Specialized Services (SS) are funded through Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) (Community and Social Services) to support families of children with severe disabilities including autism.

To access Specialized Services at the Centre, children require a documented diagnosis of autism or a query of autism and must qualify under FSCD’s criteria.

Specialized Services are available in Edmonton and Calgary

Every child is unique. Every family is unique. The Centre’s Specialized Services (SS) are focused to meet the unique needs of children and families affected by autism and its associated challenges. With 25+ years of experience, the Centre has developed a philosophy and approach that is holistic, inclusive, values children and families, and prioritizes strategies that work for you.

Why Choose the Centre?

  • Autistic people are valued! Autistic voice and choice are embedded in our leadership, board, staffing, and volunteers
  • We are a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Autistic persons by offering a lifespan of support from early childhood to adulthood
  • SS families gain preferred access to on-site preschool (PUF funded), the START Program, Respite, OT groups, and more!
  • Families may also be interested in participating in any of our community and recreational activities, summer camps, workshops, and other programs the Centre promotes and develops
  • The Centre is the only accredited children’s autism service provider in Alberta (through CARF International) – ensuring a high-quality standard of care
  • Flexible delivery including in-person and secure video-link technology options
  • No hidden fees. The Centre manages all financial aspects of SS with the government

 

What Does Specialized Services Look Like in Practice*?

  • You gain access to a multi-disciplinary team of supervised and trained specialists in autism (usually a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and behavioral case manager/behaviour analyst)
  • A yearly individualized service plan is developed based on parent priorities and child need
  • Interventionists may be included for child-focused teaching and modeling of skills
  • Services take place in home and community settings
  • Services are coordinated with other supports such as health and education
  • Staff provide regular written updates and reports on needs, progress, and goals

* As a government-funded activity. Additional information is listed here.

 

Our focus is on the child and the family.

 

Services are designed to improve daily living skills and increase caregiver capacity to provide developmentally-appropriate parenting.

 

Children are provided direct care to improve function.

 

Parents are coached on concrete skills that will increase their child’s independence and improve the overall quality of life for the entire family.

 

Ready to start Specialized Services at the Centre?

Click Apply Now to download the application form.

Email completed application forms to info@centreforautism.ab.ca 

COVID-19 Specialized Services Update

With child, family, and staff safety as a priority, Specialized Services continues to be offered during COVID and is available for families who qualify for this service.

In order to be in compliance with COVID-related AHS regulations, the Centre has made the following modification to its SS program:

  • Families are able to choose between virtual or in-person visits (or a combination)
  • All staff are trained in the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), physical distancing, and other COVID-related safety measures
  • Mandatory daily COVID screening for all families receiving any in-person services (center or home-based)
  • Mandatory daily COVID screening for all staff providing any in-person services or coming into the Centre
  • Prohibition on any in-person service delivery if a staff or family member does not pass the COVID screener
  • Mandatory masking when at the Centre or in a home-based situation where staff or family members are within 6 feet of each other or within the same room (masking is optional for children and is a family decision)
  • Access to the Centre by appointment only
  • The majority of staff are working from home to limit peer-to-peer and family-to-family exposure
  • Even when vaccinated (staff or family), the above restrictions are required to be followed

 

For virtual visits, the Centre is able to offer secure and encrypted video conferencing solutions along with traditional phone and email support. This is the safest option and is strongly encouraged whenever possible. The majority of SS families are currently receiving some portion of their services via secure video links.

Centre staff have been trained on a wide range of safety protocols for in-person visits, including PPE, physical distancing measures, sanitation procedures, and screening measures. An orientation is provided for any families that request in-person services before in-person services begin (SLP, OT, or Behavior Consultation & Interventionist Sessions) to ensure everyone understands and agrees to these expectations.

These rules are subject to change based on direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health in Alberta. Your patience and understanding are deeply appreciated.