The thought of diagnosing a child with

autism can be daunting to physicians.

This book - filled with clever illustrations
and easy explanations - is a great tool
for physicians and other care givers trying to deal with this issue. Thank you to
the Help Autism Now Society and Autism
Canada for putting together a very helpful resource that can easily be used by
anyone involved in the early detection of
autism.
Dr. Wendy Edwards
Pediatrician
Chatham, ON

I have gone through the Autism

Physician Handbook materials and
found the information presented to be
a truly excellent and a very creative
visual resource for physicians,
educators and other caregivers working with young children.
Dr. Suzanne Lewis
Clinical Professor
University of British Columbia

With the generous help and tireless work

of the Help Autism Now Society, Autism
Canada has been able to bring this
important resource north of the border.
Complete with an extensive list of Canadian and international resources, the
handbook will certainly allow thousands
of families to get the help they need.
Laurie Mawlam
Executive Director
Autism Canada Foundation

Autism
Physician
Handbook
Canadian Edition

Table of Contents
Page 1

Table of Contents

Page 2

Acknowledgements

Page 3

About Autism Canada Foundation

Page 4

CHAT Poster

Page 5-6

CHAT Screening Tool

Page 7-24

VISUAL GUIDE TO BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS

Page 8-9

Social Issues

Page 10

Communications Issues

Page 11-14

Bizarre/Repetitive Behaviour

Page 15-16

Motor Issues

Page 17

Sensory Overload

Page 18-20

Sensory Issues

Page 21

Self-Injurious

Page 22-24

Safety Issues

Page 25

Gastro-Intestinal Disturbances

Page 26

Sleep Disturbances / Altered Pain Responses / Seizures

Page 27

Impact on Family

Page 28

The Role of Early Intervention (Educational)

Page 29

List of Potential Referrals

Page 30-34

OPTIMIZING OFFICE VISITS FOR CHILDREN

WITH AUTISM

Page 35-41

Helpful Websites

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the Help Autism Now
Society for all the hard work they have put
into this handbook and for so graciously
allowing us to modify it to suit the needs of
Canadians. It is an excellent resource to
have, and the ability to add our distinctly
Canadian content will only serve to make it
more accessible and to help a far greater
number of families.

Autism Canada Foundations Message

Autism Canada is committed to finding the answers for all Canadians affected by
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We consider ourselves to be among the leaders of
the growing community of dedicated families, professionals and caregivers who share
this common goal.
At Autism Canada, we:
-

-

-

-

Support Canadians by providing biomedical and behavioural treatment information

to help those affected by autism;
Expand health care professionals knowledge and awareness of autism as a treatable
illness affecting the whole body;
Work to influence policy within governments to provide public health initiatives and
policy change;
Enable research into the causes and treatments for autism.

We support a multi-disciplinary, holistic approach to treating individuals with ASD,

combining biomedical, nutritional and behavioural treatments. We encourage all
parents to seek treatment options in all modalities, to seek the support of other
families with children with ASD, and to partner with informed Health Care Professionals
to provide the best care for their child.
Founded in 2002 by a group of parents, Autism Canada Foundation is a registered
Canadian charitable organization dedicated to providing support and guidance to
parents and caregivers of individuals with ASD. We have a dedicated, passionate board
of directors who come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, and the
majority of them have experience caring for children with autism.
We believe there is hope for the tens of thousands of Canadian families impacted by
autism. The search for a cause and cure continues to make great strides. At Autism
Canada, we feel a responsibility to support meaningful research while helping parents,
physicians and other caregivers make informed choices.
Of course, our organization could not possibly continue to provide support were it not
for generosity of our dedicated donors and volunteers. Please visit us at
www.autismcanada.org to learn how you can donate or volunteer to help us continue Changing Minds, Changing Lives.
Changing the Course of Autism.

Autism Canada Foundation

www.autismcanada.org
P.O. Box 366, Bothwell, Ontario N0P1C0
[email protected]
Registered Charitable Organization 86587 8466 RR0001


At 18 months of age
Does your child ...
1. Look at you and
point when he/she
wants to show you
something?

2. Look when
you point to
something?

3. Use imagination to
pretend play?

If the answer is NO,

your child may be at risk
for AUTISM. Please
alert your physician today.
Based on CHAT (CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers)

CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)

Page 1 of 2 (To be completed at 18-month visit)

Section A: To be completed by parent

1. Does your child enjoy being swung, bounced on your knee, etc? Yes No
2. Does your child take an interest in other children?

Yes No

3. Does your child like climbing on things, such as up stairs?

Yes No

4. Does your child enjoy playing peek-a-boo/hide-and-seek?

Yes No

5. Does your child ever PRETEND, for example, to make a cup

of tea using a toy cup and teapot, or pretend other things?

Yes No

6. Does your child ever use his/her index finger to point,

to ASK for something?

Yes No

7. Does your child ever use his/her index finger to point, to

indicate INTEREST in something?

Yes No

8. Can your child play properly with small toys (e.g. cars or
bricks) without just mouthing, fiddling or dropping them?

Yes No

9. Does your child ever bring objects over to you (parent) to

SHOW you something?

Yes No

Section B: Physician or healthcare provider

1. During the appointment, has the child made eye contact
with you?

Yes No

2. Get childs attention, then point across the room at an interesting

object and say Oh look! Theres a (name of toy)! Watch childs
face. Does the child look across to see what you are pointing at? Yes No
3. Get the childs attention, then give child a miniature toy cup and
teapot and say Can you make me a cup of tea? Does the child
pretend to pour out tea, drink it, etc.?
Yes No
4. Say to the child Wheres the light?, or Show me the light.
Does the child POINT with his/her index finger at the light?

Yes No

5. Can the child build a tower of bricks?

(If so, how many_________)

Yes No

B2: To record Yes on this item, ensure the child has not simply looked at
your hand, but has actually looked at the object you are pointing at.
B3: If you can elicit an example of pretending in some other game, score
a Yes on this item.
B4: Repeat this with Wheres the teddy? or some other unreachable object,
if child does not understand the word light. To record Yes on this item,
the child must have looked up at your face around the time of pointing.
(See next page for scoring recommendations)


CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)

Page 2 of 2

CHAT key items

Section A

A5: Pretend play

A7: Protodeclarative pointing

Section B

CHAT non-key items

Section A

B2: Following a point

B3: Pretending
B4: Producing a point

A1: Rough and tumble play

A2: Social interest
A3: Motor development
A4: Social play
A6: Protoimperative pointing
A8: Functional play
A9: Showing

Section B

B1: Eye contact

B5: Tower of bricks

Risk Assignment
High risk for autism group

Fail (NO answer) A5, A7, B2, B3, B4

Medium risk for autism group

Fail A7, B4 (but not in high risk group)

Low risk for autism group

Not in other two risk groups

Management recommendations:
High risk group:

Refer to developmental clinic as well as ESD

(Educational Services Department).

Medium risk group: High suspicion refer as above

Low suspicion Re-test in one month
Low risk group:

If there are any NO answers, re-test in one month.

Behavioural
Symptoms
of Autism
Behavioral
Symptoms

of Autism

Social
Communication
Bizarre / Repetitive Behaviours
Motor
Sensory Overload
Sensory
Self Injurious
Safety

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

social I ssues

May show no interest in other children playing

May be vicious
with siblings

May sit alone in

crib screaming
instead of calling
out for mother

May not
notice when
parent leaves
or returns
from work


Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

social I ssues

May show no
interest in
Peek-a-Boo or
other interactive
games

May strongly
resist being held,
hugged or kissed
by parents

May not raise arms

to be picked up
from crib when
someone reaches
out to pick him up


Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

communication I ssues
Children with autism are often unaware of their environment
and may have difficulty with eye-contact. As a result they may
seem uninterested in communication of any kind.
When they do need something they often resort to HandLeading. The child places the parents hand on the object he
desires, so using the parent or adult as a TOOL to get what they
want. Typical children communicate their needs by verbalizing,
or non-verbal methods such as pointing.

Unaware
of environment

Avoids eye-contact

Hand-Leading

10

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

bizarre / repetitive behaviours

Flapping
Staring at ceiling fan

Spinning

Lining up toy cars

11

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

bizarre / repetitive behaviours

May show no interest in

toys but get attached to
objects like a spaceheater

Picking lint
in the sunlight

May not play appropriately

with toys and instead
focuses only on one aspect,
like spinning the wheels of a toy car
12

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

bizarre / repetitive behaviours

Rocking

Obsessively
switching light
on and off

Eats unusual
objects like clothes,
mattress or drapes

13

Flicks
fingers
in front
of eyes

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

bizarre / repetitive behaviours

Finds ways
to get
deep-pressure
applied to body
Smearing feces

Finds ways to get

heavy impacts
to body

14

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

motor issues
Children with autism can exhibit motor abnormalities. Some
may have exceptional motor skills in one area yet could be
impaired in others.

Fine Motor Deficits

Poor coordination

Depth Perception Deficit

Toe-walking
15

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

motor issues
Even children who exhibit typical motor skills, may have
difficulty with activities like tricycles, ride-on trucks, etc.

OR

Clumsy

Exceptional Balance

Drooling
Unable
to ride
tricycles,
or trucks
16

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

sensory overload

A child with autism may have extreme difficulty tolerating

music, noise, textures and new experiences or environments. The greater number of sensory exposures, the more
likely a behavioural melt-down will occur.

17

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

sensory issues

Extreme difficulty
with haircuts

Unable to
tolerate
seat belts

May not like new

experiences such as
birthday candles or
balloons

May be almost
impossible to bathe

18

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

sensory issues

Gags at common
household smells

May have
difficulty
tolerating
music

Spinning
objects
close to
face

May appear deaf, not

startle at loud noises
but at other times
hearing seems normal
19

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

sensory issues

May have difficulty

wearing outdoor clothing in winter

Resists
having
clothing
changed

May rip at own clothes,

labels and seams

During summer
may insist on
wearing winter
clothing
20

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

self in j urious behaviors

Head-banging

Self-biting
with no
apparent
pain

Ripping and
scratching
at skin

Pulling out
handfuls of hair

21

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

safety issues

No sense of danger

22

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

safety issues

Doesnt recognize situations

where he may get hurt

23

Behavioural Symptoms of Autism

safety issues

No fear of heights

24

Gastro-Intestinal Disturbances
Dr. Tim Buie, a Gastroenterologist at Harvard University and Mass. General
Hospital, Boston, has performed endoscopies in over 1000 children with
autism. In the initial 400 children, he discovered that GI problems were
much more prevalent in children with autism than in normal controls.
20% Esophagitis
12% Colitis

12% Gastritis
55% Lactase Deficiency

10% Duodenitis

Consider referral to GI where appropriate.

Undigested
food in stool
Diarrhea

Constipation
Severe self-limiting diet
and/or food sensitivity
25

Sleep-Disturbances / Pain Responses / Seizures

Sleep Disturbances

Children may go days without any apparent need to sleep. May not
seem to notice difference between day and night. May have difficulty
going to sleep and staying asleep. May only sleep brief periods of an
hour or two maximum.
Consider the parents sleep-deprived state as a consequence.

Seizures

Co-morbidity with seizures

increasing with age.
Unknown etiology

Altered Pain Responses

Diminished / Absent Pain Responses

or
Heightened Pain Responses
26

Impact of Autism on the Family

With a child with autism, routine everyday

activities may be impossible.
Stress on marriage and siblings can be tremendous. Referral
to family/siblings counseling and local support groups may be
appropriate.

27

The Role of Early Educational Interventions

Studies have shown that early intensive educational interventions

result in improved outcomes for the child and family. Initial
strategies may include teaching the child to notice what is going
on in their environment, to be able to pay attention, to imitate
behavior, and later progressing to communication skills, etc.

Refer the family to Early Intervention (EI) for evaluation

if any developmental delay is suspected.
Depending on the childs needs, EI may include Speech,
Occupational and/or Physical Therapy.
28

Summary of Potential Referrals

1. Developmental Specialist
2. Evaluation by Early Intervention
3. Hearing Evaluation
4. Speech Therapy
5. Physical Therapy
6. Occupational Therapy
7. Pediatric GI Specialist (if child has severe diarrhea / constipation /
bloody stools / undigested food / frequent vomiting)
8. Neurologist (if seizures present)
9. Child Psychiatrist / Psychologist
10. Social Worker / Family Counseling
11. Local Parent Support Groups

29

Optimizing Office Visits

for Children with Autism
As Physicians
we are primarily
trained to look for
sickness.
Children with
autism rarely look
sick; they may
look perfectly
normal and
have attained all
their pediatric
milestones.

Instead they
may behave as
though they are
just lacking firm
parental controls.
They are often
very resistant
to change: new
situations, new
experiences and
new people.

30

Optimizing Office Visits for Children with Autism

consider advance telephone - conference
with the parent
Advantages include the
ability to:
1. Obtain a clear history
from the parent without
the distraction of the child
present.
2. Ask the parent for their
suggestions as to how the
visit could be made easier.
3. Ask the parent to bring
a motivator (bribe) for the
child to assist with exam.
4. If you anticipate the need for blood draw, consider
prescribing anesthetic cream so that the parent can apply it
in advance of the visit.
5. Suggest the parent prepare the child by reading the
medical social stories, Going to see the Dr and/or Going
to have blood drawn by HANS helpautismnow.com

listen to the parent

Parents are experts at
reading their child.
Where possible treat any
physical symptoms as
you would a normal child,
(without letting autism
cloud your judgment).

31

Optimizing Office Visits for Children with Autism

prepare the e x am room
Nurse/ Medical Assistant
can check in advance with
the parent regarding room
accommodations. These
may include :
Quiet room
Room without a window
No Bright lights
No music
If necessary remove all
objects that could potentially
be used as missiles or weapons.

minimize waiting time if possible

Consider:
Scheduling the child as the
first appointment of the
day, (ten minutes earlier will
prevent the child from seeing other people when he
arrives).
Potential Advantages:
Minimizes risk of:
1. Child melt-down
2. Disruption for other
families in the Waiting Room
3. Embarrassment for the parent
4. Damage to the actual Waiting Room
If possible register the child in advance by telephone.

32

Optimizing Office Visits for Children with Autism

things may not be as they seem
Despite the fact that these
children may look neglected
and/ or abused, consider the
following;
Severe self-injurious
behaviours: biting, headbanging, scratching, etc
Limited or no pain-sensation
No sense of danger or what
will hurt them
Severe sensory issues
making it virtually impossible to change
their clothing or bathe them

e x pect the une x pected !

Be alert for your own safety

Some children with autism may not understand that
you are there to help them, instead they may see you as
a threat. They can be calm at one moment and erupt
the next and may:
Head-butt
Bite
Kick
Spit
Punch
Pull hair
BOLT
Etc, Etc, Etc
Respect the childs personal
space, (it may be much
larger than usual)
33

Optimizing Office Visits for Children with Autism

limited understanding and speech
Some children may be able
to recite entire Disney
videos, yet may be unable
to tell you their name or if
they hurt.
They may have difficulty
processing auditory
information.

consider the impact of autism

on the entire family

Refer when appropriate, e.g.

Sibling Workshops

Family Support groups, etc

Respite services

34

W ebsites Parents may find helpful

w w w.autismcanada.org

B ritish Columbia
Autism Community Training (ACT)
http://www.actbc.ca/
Information & support for families,
training programs.
Autism Society British Columbia
http://www.autismbc.ca/
Information & support for families.
British Columbia Ministry of Education
www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/#Autism
A government agency that enables
participation of students with special
needs in the educational system.
Central Okanagan Child Development
Association (COCDA)
http://www.cocda.com
Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention
for children under 6 using an ABA and
Verbal Behaviour model.
Reach Child and Youth Development
Society
http://www.reachdevelopment.org/
Offers family-centre programs and
services for children and youth.
Families for Early Autism Treatment
(FEAT) of British Columbia
http://www.featbc.org/
Education and information on early
intervention treatments for autism.
Fraser Valley Child Development Centre
http://www.fvcdc.org/
Programs and services include direct
therapy and support to children with
special needs, family education and
support and community development.

Integrative Health and Education

http://www.ihae.ca
Provide an array of health and education
services for children and adults.
Ministry of Children and Family
Development - Autism Initiatives Branch
www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism
Government agency. Provides three
programs: early behavioural intervention,
autism funding for under age 6 and
autism funding for ages 6-18.
Nona Child Development Centre
http://www.nona-cdc.com/services.htm
Various services and support, including
speech and music therapy, infant
development, and respite.

Between Friends Club

http://www.betweenfriends.ab.ca/
Enables participants to experience a
sense of belonging and an enhanced
quality of life by providing quality social
and recreational.
Cause and Effect
http://www.causeandeffectfoundation.com/
Early intervention service for children
2.5 years to age 6 providing coordinated
therapy addressing specific needs; goals
include promoting independence and
integration into a regular classroom
setting.

A lberta
Ability Society
http://www.abilitysociety.org/
A community-based, non-profit agency
providing a range of services including
information requests, skill and needs
assessments, assistive device
recommendations and access to
technology for those with special needs.
Alberta Adaptabilities Association
http://www.adaptabilities.ca/
Provides Edmonton and surrounding
areas with programs and respite
services for children with special needs,
focusing on essential life skills,
recreation and leisure opportunities, and
exploration of the arts.
Alberta Association for Community Living
http://www.aacl.org/
Advocates for families to receive the
support, access to inclusive education
and participation in community life.

Autism Calgary Association

http://www.autismcalgary.com/
Parent support & information group;
goals include diagnosis and treatment
of children with ASD, inclusive
education, integration into community,
and research initiatives.
Autism Partnership
http://www.autismpartnership.com/
ABA, Children, Information & support for
families.

35

Families for Effective Autism Treatment

of Alberta (FEAT/AB)
http://members.shaw.ca/feat.ab/FEAT.html
Provides support, information, education
and guidance for parents, educators,
and other professionals, who believe in
the efficacy of Applied Behaviour
Analysis/Functional Analysis intervention
and ABA-based interventions.
Foothills Special Needs Association for
Parents and Siblings (SNAPS)
http://www.foothillssnaps.com/
Provides information, education and
support to parents and siblings of special
needs children.
Government of Alberta
http://www.child.gov.ab.ca/home/591.cfm
Builds on childrens strengths and
abilities, recognizes families as partners
in planning and decision making process
of childrens needs and helps family
access information and coordinate
services.

W ebsites Parents may find helpful

w w w.autismcanada.org

Hope for Healing Children

http://www.hopeforhealingchildren.org/
A group of Calgary parents dedicated to
using alternative biomedical treatments
for their children with ASD. This site is a
forum for information and support.

Community Respite Service

http://www.communityrespiteservice.ca/
Offers respite services for caregivers
of and to children and adults with
physical and intellectual challenges.
Manitoba Families for Effective Autism
Treatment
http://www.mfeat.ca/
Supports research and education.

In-home Support Services

http://www.inhomesupportservices.com/
Provides home care and support to
individuals, their families, and caregivers
in their own homes 24 hours a day.

Manitoba Family Services and

Housing: Childrens Special Services
http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pwd/css.html
Provides information and programs,
including therapy, behavioural
services, applied behaviour analysis,
summer programming, after school
care and more.

Just 4U Family Services

www.just4ufamilyservices.com/index.html
Empowers parents and caregivers of
special need children to participate in
the organization of respite care through
one on one and group outings.

S askatchewan
Autism Resource Centre
http://www.autismresourcecentre.com/
Services people with ASD and
support their families.
Autism Services
http://www.autismservices.ca/
Provides programs and services.

SCE Lifeworks
http://www.lifeworks.mb.ca/homepage.html
Services include individualized,
consumer directed planning (with
parental input), supported
employment, access and support to
continuing education, recreation/
leisure activities, physiotherapy,
speech therapy, and ongoing follow-up
support services.

Government of Saskatchewan
http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/autism
Provides information, training sessions
and strategic direction.
SASKFeat
http://www.saskfeat.com/
Supports research and education.
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
(PDD) Program
www.pdd.org/default.shtml
Part of the Ministry of Seniors and
Community Supports. Develops,
implements, and evaluates a provincial
plan for the delivery of supports to adults
with developmental disabilities in order
to include them in community life. They
also work with local agencies to provide
services.
Society for Treatment of Autism (STA)
http://www.sta-ab.com/
Provides comprehensive treatment
and educational services for children
and adolescents between the ages of
2 and 18. They offer support,
consultation and educational services for
families and communities in Alberta.

M anitoba
Asperger Manitoba Inc.
http://www.asperger-manitoba.ca/
Encourages early diagnosis and
spreads awareness and information of
Asperger Syndrome.
Autism Portage
www.autismportage.ca/
For parents and professionals in the
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba area with
local resources and general
information on ASD.
Autism Society Manitoba
http://www.autismmanitoba.com/
Provides information and support for
families.

36

O ntario
ABACUS
http://www.abacuslist.ca/
Provides a listing of Autism ABA
providers serving Ontario and
information about ABA.
Asperger Society Ontario
www.aspergers.ca
Provides education, resources and
support while enabling individuals with
AS to realize their potential.

W ebsites Parents may find helpful

w w w.autismcanada.org

Peel Childrens Centre

http://www.peelcc.org/services
Provides families with guidance and
access to resources.

Q uebec
Association du Qubec pour
lintgration sociale
http://www.aqis-iqdi.qc.ca
French site.

Autism Ontario
www.autismsociety.on.ca
Provides information, referrals,
increases public awareness, supports
research and advocates for programs
and services for the autism
community.
Geneva Centre for Autism
http://www.autism.net/
Delivers clinical intervention services
and training, supports research and
educates.
Kerrys Place
http://www.kerrysplace.org
Offers Community Outreach
programs, which provide support and
consultation to individuals with autism
and their families.
Ministry of Children and Youth
Services
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/
Ontario provides a range of services
and supports to children and youth
with autism.
Socit Franco-Ontarienne de lAutisme
www.autismefranco.ca
Provides services in French to families
in Ontario.
Regional Service Providers:
Central East Region - Kinark Child and
Family Services
www.kinark.on.ca
Markham, ON

Central West Region - ErinoakKids
Centre for Treatment and Development
www.erinoakkids.ca
Mississauga, ON

Eastern Region - Childrens Hospital

of Eastern Ontario
www.cheo.on.ca
Ottawa, ON
North East Region - Hands,
The Family Help Network
www.thefamilyhelpnetwork.ca
North Bay, ON
Hamilton/Niagara Region - McMaster
Childrens Hospital, Hamilton Health
Sciences
www.mcmasterchildrenshospital.ca
Hamilton, ON
Northern Region - Child Care
Resources
www.childcare.on.ca/default.aspx
Sudbury, ON
South East Region - Pathways for
Children and Youth
www.pathwayschildrenyouth.org
Kingston, ON
South West Region - Thames Valley
Childrens Centre
www.tvcc.on.ca/
London, ON
Toronto Region - Surrey Place Centre
www.surreyplace.on.ca/
Toronto, ON

Brilliant Beginnings Inc.

www.brilliant-beginnings.org
Provides ABA Therapy, Speech
Therapy, Social Skills Groups,
Daycare and Preschool Shadows
Home and Treatment Centre Based in
West Island and Laval.
Fdration qubcoise de lautisme et
des autres troubles envahissants du
dveloppement (FQATED)
www.autisme.qc.ca
French site. Provincial federation with
a network of regional organizations
providing services across Quebec.
Source of information on training and
education in Quebec.
Federation qubcoise des centre de
radaptation en dficience intellectuelle et en troubles envahissants du
dveloppement
http://www.fqcrdi.qc.ca/
French site. Provincial federation of
public health and social service net
work establishments providing support
and services for people with
intellectual disabilities.
LEnvol Stimulation Center
http://www.lenvol.ca/content/english.aspx
Non-profit organization; offers support
services for children aged 0-12 with
communication disorders in
Victoriaville.
Miriam Foundation
www.miriamfoundation.ca/
A bilingual private centre with a
mission to develop training, research
& diagnosis and evaluation programs
to support persons with Autism
Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Office des personnes handicapes du
Qubec (OPHQ)
www.ophq.gouv.qc.ca
French site.

37

W ebsites Parents may find helpful

w w w.autismcanada.org

Pro-Autism
www.pro-autism.com
Provides educational activities and
RDI consultations. Includes home
visits, training programs, and ongoing
consultation.
Rseau national dexpertise en troubles
envahissants du dveloppement (Network of expertise)
http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/
groupes/rneted/index.php?accueil
French site. Promotes communication
and idea exchange through its members,
professionals and other persons in
Quebec with expertise in the field.
Services de rpit Emergo Autisme T.E.D.
http://www.servicesderepitemergo.com/
Offers respite services to families living
with autistic people, provides stimulating
outdoor environment adapted special
needs, and encourages to maintain and
develop their capabilities.

Socit de lAutisme Rgion Lanaudire

www.autisme-lanaudiere.org
French site. Provides referrals, training,
and information.
Trait dUnion Outaouais Inc. (TUOI)
www.traitdunionoutaouais.com
French site. Provides information,
training, support services and social
integration for individuals, their families
and the community.

N ew B runswick
Autism Society of New Brunswick
http://www.autismnb.org/
Promote public awareness,
understanding and acceptance of
persons diagnosed ASD, while providing
families with support.

Upper Valley Autism Resource Centre

www.uvarc.com
Provides family support, library and
resources, workshops and conferences
to individuals affected by ASD.

N ova S cotia
Alexander Society
http://www.alexandersociety.org/home.html
Provides arts-based education programs
to children and teens with special needs.
Includes after- and in-school programs.
Autism Society Nova Scotia
http://www.autismsocietynovascotia.ca/
Provides information and support for
Autism Resouce Centre (ARC)
families. Includes support groups, raising
http://www.monctonarc.com/
awareness, and bringing together
Provides available and accessible social families in similar situations.
support, self-help, public education, and
Early Intervention
a broad array of resources for persons
with autism and their families. Includes a http://www.earlyintervention.net/
Provides family centred services to
lending library for information, books,
families of children with special needs
toys, and other educational resources.
(newborn - 6y) in their own homes.
Autism Resources Miramichi Inc.
Government of Nova Scotia:
www.autismmiramichi.com
Community Care
Resource Centre serving all
http://www.gov.ns.ca/coms/
individuals, families and professionals
Provides support for children and
affected by Autism. Facilitates
families, services, assistance with
professional intervention and
involvement in the context of a
housing and repairs and more.
supportive and inviting environment.
IWK Health Centre
Government of New Brunswick
www.iwk.nshealth.ca
http://www.gnb.ca/
Diagnostic and other assessment
Provides intervention services to pre-
services, consultation and some
school age children with Autism
intervention services.
Spectrum Disorder. (Note: Select child
care as the keyword, then select the
Provincial Autism Centre (PAC)
program Services for Preschool
http://www.autismcentre.ns.ca
Children with Autism Spectrum
Professionally run non-profit Resource
Disorder.)
Centre, providing services and access to
information about ASD to individuals,
M.O.R.E. Services
parents and professionals across the
http://www.moreservices.ca/
province.
Assists and supports individuals with
intellectual disabilities. Includes training
in daily living, activities, job readiness
training and supported employment.
New Brunswick Association for
Community Living (NBACL)
http://www.nbacl.nb.ca/
Supports families, provides training and
education, does research, provides
inclusive recreation and leisure
opportunities.

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W ebsites Parents may find helpful

w w w.autismcanada.org

Other N ational O rganizations

P rince E dward I sland

Autism Society P.E.I.
http://www.autismsociety.pe.ca/
Provides information and support, raises
public awareness and supports
research.
The Government of Prince Edward Island:
Autism Early Intervention Program
http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.
php3?number=20680
Provides information and services, up to
20 hours per week of behaviourally
based intervention.

Stars for Life Foundation

http://www.starsforlife.com/
Providing continued education for young
people with ASD that will equip them
with life and job skills.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Association for Community Living
http://www.nlacl.ca/
Provides support to individuals and
families, facilitates research, training
and planning and gathers/distributes
information.

Y ukon
Autism Yukon
www.autismyukon.org
A detailed handbook to Yukon services
is available on their website home page.
Government of Yukon, Health and
Social Services
http://www.hss.gov.yk.ca/
Services to Children with Disabilities.

Autism Awareness Centre

http://www.autismawarenesscentre.com/
Canadian site offering workshops, books
and resources, news and information.
Autism Canada Foundation
www.autismcanada.org
Offers support, referrals, information
and direction - special focus on
biomedical interventions. Expands
awareness, influences government
policies and supports research.
Autism Society Canada
http://www.autismsocietycanada.ca/
ASC is a federation of Canada-wide
provincial and territorial autism societies
that offer education, information and
referral and support.

LArche Canada
http://www.larche.ca/en/
Bilingual site; Montreal-based
organization with community homes
N unavut / N orthwest T erritories across the country.

Learning Disabilities Association

of Yukon
www.nald.ca/litweb/province/yt/lday/index.htm

The Government of Nunavut

http://www.gov.nu.ca/health/
Information and services.

N ational - G overnment

N ewfounland / L abrador
Autism Society of Newfoundland
and Labrador
http://www.autism.nf.net
Promotes timely diagnosis, intervention
treatments, public awareness and re
search. Provides support and
information.
The Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador Health and Community
Services: Autism Pilot Project
http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/divisions/pgmpolicy/default.htm#autism
Two year early intervention treatment for
preschool children, including intensive
ABA program.

Canadian Council on Social

Development
http://www.ccsd.ca/drip/
Provides centralized access to
information about disability research.
Human Resources and Social
Development Canada
www.sdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_
nav/program/odi.shtml
Bilingual site; working to remove barriers
and to improve the social and economic
inclusion of Canadians with disabilities.
Persons with Disabilities Online
http://www.pwd-online.ca/pwdhome.
jsp?lang=en
Bilingual site, access to services and
information for persons with disabilities,
caregivers and all Canadians.

Public Health Agency of Canada

Learning Disabilities Association of
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
Newfoundland & Labrador
Bilingual site; Federal Government.
www.nald.ca/ldanl/

Provides information and programs for a
range of learning disabilities.

39

Roeher Institute
http://www.roeher.ca/english/about/about.htm
Leading research and development
organization; generates knowledge,
information and skills to secure the
inclusion, citizenship, rights and equality
of people with intellectual and other
disabilities.
Special Olympics Canada
http://www.specialolympics.ca/
Special Olympics Canada is dedicated
to enriching the lives of Canadians with
an intellectual disability through sport.

W ebsites Parents may find helpful :

I nternational W ebsites
Autism Research Unit, University of
Sunderland, UK
http://osiris.sunderland.ac.uk/autism/aru.htm
Provides a basis for research into the
cause of autism and an accessible
store of traditional and current research
on autism. Produces a booklet guide for
parents/clinicians with current research
and treatment suggestions.

American Academy of Pediatrics

www.aap.org/healthtopics/autism.cfm

Autism-specific news and resources.
Autism Info
www.autisminfo.com

Extensive list of A to Z autism

resources: daily updates, studies, and

news articles.
Autism Research Center, Cambridge
University, England
www.autismresearchcenter.com
Mission of ARC is to understand the
biomedical causes of autism spectrum
conditions, and develop new and
validated methods for assessment and
intervention.

Autism Resources
www.autism-resources.com
Extensive book list and international re
sources link. Translates into 16
languages: Arabic, Chinese, Danish,
Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek,
Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and
Swedish.

CDC Autism Information Center

www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.htm
Screening/diagnosis, treatment/therapy,
resources, news,research, state and
congressional activities, educational
materials.
Childrens Disabilities Information
www.childrensdisabilities.info
General disability information with
autism-specific resources, including
books, articles, links, etc.

Autism Society of America

www.autism-society.org
A leading voice and resource of the
autism community in education,
advocacy, services, research, and
support.
Autism Speaks
www.autismspeaks.org
Raises public awareness about autism
and its effects on individuals, families,
and society, and to giving hope to all
who deal with the hardships of the
disorder.

Autism Today
www.autismtoday.com
Creative, interactive, one-stop shop
Autism Research Institute
to navigate the maze of autism-related
www.autism.com
information. Over 2,500 pages, is the
Online resources including a database
largest autism resource online and
covering more than two decades of
responses freom over 25,000 parents on resource distributor in the world.
behavioural interventions. Articles
available in Spanish, French, Italian,
Russian and Portuguese.

First Signs
www.firstsigns.org
Resource for parents and
professionals regarding normal/typical
development milestones. Useful
baseline information for parents to
discuss with physician if they have
developmental concerns about their
child.
Help Autism Now Society
www.helpautismnow.com
Physician resources include user-
friendly, objective materials to enable
physicians to more quickly recognize
and screen for autism. A handbook with
over 100 illustrations depicting the
behavioural symptoms of autism and a
4-minute tutorial video of CHAT
screening tool.

40

W ebsites Parents may find helpful :

I nternational W ebsites
LADDERS
www.ladders.org
Learning and Developmental Disabilities
Evaluation and Rehabilitation Services
at Mass. General Hospital for Children,
Boston MA. Interdisciplinary program
designed to provide services in the
evaluation/treatment of children and
adults with autism, pervasive
developmental disorder and related
disorders.

Schafer Autism Report

www.sarnet.org
Online newsletter of all major news
sources, websites, and latest research
for important and practical new
developments regarding autism. Studies
often available for viewing in advance of
publication. Subscription free.
Action for Autism
www.autism-india.org/worldorgs.html
Worldwide links to autism organizations,
resources in almost 100 different
countries.
Autism Resources
www.autism-resources.com/links/nonenglish.html
Extensive book list and international
resource links. Available in Arabic,
Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish,
French, German, Greek, Hebrew,
Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean,
Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

MedLinePlus
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autism.html
Links to news; diagnosis/symptoms,
treatment, research, organizations.
National Autistic Society, UK
www.nas.org.uk/
Telephone hotline, free parent-to-parent
telephone service, support, schools,
news, and events.
National Institute of Health (NIH) Autism
Website
www.nichd.nih.gov/autism/
Most current information about NICHD
research projects, publications, news
releases, and other activities related to
autism. Publications available in
Spanish.

Future Horizons
www.autismpespanol.com
Extensive resource for publishing and
books relating to the autism spectrum;
books and tapes available online.
Website in Spanish.
National Dissemination Center for
Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs1txt.htm
Autism facts, resources, organizations.
Available in Spanish.

M agazines
The Autism Advocate
www.autism-society.org/autismadvocate
A quarterly magazine that offers a
diverse collection of the latest issues in
autism.
The Autism Aspergers Digest
www.futurehorizons-autism.com
Features articles and material from
around the world; covers the latest
people, products, research, news and
viewpoints emerging in the autism field.
Full-length excerpts from ground-
breaking new books on autism, original
articles from top specialists, etc.
The Autism File
www.autismfile.com
A quarterly magazine dealing with all
aspects of autism.
The Autism Perspective (TAP)
www.theautismperspective.org
Provides balanced information on the
myriad of therapies and treatments
for the vast and complicated realm of
autism.
The Autism Spectrum Quarterly
www.ASQuarterly.com
A megajournal, combining the readability
and interest of high-level magazine with
the substance and depth of a
professional journal. Features research
and commentary aimed at helping
parents, teachers, and clinicians
translate research into practice.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/autismmenu.cfm
Signs/symptoms, treatment, fact sheet,
news, links to research.

Pubmed
www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pubmed
Free, immediate internet access to the
most up-to-date and previously
published medical studies from
numerous international medical journals.
Can be accessed by subject, author,
or title of study. Abstracts often available
electronically at no charge.

Spectrum
www.spectrum publications.com
For parents of children with autism and
developmental disabilities. Wide variety
of topics, including educational, research
and biomedical. Contains autism-specific

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