Foundational Family Services

Ontario Autism Program

As part of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) YSSN now offers Foundational Family Services.  The purpose of this program is to build a family’s capacity to support their child with Autism to learn and develop.  Service is available to families who have a child diagnosed with autism from infancy to age 17.

As part of the OAP Foundational Family Services, York Support Services offers:

Parent peer support offered by peers. This includes:

  • Caregiver support group sessions
  • Individualized supports for resources for the caregiver when needed
  • Workshops on a variety of topics for caregiver wellness

Transitioning to JK/SK or adulthood

  • Group information sessions in partnership with both of the York Region school boards for transition to high school and transition to adult services
  • Group information sessions for families regarding transition to JK/SK
  • Individual appointments for support with transition to assist with information, planning, resources, forms, etc

General information workshops for parents providing information on topics such as

  • understanding schoolboard processes and documents,
  • transition to JK/SK,
  • advocacy skills,
  • funding options, etc

One to three individual 90 minute Brief service coordination meetings to assist with:

  • Forms and applications
  • Navigation of OAP services
  • Funding  – SSAH, ACSD, one-time-interim funding, childhood budgets
  • School questions and support – IEP, IPRC, autism and special ed services in schools
  • Referrals to other services – navigation for community services
  • Respite and camp referrals, applications
  • Resources and information as requested
  • to discuss issues of concerns, review services

Accessing Foundational Family Services at YSSN

Families can contact 905.953.8354 or toll free 1.833.953.8354 to arrange for an appointment to visit with a family support worker.  Service providers may also contact the intake number to request support for a family as a warm transfer.

For information sessions, workshops and groups, the family may register directly through the YSSN website events tab here.