Parent guides

Seven practical guides for Canadian parents and caregivers of autistic children, with more on the way. Each one starts with a short answer, links every fact to its source and says how strong the evidence is.

Signs, assessment and diagnosis

Noticing differences, getting an autism assessment in your province, and what to do while you wait and after a diagnosis.

Waiting for an autism assessment in Canada? What you can do nowYou don't need a diagnosis to start helping your child. What to try at home, provincial help before a diagnosis, private costs and how to use the wait.15 minute read

Communication and play

Supporting talking, signs, pictures and AAC at home, and playing together in ways that work for your child.

Will my autistic child talk? Speech, signs, pictures and AACAn honest look at whether autistic children learn to talk, what helps at home, why signs, pictures and AAC don't stop speech, and how to reach a speech-language pathologist in Canada.16 minute read

Routines and visual supports

First-Then boards, visual schedules and calm ways to handle transitions and changes.

How to use a First-Then board at homeA two-step picture board that shows what happens first and what comes next. How to make one, the words to use, and what to do when it isn't working.11 minute read How to make a visual schedule for your autistic child at homeA row of pictures that shows your child the order of the day. Which kind to choose, how to make one at home, and what to do when plans change.11 minute read

Feelings, sensory needs and behaviour

Meltdowns and shutdowns, sensory differences, stimming, feelings and keeping everyone safe.

Meltdown, tantrum or shutdown? How to tell and what to doA meltdown is overwhelm, not bad behaviour. How to tell it from a tantrum or a shutdown, and what helps before, during and after.13 minute read Helping your child understand feelings and find calmWhy feelings can be hard to notice and name, how to teach them, calm tools and a calm space, signs of anxiety and where to get help in Canada.12 minute read

Everyday life

Sleep, eating, toilet training, appointments, safety, screens and days out.

Toilet training an autistic child, and starting kindergarten in diapersA step-by-step picture approach to toilet training, why constipation comes first, wetting at night, starting kindergarten in diapers, and help with the cost.12 minute read

For child care and schools

Guides for child care and school staff

Practical, sourced guides for early childhood educators, teachers and educational assistants supporting young autistic children, from routines to IEPs.

Parents and caregivers: you can share any of these guides with your child's child care program or school.

Supporting an autistic child in child care: a guide for early childhood educatorsPractical help for ECEs with autistic children aged 2 to 5: the room and the day, communication and play, written plans, inclusion programs and the move to kindergarten.18 minute read Worried a child might be autistic? How to talk with parentsNotice and note what you see, talk with the family in private, describe rather than label, and start help that needs no diagnosis. With consent rules and routes by province.13 minute read Visual schedules, First-Then boards and calm spaces for the classroom and playroomGroup and individual visual schedules, First-Then boards, transitions, communication, sensory changes and a calm space the child can always leave, for child care and school staff.13 minute read Meltdowns, biting and big feelings in child care and kindergarten: what staff can doBehaviour is communication. How to prevent meltdowns, keep everyone safe during one, respond to biting and hitting, plan with families and follow the rules on restraint.13 minute read IEPs, IPPs and IIPs for young autistic students: a guide for school teamsIEPs, IPPs and IIPs by province: who writes the plan and by when, working with families and EAs, example kindergarten goals and accommodations that help.18 minute read Sent home, excluded or on a modified day: what child care and school staff need to knowBefore an autistic child is dismissed, excluded, sent home or put on a shorter day, human rights law expects real accommodation first. What that means for staff.14 minute read Educational assistants and young autistic students: making support workThe EA's role, what research says about how assistants are used, and practical ways to give just enough help, fade it and help a student learn alongside classmates.13 minute read