to clinical care, innovative community and academic partnerships, leadership development and its robust and impactful Family Engagement program.

“At Grandview Kids, client safety and quality care remain top priorities for both leadership and staff. Care delivery is grounded in evidence-based practices and is consistently safe, family-centred and responsive to client needs.” – Accreditation Canada Report

Grandview Kids is proud, once again, to have received Accreditation with Exemplary Standing and recognition for its excellence in providing high-quality care to children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs, and their families.

Written by Grandview Kids Occupational Therapist, Samantha M.

In the last few years, there has been a lot of “buzz” around this term interoception, the role it plays with regulation skills, and how it may impact our Neurodivergent community.

What is interoception?

Interoception is our sense responsible for noticing feelings in our body. By feelings, I don’t just mean emotions like happy or sad. Feelings include hunger, thirst, being cold or hot, or having to use the washroom. Interoception helps us answer the question: “How do I feel?”

Our feelings are really just a formula of things that happen in our body, like:

Stomach growling + cranky = hungry
Heart racing + palms sweaty + feeling sick to the stomach = nervous

Our interoceptive system must notice those internal body cues, such as “stomach growling” and “cranky,” and figure out what feeling they are connected to. This is known as interoceptive awareness. Everyone’s formulas are unique, as we all experience things in our bodies a little differently.

It sounds easy, but for many Neurodivergent folks this can be a challenge. They may be too aware of these sensations or may miss them entirely.

Interoception and self-regulation

The term “self-regulation” refers to a person’s ability to understand and manage their own behaviour, as well as their reactions to feelings and the things happening around them.

Someone who has a hard time understanding their feelings (i.e., challenges with interoceptive processing) will have difficulty with self-regulation. This is because they may miss when their body starts to have a tough time coping with the situation or environment (i.e., dysregulates). It is impossible to use coping strategies to self-regulation when you cannot feel when you need to use them (i.e., when you are starting to dysregulate).

Supporting interoceptive awareness at home

Good news! Research shows there are ways you can help improve interoceptive awareness (Hample et al., 2020; Mahler et al., 2022).

There are two simple strategies you can use in your daily routines with your child:

Interoception Talk: talk about how your body parts feel during activities and routines. For example, “My lips feel cold when I drink from my water bottle; My hands feel wet when I wash them; My heart feels like it’s racing when I chase you.”
Interoception Attention: encourage your child to pay attention or notice how their body parts feel during activities and routines. For example, “How does your mouth feel when you eat ice cream?; How do your hands feel when I hold them?; Look at how fast your chest is moving when you run; Put your hand on your chest to feel how fast it is moving.”

Note: Your child does not have to answer any of the questions you ask. The goal is for them to shift their focus in towards their body, not answer the question.

Conclusion

Interoception is a complicated sense that helps us understand what is happening in our body. If you suspect your child is having difficulty with interoceptive awareness, using the strategies above is a no-risk way of helping your child learn more about what is happening in their body.

References and Sources

Hample, K., Mahler, K., & Amspacher, A. (2020). An interoception-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 13(4), 339-352.

Mahler, K. (2021, May 17). What is Interoception? Kelly Mahler. https://www.kelly-mahler.com/what-is-interoception/

Mahler, K. (2023, April 12). Interoceptive awareness: an important consideration for neurodivergent clients. Kelly Mahler. https://www.kelly-mahler.com/what-is-interoception/interoception-and-neurodiversity/

Mahler, K., Hample, K., Jones, C., Sensenig, J., Thomasco, P., & Hilton, C. (2022). Impact of an Interoception-Based Program on Emotion Regulation in Autistic Children. Occupational therapy international, 2022.

Additional Resources Kelly Mahler’s Printable Resources on Interoception: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/printable-resources/

National Physiotherapy month is celebrated annually throughout the month of May. Grandview Kids supports children and youth with a wide range of physical and developmental needs. Physiotherapists work to help with managing chronic pain, recovery from illness, injury or surgery and to improve flexibility, strength and balance. Through the support of gross motor development and improvement, Grandview Kids physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants support children and youth to live, learn and play. Below, Natalie D., shares details surrounding the important and rewarding work she does as a physiotherapist at Grandview Kids.

What is the purpose/goal of physiotherapy?

The goal of physiotherapy for children is to help them move better, build strength and improve their physical abilities. It’s all about supporting their development so they can do the things they love, like playing with friends, going to school or participating in sports. Physiotherapy also helps with things like using mobility equipment and rehabilitation after surgery. It’s all about helping them reach their goals in a fun and supportive way.

Grandview Kids Physiotherapist, Natalie D.

Why is physiotherapy important for many Grandview Kids clients?

Physiotherapy is important to Grandview Kids clients because it helps improve their mobility, build strength, develop coordination and boost confidence in doing the activities they enjoy. Physiotherapists support children and youth in prescribing equipment like walkers, standers, wheelchairs and braces, so they can move more easily and safely, and support their development as they continue to grow. Physiotherapy is also important for clients who have had surgery because it helps them recover and improve their movement. Overall, physiotherapy helps them stay active, grow stronger and fully take part in everyday life.

How long have you been working at Grandview Kids as a physiotherapist? What are some things you enjoy about your job at Grandview Kids?

I’ve been working at Grandview Kids for five years. What I love most about my job at Grandview Kids is the chance to connect with each child and their family. Every child is so unique, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and achieve their goals. Whether it’s helping a child regain strength after surgery, getting the right mobility device so they can take a trip to Disney World, helping a child attend school by using special equipment or getting a child on an adapted bike for the first time, it’s amazing to see those goals become a reality. I also really enjoy being part of a team that’s so dedicated to working together and providing the best care for every child and youth.

Grow with Grandview Kids as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors

Grandview Kids is currently recruiting four individuals to join our Board of Directors and three individuals to join Board Committees* as Community Representatives.

*Learn more about the roles of each Grandview Kids’ Board Committees here.

Grandview Kids – founded in 1953 – is an independently operated not-for-profit organization. We are the only Children’s Treatment Centre in Durham Region, providing specialized programs, outpatient clinical treatment and support to thousands of children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs and their families.

What we do:

Assess, diagnose, prescribe and provide clinical treatment, specialized programs and therapies, and specialized equipment for children and youth with communication, physical or developmental needs;
Provide access to specialists, consultation and support for families;
Build capacity in the community through information, knowledge exchange and consultation with professionals and other organizations;
Participate in research activities and teaching in the field of children’s rehabilitation.

To learn more about our programs and services, click here to access our general fact sheet.

Who are we looking for?

Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario, Grandview Kids seeks individuals who want to support our organization’s development and growth to meet the need in our community and who are aligned with our vision, mission and values.

As we continue to enact our 2024-27 Strategic Plan, Powering Potential, and we remain focused on maximizing our impact in Durham Region through the delivery of high-quality care at our new, state-of-the-art headquarters based in Ajax and our four satellite locations in Bowmanville, Oshawa, Port Perry and Whitby.

To support us in achieving our goals and maximizing our impact in the Durham Region, we are seeking individuals with demonstrated experience in:

Information Technology
Accounting
Risk Management

Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible to stand for election as a Director, each nominee must:

Be a resident of Durham Region or in the opinion of the Board maintain a direct and substantial interest in Durham Region, or, in the opinion of the Board, have the potential to make a significant contribution to the Corporation, and
Support and promote the purposes and objectives of the Corporation.

In order to be eligible to join as a Community Representative, each individual must support and promote the purpose and objectives of Grandview.

Interested in joining? Contact us.

If you are well-positioned to join Grandview Kids’ Board of Directors or Board Committees, please express your interest to Rachel.Bandele@grandviewkids.ca by Friday, May 9, 2025, and include copies of your resume and cover letter.

Other areas of expertise Grandview Kids is looking for in prospective Board members include:

Strategic Thinking – Ability to set long-term goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Financial Acumen – Proficiency in financial management, budgeting and financial reporting. Ability to analyze financial statements and understand key financial metrics. This could replace ‘accountant’ and ‘finance/banking’.
Governance and Compliance – Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices. Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the organization. This could incorporate ‘legal’ knowledge, too.
Leadership and Management – Experience in managing teams and driving organizational performance.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Effective communication skills to articulate ideas and build consensus. Ability to work collaboratively with other board members and stakeholders.
Ethics and Integrity – Commitment to ethical behaviour and integrity. Ability to uphold and promote the organization’s values and standards.
Innovation and Change Management – Ability to foster innovation and drive change within the organization. Experience in managing organizational transformation and adapting to new trends.
Diversity and Inclusion – Understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in governance, and able to promote diverse perspectives and support an inclusive board culture.
Crisis Management – Experience in handling crises and navigating an organization through challenging times, and able to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
Technology and Digital Literacy– Understanding of digital trends and technology’s impact on the organization (e.g., cyber liability) and an ability to leverage technology for strategic advantage and operational efficiency.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach to learning that focuses on creating supportive environments to help build important skills like communication, self-regulation and independence. ABA can also support children and families by reducing barriers to learning and addressing interfering or dangerous behaviours.

How do we practice ABA at Grandview Kids?

At Grandview Kids, ABA is delivered through engaging, individualized activities tailored to each child or youth. The Behaviour Services team, including Registered Behaviour Analysts, Senior Autism Therapists and Autism Therapy Assistants, works closely with families to create personalized plans focused on communication, emotional regulation, daily living skills and behaviours that interfere with learning. A strengths-based, collaborative approach is used, working alongside Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and other specialists.

_{From left to right in the back row: Sabrina M., Autism Therapy Assistant, Arjana S., Behaviour Analyst, Mikaela M., Autism Therapy Assistant, Lauren B., Autism Therapy Assistant, Kayla H., Autism Therapy Assistant, Brizida V., Behaviour Analyst, Alicia C., Clinical Manager, Social Enterprise, Leigh S., Clinical Manager, Specialized Supports- Extensive Needs, Kaitlynn B., Autism Therapy Assistant and Julie J., Behaviour Analyst.
From left to right in the front row: Sarah A., Behaviour Analyst, Charlene M., Senior Autism Therapist, Deanne R., Autism Therapy Assistant, Marlaina R., Senior Autism Therapist, Trishna S., Autism Therapy Assistant, Jennifer-Lynn B., Autism Therapy Assistant, Clare T., Autism Therapy Assistant and Dana D., Autism Therapy Assistant.}

How do we use our values in action?

Assent-Based Practice: Children have a voice in their learning. We listen to them, ensure they feel safe and empowered and adapt our teaching accordingly.
Trauma-Informed Care: Building rapport is a key part of our process. We focus on creating supportive environments that foster trust and emotional well-being.
Skill Building: We focus on teaching meaningful skills that integrate into daily life, creating new opportunities for reinforcement and connection for children and their families.

_{From left to right in the back row: Kaveena K., Autism Therapy Assistant and Jamie G., Autism Therapy Assistant.
From left to right in the front row: Katie B., Autism Therapy Assistant and
Ashley A., Autism Therapy Assistant.}

What services do we provide?

Group-Based Learning: Helping children develop play, group-readiness and self-regulation skills.
Foundational Family Services Workshops: Offering resources and strategies to empower caregivers.
Extensive Needs Service: In collaboration with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, this service stream is designed to support children and youth with complex developmental, physical and communication needs. It offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary care, including Behaviour Services, medical, therapeutic and other support services.
Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Core Clinical Services: Providing ABA therapy in collaboration with Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy.

Grandview Kids offers two service streams to support your child’s growth: the Focused ABA Model and the Mediated ABA Model.

The Focused ABA Model targets foundational skills such as communication, imitation, play skills, behaviour management, self-care and motor skills through regular practice using ABA principles.
The Mediated ABA Model focuses on a specific set of skills, guided by input from parents and assessment results, helping families practice and apply what their child learns.

If you have questions about ABA at Grandview Kids, you can check out our dedicated Purchased Services page, contact Service Navigation or speak with your other clinicians.

Grandview Kids parent and Board member, Leisa Ackerblade, reflects on the Parent Task Force’s advocacy to construct the New Grandview Kids

Read Leisa’s remarks below, which she shared at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Grandview Kids’ new Ajax Headquarters – The Jerry Coughlan Building.

Leisa speaking at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in front of a podium that reads "Building Ontario." — Leisa speaking at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Leisa’s remarks

My name is Leisa Ackerblade; I’m a member of the Board of Trustees and a proud Grandview parent.

I was honoured to be a part of the Grandview Parent Task Force, a group that began in 2014 with the goal of advocating for a new headquarters for Grandview Kids.

Fast forward, 10 years later, it’s here. This is a surreal moment for us – many of the Task Force parents are in this room. We can’t believe that what was once a dream, has turned into a reality.

We are so proud, and we know this facility will have a profound impact on children, youth, and families – now and for generations to come.

Thanks, Tom and Avori, for asking me to speak on behalf of parents and families today. But you know, sometimes, us parents go a little rogue. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to say a few thank yous—on behalf of parents and families.

To our elected officials and friends in government, particularly the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, thank you for not only hearing us but for listening.

We knew you heard us – because let’s face it… we got kind of loud. But you went beyond that. Thank you for listening to our stories and for understanding why this facility was so critical to kids in Durham Region. Thank you for continuing to listen, and for walking this journey with us.

To Team Grandview. And when I say Team Grandview, I mean TEAM GRANDVIEW. From the Board to Senior Leadership, to every staff member from every discipline, volunteers, our friends at the Foundation, donors, partners. Thank you.

I’m not sure you quite know the impact that you make.

Thank you for believing in the potential of our kids.

Thank you for delivering exceptional care and creating welcoming, safe and inclusive spaces for our children to learn and grow – at their own pace, in their own time.

You cheer for our kids as loud as we do – and bring your own pom poms to work every day. You show the same dedication, passion and care whether we are your first appointment of the day, or your last appointment of the day.

You never falter.

We see you. We appreciate you. We thank you.

And finally – to our kids. The very special people who inspired us to act.

Thank you.

Thank you for showing us determination.

Thank you for showing us strength.

Thank you for never losing faith.

We are so proud to be your parents.

You are miracles, you are marvels and you are magic.

This building is your legacy too.

And to the future generation of Grandview kids who will experience amazing ‘firsts’ within these walls. I hope that seeing this massive project become a reality shows you, that if you can dream it, you can do it.

Grandview …. is for the dreamers.

We can’t wait to watch you discover your full potential.

You got this.

To quote the great Dr. Suess….who should be quoted to conclude all parent speeches –

“You’re off to great places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”