Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 2/10/2012

Question
Is there a resource available for a faster assessment with a developmental pediatrician in Brampton, ON. I am currently on a waitlist for the assessment that is 14 months long.

Answer
Hello Susan,

Although I'm from Ontario, I have not lived there in some time, so am not up on all the current services available in the Brampton area.

But, here are a few places you can contact. Even if they do not offer assessments themselves, they may be able to point you in the direction of those who do:

- Teach to Learn (http://www.teach2learn.net/)

- Autism Ontario (http://www.autismontario.com/)

- Halton Support Services (http://www.haltonsupportservices.ca/connections_2c.html)

- Child Development Resource Connection Peel (http://www.cdrcp.com/autism/services-provided)

- Kerry's Place Autism Services (http://www.kerrysplace.org/Public/Home.aspx)

But, while an assessment can help you in understanding your child's strengths and challenges, it is not the be all and end all. Help for your child does not have to wait until an assessment takes place. Although a formal diagnosis can sometimes give you access to the services of some professionals, there are many things you can do at home on your own, right now, to help your son or daughter.

Employing the strategies that are usually helpful for most children with autism spectrum disorders will not harm your child. In fact, many kids, on the spectrum or not, would benefit.

The main one I would suggest is the use of visuals. Most kids on the spectrum take in information that they see more easily than that which they hear.
Visual Strategies for Improving Communication : Practical Supports for School & Home is a great book - practical and user friendly. Take a look at it here: http://preview.tinyurl.com/772a4qk

Social stories is another strategy you could not go wrong with. Here's an example: http://preview.tinyurl.com/754accq

Sincerely,

Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell
www.autismsite.ca