If you think that your child has autism, your first step is to talk to your family doctor. Your doctor will do an assessment or refer you to another professional (for example, a child psychologist) for an assessment and diagnosis.

You may also want to check out www.firstsigns.org, a web site that has a lot of information about screening, resources, a glossary, and even information about how to share your concerns with your physician.

If your child has autism
Every person with autism is different. Each one has a different set of physical, emotional, behavioural and social issues. It's important to match your child's needs with treatments and strategies that will help your child. You may have to try a variety of treatments to find out what's effective for your child.

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services funds a range of services and supports for children and youth with autism.

The First Steps
The site BBBautism is considered the best autism site on the web and not without reason.

The following page itemizes helpful steps for parents in the earliest stages of finding out about autism and looking for help from the traditional sources.

General Links to Start With
A Beginner’s Guide
Finding Out
A Beginner's Guide to ASD/PDD for Preschool Children
A Beginner's Guide to ASD/PDD for Preschoolers in York Region
Even if you don’t live in York you can use the information to guide your own search for services

Additionally call Contact Hamilton for Children's and Development Services
4-140 King E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1B2
Telephone : 905-570-8888
www.contacthamilton.ca (or the city in your area)
Their job is to do an intake over the phone and if necessary send an intake worker to your home who inform you of services available and help you connect with them.



Some of the Services you can access:
1.      Early Words
2.      Speech pathologist
3.      Easter Seals for Diapers
4.      Occupational Therapist for sensory issues or fine motor issues
5.      Special Services at Home
(Ministry of Community and Social Services)
6.      Autism Ontario and your local chapter