Introduction
Families in Durham Region, if you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) you know the challenges that come with raising a child with ASD. This can include working on challenges associated with social, behavioural, financial, and emotional regulation. Finding the best ABA therapy options for your child and various family needs is crucial. It may feel isolating when you feel alone in the challenges that come with raising a child with ASD, however, for parents and caregivers in the Durham Region, there is a great community that promotes diversity and inclusion to ensure a sense of belonging to the community to everyone with diverse needs.
This allows everyone access to resources and support that can make all the difference in managing these challenges effectively and finding ABA therapy options.
This article spotlights the success of ABA therapy, which helps provide insights for parents within the Durham Region area to find healthy parenting strategies, coping skills, and targeted interventions that encourage parents to find successful outcomes for their children with ASD.
What is ABA Therapy?
According to ABA principles, learning and reinforcement affect behavior in response to the environment. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), ADHD, and Developmental Delays can benefit from ABA therapy because it promotes independence and autonomy, especially in communication, behavior, social skills, and life skills. For children with autism, ABA therapy is one of the most effective therapies.
Government funding and waitlists are long for ABA therapy, which is effective in helping children on the spectrum. Sometimes, it is difficult to find places providing support in your area. If you struggle with challenging behaviors, it is important to find resources in the city that can help. Durham Region is expanding and growing to accommodate more practices of ABA services to better help your child in the community as well as at home.
Durham Leads the Way in ABA Therapy
Durham’s community, schools, and healthcare facilities are constantly dedicated to the growth of ABA practices. There are many partnerships with local organizations, schools, and more to provide a supportive network for children with ASD undergoing ABA therapy. The Entry to School program by Grandview Kids is provided under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Once your child is eligible for OAP services (diagnosed/on the waitlist) they can help your child prepare for kindergarten and transition to grade one. The Durham District School Board (DDSB) helps provide resources for parents and caregivers to have a successful outcome in school.
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) provides information, advice, and assistance to parents and caregivers who need additional support as the Ontario Education Act requires students to have a program that meets their needs. This involves parents, teachers, administrators, and professionals all in collaborative communication. The Inclusive Student Support (ISS) team recognizes your child’s needs and helps to provide additional support. They reach out to community services for recommendations and provide support to help parents and caregivers in Durham Region.
As part of DDSB’s existing support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism Resource Services is a designated multidisciplinary team. The Autism Resource Team (ART) is made up of members from Psychological Services (Board Certified Behaviour Analysts), Instructional Facilitators, and Speech/Language Pathologists. They provide assessments, consultations, in-school mentoring, and modeling of strategies to help students succeed. This helps to provide a tailored plan and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for your child with ASD.
ABA Therapy in Durham Schools
The first order is for the ISS to consult with families, communities, and partners on requests for student accommodations. SEAC formally reviews the ISS student plan annually to provide input and feedback into the Ministry of Educations Standards for School Boards Special Education Plan. According to the Ministry’s PPM 11 helps to contribute to the Early Identification of students with ASD or special needs and provides educational programs that accommodate the growth and development through evidence-based programs. This is the important first step for teachers to identify strengths and areas of growth.
This then can lead to the Identification, Placement Review Committee (IPRC) to provide support by assessing what interventions can be put into place, if accommodations are met and to re-assess if the IEP is not working. The Special Education Class Placements include Structured Learning Classes (SLC), Partial Learning Programs (PLP), Developmental Programs, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Programs, and School Support Programs (SSP) for children with special needs.
The main area for ABA support is the SLC which provides intensive support for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are working on Ontario or Alternative curriculum expectations. This includes Teaching strategies based on ABA such as Structured Teaching (TEACCH), data collection, positive reinforcement, and generalization to develop skills in communication, self-regulation, and social skills. It shows great promise and showcases that there are classes that accommodate your child’s needs for ABA support and social support.
A lot of families are accommodating for children with ASD. Families not only get the support required, but they also gain a whole community of support to help with their child’s needs. Schools and professionals have helped children with ASD on various levels to create a support system for families in need.
Community Support for ABA Therapy
Durham Region presents many organizations that offer ABA therapy and related support for children with ASD. Here are some local services you might consider to explore:
- Autism Ontario
Central-East Division
This organization provides resources, events, and connections to the community for your child and parents and caregivers of a child with ASD.
- Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS)
Whitby, ON
This service provides individualized ABA therapy for children, youth, and adults with ASD and intellectual disabilities which includes one-on-one therapy, group programs, and parent/caregiver resources. They also provide crisis prevention resources as well.
- Reaching Beyond Autism
Oshawa, ON
This service offers high-quality ABA programming as an approved Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provider. Provides guidance through the OAP process and personalized therapy plans.
- Grandview Kids
Oshawa, ON
This service delivers ABA-based Core Clinical Services, including speech-language pathology and occupational therapy, tailored to each child’s needs to enhance social, communication, and self-help skills.
- ABA Academy
Whitby, ON
This company provides ABA therapy, Parent coaching and training, School and daycare support, social skills development, and behavioural assessments and analysis, This can be provided at home or in the community.
Advocacy and awareness have increased in the area to support families and individuals seeking ABA therapy. Here are a few online communities that have helped bring awareness to ABA support in Durham Region:
Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth (Durham Region)
https://www.rfecydurham.com/programs-and-services
Ontario Autism Coalition
https://ontarioautismcoalition.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ontarioautismcoalition/?ref=share&mibextid=WaXdOe
Durham Region Autism Community –
https://www.facebook.com/groups/5597213060/?ref=share&mibextid=WaXdOe
Measuring the Outcomes: Data and Research
Recent research explores how effective ABA is as a well-established and evidence-based therapy for children with autism develops that social, communicative, and daily life skills can be enhanced through ABA interventions when delivered in a structured manner. Many Durham Region providers are structured and explore how ABA therapy can be effective in many ways.
Aneta Stolba, acquiring her doctorate of Education, from Ontario Tech in Oshawa, is researching a more nurturing environment for individuals with Autism and their support systems. It is noted in her research that pioneering social engagement and working from a strengths-based, holistic approach can enhance the overall well-being, and quality of life for individuals with Autism.
Finding organizations in the Durham Region that work on tailored approaches is crucial. With the many providers of ABA interventions, finding the right fit and right outcome for your child with ASD is crucial to the success and outcome of your child’s future.
Future of ABA in Durham
As we look at the future of ABA therapy in the Durham Region this is promising. Several key trends create a positive outlook for Durham Region and ABA services. This includes:
- Accessibility: Increased government funding and support over time are expected to reduce the waitlists for the OAP and make ABA services more accessible to families across the region. As waitlists bottleneck this is a crucial area that needs to be addressed.
- Advances in Technology: The integration of virtual therapy options helps address rural or remote areas where services aren’t catered to. This offers flexible and convenient access to services. AI and virtual reality also help to provide services and opportunities for trials of social engagement in a controlled environment.
- Hybrid Models and Delivery of Services: ABA providers are also developing models that combine in-person and virtual services, tailoring therapy to individual needs and circumstances.
- Holistic and Tailored Approaches: A focus on individualized, family-centered care ensures that therapy addresses the unique challenges and goals of each child and their family.
Conclusion
Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges, but in the Durham Region, families are not alone in their journey. With the growing availability of ABA therapy and the expanding support network, parents and caregivers can find the resources, guidance, and community they need to create positive outcomes for their children. From government-funded programs and local schools offering specialized support, to community-based organizations and dedicated professionals, Durham is building a future where children with ASD have access to the care and opportunities they deserve.
The future of ABA therapy in Durham holds promise with increasing accessibility, advancements in technology, and a focus on holistic, individualized care. By continuing to foster a collaborative and inclusive community, Durham ensures that every child with ASD has the tools and support to thrive. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the region’s commitment to expanding and enhancing ABA services will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of families and children, guiding them toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
Call to Action
The many stressors of raising a child with ASD can be overwhelming. The importance of taking care of your mental health is something you should not take lightly. At The Insight Clinic, many therapists, counselors, and psychotherapists 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 developing goals and growth 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. If you are looking for Parent Training and Coaching reach out to see if we can be a good fit too.
