What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has Autism in Ontario

When a parent begins noticing differences in their child’s communication, behaviour, social interaction, sensory responses, play, or development, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Some parents may notice that their child is not meeting expected developmental milestones, while others may observe behaviours such as limited eye contact, delayed speech, repetitive movements, difficulty with changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, or challenges interacting with other children.

Every child develops differently, and having one or more of these characteristics does not automatically mean that a child has autism. However, if you have ongoing concerns about your child’s development, seeking professional advice early can help you better understand their needs.

Step 1: Speak With Your Child’s Doctor

A good first step is to schedule an appointment with your child’s family doctor, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner.

Explain what you have been noticing and provide specific examples. It can be helpful to write down your concerns before the appointment. Consider including information about:

• Speech and language development

• Social interaction and play

• Eye contact and communication

• Sensory sensitivities

• Repetitive behaviours or interests

• Emotional regulation

• Eating, sleeping or toileting concerns

• Motor development

• Difficulty adjusting to changes or transitions

Your healthcare provider can review your child’s developmental history, complete developmental screening when appropriate, and determine whether further assessment or referral is needed.

In Ontario, autism diagnostic assessments may be completed by appropriately qualified professionals, including physicians, pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, psychologists, psychological associates, psychiatrists and some nurse practitioners with the appropriate training. Ontario also has regional diagnostic hubs that provide autism assessments and help connect families with services following assessment.

Step 2: Gather Information From Other People Who Know Your Child

Parents see their child in many situations, but teachers, Early Childhood Educators, childcare providers and other professionals may notice additional developmental patterns.

If your child attends daycare or school, ask whether staff have noticed challenges involving communication, social interaction, learning, sensory regulation or behaviour.

Keep copies of relevant school reports, developmental assessments, speech-language reports and other documentation. This information can sometimes help professionals understand how your child functions across different environments.

Step 3: Complete the Autism Assessment

An autism assessment looks at more than one behaviour or characteristic. The professional will consider your child’s developmental history, communication, social interaction, behaviour and overall functioning.

Parents are commonly asked when they first noticed developmental differences, when their child reached certain milestones, how frequently particular behaviours occur and whether there is relevant family or medical history.

If your child receives an autism diagnosis, ask for a written diagnostic report and take time to review the recommendations.

Remember that an autism diagnosis describes part of your child’s developmental profile—it does not tell you everything about your child or automatically determine which therapies they require.

Step 4: Request Further Medical and Developmental Assessment

After receiving an autism diagnosis, parents should continue working with their child’s physician or pediatrician.

This step is important because autistic children have very different strengths and support needs. One child may primarily require communication support, while another may have significant sensory, motor, behavioural, feeding, sleep or daily-living challenges.

Ask your healthcare provider whether additional assessments are appropriate. Depending on your child’s individual needs, referrals might include:

• Speech-Language Pathology for speech, language and communication

• Occupational Therapy for sensory processing, fine motor skills and daily-living activities

• Behavioural services, including Applied Behaviour Analysis when appropriate

• Physiotherapy for significant gross-motor or physical-development concerns

• Psychological or mental-health services for emotional, behavioural or mental-health needs

• Hearing or vision assessments when concerns are present

• Other medical or developmental specialists when indicated

The goal is not to place every child into every available therapy. Instead, assessment should help identify your child's individual strengths, challenges and priorities so that services are meaningful and appropriate.

Step 5: Register With the Ontario Autism Program

After receiving a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional, Ontario families should look into registering their child with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

The OAP provides various services and supports for eligible children and youth under age 18. Depending on eligibility and individual needs, su

pports can include Applied Behaviour Analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, mental-health services and other clinical supports.

Families registered with the OAP may also access Foundational Family Services, including caregiver education, consultations, family and peer mentoring and transition supports.

Step 6: Work With Your Child’s School

If your child attends school, notify the school about the diagnosis and provide relevant professional reports.

Ask to meet with the classroom teacher and special education team to discuss your child’s strengths and areas where support may be required.

Depending on your child's needs, school supports may include accommodations, visual schedules, communication supports, sensory breaks, modified teaching strategies, an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Educational Resource Worker support, or other special education services.

Medical recommendations and school supports should work together whenever possible.

Moving Forward

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring many questions, but parents do not have to figure everything out at once.

Start by understanding your child.

Ask questions. Keep copies of assessments and reports. Speak with healthcare professionals, therapists and educators, and focus on the areas that will have the greatest positive impact on your child's communication, independence, learning, relationships and overall well-being.

Most importantly, remember that autism looks different in every child. Support should therefore be individualized around your child's strengths, needs and goals—not simply around the diagnosis itself.

This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical or developmental advice from a qualified healthcare professional.