Ministry for Children & Family Development – Autism Spectrum Disorder at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder
Autism Community Training (ACT)
Families for Early Autism Treatment of British Columbia (F.E.A.T. B.C.)
Autism Research Centre offered in multiple languages at: https://hollandbloorview.ca/research-education/bloorview-research-institute/research-centres-labs/autism-research-centre
POPARD Family-School Liaison Workshops
Resources to consider for children with delays/concerns regarding language and social thinking
Each resource has a large selection of free articles / strategies within the website. Many also have resources that can be bought. Please see each specific website for details.
Children aged 7 and under:
Hanen: A non-profit organization developed by Speech Therapists (SLPs) based in Toronto and widely used in Canada. Focus: children with language delays, includes strategies to promote social thinking/skills and language development.
U of Florida - First Word Project: Targets kids primarily under 3 yrs of age with some material for children aged 3-6. Discussion and tools re: screening for ASD, explanation of development, different therapies, etc. (many resources also offered in Spanish & Creole) Go to: https://babynavigator.com/resources/
Zero to Three: Provides information regarding typical child development across all domains. (information also offered in Spanish – go to: https://www.zerotothree.org/)
Children / Youth / Pre Adults:
Social Thinking: Developed primarily by SLPs, with collaborated material by psychologists widely used in BC. People have been brought up from California by ACT for workshops on a regular basis for many years. Appropriate for ages 4 to adulthood, lots of free articles/resources as well as some that can be bought. Works with kids with/without ASD, and all aspects of social thinking, perspectives, sharing, theory of mind, etc.
Stuart Shanker - MEHRIT: A website regarding Self Regulation - has a variety of free resources for parents and teachers.
Do2Learn: Focus: Children/youth ages 4 and up. Contains practical suggestions/strategies/activities regarding social thinking/behaviours, academics etc.
Sandbox Learning: Provides a variety of free resources for kids/youth with special needs. Most articles are 1-2 pages in length and contain a simple activity / explanation.
Harvard Centre for the Developing Child: For explanations and materials regarding executive functioning from infancy and beyond.
SHHC and BCCH Family Resource Centre: Free resources that can be searched and requested online and mailed to families for a 3 week loan period via pre-paid postage.
Do you have more questions about Autism?
Visit the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) website "Parents & Caregivers FAQ" page.