As the parent of a newly diagnosed child with autism (ASD), it can be incredibly daunting to navigate the complex landscape of autism services.
Since autism is a spectrum disorder, it means that no two children are alike. Parents of children with autism, however, all share one major commonality: they want to make sure their kids have the chance to build on their strengths with the support of quality autism services.
Five questions to consider when selecting an autism service provider
1. Are the services evidence-based?
Evidence-based services are interventions in which researchers have provided ample evidence that shows the practice results in positive outcomes for children and youth with autism. This includes services like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), social skills and training, and early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI).
2. How qualified are the staff?
In Ontario, OAP funding can only be used to purchase services that are supervised by board-certified behaviour analysts or a clinical psychologist trained in ABA. When selecting service providers it’s important to do your research.
3. Are the services tailored to help meet individualized goals?
Every single child with autism will have different goals, depending on their strengths. A good service provider focuses on each child’s individual strengths and areas of need versus categorizing them into a level of severity. They will also be transparent about goal-setting and work directly with you to help determine your child’s goals.
4. Are the services collaborative?
No one knows a child better than the parent. At the end of a child’s therapy session, parents are the ones who have to ensure they are keeping up with their child’s goals and progress at home. When selecting a program, ask how they involve parents in the care plan to determine whether or not they take a family approach. As much as possible, the child’s voice and perspective should also be taken into account in the development of the service plan.
5. Is progress measured?
All parents want to see their child reach important milestones, but knowing they achieved them means something should be measured. Our team at iHealthOX uses assessment tools such as the Verbal Behaviour Milestones Assessment and Placement Program as a tool for baseline measurement so we can see how a child is progressing towards individualized goals.
Autism services at iHealthOX
At iHealthOX, we know that every single child with ASD and their families have individualized goals. That’s why we individualize our evidence-based programming, using clinically validated therapy and support resources, to meet the specific needs of each family and child.
We offer a broad range of autism services, including:
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI) therapy
- Before therapy and after therapy play programs
- Social integration, summer camps
- Social groups with Social Emotional Learning opportunities
- Parent coaching
- Academic catch-up services within an adapted classroom environment
- Behavioural assessments
How to access iHealthOX Autism Therapy
Our iHealthOX Team of qualified and experienced therapists are here for you when and where you need us most. Part-time and full-time spots are available with at-home or in-centre options.Learn more today: https://ihealthox.com/autism-therapy-services/
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