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 neurodevelopmental 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
Although the federal government plays a role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services.
Individuals may contact the provincial or territorial ministry that is responsible for autism services and supports in their region, to obtain further information.
Find relevant provincial and territorial ministries.
Alberta
Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services
Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services
British Columbia
Minister of Children and Family Development
Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Minister of Health
Manitoba
Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care
Minister of Families, Minister responsible for Accessibility, Minister responsible for Gender Equity
New Brunswick
Minister of Health
Minister of Social Development, Minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation
Newfoundland and Labrador
Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister responsible for Mental Health and Addictions, Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services
Minister of Families and Affordability, Minister responsible for Status of Persons with Disabilities, Minister responsible for the Community Sector
Nova Scotia
Minister of Health and Wellness, Minister responsible for the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, Minister responsible for Healthcare Redevelopment
Minister of Opportunities and Social Development
Nunavut
Minister of Health, Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention, Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation
Minister of Family Services, Minister responsible for Status of Women, Minister responsible for Homelessness, Minister responsible for Poverty Reduction, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Artic College
Minister of Human Resources, Minister of Community Services
Ontario
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
Deputy Premier, Minister of Health
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
Prince Edward Island
Minister of Social Development and Seniors
Minister of Health and Wellness
Quebec
Ministre de la Santé (only in French)
Ministre responsable des Services sociaux (only in French)
Ministre de la Famille (only in French)
Saskatchewan
Minister of Social Services
Minister of Health
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health