Autism Program

During the month of April, we observe Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month to recognize and support individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development. Children and youth with autism may face challenges with social interactions, have difficulty making eye contact, exhibit repetitive behaviours and experience speech difficulties. Some may be non-verbal, while others may speak occasionally or lose the ability to speak after initially using words.

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, family members of clients shared their experiences of being caregivers to children with autism.

Kaleb’s Story, written by Kaleb’s mom, Erika

My child’s autism diagnosis hasn’t just changed me, as a single mother, but everyone Kaleb and I are closest to. It has made us much more understanding and patient. Personally, I feel like I am so much stronger as a mother. Kaleb doesn’t just have an autism diagnosis but multiple diagnoses including serious mental health issues, and this has made me become such a strong advocate for him and any child with similar disabilities.

I celebrate autism every day, week, month and year! Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month means the world to me and my family. I am trying very hard every day to make sure Kaleb and every child with autism receive the proper help in school and the community. Sadly, autism is still fairly unknown, so the proper support systems are hard to come by locally. I try as much as possible to join any online groups and fundraisers whenever possible for autism awareness and acceptance.

Logan Story, written by Logan’s mom, Kayla

Logan’s Autism diagnosis flipped our entire world upside down, and in many ways, despite the struggles, for the better. I was on my way to becoming a 9-1-1 telecommunicator and was about to graduate college when it became increasingly obvious he was “peaking.” Our family doctor had pushed for assessments through Grandview Kids from an extraordinarily young age, and at the time, I was ignorant. With his delayed/missed milestones and speech coupled with increasingly intense tics at the age of two, we finally agreed to be assessed and got his diagnosis.

As a family, we have altered our lifestyle, including future and occupational goals, to focus on Logan’s functioning, education, seizures and other medical issues that have come as a result of comorbidity to his Autism. Regardless of the sacrifices and cons, this diagnosis has brought us so much knowledge and resources and provided a community for us to thrive and grow. Logan and I have met the kindest souls through Grandview Kids, including other children on the spectrum and parents navigating this disorder that we can relate to.

We will celebrate Autism Month by sharing posts and stories to spread awareness, wearing our coolest Autism merch and most importantly celebrating Logan’s 6th birthday on April 5th – which always feels like such a fitting month since learning of his Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis! Double celebration! This month to us is not only about awareness, but supporting the de-stigmatization of Autism as well. I hope that in spreading information and combatting misinformation we can further educate those that do not understand the spectrum and help enlighten parents of neurotypical children on how to teach their youths to be a supportive friend and ally to those with ASD and similar conditions. This month is not only celebratory but promotes education and, in turn, acceptance just by being noted and seen. This month creates a sense of togetherness and opacity in a diagnosis that can often feel lonely and invisible. “To be loved is to be seen” ❤️!!!

A drawing by Logan of the former
Grandview Kids headquarters.

As an “Autism Mom,” I try my best to spread awareness of the immense talents, abilities and positive traits of my own child and many other individuals on the spectrum. I believe there needs to be more focus on the pros and gifts that come with Autism, without dismissing that there are negative aspects too. I utilize word of mouth and social media to distribute helpful information. I also proudly wear my pins, jewelry and clothing not only to show my pride and support for my son and his community, but knowing someone may ask me about what I’m wearing and open the floor to meaningful discussion.

Molly’s Journey, written by Molly’s mom, Erin

In the first couple of years after our daughter’s diagnosis, we felt overwhelmed and lost, unsure of what the future would hold. But as time went on, we realized that the diagnosis wasn’t the big, bad monster —it was simply a part of who she is. That shift in perspective allowed us to focus on the small wins and everyday joys, appreciating life in a way we had not before. It also pushed me out of my comfort zone. As someone who is naturally shy, I had to learn to speak up, advocate and take things head-on. This journey has changed me in ways I never expected, making me stronger, more present and more grateful for each moment.

For Molly, celebrating Autism and Grandview Kids goes hand in hand. She loves hearing the story of her diagnosis and how she started at Grandview Kids, often looking through old pictures and her communication book to see how far she’s come. It’s a special way for us to reflect on her hard work and progress. We also try to change our outside lights to blue for April—though some years, life gets busy! Last year, Molly took the celebration into her own hands by asking her teacher to share her story with her class on World Autism Day. She even created her own slide deck, explaining her challenges and how Grandview Kids helped her learn to speak. Seeing her take pride in her journey is the best way we celebrate. Watching her stand up and speak for herself was such a proud, full-circle moment.

This month is a great reminder to keep awareness and acceptance front and centre. It’s important to keep the conversation going and support efforts that make a real difference. The more we talk about it and help others understand, the more accepting and inclusive the world becomes—not just this month, but all year round.

Like Molly, we focus on supporting Grandview Kids and sharing our story to help spread awareness of how they’ve made a difference in our family’s life. Over the years, we’ve participated in various events, with the most significant being our role as an Ambassador Family for the recently completed Believe Campaign. But awareness and acceptance also happen in the small, everyday moments—by being open and honest with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and even acquaintances. We love to talk about Molly because she is such a unique, kind and funny person who brings us so much joy. We believe people learn best when they have a personal connection and feel comfortable asking questions, so we embrace those conversations whenever they arise.

Teagan & Logan’s Story, written by Teagan and Logan’s parents, Gregory & Kara

My children’s autism diagnosis has made us realize that as a family, no matter how many challenges life throws at us that we can get through everything if we work together. We are celebrating Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month by making sure that we are actively involved in the autism community through participation in social groups and attending events that cater to children with autism. This month is a chance to showcase all the amazing, unique and inspiring things that our children can do and have accomplished. We encourage our children to be part of groups, events and show people that despite their diagnosis, our children can enjoy and be active members of the community. We also share resources with other families to let them know what is available for their kids and encourage them to join.

Faith’s Journey, written by Faith’s mom, Sophia

Joining the autism club was not something I signed up for, but wow—what a journey it’s been! My daughter’s diagnosis has completely reshaped who I am, and honestly, I like this newer, better version of me. I have become more patient, kind and much less judgmental, and I am proud of the grace and joy I bring to tough situations now. The challenges? They are very real. But they have taught me to embrace life’s messiness and celebrate every little victory. It’s been a wild ride, and I would not trade the lessons or the love for anything. There is nothing I cannot get through now.

This month, I’m keeping the spirit of awareness and acceptance alive in so many ways. First by celebrating how far we have come as a family with a child on the spectrum. I’m reminding my team at work that it’s Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and encouraging them to support activities or even join me in donating to amazing organizations like Grandview Kids or Autism Ontario. I’ll be guest-hosting an Autism Awareness Podcast with another family who has a son on the spectrum, which I’m really excited about. I’m also participating in a fundraising walk at Whitby Heydenshore Park. Beyond that, I’m making it a priority to keep the conversations going—sharing resources, stories and simple ways everyone can help create a more inclusive world. Every bit of effort makes a difference!

Autism Month is all about celebrating the amazing ways individuals with an autism diagnosis, like my daughter Faith, see and experience the world. It’s a chance to listen, learn and make sure everyone, including her, feels valued, included and safe to be her unique self, no matter how they think or communicate. In my community—like at my daughter’s school, with friends and at church—I use my experience as a mom of a thriving autistic daughter to share helpful tools and resources. This includes sharing programs like the Access 2 Card for participating venues like CNE and Wonderland, Autism Ontario sensory-friendly events, the Sunflower Program for airports and information on OAP funding. I love helping families discover opportunities that make a real difference for our kids and their caregivers.

Éamon’s Story, written by Éamon’s mom, Susan

Our son’s Autism has made us realize that you can never truly understand all that someone else is going through. He has helped us see the world in different and positive ways. The community that our son has built around himself just by virtue of his diagnosis has astounded us in their capacity for caring, understanding and support. Despite the stereotypes associated with being “different,” our son shows us every day not to underestimate his abilities.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach to learning that focuses on creating supportive environments to help build important skills like communication, self-regulation and independence. ABA can also support children and families by reducing barriers to learning and addressing interfering or dangerous behaviours.

How do we practice ABA at Grandview Kids?

At Grandview Kids, ABA is delivered through engaging, individualized activities tailored to each child or youth. The Behaviour Services team, including Registered Behaviour Analysts, Senior Autism Therapists and Autism Therapy Assistants, works closely with families to create personalized plans focused on communication, emotional regulation, daily living skills and behaviours that interfere with learning. A strengths-based, collaborative approach is used, working alongside Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and other specialists.

_{From left to right in the back row: Sabrina M., Autism Therapy Assistant, Arjana S., Behaviour Analyst, Mikaela M., Autism Therapy Assistant, Lauren B., Autism Therapy Assistant, Kayla H., Autism Therapy Assistant, Brizida V., Behaviour Analyst, Alicia C., Clinical Manager, Social Enterprise, Leigh S., Clinical Manager, Specialized Supports- Extensive Needs, Kaitlynn B., Autism Therapy Assistant and Julie J., Behaviour Analyst.
From left to right in the front row: Sarah A., Behaviour Analyst, Charlene M., Senior Autism Therapist, Deanne R., Autism Therapy Assistant, Marlaina R., Senior Autism Therapist, Trishna S., Autism Therapy Assistant, Jennifer-Lynn B., Autism Therapy Assistant, Clare T., Autism Therapy Assistant and Dana D., Autism Therapy Assistant.}

How do we use our values in action?

Assent-Based Practice: Children have a voice in their learning. We listen to them, ensure they feel safe and empowered and adapt our teaching accordingly.
Trauma-Informed Care: Building rapport is a key part of our process. We focus on creating supportive environments that foster trust and emotional well-being.
Skill Building: We focus on teaching meaningful skills that integrate into daily life, creating new opportunities for reinforcement and connection for children and their families.

_{From left to right in the back row: Kaveena K., Autism Therapy Assistant and Jamie G., Autism Therapy Assistant.
From left to right in the front row: Katie B., Autism Therapy Assistant and
Ashley A., Autism Therapy Assistant.}

What services do we provide?

Group-Based Learning: Helping children develop play, group-readiness and self-regulation skills.
Foundational Family Services Workshops: Offering resources and strategies to empower caregivers.
Extensive Needs Service: In collaboration with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, this service stream is designed to support children and youth with complex developmental, physical and communication needs. It offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary care, including Behaviour Services, medical, therapeutic and other support services.
Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Core Clinical Services: Providing ABA therapy in collaboration with Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy.

Grandview Kids offers two service streams to support your child’s growth: the Focused ABA Model and the Mediated ABA Model.

The Focused ABA Model targets foundational skills such as communication, imitation, play skills, behaviour management, self-care and motor skills through regular practice using ABA principles.
The Mediated ABA Model focuses on a specific set of skills, guided by input from parents and assessment results, helping families practice and apply what their child learns.

If you have questions about ABA at Grandview Kids, you can check out our dedicated Purchased Services page, contact Service Navigation or speak with your other clinicians.

Grandview Kids is the lead agency for the Ontario Autism Program – Durham (OAP-D), a local partnership providing programs and services to children and youth with Autism.

In 2021, the OAP-D was selected by the Province of Ontario to offer Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Program as part of the Ontario Autism Program. Grandview Kids offers one of three programs in the Durham Region, known as the Social ABCs.

After several months of intensive fidelity training, four members of Team Grandview have successfully become Social ABCs coaches through Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Portrait of Grandview Kids Speech-Language Pathologist, Rosie Bakhurst — Rosie Bakhurst, Speech-Language Pathologist

Rosie, what was it like becoming a Social ABCs coach? How did the fidelity process impact your own practice?

For me, becoming a Social ABCs coach was really eye-opening! I have been a clinician for many years but this was a very different way of providing coaching for parents. Social ABCs provides supportive, in-the-moment coaching. We identify the impact on the child and it was amazing to see the difference in parents’ skills with this style of coaching, as well as their confidence!

In order to become a Social ABCs coach, once you’ve completed the training, you must submit “coaching fidelity” videos of you implementing the program to the Holland Bloorview Team. The team reviews the videos with you so that you can see how you’re doing and how to improve. The fidelity process really allowed me to see what was working with my coaching and where I needed to make changes to better impact my families.

Grandview Kids, Speech-Language Pathologist, Kathiga Karthikaikumar — Kathiga Karthikaikumar, Speech-Language Pathologist

Kathiga, how did the fidelity process impact your practice?

It is often hard to capture the success of parent strategies in a concrete way. I think the fidelity process really helped highlight the importance of ongoing evaluation to help guide the focus of the remainder of the sessions. It also helped me work towards an end goal.

Vareesha, what has been the most significant benefit of the program?

The most significant benefit has been watching the immediate change in parents’ skills and confidence within themselves during the seven-week program. In this short time, we really get to work with parents to build a close bond with them and build a sense of community as they get to interact with other parents in the weekly parent sessions. This program really focuses on positive self-building and growth. The most empowering message a parent told me in a coaching session was:

“Thank you for giving me the confidence to be able to interact with my child and connect with them on a level I never thought was possible.”

Grandview Kids CDA, Karen Jagne — Karen Jagne, CDA

Karen, what have you seen as the most significant benefit of the program?

The most significant benefit to the Social ABCs program has been empowering families to connect with their kids in new ways! We have had parents say that their child won’t play with them, or doesn’t acknowledge them, and by the end of the program, they are smiling and laughing together!! Families have varying levels of success with the program, but across the board, we have seen improved connections, which build the foundation for future learning.

Karen, what do you want others to know about Social ABCs?

Social ABCs is a positive, gentle program, that teaches children how to coordinate their voice and attention to keep fun interactions going. It also teaches parents strategies to connect and share smiles and laughs with their children – building the foundation for future social interactions.

Grandview Kids is proud to offer the Social ABCs as a caregiver-mediated early years program. If your family has received a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, visit https://grandviewkids.ca/caregiver-mediated-programs/ to learn how you can enroll in the Social ABCs.

Written by Grandview Kids’ Autism Therapy Team

Using sign language can be an excellent way to promote language and social interaction for children experiencing a delay in their communication skills.

Using Sign Language for Children with Delayed Speech or Language Skills

Benefits of using signs

Reduce frustration: sign language can give your child a way to express themselves and may reduce frustration or challenging behaviours that can result when they do not have another way to communicate.

Teaches the power of communication: For example: “if I use the sign for ‘more’ I can make Mommy or Daddy jump up and get me more blueberries. This is pretty great!” This can be very helpful for children with Autism or children who are reluctant to communicate.

Increase understanding: when parents model a sign AND say the word, this helps build your child’s understanding. For example: pairing the sign for diaper and the word ‘diaper’ gives your child another “tool” to build their understanding.

Teaches imitation: copying actions, gestures, sounds, or words is an extremely important skill for language development. Teaching signs is one way to work on imitation in a motivating and rewarding way.

Builds foundational language skills: children often demonstrate an improvement in their nonverbal language (gestures, pointing, giving an object, leading by the hand) before we see an improvement in their verbal language.

Takes away the pressure: children can often feel the pressure we unintentionally put on them when we are so motivated to hear those first words. Using signs can take the pressure off using words. Sometimes this is just what your child needs to start using words!

Common myths

If my child is using signs it will slow down their language development.

My child can speak. They’re just lazy. I don’t want to teach them the “lazy” way to communicate.

Using sign language means we are “giving up” on speaking.

Here’s the TRUTH

If your child could easily use words they would already be doing this. Children who aren’t talking aren’t lazy. Using language is tough for a lot of kids! Using alternative communication means (including sign language) does NOT prevent your child from learning language. In fact, it may support your child in learning to speak. We want to think of using signs as being a bridge to support your child in reaching their full communication potential.

Tips to start introducing sign language at home

1. Pick a few signs: You do not have to use a sign for every word you say. In fact, picking too many signs can be overwhelming. Aim to start with 2-4 meaningful signs.

2. Always say the word while you’re modelling the sign.

3. Learn the sign you want to teach your child. There are lots of online resources and videos available to help you learn the signs. It is ok to adapt this sign if it is too difficult for your child to do.

For example, the sign for “water” involves tapping your mouth with 3 fingers. Your child might start to tap their mouth with their whole hand – this is great progress!

4. Incorporate these signs into routines.

For example, think of familiar routines that already happen each day in your home such as getting dressed, brushing hair and eating a meal. Pick 1 sign that you could teach your child within these different routines such as ‘get dressed’ or ‘eat’ and use the sign and the word each day during these routines.

5. Use communication temptations to motivate your child to communicate.

For example, place a favourite food item or small toy in a clear container with a lid to encourage your child to request ‘help’ or ‘open’. When giving your child a snack and drink, only give them a little bit at a time so your child will be motivated to request ‘more’ or ‘juice.’ Place a favourite item on a shelf where your child can see it but can’t reach it to encourage him/her to request ‘help’ or the name of the object such as ‘baby’ or ‘puppy.’

6. Model, model, model: your first job is to just MODEL the signs with no expectation for your child to copy. You may have to model the signs for a few weeks before you get a response. Model and WAIT to give them an opportunity to copy without any pressure for them to do so.

7. Gently help your child to sign: after you have modelled the sign MANY times you can begin to gently help your child make the sign.

For example, you may guide their hands together for the sign “more.”

8. Tell everyone about the signs: make sure you inform anyone looking after your child of the signs they are using and what they look like (they might not look exactly the same as you or I would make the signs). This can include Grandparents, babysitters, daycare providers, and other therapists. It is very exciting and rewarding for your child when a new person recognizes and responds to their sign!

Ideas of signs to start with

Signs that can be used across activities. Examples might include: more, open, help, eat, all done.
Highly motivating signs. What is your child’s favourite thing? Examples might include the name of a favourite toy.
Signs of toys, foods, objects, or activities that your child enjoys on a daily basis. Examples might include: ball, bear, baby, book, milk, water, juice, cookie, or sing.

Written by Grandview Kids Autism Therapy Assistant, Brittany

Are you finding it challenging for your child to move from one activity to the next? How about one place to the next?

Explaining transtions

It sounds like transition strategies may be of some help—but first, what are transitions?

Illustration of mother speaking while her son hides behind her timidly.

Simply put, transitions are changes. These changes may be small such as daily routines like toileting, bedtime, mealtimes, moving locations within the house, or switching activities. Transitions can also be major such as changing schools, moving houses, or entering into lockdowns.

If you notice that transitions are challenging during day-to-day routines and activities, try out some of these strategies to make the transition smoother for everyone involved!

Illustration of little boy kissing his mother on her cheek.

Strategies

Give a warning, maybe 2, prior to the transition occurring to help prepare your child for what is about to happen; warnings may include using visual timers, sound timers, or gestures.
Ensure once you’ve given an instruction (e.g., “it’s time to eat dinner”) that instruction is followed through.
Offer choice when possible (choice of next activity, choice of where to sit, choice of materials, etc.).
Plan for changes, or challenges (e.g., make sure you have time to follow through).
Praise your child for doing all the little things (e.g., “nice listening the first time”, “Great job cleaning up”).
Use visuals or help your child as necessary throughout the transitions.
Be consistent! Consistency is KEY, this includes consistency amongst caregivers, expectations, and following through.

Written by Grandview Kids Autism Therapy Assistant, Brittany, and Behaviour Consultant, Arjana

Social narratives provide comfort for their readers as they walk them through unfamiliar places and events. These stories vary in how much detail is provided and how they are presented (i.e., a story with just text versus with text and pictures).

What are social narratives?

Social narratives are visual stories that represent an upcoming event and the associated behaviours and expectations that accompany that event. In addition to expectations of the event, desired responses are also described in the story.

For example, a social narrative might discuss a trip to the dentist. This story may have pictures of the dentist’s office, the dentist, the appointment room, and will describe what will happen during a visit to the dentist. The level of detail for the narrative will depend on the skill level of the child; the pictures within the narrative may be real-life photos or animated pictures. The expectations of the visit may be extremely detailed such as including the length of the appointment to each step of the appointment. For some individuals, pictures may not be necessary, and text alone is sufficient to explain the upcoming event.

Illustration of mother reading to her two kids sitting in her lap

Writing a successful social narrative

The narrative should be written in first-person so that the individual reading the narrative is reading “I” statements to explain what is going to happen and what the appropriate/expected responses are. The narrative should also use clear, concise, and descriptive language, so as to paint a picture of the upcoming event for the reader

Illustration of kids introducing a new friend to the group

Examples of social narratives

Sometimes social narratives may be called social scripts, or Social Stories™, which is a trademarked term. Examples of social narratives include but are not limited to:

Doctor visits
New schools/classrooms/teachers
Social situations (making friends, joining in play)
Riding the bus
Leaving the home
Using nice words
Keeping hands to ourselves