Your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: Now what?


The skills, programs and services you need to know about.

Tp x Surrey Place feature

Created for “GSK"

Getting an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for your child can bring up a range of emotions. Whether you’re worried, overwhelmed or even relieved, “it’s a different experience for every parent and that’s absolutely okay,” says Dr. Nancy Freeman, a clinical psychologist and director of core autism services at Surrey Place, a not-for-profit organization serving people with ASD in northwestern Ontario and the Toronto area. 

The common goal among most parents of newly diagnosed children? To find support and get started right away. And while wait times are a reality for some publicly funded services, others, like some of those provided through Surrey Place, are often available immediately, getting kids well on their way with valuable services. Discover the most important thing to keep in mind after a diagnosis, learn about the range of autism services available and how to access each.

Practice acceptance around the ASD diagnosis

Even if you knew ASD was a likely diagnosis, the confirmation can be jarring. The first thing Dr. Freeman wants parents to remember is that your child is the same as they were before the diagnosis. The ASD label doesn’t change who they are. “From there, we can help parents understand why their child may have had some challenges with learning or why their behaviour seemed different than other children their age,” she adds.

TP x Surrey Place 5

Get registered for autism services

The next step for families, advises Dr. Freeman, is to register with the autism program in their province. In Ontario, it’s the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and it’s the gateway to a range of publicly funded services, many of them offered at Surrey Place. 

Registering with OAP gives you access to free services and can also provide funding to families for the costs of paid core clinical autism services, determined by a child’s needs. These paid services usually have waiting lists. They include evidence-based practices such as applied behaviour analysis (ABA), and intensive behavioural intervention (IBI), which support a child’s development in areas such as communication, play and social skills, self-care, and learning readiness skills. Other services include occupational therapy and speech-language pathology.

Free services include Foundational Family Services, Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Services and the Entry to School Program, which are available at Surrey Place. While any program can have a waiting list, Dr. Freeman says that many of the free services are available immediately.

TP x Surrey Place 4

Access free autism services and programs

According to Dr. Freeman, children with ASD have a wide range of strengths and challenges and benefit immensely when their parents are active, engaged and informed about their needs. Foundational Family Services coaches parents on therapeutic strategies to support their child’s learning and development. This includes family and peer mentoring, caregiver workshops, brief personalized consultations, transition supports and family resource clinics. “The strategies taught in these sessions help families to cope with a new diagnosis, develop early play skills in children such as imitation and turn-taking and increase their self-help skills,” says Dr. Freeman. Getting started with foundational family services also equips parents with a stronger knowledge base when paid services begin.

Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Services are available by invitation to eligible OAP-registered families. This program is designed to teach children aged 12 to 48 months new skills and meet personalized goals in communication, social interaction and emotional development. “That’s the beautiful part of this program,” says Dr. Freeman. “Families will learn techniques from professionals based on their child’s individual needs.”

An ASD diagnosis may feel daunting but professional and peer support are there for you and your family at Surrey Place. Get started today by visiting surreyplace.ca/now-what. “Navigating an autism diagnosis can come with both rewards and challenges,” says Dr. Freeman. “Families are not alone. I encourage them to take advantage of the free services and resources available to help them navigate the process and learn how to best support their child.”





Source link

toysforgirls

Toys for Girls

toysforboys

Toys for Boys

craftsupplies

Craft Supplies

babywalker

Baby Walkers

best toothpaste tablets
Best Toothpaste Tablets 2024 – Today’s Parent
tick spray
Best Kid-Safe Spray for Ticks
GettyImages 1191574624
Can You Overfeed a Breastfed Baby?
og image default
7 Books About Kindness for Kids
TP x Belize 1
5 Reasons Why Belize Should Be Your Next Family Vacation Destination
14 Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids
Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids
1 4
14 Kid-Friendly Easter Recipes Ideas to Try
clek foonf
Best Toddler Car Seat 2024
Georgian surnames
90+ Common Georgian Surnames Or Last Names, With Meanings
Nicknames For Max 1
250+ Unusual Short Names Or Nicknames For Max
Vampire last names
200+ Famous Vampire Last Names And Meanings
Belgian surnames
150+ Common Belgian Last Names Or Surnames, With Meanings
Summer Fun Takes Flight with Viviana Malls Science Fiesta
Summer Fun Takes Flight with Viviana Mall’s Science Fiesta
15 Rebus Puzzles For Kids With Answers And Tips To Solve 2
15 Rebus Puzzles For Kids, With Answers And Tips To Solve
Child temperament is unique for each child
Traits, Types, And Tips To Manage
Sharks are the top predators in the ocean
50 Fun And Interesting Shark Facts For Kids To Know
TP x Tena
I peed my pants at the trampoline park
canadian parents drink less alcohol
Canadian parents are being told they drink way too much and REALLY?!
marie curie science roundup 750x422
Can role playing encourage girls in STEM?
best new period products feature
12 cool and sustainable period products to help manage your flow
maxresdefault
Expresso Show LIVE | Parenting Advice | 9 June 2021 | FULL SHOW
maxresdefault
Daily English Conversation in Parent Teacher Meeting.
maxresdefault
SMART PARENTING HACKS AND CRAFTS #shorts
maxresdefault
Parenting styles Psych 2015