Question 1

Diagnosis

Accepted Answer

If you are concerned your child is showing signs of autism, there are several avenues to assessment and diagnosis.

Make an appointment at one of Ontario’s five diagnostic hubs.(http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/autism/diagnostic-hubs.aspx)  Your child will be seen by a multidisciplinary team, and following the assessment, you will be provided with a report, including a diagnosis (if applicable).

Developmental Pediatricians (https://www.southwesthealthline.ca/listServices.aspx?id=11173&region=London)are able to assess a child for autism using various diagnostic tools.

Families may choose to pay out-of-pocket for an assessment from a psychologist who is qualified to make a diagnosis of autism.

An assessment of your child should involve both parent reports and questionnaires, as well as direct observation of your child.

Question 2

Funding

Accepted Answer

Received a diagnosis of Autism, and not sure what to do next? Start here:

Children with a diagnosis of Autism are eligible for support through the government’s Ontario Autism.  Register for this program here: https://accessoap.ca(https://accessoap.ca/)
The Ontario Autism Program Offers five streams of support for families and children (https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program)(https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program)

If your child has received a diagnosis of autism, they may be eligible for funding through various service

Families may be eligible for additional respite funding through VON (http://www.von.ca/en/middlesex-elgin/service/home-childrens-respite)and Community Living.(https://www.cll.on.ca/services/respite-services/)

For additional information on various funding sources available to families, please check out this helpful article.(https://peelautismresourceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/autism-funding-resources-in-ontario-2/?fbclid=IwAR0tNMDm5pSIYUTH9dlvA8BWzYs9kFG_8DIUBujj9cz9U5bdQdyiZJCAJIQ)

Question 3

Community Support

Accepted Answer

Autism Canada (https://autismcanada.org/#home-row-1)is an organization that provides a comprehensive list of resources/supports for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Ontario Autism Coalition is a parent-created advocacy group funded in 2005.  The OAC has spent nearly 15 years advocating for publicly funded autism therapy.  For information on the group’s advocacy efforts, or to get involved, click here.(https://ontarioautismcoalition.com/)

The Access2Entertainment (https://easterseals.ca/english/access-2-card-program/)card was designed for individuals with disabilities of all ages, to help them participate in recreation/social opportunities.  The card allows a support worker to get in free to hundreds of events/attractions across Canada (e.g., movie theaters, museums, and amusement parks).

Question 4

Education

Accepted Answer

Did you know that all children on the Autism spectrum have the right to special education programs and services using ABA in school?  Click here (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/140.html)for a link to Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 140, which can be helpful to share with your child’s school team.

Families of students who have been identified as exceptional will participate in an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meeting with their child’s school.  This meeting will help a family and school to identify the most appropriate educational setting for their child (e.g., fully included class with support, special education program).  Students on the Autism spectrum can participate in these meetings too, if they are able.  Click here (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/identifi.html)for more information.

If your child has been identified as exceptional in an IPRC meeting, the school will create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  This document outlines your child’s strengths and needs, modifications, and any special education services that will be received. (https://www.ontario.ca/page/individual-education-plans)(https://www.ontario.ca/page/individual-education-plans)

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