Autism Spectrum Disorder

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1 in 66 children and youth are diagnosed with ASD in Canada.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a highly misunderstood and complex developmental condition. Although it is defined by a certain set of behaviours, it affects people differently and to varying degrees. For this reason, receiving a diagnosis can be challenging for some individuals.

What is Autism?

ASD is most often diagnosed in the first five years of life and continues into adulthood.

It encompasses a range of conditions characterized by

Impaired social functioning
Communication and language deficits
A limited number of personal interests and activities engaged repetitively

Although all people with autism share similar traits, autism is a spectrum, and each person will be affected in different ways and too different severities. Some people with ASD can live independently, but others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.

Early diagnosis and intervention can be vital in allowing those on the spectrum to reach their full potential. Family involvement is also crucial to successful intervention. Learning the triggers and needs of the person with autism is an important element of care, as is finding out what environments are more conducive to better learning.

Signs + Symptoms of Autism

Impaired social functioning
Communication and language deficits or delays
Unusual communication styles (repeating phrases, quoting phrases)
A limited number of personal interests and activities that are engaged in repetitively

Cognitive delays
Repetitive motions or behaviours (rocking, fidgeting)
Sensitivity to loud noises, smells, textures, flavours, light, temperature
Anxiety
Aversion to change

What to Expect

What is Autism?

There is no treatment or cure for autism, but there are different approaches and therapies that can help those on the spectrum better cope with daily life.

Our therapists can provide an Autism Assessment by assessing development and behaviour and using scientific, evidence-based questionnaires.

Receiving an ASD Diagnosis is the first step to treatment.

A Diagnosis Can

Help the person with autism understand why they find some things more difficult than others.
Can help parents, friends and/or carers understand them better and learn techniques/approaches that may improve day-to-day life
It opens up the opportunity to access support

If you receive a diagnosis, you may experience a range of emotions from relief to anxiety. We can help support you and your family by accepting the diagnosis and learning about the condition and coping skills.

Goals of Therapy for Autism

Every case of autism is unique, so intervention goals vary and are tailored to each person. Some goals may include:

Encourage verbal speech or learn nonverbal/functional language systems
Express a need or want through visual communication or verbal speech
Understand common social situations
Learn manners and etiquette
Decrease tantrums and other problem behaviours
Use healthy outlets for stimming
Follow instructions and stay focused
Learn life skills (dress independently, basic hygiene, eat meals without assistance)

Our Approach

We will do an assessment of your specific situation and goals, to come up with a targeted and individualized approach to therapy that draws from a variety of the listed modalities.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Change unhelpful and problematic ways of thinking got change unwanted or unhealthy behaviour

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Coaches parents on how to manage children’s behaviour and strengthen their relationship

Early-Start Denver Model (ESDM)

Through play and joint activities, improve the social and communication skills in children with autism between the ages of 12-48

Solution-Focused Therapy

A strengths-based approach that focuses on your current and future problems and goals rather than past experiences

About WJW

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Mind-Body Wellness

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