Autism Services
There are a range of evidence based services and programs offered to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families with in a family-centred and flexible manner. The approach is collaborative and based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. The services vary across intensity, whether they are delivered individually or in a group, and whether they are directed to the child or the parent. Some are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and some are offered on a fee for service basis.
Visit the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Ontario Autism Program website - Ontario Autism Program
Am I Eligible?
- Registered with the Ontario Autism Program - Access OAP
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Up to the 18th birthday
To get started or if you need help to register call: 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087 at ext. 308 or email: autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca
Foundational Family Services are a FREE service to anyone registered with the Ontario Autism Program. Services that are available through H.N REACH include the following types of options:
- Family and peer mentoring – share experiences in a supportive, informative and social atmosphere
- Caregiver workshops and follow-up coaching sessions – information, education and resources on a variety of topics
- Brief targeted consultations – direct support to help address a specific need and support your child’s skill development
- Transition supports – help preparing for your child’s personal and educational transitions as well as transitions to adulthood
- Family resource and clinic days – brainstorm, consult and problem-solve with professionals.
For more information email autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308
Caregiver-mediated early years programs support families with young children ages 12 months to 48 months (4 years). The programs help young children learn new skills and meet individualized goals. Through these programs, parents and caregivers learn therapeutic strategies and specific techniques from professionals based on their child’s individual needs. The programs aim to build parents’ and caregivers’ capacity to support their child’s skill development in: The programs are play-based, child-led and developmentally appropriate. Programs are free of charge and available for up to three months per child.
- social interaction
- play
- communication
- emotional development
- adaptive development and self-help skills
Families can contact Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H. to learn about available service options in the Hamilton, Niagara, Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit area.
For more information on how to register contact autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308.
The Entry to School program is a six-month group-based program for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, up to 6 years old, who are entering school for the first time (starting kindergarten or grade one). The program will be focused on building school readiness skills and preparing them to enter school. Following the group-based program, children will receive transition supports as they enter school, to support a successful school transition. Families and educators will also be able to access consultation services from Entry to School program staff, upon request, during a child’s first six months in school.
Eligibility To participate, your child must be:
- registered with the OAP
- between three to six years old
- starting kindergarten or grade one for the first time
To learn more contact autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308
Children and youth registered with the Ontario Autism Program are eligible for URS when experiencing new or worsening high-risk behaviours. Working with the family and community services, our URS Coordinators develop short-term services and supports to respond rapidly to the specific high-risk need to reduce the risk of harm to the child/youth, others, or property.
Contact Brant is the Lead Agency for the Urgent Response Service (URS) in the communities of Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Niagara, and Six Nations of the Grand River. Haldimand-Norfolk REACH works in partnership with Contact Brant to deliver the Urgent response service in Haldimand-Norfolk.
For more information and to start the referral process - Contact Brant - Urgent Response Services
Clinical Groups
Our clinical groups offer children and youth the support to develop skills in play, social-emotional regulation, dating, careers, and more! Our group participants are matched based on their age, skills, and goals to make the group as fun and successful as possible for everyone.
Comprehensive ABA
Our Comprehensive ABA service focuses on working 1:1 with the child and caregivers more intensively to teach multiple new skills and/or reducing interfering behaviours. It typically ranges in intensity from 6-20 hours/week and focuses on a combination of caregiver goals and goals identified through assessment. This service can be done in centre and/or in home as determined by targeted goals.
An intake assessment will determine the recommended hours of intensity, the goals of intervention. and length of service.
This program is supervised by a Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) and registered with the OAP provider list.
Focused ABA
Our Focused ABA service centers on training caregivers on ABA strategies to teach their children/youth one new skill. It typically ranges in intensity from 1-5 hours/week and focuses on caregiver goals. This service can be done in centre and/or in home as determined by the targeted goal.
An intake assessment will determine the recommended hours and length of service.
This program is supervised by a Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) and registered with the OAP provider list.
To learn more about Core Clinical Service email autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308