Program focus: Autism, Behaviour Difficulty
Rapid and personalized care to support children with autism to keep themselves from harm as well as their loved ones.
Children with autism are particularly vulnerable to harm, including inappropriate behaviours, negative thoughts, and physical aggression. Safety is a critical issue among their families and caregivers. Our new Urgent Response Service provides timely services to address a specific need, designed to prevent risk escalation to self, others, and/or property. Children and their families can receive up to 12 weeks of personalized services and support, which may include:
- Short-term consultation with a child’s intervention team, caregivers and educators
- Respite services
- Direct support to the family and professionals involved to implement behaviour therapy with the child using a mediator model approach.
Each child and family will have an Urgent Response Service Coordinator working with them to develop and oversee the service plan. The coordinator will also provide service navigation to other services within or outside the Ontario Autism Program.
If you have additional questions, contact Surrey Place at 1-833-575-KIDS (5437) or childrens.registration@surreyplace.ca
Referral Details
All referrals are welcome. Families can self-refer or can be referred by a clinician, care coordinator or other relevant professionals. Upon referral, you will be screened to determine if you are eligible.
Eligibility Details
- Ages: 0 to 18 years
- Must have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Registered in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
- Showing one of the following high-risk behaviours that have escalated in intensity over the last 14 days:
- Suicidal ideation or behaviour
- Violent thinking
- Fire starting
- Harm to animals
- Risk of exploitation
- Self-injurious behaviour
- Aggression
- Inappropriate sexual behaviour
- Flight risk
- Property destruction