People you may meet

Individuals in the Health Care Field

Developmental Pediatrician

This is a child's physician who practice includes primarily children with developmental difficulties of one kind and another. This physician can make a diagnosis, and order further testing, as needed. In addition, the Developmental Pediatrician is able to assist with other medical programs that may occur in your child's life as time goes on. A referral from a family Physician is needed to get an appointment with a Developmental Pediatrician.
 

Psychiatrist

This Physician is trained in mental disorders and their treatment. The Psychiatrist is another person who is qualified to diagnose Autism/PDD. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications for problems in this area.
 

Psychologist

A Psychologist has a doctorate degree. PhD Psychologists are trained to provide assessments, therapy and diagnosis for a variety of intellectual, emotional and behavioural issues. A Psychologist may be involved with your child to assess his or her current developmental level, provide a diagnosis, and provide feedback and consultation related to behavioural, parenting, family or emotional issues.
 

Psychological Associate

A Psychological Associate, trained in Psychology at the Master's level and works with a Psychologist to provide diagnosis, treatment and consultation services.
 

Psychometrist

Individuals with a Bachelor or Master's degree, who typically works under the supervision of a Psychologist, are involved in assessment (testing) of individuals. They may provide counselling or therapy, depending on their training.

Individuals who can support your child and family

Behaviour Therapist

A Behaviour Therapist will work to help you help your child manage his or her behaviour. Behaviour therapists have degrees in Psychology, and have experience working with individuals with Developmental delays, Autism and PDD. They observe the individual with special needs and with others, develop strategies to help teach new behaviours.
 

Physiotherapist

This person is a movement specialist working with children to make sure that they can get from place to place B at home, at school, and in the community B as quickly and as easily as possible. This may include anything from prescribing exercises for tight muscles to prescribing and arranging for orthotic supports.
 

Occupational Therapist

OT's are also concerned about movement and they will work to make it possible for children to dress themselves, hit a baseball, sit and write at school, or perform practical and recreational life activities. Some OT's are trained in the area of Sensory Integration, and may be able to assist your child with some of the sensory challenges that may be part getting in the way of your child's success at school and in the community.
 

Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)*

The SLP is a registered professional with a Master's degree in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders. Their skills include assessment, and intervention planning and implementation. These individuals may provide consultation to communication helpers in a variety of settings; for example, they may design and monitor a program that a Communication Disorders Assistant will implement. A SLP consults with educators and caregivers to provide suggestions for encouraging communication and development within the Achild@ natural environments.
 

Communication Disorders Assistant (CDA)*

The CDA carries out a program developed by a Speech Language Pathologist, providing support for your child's communication and language development.
 

Behavioural Communication Consultant*

This person is a Behaviour Therapist who also specializes in communication issues.

 

Employment Consultant*

This person would talk to individuals and family members about employment possibilities. This would include job developing, and education to employers.

* These Communication Specialists may work in the Health care or Educational settings.

Individuals who can support your child at school

Within a pre-school

Early Childhood Educator

An ECE is an individual who is trained in Child Development and in the education of very young children. ECE's are found in Child Care Centres and preschools. They develop programs to help children develop the skills that will allow them to learn as much as possible at school and at home.
 

Resource Teacher/Preschool Consultant

This teacher is trained in Early Childhood Education, specialized training in working with children with special needs. The Resource Teacher will develop a curriculum specifically geared to the educational needs of your child. This person will be one of the bridges between home and preschool, working to integrate skills from setting to setting.
 

Outreach Assistant or Classroom Assistant

These assistants are found in preschool or childcare settings. They help young children participate, interact and learn in their earliest educational settings. Their goal will be to help your child be as integrated as possible.

Within your school board

Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT)

The Special Education Resource Teacher is a specialist who adapts the curriculum to meet the special needs of identified students in the school system. Students identifies as exceptional within the school will have access to the help of these teachers, in addition to that of their regular classroom teachers.
 

Teaching Assistant (TA)* / Educational Assistant (EA)* / Educational Resource Worker (ERW)*

The TA is somewhat similar to Outreach assistants, in that their job is to help children with special needs to participate and get as much out of school as possible. This can include everything from helping with personal care and at lunchtime, to helping in the classroom with more academic activities.

* Depending on the Board of Education for which they work.

Individuals who can provide your family with support

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support to all family members whose lives are impacted by a child's diagnosis. This support may take the form of individual, child or family counselling. And it may also include assistance with such things as advocating.
 

Infant Development Consultant

This is a person who specializes in Infant and Child development. They can offer suggestions and strategies in child development.
 

Respite Worker, Special Needs Worker or Special Services at Home Worker

These are individuals who work directly with your child in your home. These positions are funded by Government agencies. This funding is determined by the needs of the family and depends on the amount of funds available the time their application is approved. All funding is applied for by the family on a yearly basis.
 

Autism Consultant

In Ontario, the Geneva Centre exists to provide help and support to individuals with Autism, their families and others with whom they share their worlds. Consultants from the Geneva Centre can be called when questions and difficult issues arise, and parents would like the help of a professional who deals exclusively with people with Autism. The Autism Consultant can help families understand and respond to challenging and puzzling situations.
 

Case Manager

The Case Manager can help you keep track of the services and professional in your child's life. And also, help you decide which other services you need.

Individuals who can assist you in accessing financial assistance

Children's Service Worker (CSW)

This individual works for the Region of Peel, this individual will help you access childcare subsidy. They will also assist you in finding child care. The worker will do a documentation to assess if you qualify for child care subsidy.
 

Easter Seals (Toilet Training)

Has an Incontinence Supplies Grant Program for children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. If you have more questions about the program, please do no hesitate to call the Program at (416) 421-8778 ext. 314 or toll free at 1-888-377-5437. Grant application and guidelines are included in forms section at back of binder.
 

Ministry of Community and Social Services and Mininistry of Children's Services, Special Needs Unit

Special Services At Home (SSAH) and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) are two programs that are part of a wide range of supports available in Ontario. Please contact your local office or see flyer included in forms sections at the back of binder.

[ Top of Page ]