Introduction

If you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) you know the challenges that come with parenting children with their varying abilities. This can include challenges for social engagement, behavioural challenges, transitions and so much more. There are many costs associated with having a child with ASD. This can include costs of ABA therapy, recreational activities, social activities, other professionals that help your child (Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP), Occupational Therapists (OT), and other resources your child may need due to diverse and unique needs.

It may seem overwhelming with these challenges that come with raising a child with ASD, however, for parents in Markham, a community rich in diversity and resources, access to support and financial assistance can make all the difference in managing these challenges effectively.

This article intends to provide an understanding of financial assistance options, tips, and insights for parents in the Markham area who are struggling to find successful options for their children with ASD.

What is ABA Therapy?

Both operant and respondent conditioning are fundamental to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). In operant conditioning, we examine what can increase or decrease behavior change, before or after the targeted behavior takes place. ABA therapy is primarily based on operant conditioning, which can either encourage or decrease behaviour change, before or after the targeted behaviour occurs. The methods include reinforcement (rewarding positive behaviors), behavior shaping (reinforcing desirable behaviors), and systematic teaching (breaking learning down into steps)

A child’s ABA therapy is usually tailored to meet their needs. A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) or Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) can work together with family members and caregivers to determine what type of ABA therapy will work best for your child and family needs. ABA therapy can be provided in the community, at home, in schools, as well as virtually. Depending on the ABA provider, sessions can be provided both in person as well as virtually in a hybrid model.

The Costs of ABA Therapy

The typical costs of ABA therapy in Markham include the hourly rates of therapists. These hourly rates can differ between ABA providers. When looking at providers in Markham some ABA providers cost between 50$/ hr and 200$ an hour. Some experts believe that the recommended amount of hours or recommended amount of access allocated for children with ASD should be 100 hours per month. As children on the autism spectrum have various needs in terms of their intensity and scope of services the number of hours recommended per week can be between 10 hours and 40 hours a week.

This can become quite costly and become a financial burden on a lot of parents trying to get the best outcome for their children with ASD. This is why it is useful to look into the financial assistance available to parents in Markham.

Financial Assistance Programs Available in Markham

  • Ontario Autism Program (OAP):
      • The OAP is a program for children 18 and under that is funded by the government of Ontario. This program helps families access needs-based services and other supports in their community. Types of services and supports include foundational family services (including family and peer mentoring, caregiver workshops, coaching sessions, consultations, and transitions supports), caregiver and mediated early years programs, core-clinical services (ABA therapy, Speech Language Pathology (SLP), Occupational Therapy (OT), mental health services, counseling and psychotherapy, technology, and program equipment recommended by professionals), entry to school programs, and urgent response services. To be eligible for this funding you or your child have to be under the age of 18, currently live in Ontario, and have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional.  You can register online at accessoap.ca. 
  • Autism Ontario:
      • Autism Ontario is a great start to looking at funding resources and recreation guides for children with ASD in Markham. They share resources that are covered by the OAP, community events, family support, March Break Funding, resources for diagnosis, summer support funding, and even funding and programs for transitioning to adulthood. There are applications for certain fundings available at https://www.autismontario.com/programs-services/children-and-youth.
      • In Markham and York Region The David Conforti – Reach for the Star award is awarded for volunteering for Youth with Autism. 
  • Private Insurance Coverage:
      • Private health insurance plans may cover ABA therapy, depending on how comprehensive your coverage is. Things to ask your insurance providers can include “Does my coverage include ABA services?” or “How much coverage does my insurance cover for ABA therapy?” Please check your policies to see coverage limits and exclusions to your plan.
  • Children’s Treatment Network (CTN) Funding:
      • According to the Markham Review, York Region recieves 6.3 million in funding for pediatric services. This increases access to SLP’s, early intervention in Oak Valley Health situated in Stouffville. 
      • The ENVISAGE program offers day and evening sessions for a free five-week online program to empower parents and caregivers and covers development, alignment of values, and building family networks. To be eligible you need to be a parent or caregiver of a child 0-6 with a disability, registered with CTN as a client or on the waitlist, attending a weekly 1-hour session for 5 Mondays from 7-8 pm or Tuesdays 12-1 pm, engage in preparation for 1 hour a week and completing the surveys before and after the program.  
  • York Region Early Interventions Services (EIS)
      • This service provides free consultations and support for children with special needs in their homes or daycare centers. These interventionists provide activities and support in the child’s natural environment for children under the age of 13. You can get more information by phoning 1-888-703-5437. They can provide information on EIS Services and programs, ak about the development of child, resources for you and your child as well as referrals to other community services. 
  • Government Grants & Funding:
  • Federal Funding includes:
  • Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can reduce the income tax a person with a disability may have to pay or their caretaker can also use it to reduce the amount they pay in taxes. 
  • The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to also help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. 
  • Provincial funding includes: 
  • Enhanced Respite Care for medically fragile and Technology Dependent children program allows you to receive $4130 per child to spend on respite care. To be eligible your child has to be 18 years or younger, live at home, need intensive care, and be medically fragile/technology dependent.  
  • Special Services at Home(SSAH) helps to take care of children with developmental or physical disabilities to participate in everyday activities and support caregivers by ensuring respite. To be eligible your child needs to be under 18 and a Canadian Resident living at home with their caregiver or parent or living separately from a caregiver without other government funding.
  • Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) can help with costs associated with travel to doctors appointments, special shoes and clothing, and respite for caregiver relief. The caregiver can get up to 646$ a month. Eligibility includes children being 18 years or younger and living at home, with an income of less than $76,200. Other factors that can influence eligibility are the size of your family, the severity of disability, and costs related to the disability. 
  • There are no upcoming changes to the OAP, but there are always recommendations and advocacy for increased funding and improvement in access to services due to the waitlists for services. 

How to Maximize Financial Assistance

It is important to find all the ways financial assistance can help you and your family navigate the expenses, and financial distresses that occur with your child with ASD. To do this you would need to keep track of all the expenses required. Having an expense sheet to track expenses associated with ABA therapy, SLP, OT, resources, program material and more is useful to see how much is required financially. Talking to experienced providers helps you understand what funding options are best suited to your child’s individual needs. By looking at resources in Markham, and your community it is important to advocate for more support.

Support for Markham Parents

Support groups for parents in Markham can be provided by Kinark Autism Services, which offers free (for OAP families) virtual parent support groups led by clinicians who have children with neurodiverse children. They also offer sibling support groups in person at 7271 Warden Avenue or Virtually. Autism Ontario provides webinars, support, and resources throughout different regions and Markham as well. The Markham Library provides resources and books to help with understanding diagnosis and support and drop-in programs for parents and caregivers.

Conclusion

Parents in Markham have access to an extensive array of resources and financial assistance options to ease the burden of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The cost of therapies and services can be lowered through government-funded programs like the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and various local support services, as well as private insurance coverage and government grants. The importance of exploring these options and working closely with professionals to customize support for each child cannot be overstated.

It is also beneficial to connect with local support groups and advocacy networks to receive ongoing guidance and reassurance. Parents with children with autism spectrum disorders in Markham can create a more manageable and supportive environment with the right tools, financial assistance, and community resources.

Call to Action

With the financial burdens associated with raising a child with ASD, there is a lot of importance to taking care of your emotional, physical, and mental health. At The Insight Clinic, many therapists can help you through both in-person and virtual services. At The Insight Clinic, we can help you manage burnout, depression, anxiety, and financial burdens, as well as provide resources for Autism & ABA therapy. If you are a parent struggling with managing the behaviours of a child with autism, are anxious, or are struggling with finding options, The Insight Clinic can provide you with a therapist to cope with the anxieties and struggles with using different therapy interventions.

You can reach out today to book an appointment with our skilled and trained therapists to help you gain understanding and develop healthier coping strategies when you are feeling anxious or developing these maladaptive thought patterns.

In collaboration with The Insight Clinic, ABA Academy leads with a focus on excellence and focuses on providing individual ABA interventions for your child’s growth in social, behavioural, and communicative growth. ABA Academy helps with emotional, physical, and developmental growth and milestones as well. ABA Academy provides high-quality, individualized, and effective services to help your child grow and learn from a fully licensed and qualified BCBA. Reach out today to see if ABA Academy is the right fit for your child’s ABA services. Services can be provided in your child’s community in Markham!