Speech-Language Pathology

At five years old, Ahaana’s deep joy and desire for connection are easily observed by everyone around her. Her playful but intelligent conversation demonstrates how she is goofy, creative, endlessly curious, witty and has deep empathy for others. She lives with her parents, Ankit and Mansi, and her one-month-old baby brother Agastya.

Ahaana is surrounded by love that stretches across generations and cultures, enjoying visits from her grandparents on weekends or when her family travels to India regularly to stay connected to their roots. Ahaana loves science experiments with her dad, Ankit, and crafts and reading with her mom, Mansi. Social by nature, Ahaana is often the first to help a new child at school, guiding classmates through routines, holding hands to provide comfort and even helping them put on their winter attire. A natural leader with a strong sense of responsibility, she is learning multiple languages, including Hindi and French. She has a love for music, dance and creativity that continues to grow.

Ahaana’s drive and ability to explore her world were once only a dream to her parents. Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, she entered a world already filled with much anxiety. Shortly after birth, Ahaana failed her newborn hearing screening in both ears. Like many families, Ankit and Mansi were initially reassured that this was common and often temporary. However, follow-up tests through Grandview Kids’ Infant Hearing Program and Audiology service told a different story. After three screenings and a detailed audiology assessment, Ahaana was diagnosed with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. This meant she could not hear sounds at all in either ear, and traditional hearing aids would not help.

With no family history of hearing loss, the diagnosis was shocking. Due to COVID restrictions, only one parent could attend appointments, making the experience even more isolating. At home, Ankit and Mansi found themselves testing sounds–calling her name, dropping toys, turning on music–hoping for any reaction. Slowly, it became clear that Ahaana was not responding to sound, though her other senses were heightened. She relied on physical closeness, movement and touch to feel safe and connected.

Like many parents, Ankit and Mansi moved through denial, grief, fear and overwhelming uncertainty. But once the diagnosis was fully understood, they reached a turning point: acceptance. With that acceptance came the determination to learn everything they could and to make the most informed, loving decision possible for their daughter.

Ahaana’s care journey became a shared decision-making process, guided by specialists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Grandview Kids and cochlear implant support organizations. The family learned about cochlear implants, how they bypass underdeveloped parts of the ear and use electrical signals to stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to learn sound over time. Speech therapy, they learned, would be just as critical as the technology itself.

They researched extensively, attended virtual meetings and connected with other families, including a cochlear implant community advocate who lived nearby and shared her own lived experience of parenting a child with cochlear implants. Seeing older children with cochlear implants thrive gave them hope. While the risks of surgery were frightening, the compassion and expertise of the medical team, especially their surgeon, Dr. Papsin, at SickKids, helped ground them. Rather than focusing on unanswered questions like “why,” the team encouraged them to focus on what came next: recovery, growth and possibility. Their SickKids Audiologist, Dr. Laurie, was a source of constant support since Ahaana was two months old. She took the time to listen, answer their queries and assist the family in overcoming the learning curve of cochlear implant use.

Throughout this time, Grandview Kids played a pivotal role. Before surgery, Ahaana received audiology support, early speech-language pathology (SLP) and guidance from educators specializing in deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Even while knowing hearing aids would not restore Ahaana’s perception of sound, they were used to help her and her parents become familiar with the devices and routines. More importantly, Grandview Kids supported the family emotionally, acknowledging the grief, helping them prepare for surgery and reminding them they were not alone. Ahaana’s Speech-Language Pathologist, Alishia C., exemplified Grandview Kids’ values of belonging, excellence and connection through her kind, caring and family-centred service. Alishia helped Mansi and Ankit discover their own potential, amplifying their voice and value as partners in care, and celebrated successes together along the way.

*Ahaana and her*
*Speech-Language Pathologist, Alishia C*.

In October 2021, Ahaana underwent a six-hour bilateral cochlear implant surgery. It was an emotional day for her parents, but the surgery was successful. Recovery was swift, and by the time she arrived home, Ahaana was already playing on her playmat, resilient and determined. One month later, on November 8, 2021, a day before her first birthday, her implants were activated. Six months after activation, the results were extraordinary. With consistent speech therapy, family dedication and ongoing support, Ahaana’s speech developed rapidly, soon on par with her hearing peers. She hums, sings and listens to music every night before bed, and she is preparing to learn piano! Her cochlear implants, lovingly called her “magic ears,” have become a celebrated part of who she is.

Grandview Kids continued to walk alongside the family before, during and long after surgery. Through audiology check-ins, SLP and the Infant and Child Hearing Program, Ahaana’s parents gained confidence in their approach and reassurance that they were doing the right things. However, it was the Family Engagement Program, specifically their Caregiver Café, a monthly networking and respite event for Grandview Kids parents and caregivers, that truly transformed their journey. Through connection with other families, Ankit and Mansi found a powerful sense of belonging. Hearing others’ stories helped them heal, dream again and even find the courage to grow their family. They realized the power of community, not just for support, but for the discovery of their own strength and potential as advocates.

Today, Ahaana’s family celebrates not only how far she has come, but the community that helped make it possible. They now volunteer, share their story openly and connect with families just beginning similar journeys. They are raising awareness, offering hope and reminding parents to give themselves grace. They are teaching Ahaana that her differences are her special powers, to find beauty in them by making her headbands colourful and pretty and to learn to advocate for her needs

As Grandview Kids prepares to celebrate the 30^th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic, families like Norah’s help share why this community comes together year after year, and why continued support is more important now than ever. The story of Norah and her parents, Zaina and Mike, reflects both the challenges families face and the profound impact of donor generosity.

Norah is five years old and the centre of a close-knit circle of care that includes her parents and grandparents. Norah is described by her family as independent, fiery and “a ball of sunshine,” bringing light into every room she enters. She is always on the move, thriving in spaces where she can climb, explore and play freely. Whether she is at the trampoline park, swimming in the pool or playing with her dolls at home, Norah embraces the world with enthusiasm. A deeply affectionate child, Norah loves cuddling with her mom and seeks comfort from trusted adults as she explores new environments, textures and experiences.

Norah’s developmental journey began early. At 15 months old, her family noticed delays during a routine paediatric check-up, prompting a referral to Grandview Kids. Soon after her referral, she began receiving speech-language pathology (SLP) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services. At two years and one day old, Norah was officially diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Zaina and Mike remember the diagnosis as both overwhelming and clarifying. They had seen signs, including limited verbal communication, reduced eye contact and a tendency to focus on details rather than typical play, though hearing it confirmed was still emotional. At the same time, it marked a turning point: a pathway to the support Norah needed and deserved.

Grandview Kids became an essential partner in Norah’s journey, not only for her but for her entire family. Through SLP and ABA services, Norah began building communication and learning skills that continue to evolve to this day. Equally important was the support her parents received through social work. Jennifer L., a dedicated social worker at Grandview Kids, helped Zaina and Mike gain the tools to process their emotions, navigate resources and shift their perspective during difficult moments. Through therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), they learned to focus on what matters most, even on overwhelming days.

Grandview Kids, in partnership with Lake Ridge Community Support Services, Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth – Durham Region and The Regional Municipality of Durham, offers a crucial Entry to School (ETS) program as part of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), Early Years Pathway. Before ETS, Norah attended a traditional daycare without specialized support, often spending much of her time on her own. Through ETS, she began learning routines, building attention skills and following directions. This created a foundation that changed how she engaged with the world around her.

Today, Norah is a student at Grandview School, where her parents say she is not only supported but truly understood. In a setting where every staff member understands the needs of students like Norah, she is learning to thrive in group environments while continuing to build independence. From opening her lunch and managing her belongings to putting on her shoes and recognizing her name, these everyday “inchstones” are celebrated as meaningful achievements.

Norah also uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, and her care team works closely with her family to ensure consistency between home and school. This collaborative approach brings therapists, educators and parents together, demonstrating the level of care that donor support helps make possible.

Grandview Kids has created a community for Norah’s family. Through the Family Engagement Program’s offerings, such as park playdates, caregiver cafes and inclusive family events, they have connected with others who “get” their lived experience. This deep connection helps replace feelings of isolation with those of belonging. “It’s easy to isolate yourself and think you’re the only one going through these things,” Zaina admits. “Obviously that’s not the case, but you won’t know until you connect with others.”

Zaina and Mike find purpose in giving back to their community. The two participate in Grandview Kids’ Ambassador Program and Family Advisory Council (FAC) and Grandview School’s school council. Their contributions to these vital groups enable them to support and uplift other families while saying “thank you” to Grandview Kids. This sense of community changed everything, giving Norah’s family hope, confidence and the reassurance that they are not alone. It also shows them what is possible when the right supports are in place.

These transformative services do not happen without the generosity of donors. Every therapy session, classroom support and family connection are made possible by a community that chooses to give. For families like Norah’s, that support lifts an incredible weight. It can provide access to services they might not otherwise afford, reduce stress and create opportunities that shape a child or youth’s future. Donor support changes lives and how families see their future. It gives children like Norah the chance to build skills, confidence and independence in ways that once felt uncertain.

Norah’s journey is just one story, but it represents so many others. This year’s 30th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids is an opportunity to continue and expand this impact. Every donation plays a critical role in ensuring that more children, youth and families can access the care and community they need, when they need it. Your support powers potential.

When 15-year-old S walks into a room, she radiates light. People naturally gravitate towards her. They are drawn to her social, expressive energy. She loves music, singing, dancing and thrives on connection. She is happiest when she feels included and known. She always strives to bring her family together, whether through bowling nights, shared meals, playing Wii or watching movies. She really enjoys singing with her dad.

S has a sharp memory and sings in multiple languages (at least nine), including English, Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Swahili and Afrikaans and has memorized the lyrics to hundreds, if not thousands, of songs across multiple genres. She values routine and predictability and can be unsettled by loud, unpredictable noises or sudden changes, but within her comfort zone, she flourishes.

As a newborn, S was under birth weight and later diagnosed at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) with failure to thrive during infancy. She struggled with feeding, sleep and growth. She suffered from extreme colic, uncontrollable crying and sensory processing. S’s mother, Sharon, consulted with a paediatric nutritionist to help improve her symptoms and was then referred to a naturopathic doctor when things did not improve. Through a food sensitivities test, it was discovered that she had a leaky gut and had developed severe sensitivities to certain foods, despite being on a gluten and dairy-free diet.

In 2012, at just two years old, S was referred to Grandview Kids by her family doctor as she was failing to meet her developmental milestones. Upon assessment, a medical team was established, which included a developmental paediatrician, speech-language pathologist (SLP), occupational therapist (OT) and physiotherapist (PT). Little did she know that this was the beginning of her lifelong journey at Grandview Kids.

Initially diagnosed with global developmental delay, S was referred to Lakeridge Health for genetic testing to determine the underlying cause. S was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome (WS), a rare genetic condition affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 people. Caused by a random partial deletion on chromosome 7, which includes the elastin gene, the marker gene for a WS diagnosis.

Those with WS are characterized by similar facial characteristics and an array of medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, developmental delays and learning challenges, which S also experiences. Despite these health challenges, they are also known for their friendly, highly empathic qualities, which are part of S’s charming personality. In particular, she has speech and language challenges, decreased cognitive and physical abilities, and sensitivities to loud, unpredictable sounds such as thunderstorms, fire alarms, dogs barking and people laughing or coughing. Her heart is regularly screened by a pediatric cardiologist due to early detection of a heart murmur. Those with WS are prone to cardiovascular narrowing of the arteries and heart attacks.

The diagnosis brought mixed emotions of fear, relief and disbelief all at once. Her parents suspected something was not right, especially as the youngest child of three, but did not yet have the language or roadmap to understand what lay ahead. Sharon was plagued by guilt, thinking it was something she had done. Learning that this random deletion in their daughter’s chromosomes occurred at the time of conception and not by anything they did before or during pregnancy was the first step in a long journey ahead.

What made it harder was the condition’s rarity. It is difficult for people with WS to access dedicated resources, support for treatment, continuity of care or find medical professionals with experience in WS. While in the U.S., those with WS have access to established clinics and conferences, Sharon and her family often felt like they were navigating uncharted territory at home. Still, even in those early days, one thing was clear: S loved music. A simple music box could calm her, distract her enough to eat and bring her joy. Music became a bridge, a way she could connect with the world.

Over the years, S’s Grandview Kids services also expanded to therapeutic recreation, audiology, social work, the orthopaedic clinic, optometry and, most recently, the Adolescent Transition Program. From 2014-2016, Sharon attended monthly Parent Support Group meetings on Saturdays to connect with other families facing similar challenges of raising a child with disabilities.

For Sharon, Grandview Kids quickly became more than a therapy centre. “Grandview Kids became our home away from home,” said Sharon. “It’s the one place where I never had to explain my child or justify her needs. I could just let my guard down and be a mom.”

In other community spaces, Sharon often felt pressured to explain, justify or defend her child’s needs. At Grandview Kids, that pressure disappeared. Parents sat together in waiting rooms without labels or explanations, just shared understanding. No one asked why a child behaved a certain way, and no one judged, so guards came down.

Once S aged out of the Grandview Kids services and entered the school system, she continued to receive school-based rehabilitation services (SBRS). Sharon shares that over the years she has learned to be S’s voice, advocating for her, especially during COVID-19 lockdowns, when she assumed the unofficial title of “educational assistant.” As a social butterfly, she found that those years of isolation and social distancing had a profound effect on her personality, and returning to the physical classroom was a slow adjustment.

Since then, S has learned to find her own voice with Grandview Kids by her side and with mom as her lead example. She is thriving in new ways, enjoying high school and has grown tremendously since overcoming early communication barriers. With advocacy support from her parents and speech therapist, her teachers learned how to better understand and support her. She is now in a practical learning program (PLP) classroom and beginning to develop self-advocacy skills. While transitions can still be hard and loud environments overwhelming, she is confident in who she is and that confidence has been nurtured by her community.

Equally important are caregiver supports through the Family Engagement (FE) Program’s weekly park playdates, parent and youth social nights, monthly coffee chats, summer days at the Barrett Centre rural farm and outings to the pumpkin patch. These moments allow families to build confidence, clarity and connection. One of the most meaningful parts of S’s journey has been the Adolescent Transition Program (ATP), where she met Peer Navigator April W., who has become like extended family.

“April has a big heart and specialized training and combines that with her lived experience to help support other families navigate their journey,” Sharon notes.

ATP was co-designed by parent and youth advocates and various members of Team Grandview. ATP puts the family voice at the centre of program development. The program is supported by a grant from TD Bank and pioneered by FE Program Manager, Andrea B. She brings both the parent/caregiver and peer lived experience to provide support and resources to families when clients transition from paediatric to adult care. Sharon also attended ATP workshops that share vital information on funding, guardianship and post-secondary education.

Since being part of ATP, when S hears “Grandview,” she thinks of the amazing friendships she has fostered and the fun dance parties that she gets to attend. The enthusiasm is spilling into other areas of her life, including therapy and school. Sharon sees the excitement in S’s eyes and the joy bubbles and overflows.

To Grandview Kids families who feel hesitant or unsure about making connections with others, Sharon offers simple advice,

“If you’re hesitant, just come. You don’t know what you’re missing. You’ll learn, you’ll connect and you’ll realize you’re not alone.”

Living with a child with physical, communication or developmental needs comes with uncertainty, but it also comes with extraordinary joy, resilience and connection. S reminds everyone she meets that difference is not something to fix, but something to understand, support and celebrate. At Grandview Kids, S receives services, but she’s also dancing, connecting and shining exactly as she should.

Elysha, a teacher, and Tyrone, an electrician, are the parents of Adaline (7) and her younger sister, MaKinleigh (3). They built a life that is busy, loud and full of movement, just the way their daughter Adaline likes it. Between outdoor adventures, time at the park, weekends at their cottage and their new trailer, the family is always on the go. Adaline thrives in that energy, seeking out stimulation and excitement, sometimes in ways that keep her parents on their toes!

Adaline is a thrill-seeker with no fear. She loves swimming, spinning chairs, loud noises and anything fast, especially Sea-Doos, snowmobiles and even the lawn tractor. Her personality is unmistakably spicy, determined and full of joy. Adaline communicates in her own ways through her expressive eyes, cheeky smile and a signature eyebrow raise that signals either excitement or a bit of mischief. She is clever and bright, and above all, incredibly tenacious. She continues to push past the expectations set for her.

Adaline was one month old when she was diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS), a rare genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 4. Even within her first week of life, doctors had their suspicions as she was born very small. She was only 3 pounds 13 ounces at nearly 37 weeks gestation, and had difficulty feeding. Subtle physical indicators, including slightly wider-set eyes, small skin growths near her ears and indentations around her shoulders and face, raised concern. She also experienced brain bleeds, adding to the complexity of her early medical picture. Elysha and Tyrone agreed to genetic testing and were told to expect a diagnosis with much milder effects, but when the results arrived, they felt blindsided.

Adaline’s WHS diagnosis came on the very day they were preparing to leave the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), completely changing their path forward. They grieved the life they had imagined, feeling fear and deep uncertainty about the future. For many children with WHS, challenges can include developmental delays, feeding difficulties, seizures, heart defects and hearing, vision, immune and muscle tone differences. Each child’s experience with WHS is unique.

Adaline’s early years were medically intense. She spent 28 days in the NICU and had repeated hospitalizations. For the first year and a half, the hospital became a second home. Feeding was one of the biggest struggles as she required a nasogastric (NG) tube and vomited frequently due to a submucosal cleft palate. Shortly after Adaline came home from the NICU, Tyrone and Elysha were set to be married in May of 2019. At the time she was combo feeding with bottles and through the NG tube. “We really wanted to see Adaline’s beautiful face without the NG tube in our wedding photos as the tape from her NG covered half of her face. Her paediatrician said we could remove it for a few days and put it back in after the wedding.” Adaline had done well without the tubes and continued to maintain her weight that a few days after their wedding, their paediatrician approved the complete removal of the NG tube. She was monitored across multiple specialties, including cardiology, immunology, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and ophthalmology. Her immune system was fragile, requiring the family to live in a small, protective bubble. The risk of seizures loomed constantly. It was not a question of if she would begin having them, but when. At 15 months old, that fear became reality.

Adaline’s seizures were severe and often triggered by illness or low oxygen levels, caused by choking and aspirating. Most episodes required hospitalization and emergency interventions, like intubation. These moments were terrifying and, at times, traumatic. Over time, Elysha and Tyrone learned not only how to respond but also how to guide medical professionals unfamiliar with Adaline’s rare condition. Since WHS presents differently in every child, they became her experts, voice and advocates.

Today, Adaline’s seizures are better controlled with the help of seizure medication and parental vigilance. Her last major one was in February 2025, and for the first time, it did not require a hospital stay. It was a milestone that reflected years of persistence, learning and advocacy.

Despite everything, Adaline continues to defy expectations. Skills that specialists once thought unlikely, she has achieved through sheer determination. From the very beginning, Grandview Kids became a cornerstone of support for Adaline and her family. Referred shortly after leaving the hospital, she began services at three months old.

At Grandview Kids, the family accessed coordinated care including developmental paediatrics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, therapeutic recreation, nutrition and social work services. Blocks of therapy taught Elysha and Tyrone essential early intervention strategies to guide Adaline’s progress and even led her to independent walking, something that was once considered impossible.

During her most fragile years, Adaline’s family was part of Grandview Kids’ Complex Care Program. This coordinated care team of Adaline’s specialists from Grandview Kids, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Lakeridge Health and the Ontario Health at Home, Central East, was impactful. This team understood Adaline as a whole child. When her seizures were severe, the team helped fast-track interventions and ensured seamless communication between specialists. They became a central hub for her care.

The community they experienced at Grandview Kids was also profound. At Grandview Kids, Elysha and Tyrone connected with many other families, forming strong friendships and a shared understanding. Grandview Kids Summer Camp and Family Engagement Program events gave Adaline space to discover and belong. Adaline was also fortunate to attend Grandview School to prepare the family for her transition to the mainstream school system. The gratitude Elysha and Tyrone have for the Grandview Kids community they formed is immeasurable.

Today, Adaline’s biggest challenge is communication. She is considered pre-verbal, with a handful of spoken words and some gestures. While her receptive language is strong, understanding much of what is said to her, expressing herself can be frustrating. This gap often shows up in her behaviour. Without a reliable way to communicate her needs, emotions can escalate quickly. Her family continues to explore tools like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, though attention, vision and motor challenges add complexity.

Transitions, like starting mainstream school this year, have also been difficult. Everyday activities, like eating, still require patience and creativity. Through it all, Adaline continues to grow on her own timeline. Elysha and Tyrone’s journey has taught them lessons they now share openly with other families.

Elysha and Tyrone’s lessons:

Don’t compare.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Every child, diagnosis or not, has their own path. Adaline’s journey cannot be measured against anyone else’s, not even her sister’s.

Be patient and take it day by day.
At first, thinking too far ahead felt impossible. Focusing on the present day-to-day steps, made it manageable.

Celebrate the “inchstones.”
Every victory matters. What may seem minor to others can be monumental for your child.

Advocate fiercely.
You will become the expert on your child. Ask questions, speak up and challenge kindly when needed. Doctors do not have all the answers, especially with rare conditions. They are also learning with and from you.

Find your community.
Whether it is through support groups, organizations like Grandview Kids or other families with different diagnoses but shared lived experiences, connection matters. You are not alone.

Don’t lose sight of joy.
Life may look different. It may involve more planning, equipment and confusion, but it can still be full of fun, laughter and meaningful moments.

Though the future remains uncertain, what has changed is how Elysha and Tyrone face that uncertainty. They now have resilience, community and shared understanding that Adaline will continue to surprise them. If there is one thing Adaline has shown from the start, it is that she is writing her own story.

Jack is three years old and always on the move. He always chooses to run instead of walk and breaks out into dance whenever he hears music playing. Monster trucks and cars are his greatest passions because of their spinning wheels, and Halloween is his favourite time of year. He loves sports, particularly football, and his greatest joys are playing catch with his dad and bouncing endlessly at a trampoline park. Jack is silly, affectionate and determined to connect with the people he loves, even when communication is hard.

Jack lives with his mom, Jess, his dad, Jake, and his six-month-old baby sister, Ava. As a family, they value time together the most. They play sports in the yard, go on long walks when the weather is nice, ride bikes and find simple joy in being together. Although life with Jack is active, loud and full of laughter, it also requires resilience, patience and advocacy.

Jack’s journey began when he was born one month premature and needed to be resuscitated at birth because he wasn’t breathing. He spent his first week in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), requiring the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) due to breathing difficulties caused by fluid in his lungs. After being discharged, Jack was readmitted to hospital for jaundice and difficulty in gaining weight. Breathing issues continued throughout his first year, along with feeding challenges that made eating exhausting and stressful. Frequent medical appointments, a tongue-tie release and ongoing private speech therapy became part of his early routine.

Despite these challenges, Jack was otherwise a healthy baby. At one year old, developmental concerns became more apparent. He wasn’t crawling, his speech was significantly delayed and he was behind on several developmental milestones. Jess, a social worker and psychotherapist, trusted her instincts that something deeper was going on, but advocating for her own child proved harder than expected. Two paediatricians dismissed concerns about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting Jack would catch up in time.

Jess and Jake persisted. They knew their child, and they knew his needs were not being fully recognized. Their persistence paid off when Jack was finally referred to a developmental paediatrician at Grandview Kids. In August 2025, Jack received his ASD diagnosis with communication delays and language impairment. For his parents, the diagnosis was not devastating but, instead, validating. Suddenly, Jack’s experiences, behaviours and challenges made sense and the focus shifted from questioning to supporting.

Before his diagnosis, communication was one of Jack’s biggest barriers. He wanted to be understood but struggled to express himself clearly. When his parents could not figure out what he needed, frustration would build quickly, sometimes leading to throwing objects, intense emotional reactions and meltdowns. These moments signalled a child who was overwhelmed and unable to communicate.

Through care at Grandview Kids, Jack’s world began to open. Visual supports were introduced throughout the home, including picture boards for food, toys and familiar people, choice boards to help make decisions and visual schedules that guided Jack’s understanding of what was happening next. These tools made Jack less anxious, improved his transitions between activities and gave him a sense of control over his day. Speech-language pathology sessions focused on his motor speech planning challenges, while a referral to Holland Bloorview was made to explore an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, giving Jack another powerful way to express himself.

Jack also began receiving occupational therapy (OT) and physiotherapy (PT) at Grandview Kids. OT became essential in supporting Jack’s sensory needs. Jack has a lot of energy and finds it hard to slow his body down, especially at night. Bedtime routines can last hours as his nervous system struggles to settle. Sensory sensitivities also impact his eating, making him selective with food textures. OT strategies, including heavy work and deep pressure, have helped Jack regulate his body and emotions, making daily life more manageable for the whole family. PT supported Jack’s physical development, building confidence with balance, stairs and jumping. These skills now allow him to fully enjoy sports and active play. Each small gain felt like a big victory.

More than the therapies themselves, what made the greatest difference to Jess and Jake was feeling seen. The clinicians at Grandview Kids listened, believed the family and validated Jess’ intuition. For the first time, the family felt reassured that they were not alone and that Jack’s future could be full of possibilities.

Today, Jack continues to grow and thrive in his own unique way. He still loves monster trucks, dances without hesitation and continues to bring joy wherever he goes. He experiences challenges but does so with great resilience.

Jack’s story is a reminder that early support matters, parental instincts deserve to be trusted and that acceptance begins with understanding. Jack is not defined by his diagnosis. He is defined by his joy, his determination and the community of people who see him for exactly who he is and celebrate him just as he is.

Celebrating Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month!

Autism does not look the same for everyone, even within the same family. For Brett and Celine, raising three children on the autism spectrum meant learning to celebrate differences, advocate fiercely and find strength in community. Along the way, their family discovered the life-changing support of Grandview Kids, a place that helped their children grow, communicate and belong.

Married for nearly 17 years, Brett and Celine are raising their three children, Elle (14), Liam (12) and Connor (9) in a home filled with music and creativity. Their family time often includes walks near the lake, playing board games or curling up on the couch with popcorn for movie nights. Like any siblings, they disagree on things, but they are usually quickly replaced with laughter. Each child brings something special to the family dynamic.

Elle is the family’s tech expert. She creates funny reels, edits photos and captures family memories. She is a huge fan of the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and even took part in a play inspired by it last summer in Ajax. For Elle, storytelling, whether through books, theatre or technology, is a way to express herself and connect with others. Liam, the middle child, is known for his humour. He proudly embraces the role of the family’s “dad joke” master. He will happily approach strangers to share a silly joke and watch their reaction. Beneath the jokes is a deeply kind and affectionate boy who loves cuddling babies and playing with younger kids. Connor, the youngest, has an uncanny ability to read a room. An empath by nature, he is quick to recognize others’ feelings. His humour is a little more complex, goofy and clever all at once.

Behind these everyday moments is a strong network of support that has shaped their journey. One of the earliest and most influential members of that support system was private speech-language pathologist Debbie, who has worked with Liam since he was two years old. Alongside professionals at Grandview Kids, including speech-language pathologist Melany, Debbie helped the boys develop the communication skills that have opened their world. “They literally brought voice to our lives,” Celine says.

Through speech therapy, the family learned how to support their sons’ communication, engage in and connect in meaningful ways and build relationships through play and interaction. Their infant and child development worker, Karla, also played an instrumental role in helping Celine and Brett navigate services and funding programs they did not know existed, making additional therapies possible.

The family’s journey with Grandview Kids began when Liam was just eight weeks old. After spending several weeks in the hospital as a newborn due to illness, he was referred to the Grandview Kids’ previous torticollis clinic to address the involuntary contraction of his neck muscles. At the time, Celine admits she did not even know what Grandview Kids was. By six months old, Liam was not babbling or rolling over, so their paediatrician recommended accessing speech therapy at Grandview Kids. When Liam was eight months old, Brett and Celine attended their first parent workshop called “More Than Words.” Since then, the Centre has become a constant presence in their lives.

At two years old, Liam was diagnosed with expressive language disorder by their Grandview Kids developmental paediatirican, Dr. Siapno. While the diagnosis was hard to hear, Celine still felt there might be something more going on. She noticed subtle differences, like limited eye contact, little interest in cuddling and a strong preference for doing things independently. At 34 months, after reassessment, Liam received an official autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Although the process had been emotionally exhausting, the diagnosis ultimately brought relief. “It meant someone finally saw him,” Celine says. “And we finally knew how to help him.”

Connor’s journey unfolded more quickly. Having already walked a similar path with Liam, Celine and Brett recognized familiar developmental patterns early on, limited babbling, slower motor milestones and reduced eye contact. At just 22 months old, Connor was also diagnosed with ASD. This time, the experience felt different. “I already knew,” Celine explains. “I could see he was just like his big brother. And I knew we would be okay.”

Elle’s path looked very different from her brothers’, who were both nonverbal and using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in their early years. Elle, on the other hand, spoke early and often. Autism was never initially considered since her parents thought speech was the biggest indicator of ASD. As she got older, bullying at school began to take a toll, and professionals initially wondered if she might have generalized anxiety. During an appointment for Connor, Dr. Siapno asked Celine about the rest of the family. As she spoke about Elle, Celine became emotional, prompting an assessment. At eight years old, Elle was also diagnosed with ASD. For Elle, the moment was unexpectedly meaningful. “She told the doctor she finally felt like she was part of the family,” Celine recalls. “She said she ‘finally belonged.’”

Over the years, the family has accessed many programs and services through Grandview Kids, including audiology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, therapeutic recreation, social work, summer camp and education at Grandview School. For Celine, the most powerful part of Grandview Kids has been the sense of community, one fostered strongly through the Family Engagement Program.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she remembers sitting in the waiting room in the old Grandview Kids Ajax location while children played together. Even kids who could not speak were laughing and connecting. Parents exchanged quiet looks of understanding, sometimes even silent “thank-yous.”

“It was the one place we didn’t have to explain anything,”

she remembers fondly. Special events like pyjama parties, holiday celebrations and community programs have created lasting memories. These moments ensured the children could see others like them and feel included. Connor even met his best friend at Grandview School.

Today, the impact of those supports is evident. Celine often wonders whether the boys would be as verbal as they are today without the early speech therapy they received. Connor also gained a major milestone through therapeutic recreation, learning how to ride a bike. This skill gave him newfound independence. “These are everyday things people take for granted,” Celine says. “But for us, they were huge.” Elle has also found her voice as a leader. She participates in the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at Grandview Kids and hopes to one day create a subcommittee to help other youth share ideas and advocate for change. At school, she is already helping educate peers about disabilities and accessibility.

Still, the journey is not without challenges. Social misunderstandings can make school difficult at times. This is especially true for Elle, who loves sharing information and speaking passionately on topics she cares about. Her direct communication style has sometimes been misinterpreted, leading to bullying in the past. She has become skilled at masking, hiding her autistic traits to “fit in” socially. “It’s exhausting,” Celine says. “And she shouldn’t have to do that forever.” Connor continues to experience anxiety at school, while Liam sometimes faces misunderstandings when people assume his autism only matters on certain days.

Like many parents of neurodivergent children, Celine often thinks about the future, wondering what adulthood will look like and hoping her children will find meaningful work, independence and communities that embrace them for who they are. At the same time, she reminds herself that progress does not always follow a typical timeline. “People just need to take a breath,” she says. “Life is life. People are people.” She also hopes others will reconsider common expectations, like the emphasis on eye contact. “For our family, eye contact was never important,” she explains. “You can still connect with someone without looking directly into their eyes.”

Instead, Celine believes society should focus more on acceptance and patience, recognizing that everyone grows and learns at their own pace. “There is so much emphasis on the ‘cannot,’ but we need to celebrate the ‘cans’ instead.” For parents on a similar journey, her message is simple: trust yourself and find your community. “You know your child better than anyone. Keep asking questions until someone listens.” And when the road feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to walk it alone. Sometimes, the right community can make all the difference, and for Brett, Celine, Elle, Liam and Connor, that community has been Grandview Kids.

Fizza’s Journey: Growing up with a sibling with Autism

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