Community Resources
- Autism Screening and Diagnosis
- Community Agencies
- Early Intervention and Child Treatment Centres
- Private ABA Therapies and Behaviour Services
- Respite Services
- Parent and Sibling Support Groups
- Funding and Personal Support
- Life, Community and Adult Services
- Recreational Programs
Autism Screening and Diagnosis
Early Years (Birth to 6 Years)
Pediatrician/Family Physician
Early signs may start as young as 6 to 24 months. Speak to your child’s physician if you have a suspicion or recognize symptoms. There are a number of excellent online sources to help identify early signs including Health Canada, HealthyChildren.org , Autism Speaks, and Autism Navigator.
Talk 2 Me
A collaborative service of 3 organizations: Connections Early Years Family Centre (lead), Children First and John McGivney Children’s Centre. Contact them if you are concerned with your child’s speech and language development (birth to 5 years).
Phone: 519-252-0636, www.connectwithus.ca
Healthy Babies/Healthy Children
Offered by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, a team of Public Health Nurses and Family Home Visitors assists families (prenatal up to 6 years) with parenting and promoting of healthy child development.
Phone: 519-258-2146 ext. 1350. www.wechu.org/healthy-families/healthy-babies-healthy-children-hbhc-program
Nurse Practitioner
Offered by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, for families who do not have a health care provider OR do not have OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) coverage.
Phone: 519-258-2146 ext. 1223.www.wechu.org/healthy-families/nurse-practitioner
Children First
Provides an early intervention program for children birth to six years who have developmental or mental health concerns. Can be contacted if you have any concerns about your infant or preschooler’s development or behaviour.
Phone: 519-250-1850, www.children-first.ca
Children, Adolescents (6 to 17 Years) & Adults
Pediatricians/Family Physicians
Speak to your child’s physician if you are concerned or have a suspicion or recognize symptoms of autism. .You can get a diagnosis of autism for your child or youth from qualified professionals who have undergone specific training.
Western Ontario Diagnostic Hub
A government of Ontario provided diagnostic service located at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton that services Windsor-Essex. Contact the Western Hub to to find out how to apply for an autism assessment for your child or youth.
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 78222, email,
www.ontario.ca/page/autism-assessment-diagnosis
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Regional Children’s Centre
Assessments and consultations for autism and related disorders are available for children and adolescents 6 to 17 years. Parents can contact the organization for intake details.
Phone: 519-257-5215,
www.hdgh.org/regionalchildrenscentre
Private Psychological Assessments
For adults and those wanting another option for their child, a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders can be made by a licensed Clinical Psychologist or specially trained doctor for a fee. You should investigate the qualifications of anyone providing private assessments. Contact the Autism Services Office (autism@mdirect.net) for a list of psychologists in Essex-Windsor that do ASD assessments.
Community Agencies
Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
The OAP offers support to all eligible families of children and youth on the autism spectrum. Children and youth who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by a qualified professional are eligible for the program. Children receive services and supports until the age of 18. For details please refer to the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services website or call 1-888-444-4530. AccessOAP is the Ontario Autism Program’s Independent Intake Organization that supports everyone registered in the Ontario Autism Program. AccessOAP care coordinators are available to: answer your questions, help you understand your service options, and help you access needs-based services and supports in your community. Visit AccessOAP to create an account and register for the OAP and start the process to get support.
Autism Ontario West Region (formerly Windsor-Essex Chapter)
AO is dedicated to increasing public awareness about ASD and its effects on individuals and families. Offers many programs for children and families. Memberships available for a yearly fee.
Phone: 519-250-1893, Email, www.autismontario.com
Development Services Ontario
For families caring for an adult or for adult individuals with a developmental disability. The is an access point for support and services including Passport funding which replaces Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding when an individual turns 18 years of age.
Phone: 519-945-3797 or 1-855-437-6797, www.dsontario.ca
Family Services Windsor
The Advocacy Planning and Support Worker (APSW) supports adults with developmental disabilities to participate in all aspects of community life (education, employment, recreation, home and social planning). All referrals to the APSW program are completed by Developmental Services Ontario. Other programs for adults with developmental disabilities include the Voluntary Trusteeship Program which offers support for individuals who need help managing their finances, setting up a budget and paying bills, Housing Services, Form Completion Services and more.
Phone: 519-966-5010 or 888-933-1831, fswe.ca
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Regional Children’s Centre
A Children’s mental health centre serving children and youth ages 6-18 years who have social, emotional, developmental
and/or behavioural issues. Assessments and consultations for autism and related disorders are available.
Phone: 519-257-5215,
www.hdgh.org/regionalchildrenscentre
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Access Mechanism Team
Information, referral and community service coordination to help children and families experiencing difficulties
find services in Windsor-Essex. Formerly referred to as Help Link Services. For assistance please contact HDGH Regional Children’s Centre and ask for the Access Mechanism Team.
Phone: 519-257-5215,
www.hdgh.org/regionalchildrenscentre
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Provides funding and programs for children with special needs such as Special Services at Home which helps children and youth
with developmental or physical disabilities to live at home. Services and supports are available to help adults with a developmental disability participate fully as citizens in Ontario. Supports include the Ontario Disability Support Program and Passport accessed through Development Service Ontario.
Phone: 519-254-1651 or 1-800-387-7327,
www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-children-community-and-social-services
Regional Support Associates
Help and support for adults with an intellectual disability and/or a dual diagnosis in Southwestern Ontario. Affiliated with the Woodstock General Hospital, RSA offers services for the individual, their families and agencies supporting them in their community. RSA provides a range of services to adult individuals with developmental disabilities. These services include behavioural intervention, social sexual behavioural intervention, supports for victims of trauma/abuse, social skills development, speech and language assessments and the current broad range of counselling and assessment services.
Phone:1-800-640-4108, Windsor Office: 519-974-9476 www.regionalsupport.on.ca/
Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) of London
CPRI provides trauma-informed, highly-specialized assessment, treatment, and targeted intervention services for children and youth with complex combinations of special needs, including developmental disabilities, autism and severe behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges. The Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) is directly operated by the Government of Ontario. Programs and services at CPRI are for children and youth with complex combinations of special needs, including developmental disabilities, autism and severe behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges. CPRI also offers educational services for both families and professionals.
Phone: 519-858-2774 or 1-877-494-2774, website
Early Intervention and Child Treatment Centres
Children First
Provides services to families with children birth to 6 years of age who have special needs. Staff includes speech/language pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and resource consultants. Parents may self refer.
Phone: 519-250-1850, www.children-first.ca
John McGivney Children’s Centre
Is a treatment centre, school and preschool, serving children birth to 21 years with physical and/or neurological disabilities. Services include: speech/language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and an augmentative communication clinic which can include the use of computers and other voice devices. Services are provided in the Centre, in homes, and in schools throughout Essex County. A physician’s referral is generally required for new clients or speak with the Centre’s intake coordinator.
Phone: 519-252-7281, www.jmcentre.ca
Summit Centre for Preschool Children
An intensive, behaviour therapy program is available to children between the ages of 18 months to 4 years who have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of ASD and live within an one hour drive of the program site. The Centre’s clinical director is Dr. Marcia Gragg Ph.D., C.Psych. There is a modest user fee based on ability to pay.
Phone: 519-255-1195, www.summitcentre.org
Talk 2 Me – Connections Early Years Family Centre
Local Preschool Speech Language Program for children up to 5 years of age. Services include screenings, speech/language assessments, educational workshops and parent interventional programs including, More than Words – The Hanen Program for Parents of Children with ASD.
Phone: 519-252-0636, www.connectwithus.ca
TVCC (Formerly Thames Valley Children’s Centre)
As a result of changes to the provincial funding model for Autism Services effective April 1, 2019, TVCC has shifted their programs to align with the new Ontario Autism Program as described on the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) webpage. If you are looking for free services and supports for yourself and your family, or you are in receipt of Interim One-Time Funding or Core Clinical Services funding and are looking to purchase services for your child or youth, Applied Behaviour Services can meet your needs.
TVCC serve children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families and caregivers who live in Ontario and are eligible for registration with the Ontario Autism Program. TVCC offers a team of highly skilled staff to provide the following services.
•Caregiver Mediated Early Years
•Entry to School
•Foundational Family Services
•Core Clinical Services (Individual and Group Treatment)
Lean more here.
Phone: General Inquiries: 866.590.8822 ext 53746, Windsor direct line: 519.967.9214 www.tvcc.on.ca
Private ABA Services, Behaviour Therapies and Psychological Services
Therapeutic Learning Centre Inc.
Provides IBI therapy and ABA-based educational services and programs for a fee. Programs include Parent & Family Training, Social Skills Playgroups, After-school Programs, Tutoring and more.
Phone: 226-221-8520, www.therapeuticlearningcentre.ca
Sparks Paediatric Services ABA
SPARK (Sparking Pivotal Achievements in Remarkable Kids) is a private practice serving children and their families within the Durham Region and Windsor-Essex areas. SPARK offers a variety of therapies and services to meet children’s unique needs. Developmental therapies and services include: Behavioural Services, ABA, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Language Therapy, and Group Programs.
Phone: (519) 968-3567 www.sparkpediatric.com/
VBS Virtual Behaviour Services
VBS provides personalized, in-home ABA and IBI therapy to families in Windsor-Essex. Their comprehensive services extend beyond therapy sessions to include essential Parent/Guardian Training and Mediated Intervention support. Notably, they are proud to be the sole certified PRT clinic in Ontario, ensuring top-tier care for their clients.
Phone: 1-833-4-VBS-INC or visit www.vbsinc.ca/
Back To Life Rehabilitation Sensory Integration
Back to Life offers occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy by providing helpful home activity programs and ongoing instruction, to keep your child’s therapy positive, play based, and fun. Tutoring services for students at the elementary and secondary levels.
Phone: 519 956-7481 www.backtoliferehab.com/
Essential Autism Services Inc.
Essential Autism Services Inc. delivers in-home, community-based, and/or online ABA services with highly trained and experienced professionals who are matched to be the best fit for each learner. We also provide respite services, online or in-person parent/caregiver/family training, and social nights for individuals with developmental disabilities to encourage friendships and socialization.
Phone: (226) 506-3400 www.essentialautism.ca/
House on Riverside – The Psychological Services & Research Centre
Psychological services are provided by clinical trainees under the supervision clinical psychologists from the Department of Psychology for a low-cost. Services are available for members of the community who are 18 years of age and older and for children and adolescents age 6 to 17.
Phone: 519-973-7012, www.uwindsor.ca/psychological-services
Respite Services
Family Respite Services
For families caring for children under the age of 18 who have intellectual, physical and mental health disabilities. Facilitates Special Services at Home (SSAH), Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), and other provincially funded Respite programs.
Phone: 519-972-9688, www.familyrespite.org
Development Services Ontario
For families caring for an adult or for adult individuals with a developmental disability. The is an access point for support and services including Passport funding which replaces Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding when an individual turns 18 years of age.
Phone: 519-945-3797 or 1-855-437-6797, www.dsontario.ca
Special Services at Home (SSAH)
The Special Services at Home program (SSAH) helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability. Funds can be used for a support worker or for respite care. It is funded and managed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and funds can be self administered.
See more at www.children.gov.on.ca.
SSAH is also administered locally through Family Respite Services of Windsor and Essex County
Phone: 519-972-9688, www.familyrespite.org
Respite Care
The Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) provides financial support for low to moderate income families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability including respite care.
See more at www.children.gov.on.ca
Phone: 1-877-832-2818 Ext. 341
ACSD is also administered locally through Family Respite Services of Windsor and Essex County
Phone: 519-972-9688, www.familyrespite.org
Community Living Essex
A charitable organization committed to assisting people of all ages who have an intellectual disability and their families throughout Essex County. Services include in-home support, respite care, residential supports, employment services, personal outcome planning, co-ordination of services and more.
Phone: 519-776-6483, www.communitylivingessex.org
Community Living Windsor
A charitable organization that provides supports and services to adults who have an intellectual disability including assistance with or administration of Passport and individualized funds, respite care, residential support, employment services, day programs through Ventures and more.
Phone: 519-974-4221, www.clwindsor.org
The Respite Learning Portal
This a website devoted to people who are interested in learning more about the world of respite and those already providing respite support who want to access more training, information, and to share ideas and resources. Offers a free online parent module to assist parents in finding respite staff. See more at www.respitecourse.ca
See more adult respite options under Life, Community and Adult Services
Parent and Sibling Support Groups
Autism High Functioning Group
Meetings are held the third Monday of the month at St. Matthews Church Hall, 1600 Norfolk. For parents of children with High Functioning Autism or children on the mild end of the spectrum. Email
Ensemble
A families supporting families organization. Empowers parents with children who have disabilities by making resources and tools that provide ideas, coping mechanisms and guidance available to them. They will try and facilitate connections among parents from the same culture and language. Resources are available in a number of different languages.
Phone: 519-776-6486 ext. 225, www.ensembleunderstands.com
Family Respite Services
Sibling Support Group. Contact the office for details.
Phone: 519-972-9688, www.familyrespite.org
Summit Centre for Preschool Children
Parent and Sibling Groups meet monthly. Parents meet for a round table discussion on a specific topic while siblings participate in their own discussion group.
Phone: 519-255-1195, www.summitcentre.org
Windsor Essex Family Network
Is a rapidly growing group of parents, brothers, sisters and friends who have come together to promote the well being of children who have disabilities.
Phone: 519-974-1008, www.windsoressexfamnet.ca
Funding and Personal Support
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
This government program provides financial help to assist with some of the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability. Financial and medical criteria must be met.
Phone: 519-254-1651, www.children.gov.on.ca
ACSD is also administered locally through Family Respite Services of Windsor and Essex County
Phone: 519-972-9688, www.familyrespite.org
Autism Ontario Building a Brighter Future Fund
Provides financial assistance directly to Ontario adults with ASD or their families through a reimbursement of funds spent to open doors for greater participation in local communities. Time specific applicaitons process.
www.autismontario.com/adults
Development Services Ontario
This is your access point to apply for Adult Developmental Funding Services including Passport funding to purchase supports for community participation after high school. Families are encouraged to contact your local DSO when your child is 17.5 years of age.
Phone: 519-945-3797 or 1-855-437-6797, www.dsontario.ca
Incontinence Supplies Grant Program
Administered by Easter Seals Ontario and fully funded through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC), this program provides funding to help with the cost of diapers and other similar supplies for children three to 18 years old.
Phone: 519-944-0044 or
Email, www.easterseals.org
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Income and/or Employment Supports for persons with a disability who are 18 years or older. Phone: 519-254-1651, www.mcss.gov.on.ca.
Special Services at Home (SSAH)
The Special Services at Home program (SSAH) helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability. Funds can be used for a support worker or for respite care. It is funded and managed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and funds can be self administered.
See more at www.children.gov.on.ca.
SSAH is also administered locally through Family Respite Services of Windsor and Essex County
Phone: 519-972-9688, www.familyrespite.org
Southern Network of Specialized Care
Designed to promote improved services for individuals with developmental disabilities who need specialized care for co-existing mental illness and/or significant behaviours.
Phone: 519-974-9476, www.community-networks.ca
Windsor-Essex Brokerage
Provide personalized information like housing, employment, community opportunities, legalities, finances and budgets. Review the options of support dollars and support services from a wide range of options.
Phone: 519-966-8094, www.webps.ca
Federal Programs & Tax Credits
Child Disability Benefit
This benefit is offered to families with low to modest income and a child with a severe and prolonged disability. To apply for this program, you must have a signed Disability Tax Credit Certificate as well as a completed Canada Child Tax Benefit application form (RC66).
Website: www.canada.ca/child-disability-benefit
Disability Tax Credit
This tax credit lowers the amount of tax you may owe if your child has severe, long-lasting mental or physical disabilities. A qualified physician must complete the medical section of the application.
Website: www.canada.ca/disability-tax-credit
Life, Community and Adult Services
Abobe Respite
Non profit organization providing out-of-home respite services and programming for adults living with a disability in Windsor-Essex County.
Phone: (519) 961-9077, https://www.facebook.com/aboderespiteservicesinc/
Harmony in Action
Serves adults living with developmental and/or physical challenges, by providing opportunities to succeed.
Phone: 519-252-1207, www.harmonyinaction.com
Life Day Respite Program ESSEX
Their program is designed to enhance the development of adults, 19 years or older. It will provide daily life experiences that will guide each person to their best ability. It is their aim to
assist families in knowing their loved ones have a safe, calm, comfortable place they can go to interact and cultivate their goals.
Phone: 519-562-1682 or email:llalife@yahoo.com, www.lifedayrespite.ca/
WinCity Care Inc.
A day program and respite centre for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. WinCity Care Inc. specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Phone: 519-915-1855 www.wincitycare.com
Reach For the Skye
A registered charity that provides a day program for developmentally and physically challenged youth and adults as well as students ages 13 to 20 years during P.A. Days, March Break and Summer Holidays. Download the brochure.
Phone: 519-946-0263, Reach for the Sky Windsor on Facebook
Community Living Essex
A charitable organization committed to assisting people of all ages who have an intellectual disability and their families throughout Essex County. Services include in-home support, respite care, residential supports, employment services, personal outcome planning, co-ordination of services and more.
Phone: 519-776-6483, www.communitylivingessex.org
Community Living Windsor
A charitable organization that provides supports and services to adults who have an intellectual disability including assistance with or administration of Passport and individualized funds, respite care, residential support, employment services, day programs through Ventures and more.
Phone: 519-974-4221, www.clwindsor.org
Community Living Ontario Inspiring Possibilities Estate Planning Guide
A free digital resource geared to people who have a disability and their families as they consider their financial objectives and obligations.
Website: www.planinspiringpossibilities.com
Partners for Planning
A family-driven, non-profit organization with the goal of helping families overcome the challenges they face in creating and maintaining a good life and safe, secure future for their relative with a disability. Offers many online resources including webinars.
Website:
www.partnersforplanning.ca
St. Clair College Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE)
A two-year Ontario College Certificate to provide individuals with developmental disabilities and other significant learning challenges with the opportunity to experience college life, pursue a post-secondary education and develop skills which will help them prepare for employment. Phone: 519-972-2727 ext. 4537, www.stclaircollege.ca.
Windsor Essex Transition Planning for Youths with Developmental Disabilities
This is a website to give parents and others who support young people with disabilities some tips, resources and practical information to help plan for the transition to life as an adult.
www.transitionplanningwindsoressex.ca
Justice for Children and Youth
Legal Rights Wiki for Special Education in Ontario. Visit website.
Recreational Programs
Cineplex Sensory Friendly Screenings
Cineplex Entertainment in partnership with Autism Speaks Canada will be presenting Sensory Friendly Screenings. These screenings will take place approximately every 4-6 weeks on Saturday mornings at 10:30am.
Website: www.cineplex.com/Theatres/SensoryFriendly
ICHA
For all people with a physical or developmental disability in Windsor and Essex County. Programs include soccer, floor hockey, basketball, bocce, 5 and 10 pin bowling. Also host the annual fishing derby in June and offer social activities throughout the year.
Phone: 519-977-1209, www.icha.ca
Miracle League Baseball
A special league that provides the opportunity for children and adults with disabilities a chance to play baseball, make new friends, and build self esteem.
Amherstburg: Phone: 519-995-0962 , www.amherstburgmiracle.com
Riverside: email, www.rmbamiracleleague.com
Special Olympics LaSalle-Windsor
Year-round athletic training and sports competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities: bowling, swimming, track and field, and more.
Website: www.lasallewindsor.specialolympicsontario.ca
Speqtra
Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Association is a centre for therapeutic horseback riding for people with a intellectual or physical disability located in Leamington. Therapeutic riding has been shown to improve balance co-ordination, muscle strength, self-confidence & self-esteem, attention span, social integration and independence.
Phone: 519-322-2463, www.speqtra.ca
Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex
Programs include family open swim and skating. Plus Fantastic Fridays for youth (7 to 12) and teens (13+) and Super Saturdays for kids (6 to 12). Swimming, arts & crafts, sports and games are just some
of the fun-filled action packed experiences planned! Individuals with special needs accompanied with a support worker are welcome. Registration is required.
Phone: 519-969-7771, www.lasallecultureandrecreation.ca
WETRA Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association
Qualified therapeutic riding instructors who are teaching horseback riding, providing improved co-ordination, posture and physical exercise.
Phone: 519-726-7682, www.wetra.ca
Windsor Parks and Recreation
Programs offered in community centres and pools are available to all in the community. Individuals with disabilities can be accompanied by a caregiver. In some cases accommodations may be required. Special gymnastic and swimmer programs are available for children with exceptionalities. Contact the community centre directly or a full list of offerings can be viewed at www.ActiveWindsor.ca or by calling Central Booking at 519-255-1161.
Phone: 519-253-2300, www.citywindsor.ca
Winstars Gymnastics
Offers an exclusive program to children and adults with special needs. Their goal is to provide gymnastics training and competitive opportunities for athletes with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Phone: 519-972-1397, www.winstarsgym.com
Services mentioned are for information purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement.
If you would like your organization or service to be added to this list or the listing changed, please email: autism@mdirect.net
Updated: November 2024