
Autism Awareness and Acceptance
Welcome to the OCDSB’s Autism
Awareness and Acceptance page. As you read on, please note we will
interchangeably use identity-first language such as “autistic students”,
in combination with phrasing such as “students with autism”, “ASD”, or
“across the spectrum”, to be as inclusive as possible of everyone’s
rights and respect to identity.
Autism occurs in all racial,
ethnic and socio-economic groups and affects the way people interact and
communicate with those around them. Each child and adult with ASD is
unique and has their own strengths, gifts and support needs.
The
OCDSB recognizes October as Autism Awareness Month in Canada. In the
fall, the importance of awareness and acceptance is interwoven in our
efforts to support our students as they transition into school for the
first time, move from grade to grade, or begin on their own journey
beyond Secondary school. In addition, we recognize World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. This year we will be sharing videos, books, and resources from world-renowned experts Dr. Shelley Moore and Dr. Peter Vermeulen. Learn more about how we are celebrating World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April 2023.
New Programs and Resources for Families
Autism Ontario has recently launched AccessOAP. AccessOAP helps children, youth, and their families access programs and services that meet their specific needs.
For help creating an account, watch this video. If you have any further questions, you can reach out to AccessOAP at [email protected] or 1-833-425-2445 (Monday-Friday - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm EST).
Entry to School
is a new OAP funded program that aims to help autistic children prepare
to start kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time. It includes two
phases of support: the first is a six-month, group-based, skill-building
program focused on helping children develop school-readiness skills,
and the second provides student-specific transition services for up to 6
months. The OCDSB will work in collaboration with the Entry to School
Program to support our students’ successful transition to school.
The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) is also leading new Urgent Response Services (URS) in our region. The OCDSB is glad to continue our community partnership with CHEO to help meet the needs of our students.