Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction/communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. The majority of the programs and services at RCC support children with Autism and their families. The Child Development Clinic is a diagnostic clinic for preschool children referred with a query of ASD. 

Overview

Pre-school children referred, by their primary care physician, to the Child Development Clinic (CDC) for a diagnostic assessment face a considerable wait for their assessment. The following resources have been developed to provide information to families while they wait. If you have any questions, you can contact one of the Autism Social Workers:

Jolanda Swanink MSW, RSW

Phone: (431) 335-6429
Email: jswanink@rccinc.ca

Lizell Ortega-Palma BSW, RSW
Phone: (431) 294-8328

Email: lpalma@rccinc.ca

ASD Referral & Diagnosis Pathway (PDF)

 

Child Development Clinic – Pre-Assessment Information Session for families.

This virtual webinar will be lead by the Social Workers with the CDC Autism Team. It is intended to answer common questions parents and caregivers may have when their child has been referred for an Autism Assessment, including:

  • What is Autism?
  • What to Expect During the Assessment Process
  • What You Can Do To Support Your Child While Waiting For The Assessment
  • Self Care and Talking to Family & Friends
  • Additional community resource and program information
  • There will be the opportunity to ask questions.

 

The upcoming sessions will be:

  • Wednesday May 8, 2024, 2024 from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (evening) – click here to register
  • Wednesday June 12, 2024 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM (morning) – click here to register
  • September 2024 – further details to be determined.

There are informative videos related to Child Development, Picky Eating, Sleep, Behaviour and Toilet Training. Families are encouraged to watch the videos that are of interest to them.

Information For Families After An Autism Diagnosis

The following videos have been developed to provide information to families whose child has been diagnosed with ASD at the Child Development Clinic.

What is Autism Video
This 20 minute video will provide an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the diagnostic process and available resources.

Links:
Autism Speaks
Autism Canada

 

Reactions to Diagnosis & Parent Support Video
This video will review some common reactions to learning that your child has Autism and adjusting to the diagnosis. Some parent/caregiver support resources will be discussed.

Links:
Parent to Parent Café (PDF)
SSCY/RCC Newsletters
Family Dynamics Counselling
Aurora Family Therapy
Aulneau Renewal Centre Counselling
St. Amant Counseling

 

Autism Preschool Age Information & Services Winnipeg & Rural Manitoba
This 28 minute video will outline some of the services and supports available for preschool age children (4 & under) diagnosed with Autism who live in Winnipeg and Rural Manitoba. Some services discussed include Play Matters, Preschool Therapies (Speech & Occupational Therapy), the Autism Parent Information Session that outlines St. Amant Autism Programs & Winnipeg Autism Outreach, Children’s disAbility Services, Incontinence Supplies, Child Care information, the Disability Tax Credit, and some additional resources.

 

Autism School Age Information & Resources Video Winnipeg & Rural Manitoba
This 23 minute video will outline some of the services and supports available for school age children diagnosed with Autism who live in Winnipeg and Rural Manitoba. Some services discussed include Play Matters, School Age Therapies & information regarding communicating with your child’s school, Children’s disAbility Services, Incontinence Supplies, Child Care information, the Disability Tax Credit, and some additional resources.

Links:

Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba Referral Form – Preschool aged children (PDF)
MATC Neurodevelopmental Services – School aged children
Private Speech Therapy Directory (PDF)
Private Occupational Therapy Directory (PDF)
Children’s Disability Services
DHSU Medical Supplies Request and Justification Form (for Incontinence Supplies) (PDF)
First Nations Inuit Health Branch (for Incontinence Supplies with Treaty Status)
Manitoba Child Care Search
Early Learning & Child Care Program
Disability Tax Credit Information
St. Amant Fulfilling Potential Workshops
SSCY/RCC Newsletters
Jordan’s Principle Special Needs Advocacy Unit
Family Dynamics

 

Autism Services In First Nations Reserve Communities Video
This 16 minute video will outline some of the services and supports available for preschool and school age children diagnosed with Autism who live in a First Nations Community. Some services discussed include Jordan’s Principle, Therapies (Speech & Occupational Therapy), information regarding communicating with your child’s school or child care program, Incontinence Supplies, the Disability Tax Credit, and some additional resources.

Links:
Jordan’s Principle Therapies Referral Form (PDF)
First Nations Inuit Health Branch (for Incontinence Supplies with Treaty Status)
Disability Tax Credit Information
St. Amant Fulfilling Potential Workshops

For pre-diagnosis informational videos visit here.
For more information about autism diagnoses click here.