A diagnostic assessment is a specialized process where the goal is to learn more about your child’s developmental profile. Through this process, you become more familiar with your child’s developmental strengths and needs in areas such as: speech and language, motor skills, play, social
skills, behavior, and early learning. A diagnostic assessment may result in your child receiving a developmental diagnosis.
For some, this stage of life may seem further away, while for others it has just happened or is about to. Whatever the time, this is a crucial period in the life of the person and those around them. A developmental diagnosis that has just been confirmed can evoke strong emotions, often associated with aspects of grieving, such as shock, sadness or grief, anger, denial, loneliness, and finally acceptance.
Once you have had time to think about it and feel more at ease, you may want to start looking at possible solutions, at what to do next.
You do not need to become an expert on developmental disabilities, but you will find it helpful if you begin to develop expertise about your own child’s specific diagnosis, circumstances, and needs.
You know your child better than anyone. The diagnosis has not changed that, and quite the opposite: you know your child even better now.
Also, your responsibilities as a parent are the same, but you have to adapt the way you go about it, mainly by learning where to go and helping your child make decisions.
Because of these two points, you are in an excellent position to find resources for your child whose diagnosis has opened up new doors.
Below are some options you might like to consider.
Better Understanding Your Child’s New Diagnosis
CHEO Children’s Treatment Center offers social work support for families who receive a new diagnosis. They also have a
drop in social work service available on Wednesdays.
Family Doctor
Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
Autistic children and youth who have been diagnosed by a qualified professional are eligible for the program. Children receive services and supports until the age of 18.
Entry to School Program
Your child may be eligible for the Entry to School Program. To participate in this program, the Ministry of Children, Community and
Social Services has indicated that your child must be:
- Registered in the Ontario Autism Program (See above)
- Between three to six years old as of December 31 in the year they are starting school
- Starting kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first
time
Access OAP will sent you a letter of invitation to participate in the program.
Planning for Childcare & School Registration
Are you looking for day care, before or after school care? Consider registering with the City of Ottawa Child Care Registry.
Contact the program directly to see if you are eligible for a subsidized spot.
Contact your local school in the spring to register your child for the next school year.
Sharing Diagnosis with Care Provider or School
Have you considered sharing the diagnosis information with your child’s care provider or school? They may be able to offer better support by knowing your child's needs, strengths and interests.
EarlyON Child and Family Centre
Register now: Webinar in French on better understanding what is an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) on March 26th
Child Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Did you know you could apply for the Child Disability Tax Credit
(DTC)? A child is eligible for the DTC when a medical practitioner certifies that the child has a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. There is a specific form that the doctor must complete and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) would need to approve the form. You can send the form to the CRA at any time during the year.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Have you applied for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)? This financial benefit is income based and
provides a monthly payment. To apply for this program, you must have a signed Disability Tax Credit Certificate as well as a completed Canada Child Tax Benefit application form (RC66).
Medication Coverage
The Trillium Drug Program offered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides medication coverage for Ontario residents with a valid Ontario Health card. For more information, visit ontario.ca. In the Quick search box, type “child Trillium Drug Program”.
Special Services at Home Program (SSAH)
Families who are caring for a child with a developmental, physical disability, or both, can apply to the Special Services at Home program (SSAH) to get
funding for primary caregiver relief (respite), or for activities of personal growth or development, including camps and recreational activities, such as swimming and music classes. We invite you to visit our website to watch a Special Services at Home (SSAH) instructional video if you need guidance with completing your SSAH funding application.
Assistance for Children with Severe Disability Program (ACSD)
Your child may be eligible for the monthly Assistance for Children with Severe Disability Program (ACSD). This is a Ministry-funded income based program. You can find an instructional video here if you need guidance with completing your ACSD funding application.
Easter Seals Incontinence Grant Program
If you need financial assistance to cover the cost of incontinence supplies, including diapers, consider applying for the Easter Seals Incontinence Grant Program for support.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
Have you heard about the Assistive Devices Program (ADP)? The program’s objective is to provide consumer-centred support and funding to eligible Ontario
residents who have long-term physical disabilities and to provide access to personalized assistive devices.
Autism Ontario One to One Summer Support Reimbursement Fund
Therapy Services
Explore therapy options, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, sensory integration, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions that may be beneficial.
P4P Planning Network
Are you interested in planning for your child’s future? P4P Planning Network offers free resources and tools designed to empower people with disabilities and their caregivers
to create meaningful lives.
Support Groups
Have you thought of connecting with other parents? Parent and Sibling support groups are available in your community.
Community Resource Centers
Children At Risk
Kaitlin Atkinson Family Resource Library
