The First Seven Steps After Receiving a Diagnosis of Autism

KidsAbility, together with the Autism Collaborative Group, have put together a simple 7-step resource for families who have just received a diagnosis of Autism for their child.

Step 1 Apply to the ErinoakKids-Centre For Treatment and Development, for the Autism Intervention Program (AIS). This is the program that offers Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) services. Complete the application form provided by KidsAbility and mail or fax it to the centre with your diagnostic statement. ERINOAK will also provide Wait List strategies. You may call  ErinoakKIDS directly for screening appointments. PHONE Client Services Intake: 905-855-3557 then press '1'; TOLL FREE #: 1-877-ERINOAK (1-877-374-6625) then press '1'  www.erinoakkids.ca

Step 2  Contact the Developmental Services Access Centre (DSAC) and ask to speak with an intake worker. They will meet with you to discuss your current goals and needs, and explore services and resources that may be of assistance to you. Their phone number is 519-741-1121.  www.dsac-wr.com

Step 3 Apply for Special Services at Home (SSAH) through Extend-A-Family. This program is focused on meeting needs broadly in the home or out in the community, related to personal growth and development or family relief and support. Call the Intake Worker at 519-741-0190 ext. 228. www.eafwr.on.ca

Step 4  Apply for the Disability Tax Credit.  This allows you to access tax credits for taxes paid in previous years and ongoing. You may be entitled to a tax refund for past years. You need to complete an application form which can be downloaded from this site by clicking here,  on line at www.gov.on.ca or obtained through a service provider such as KidsAbility.

Step 5   Apply for Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD).  This is an income based program and eligibility is determined abased on your family income.  Call the ACSD intake worker at 519-886-4700 to request an application form.  www.children.gov.on.ca

Step 6   Call the KidsAbility Health Records Coordinator  if you have any other questions  about eligibility for other services (e.g. speech, occupational therapy, social work) at 519-886-8886; Toll Free 1-888-372-2259.

Step 7 For peer-to-peer support connect with the Waterloo Region Family Network. You can contact them at admin@waterlooregionfamilynetwork.com

*COMING SOON*

 The Autism Collaborative Group continues to work with families and community service providers to develop a guide for families who have not yet received a diagnosis. We look forward to making these first steps of autism discovery available in the near future.

Other Helpful Resources:

The First Seven Steps After Receiving A Diagnosis of Autism is listed in a printable format for your convenience.

Autism Services in Waterloo Region is a comprehensive list of service provider agencies that support individuals with Autism.

Autism Speaks™ has created an online tool kit to assist families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis.

Click here to visit the discussion section and see topics relevant to receiving a new diagnosis.