Need more information?

• Find Registry of Autism Service Provider information by visiting the AIS BC website.
• Find out about the diagnostic process by visiting the ACT website and reading the ACT Autism Manual, Chapter 1.  
• For information re: Autism assessment, diagnosis and treatments in English, Chinese and Punjabi, please visit the Autism Community Training Information page. 
• Scroll to the bottom of the page to find and read a "Parent's Handbook: your Guide to Autism Programs" offered in nine languages.
  
• On the same page, you may also consider the "Quick Start Guide" –offered for various ages.
• Read the publication: National Institute of Mental Health - A Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder offered in English and Spanish

Websites about autism

• Autism Information Services of British Columbia (AIS BC)
• British Columbia Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN)
• Ministry for Children & Family Development – Autism Spectrum Disorder at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder
• Autism Community Training (ACT)
• Families for Early Autism Treatment of British Columbia (F.E.A.T. B.C.)  
• Autism Research Centre offered in multiple languages at:  https://hollandbloorview.ca/research-education/bloorview-research-institute/research-centres-labs/autism-research-centre
• Autism Speaks
• POPARD Family-School Liaison Workshops
• POPARD

Resources to consider for children with delays/concerns regarding language and social thinking

Each resource has a large selection of free articles / strategies within the website. Many also have resources that can be bought. Please see each specific website for details.

Children aged 7 and under:

• Hanen: A non-profit organization developed by Speech Therapists (SLPs) based in Toronto and widely used in Canada. Focus: children with language delays, includes strategies to promote social thinking/skills and language development.
• U of Florida - First Word Project: Targets kids primarily under three years of age with some material for children aged 3-6. Discussion and tools re: screening for ASD, explanation of development, different therapies, etc. (many resources also offered in Spanish and Creole) Go to: https://babynavigator.com/resources/
• Zero to Three: Provides information regarding typical child development across all domains. (information also offered in Spanish  – go to: https://www.zerotothree.org/)

Children / youth / pre-adults:

• Social Thinking: Developed primarily by SLPs, with collaborated material by psychologists widely used in BC. People have been brought up from California by ACT for workshops on a regular basis for many years. Appropriate for ages 4 to adulthood, lots of free articles/resources as well as some that can be bought. Works with kids with/without ASD, and all aspects of social thinking, perspectives, sharing, theory of mind, etc.
• Stuart Shanker - MEHRIT: A website regarding self regulation - has a variety of free resources for parents and teachers.
• Do2Learn: Focus: Children/youth ages four and up. Contains practical suggestions/strategies/activities regarding social thinking/behaviours, academics etc.
• Sandbox Learning: Provides a variety of free resources for kids/youth with special needs. Most articles are 1-2 pages in length and contain a simple activity / explanation.
• Harvard Centre for the Developing Child: For explanations and materials regarding executive functioning from infancy and beyond.
• Sunny Hill Health Centre and BC Children's Hospital Family Resource Centre: Free resources that can be searched and requested online and mailed to families for a three week loan period via pre-paid postage.

FAQs

Do you have more questions about autism? 

Visit the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) website "Parents & Caregivers FAQ" page.