Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person socializes and communicates with others. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term "spectrum" in ASD refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.
Symptoms of ASD usually begin in early childhood. While there is no cure for ASD, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of children affected by the condition.
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation website contains videos explaining Autism in the English, Ojibway, and Cree languages. Visit their website to view the videos.
By age 2, signs and symptoms are usually clear. Your doctor may recommend developmental tests to identify if your child has delays in cognitive, language, and social skills; if your child doesn’t:
- respond with a smile or happy expression by 6 months
- say two-word phrases by 24 months
- mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
- babble or coo by 12 months
- gesture - such as point or wave - by 14 months
- say single words by 16 months
- play "make-believe" or pretend by 18 months
- say two-word phrases by 24 months
Each child with ASD is unique, and the severity of the condition can range from low functioning (severe ASD) to high functioning (mild ASD). Therefore, the severity of ASD can sometimes be challenging to determine. However, it is generally based on the level of impairments and the child’s ability to function in their social environment.
Social communication and interaction signs
A child may show social interaction and communication challenges such as:
- Not responding to their name
- Resisting cuddling, holding, and seems to prefer playing alone
- Having poor eye contact and lacking facial expressions
- Delayed or absent speech, or losing previous ability to say words or sentences
- Difficulty starting a conversation or keeping one going, or only starting a conversation to make requests or label items
- Speaking with an abnormal tone or rhythm and using a singsong voice or robot-like speech
- Repeating words or phrases verbatim not not understanding how to use them
- Not understanding, or appearing to not understand simple questions or directions
- Not expressing their emotions or feelings and seeming unaware of others' feelings
- Not pointing at or not bringing objects to share an interest
- Inappropriately approaching a social interaction by being passive, aggressive, or disruptive
- Having difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, such as interpreting other people's facial expressions, body postures, or tones of voice
Patterns of behavious
A child may show interest in or show repeating behaviours such as:
- Performing repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning, or hand flapping
- Performing activities that could cause self-harm, such as biting or head-banging
- Developing specific routines or rituals and becoming disturbed at the slightest change
- Having problems with coordination or having odd movement patterns
- Being fascinated by details of an object, or being fixated on an object or activity with abnormal intensity or focus
- Being unusually sensitive to light, sound, or touch, yet being indifferent to pain or to temperature
- Not engaging in imitative or make-believe play
- Having particular food preferences, such as eating only a few foods or refusing foods with a specific texture
ASD has no single known cause. However, experts believe that genetic, biological, and environmental factors play a combined role.There is no known link between vaccines and ASD; no studies have shown a link between the two. For more information on this topic, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.
The number of children diagnosed with ASD is rising. However, it's unclear whether this is due to better detection and reporting, an actual increase in cases, or both.
The known risk factors for ASD include:
- Your child's gender. Boys are 4X more likely to develop ASD than girls.
- Family History. Families who have one child with ASD have an increased risk of having another child with the disorder. In addition, if a parent has ASD, their child is more likely to have ASD.
- Other disorders. Children with certain medical conditions have a higher-than-average risk of ASD or ASD-like symptoms.
- Extremely preterm babies. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation may have a greater risk of ASD.
- Parents' ages. There may be a connection between children born to older parents and ASD, but more research is necessary to establish this link.
There's no way to prevent ASD, but there are treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention are most helpful and can improve behavior, skills, and language development. However, intervention is beneficial at any age.
ASD is a diagnosis categorized according to the DSM-IV. It is based on the clinical assessment and diagnostic opinion of qualified professionals. To provide a diagnosis of ASD, the diagnostician must:
- Be recognized by the Ontario Autism Programs (OAP) (pediatrician, physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, psychological associate, psychiatrist)
- Have the skills, knowledge, and ability to make an accurate diagnosis
- Confirm that the client meets the DSM-IV criteria and does not require any further testing to make the diagnosis.
If you are working with a diagnostician outside the hub, you must ensure that you receive a diagnostic letter that meets the OAP acceptance criteria.
Private Service Providers
Sudbury-Manitoulin is fortunate to have several private psychology service providers with expertise in the domain of ASD assessments. Private service providers may be able to work with private insurance companies to support the costs of assessments and therapy.
Provider Referrals
Referrals to the Autism Diagnostic Hub are only accepted from:
- Physicians (GPs/MDs)
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Psychiatrists
- Child & Community Resources (CCR)
- Children’s Community Network (CCN)
Healthcare providers can find the NEO Kids Autism Diagnostic Hub on the Ocean Healthmap.
For assistance, please call NEO Navigation, central intake team at 705-523-7120.
- Ontario Autism Program
Children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) be a qualified professional are eligible for the program. Children receive services and support until the age of 18.
- Access OAP
Access OAP is the Ontario Autism Program’s Independent Intake Organization that supports everyone registered in the Ontario Autism Program.
- Disability Tax Credit
The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the income tax they may have to pay.
- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program
This provincial program provides financial support for eligible families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.
- Special Services at Home
Learn about funding to help with costs related to respite, personal growth and development for your child with physical and/or developmental disabilities.
- Children's Community Network
If you cannot apply for any of these credits independently and require 1:1 support, please contact Children’s Community Network.
- Greater Sudbury Police Services (GSPS) - Vulnerable Persons Registry
A service where vulnerable persons who have a physical, mental health, cognitive, or medical condition that may require special attention in an emergency can be registered. The information provided will only be used by first responders to assist you or your loved one in a crisis situation.
- Supports available in Elementary Schools & High Schools
Support for students with Autism
Individual Education Plans
- Autism Speaks Canada - My Autism Guide
Find the 100-day tool kits, videos, parent training, and other free resources by creating an account wiht Autism Speaks Canada.
- WHO’s training for caregivers
An online training programme for caregivers of children with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism; requires you to register for an OpenWHO account.
- Autism Community Training (ACT) - All Videos
ACT Videos are presented by respected clinicians committed to sharing the latest in research and clinical experience. There are now 80 videos on diverse topics, including Toilet Training, Sleep, Mental Health, PBS, IEP’s, Research, and much more.
- Compass - Child & Youth Mental Health Services
- Crisis Help
- Autism Ontario
- Child and Community Resources
Community Events & Resources