1. Meeting the Needs of
Children and Families
by Liping Liu

2. Simon’s Family Introduction
• Dad: Single parent
• Siblings: 2 teenagers
• Simon: 3 years old
• New to Toronto

3. More About Simon
Diagnosed with autism
• Problem with social relationships and play
skills (e.g.: little impulse control);
• Engagement in stereotypical/repetitive
behaviours (e.g.: fascinated with wheels and
cars);
• Impaired Communication (e.g.: speaks
echolalic language);

4. Family Needs
• Rent or buy a property
• Find schools for Simon’s siblings
• Access to parenting resources
• Family recreation program
• Autism Agency in Toronto

5. Rent or Buy a Property
in Toronto
Information websites:
• http://www.torontorentals.com/
• http://www.viewit.ca/
• http://www.realtor.ca/splash.aspx

6. School Information
• The Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
- Toronto District School Board is the largest
school Board in Canada and the fourth largest
in North America.
- School can be found by map, address and
school name.
Link: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/

7. Access to Parenting Resources
• Parentbooks:
Parentbooks offers information from planning
a family to everyday parenting issues to special
needs of all kinds.
Link:
http://www.parentbooks.ca/index.htm

8. Family Recreation Program
Toronto Fun Guide
• Programs and services for people of all ages.
• Information about Toronto’s museums, parks,
volunteer opportunities, part-time job possibilities.
Link: http://www.toronto.ca/events/index.htm

9. Meeting the Needs
in Child Care Center
• Adapting the Environment
• Transitions
• Problems with social relationships and play skills
• Restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior
• Communication

10. Adapting the Environment
• Simplify room layout by designating specific
areas for defined activities.
• Label the areas and storage using color coding
or a pictorial system.
• Designate specific areas for quiet work.
• Only post necessary information such as
schedules, examples of children's work,
classroom expectations, and information that is
to be used for instruction.

11. Transitions
• Prepare for all transitions ahead of time.
• Set up next activity so children do not have to
wait.
• Use a transitional object/signals.
• Use a visual schedule.
• Give one clear direction at a time.
• Use a specific relaxation strategy.
• Remain consistensy.

12. Problems with Social
Relationships and Play Skills
• Explain rules / rationales behind social
exchanges.
• Target perspective-taking skills.
• Teach student to accurately label his / her
own emotions.
• Be aware of teasing by peers
• “Boost confidence for activities Simon can
succeed.
• Invite him.
• Do not expect Simon to do the same as other
children” (Cadieux, 2012).

13. Restrictive, Repetitive,
and Stereotyped Behavior
• Encourage Simon to play with wheels and
cars when he is showing appropriate
behaviour.
• Vary the activities within the daily schedule.
• Provide Simon a "time out" pass for a few
minutes of free time to leave the classroom.
• Ensure understanding of all assignments and
tasks (and materials needed).
• Allow Simon opportunities to move during
instruction.

14. Communication
• Ensure that Simon always has access to
communicate his wants and needs.
• Simplify language.
• Paraphrase back what Simon has said or
indicated.
• Reinforce communication attempts.
• Use words in addition to gestures and facial
expressions.
• “Talk as calm as possible” (Cadieux, 2012).

15. Autism Agency in Toronto
Geneva center for autism
• Development and delivery of clinical intervention
services and training.
 Services available for:
- children
- parents and caregiver
- youth and adults
- professionals
Phone No.: 416 322 7877
Link: http://www.autism.net

16. Autism Agency in Toronto
Autism Ontario
• the leading source of information and referral on
autism
• one of the largest collective voices representing the
autism community.
Link: http://www.autismontario.com/

17. References
Cadieux, C. 2012. handout Learning Together Every step of the way:
Fact Sheet Autism Spectrum Disorder, Toronto, Canada
Website Links:
http://www.autism.net
http://www.autismontario.com/
http://connectability.ca/2011/03/24/visual-schedule-tip-sheet/
http://www.dotolearn.com/disabilities/CharacteristicsAndStrategies/AutismSpectr
http://www.do2learn.com/disabilities/FASDtoolbox/classroom_management/class
http://www.parentbooks.ca/index.htm
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/
http://www.toronto.ca/events/index.htm

18. Thank You