Autism: Supports and services
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Types of support and services
Autism (also known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD) is a lifelong condition.
It's important to get a diagnosis and provide supports and services as early as possible. These can include:
- occupational therapy
- speech and language therapy
- training for parents, families and caregivers
- behavioural therapy
- medication
- education and school planning
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy helps teach or improve everyday skills, such as:
- getting dressed
- body awareness
- eating independently
- balance and coordination
- navigating common or new situations
- fine motor skills, like using a zipper or scissors
- gross motor skills, like walking or kicking a ball
An occupational therapist often works directly with a person in a customized program.
Speech and language therapy
People on the autism spectrum may communicate verbally or non-verbally. As a result, some may work on communication skills with a speech-language therapist.
Personal speech and language therapy programs can improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills like:
- asking for help
- having a conversation
- using a speech output device
- asking and answering questions
- reading books and telling stories
Speech-language therapists can also teach helpful skills to family members and caregivers.
Training for caregivers
Caregivers can include:
- peers
- teachers
- parents or guardians
- extended family members
Training for caregivers can include:
- how to communicate effectively
- how to safely deal with any self-injuring behaviours
- recognizing and providing support in triggering situations
- learning supportive routines and behaviours that bring comfort and promote success
Behavioural therapy
Behavioural therapy can be done in a group or individually with a therapist. It can include:
- learning social skills
- recognizing emotions
- preparing for school or work
- building communication skills
- increasing independence in daily routines
- reducing or eliminating self-injuring behaviours, if present
Medication
Health Canada has not approved any medications for the treatment of autism.
Some Autistic people may use medication to treat other conditions they may have, such as:
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- insomnia
- seizure disorders
Always seek the advice of your physician before starting any medication.
Education and school planning
An individual education plan can shape an Autistic student's learning environment to their specific needs. The student, their caregivers and educators identify those needs and then create a support plan.
Support at school can include behavioural, social and academic approaches. An individual education plan may include:
- low student-to-teacher ratios
- supported opportunities to interact with peers
- occupational, speech and behavioural therapies
Individual education plans may vary across provinces or territories.
Other supports and services
People on the autism spectrum may need extra supports at different points in their lives. This is especially common during times of transition, such as:
- early childhood
- entering elementary and high school
- adulthood
- getting a job
- living alone or with reduced assistance
- older adulthood
Caregivers and family members can find supports and services from government and community programs, including :
- financial aid
- community involvement
- parenting information and support
- planned or emergency respite care
Finding programs and supports
Programs and supports for people on the autism spectrum should:
- build upon individual strengths and abilities
- be available in different settings, like:
- home
- school
- community
- bring together different supports that promote:
- independence
- skill development
- community involvement
- involve family and caregivers, when appropriate
Provincial and territorial resources
Find local programs and supports.
Alberta
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British Columbia
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Manitoba
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New Brunswick
Provincial government resources:
- Disability Support Program
- Housing Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
- Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Non-government resources:
Newfoundland and Labrador
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Northwest Territories
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Nova Scotia
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Nunavut
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Ontario
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Prince Edward Island
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Quebec
Provincial government resources:
- Application for disability benefits
- Services for Persons with a Physical or Intellectual Disability or an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Saskatchewan
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Yukon
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