2026–2027 Services delivered: Other ASD supports

Component: Autism

Legislation: Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017

Service description

To provide specialized services and supports to children and youth with autism. The services delivered encompass three primary streams

• specialized services and supports including the Treatment Research and Education for Autism and Developmental Disorders (TRE-ADD) program
• transition to adolescence supports
• Seasonal camps

People served

Children and youth served will meet the following criteria

• all children and youth have received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder from a qualified professional up to the age of 18

Program/service features

• This program provides intensive clinical support to children and youth 6 to 17 years of age with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and an intellectual disability (ID) who have multi- faceted behavioural, psychological and/or emotional needs, and exhibit severe behavioural, communication, socialization and learning challenges
• Transition to Adolescence Supports serves youth with autism who are transitioning into adolescence and secondary school; and who are experiencing significant difficulties at home, in school or community settings leading to family/school crises

Transition Supports provide

• crisis intervention including counselling and family support
• behavioural supports
• skill-based training such as interpersonal skills and relationship building

Specific service provided

TRE-ADD services include specialized education and treatment interventions in Section 23 classrooms; and parent respite

• this program serves children and youth in the Toronto and Central Regions
• children and youth access this either by a request of families for an intake assessment or are referred to TRE-ADD by individuals/agencies within the social services or medical professions on their behalf

Transition to Adolescence supports: Children and youth access supports in their local community directly through a ministry funded transfer payment recipient

Program goals

• specialized services and supports will provide intensive clinical support to child/youth who have multiple behavioural, psychological and/or emotional needs
• transition to adolescence supports will provide crisis intervention, behavioural support and/or skill-based training

Ministry expectations

Services will be

• reflective and responsive to individual, family and community strengths and needs
• accountable to the individual, family, and community
• sensitive to the social, linguistic, geographic and cultural diversity of families and Indigenous communities
• staffed by individuals with a suitable range of skills and abilities necessary to respond effectively to the needs of children/ youth and their families
• based on the individual's assessed needs, preferences and availability of individual, agency, community, and contracted ministry resources

Reporting requirements

Service data will be reported on at an Interim and Final stage. Please refer to your final agreement for report back due dates and targets.