A child who appears calm and well-regulated at school but has emotional outbursts at home. An adult who seems socially confident but feels completely drained after every interaction. Someone who appears to be “coping well” on the surface while privately struggling with anxiety, exhaustion, or …
For many youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), routine and predictability can often play an important role in daily life. As we prepare for the school year to come to an end, it can help to consider how much routine has shaped many children’s …
Self-advocacy is an essential life skill that helps individuals communicate their needs, preferences, and rights. For youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developing these skills can support greater independence, confidence, and overall well-being. When youth learn to recognize their needs and communicate them effectively, …
Supporting children and youth with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often means finding ways to make the world more predictable, understandable, and manageable. One of the most effective ways to do this is through visual supports. While verbal information can feel fleeting or …
Play is more than just a fun way for children to pass the time – it is a key feature of a healthy childhood. It is an important part of learning and helps children grow socially, emotionally, and mentally. Children with an autism spectrum disorder …
The Bigger Picture: Support Across Ontario The Ontario Autism Program is guided by the core belief that support must match the individual needs of each child or youth, rather than applying a standardized funding model. Services in the Ontario Autism Program are designed to be …
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a proven approach designed to help children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn a variety of skills and reduce problem behaviours. ABA is effective in intervening in a variety of behaviours and is often recognized as the gold standard …
Childhood is a critical developmental period, setting the foundation for physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. If early developmental issues are properly addressed, the benefits can be seen in the child’s ability in various areas of life. The human brain has the most plasticity in …
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the science of changing environments so that an individual and their family can have a better life. ABA is most commonly known as an evidence-based treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), but its efficacy certainly does not end …
What does Autism look like? It is often said that if you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may seem incredibly different from one person to another based on the varying characteristics of what …
