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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. 

To visit the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services please click the link below: 

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/autism/ontario-autism-program.aspx

Am I Eligible?

Children need to be registered with the Central Intake and Registration Team – see the above website.

Up to the 18th birthday 

To get started or if you need help to register call:   519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087   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.

Email autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308 for more information!

To view a copy of the Autism Services Foundational Family Service Guide click HERE

STUDY BUDDY GROUP – Ages 6 to 17

Does your child have difficulty sitting down to homework? Our study buddy group sounds like the perfect place! Register for this group for support in learning strategies, time management, and other ways to succeed at school!

MONDAYS at 4:30pm to 6pm

Simcoe - January 16th – March 6th at Simcoe Library, 46 Colborne St. S.

*Exception - group will not run on Family Day February 20th*

Caledonia - March 13th – May 1st at Caledonia Library, 100 Haddington St.

*Exception - group will not run on Easter Monday April 10th*


TEEN GROUP - Ages:14 to 17

Is your teen interested in getting a job, life skills, or managing emotions and relationships?
Register for Teen Group, led by our clinicians, providing support on topics such as goal setting, resume building, interviewing, and much more that comes with becoming an adult!

WEDNESDAYS at 4:30pm to 6pm

Cayuga - January 18th – March 8th at Cayuga Library - 19 Talbot St. W.

Simcoe - March 15th - April 26th at Simcoe Library – 46 Colborne St. S.


SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP - Ages: 8 to 12

Does your child need support with social skills or working and playing as part of a group? Our social skills teamwork group will offer clinician led recreational activities focused on building social skills, participating as part of a team, and having fun!

FRIDAYS 4:30pm to 6pm

Simcoe - January 20th to March 3rd at Simcoe Library – 46 Colborne St. S.

Dunnville - March 10th to April 28th at Dunnville site, 110 Ramsey Drive

*Exception - Group will not run on Good Friday April 7th


To register 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 six 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 please contact autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308.

The OAP 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 as of December 31, 2022; and

• starting kindergarten or grade one for the first time in September 2022.

To learn more contact autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308

Home-Based ABA

Our home-based ABA program focuses on training caregivers on ABA strategies to teach their children/youth new skills and/or reduce challenging behaviours. It typically ranges in intensity from 1-4 hours/week and focuses on caregiver goals. An Intake Assessment will determine the recommended hours of intensity as well as the goals of intervention. This program is supervised by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) who is a registered Ontario Autism Provider (OAP).

Centre-Based ABA

Our center-based ABA program focuses on working 1:1 with the child more intensively to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviours. It typically ranges in intensity from 6-18 hours/week and focuses on a combination of caregiver goals and curriculum assessment (i.e. ABLLS-R, VBMAPP). An Intake Assessment will determine the recommended hours of intensity as well as the goals of intervention. This program is supervised by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) who is a registered Ontario Autism Provider (OAP).

To view a copy of the Autism Services Fee-for Service Guide click HERE

To learn more about our Fee for Service options email autisminfo@hnreach.on.ca or call (519) 587-2441 ext. 308

The Agency endeavours to provide a Scent-Free environment for the safety and comfort of all. Please refrain from the use of scented products when attending any of our sites and/or programs.
© 2023 Haldimand-Norfolk REACH