Developmental support

Your primary care provider might refer your child to a clinic that offers therapy and support for families and children that require more specialized care.

• Pediatric Rehabilitation: Services support your child’s development to participate in meaningful activities of daily life at home and in the community. The focus is on the early years and early intervention to prevent health complications and improve long-term health and well-being.
• Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP): Provides information, education, and support to families with babies and young children who have developmental delays or disabilities.

Providers and families work together to improve your child’s development and their ability to take part in everyday activities at home and in the community.

Specialized development supports can be provided by various healthcare providers depending on your zone and needs. This could include: behavioural health consultant, behavioural analyst, child development specialist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, registered dietitian, registered nurse, social worker, speech-language pathologist.

Autism Assessment

Your primary care provider may suggest you visit a pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, or a clinic that specializes in autism assessment.

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of children. Pediatricians can treat children who have any type of problem or they may specialize in specific areas.

Developmental pediatricians are medical specialists who diagnose, assess, and manage autism and related conditions. They provide comprehensive care for developmental, behavioural, and learning needs.

Asking questions can help you make an informed decision about your child’s support options. You might ask:

• “What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?”
• “Who is my child being referred to and what do they do?”
• “How long will it take to be seen and what can we do before we get in?”