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About Us

Who is Interdisciplinary Autism Services (IAS) for?

The INTERDISCIPLINARY AUTISM SERVICES (IAS) is intended for children/youth with suspected or confirmed complex Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (i.e., ASD plus co-occurring medical or mental health issues and/or, challenging behaviour) or those whose symptoms are suggestive of ASD with additional complex concerns.

What is ASD?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a diagnostic term for a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate, behave, and interact with other people. Some children and youth with ASD also have challenging behaviour such as aggression, self-injury, destructiveness or getting "stuck."

What does the Interdisciplinary Autism Service do?

Clinicians of the IAS meet with children/youth and families to review current concerns (diagnostic, symptoms, challenging behaviour) and make sure that information is accurate and up to date. Sometimes, assessments are completed to collect new or updated information. Which clinicians become involved depends on the needs of each child or youth and the model of service delivery depends on the needs of the client and the community. The information that is collected from the involvement of the IAS clinicians is used to offer consultative recommendations and intervention suggestions.

Where does this happen?

Medical appointments are usually held at CPRI but sometimes might be available by video link. Assessments by other clinicians (such as psychology, behaviour, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy) are sometimes completed at CPRI and sometimes completed in the community (such as at a child/youth's home or school). The best place for appointments is decided based on the child/youth's and family's needs and circumstances.

Where Can I Find More Information about ASD?

Additional information about ASD, including access to diagnostic services and the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), is available from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/autism-assessment-diagnosis

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program

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