Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder services are intended for individuals living in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region who have received a diagnosis confirmed by a professional.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly affects a person’s social interactions, communication and behaviour. This condition is also characterized by the presence of atypical behaviours and the development of restricted interests. Individuals with ASD form a very heterogeneous group with respect to the manifestation of symptoms and clinical signs.

Services offered for autism spectrum disorder

Services are offered to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to support and guide them in the short, medium and long term according to their functional limitations, and to maintain their functional abilities. Long-term support and guidance include support for families, as well as assistance for the person living with a disability through technical aids or human assistance (for example: assistance with hygiene, support for self-determination).

The services offered aim to:

  • develop abilities;
  • reduce physical and social barriers in order to live fully;
  • teach new strategies to adapt to the situation;
  • prevent deterioration or maintain the level of functional and social autonomy achieved through support from our team.
     

Objectives of services offered for autism spectrum disorder

Focused on the development of abilities and social participation, services address the daily needs of the user, their family and their loved ones. 

  • Needs assessment
  • Analysis of the factors that may explain the person’s situation
  • Recommendations for actions and implementation of an intervention plan
  • Guidance and support for partners in achieving the objectives of the intervention plan
  • Psychosocial support

When needed, the person will be referred to complementary resources from school, professional, community and other settings.

Services offered

For children

These services aim to promote the optimal development of the child’s overall abilities and autonomy across all daily activities and social roles.

This program is intended for youth with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, but also includes social communication disorder.

The intensive behavioural intervention program (Programme ICI), which draws on techniques based on applied behaviour analysis, may be offered to children aged 2 to 5 with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The needs of the child, the family and the context make it possible to determine the intensity of the intervention offered to the child.
 

For adolescents

These services are intended for youth diagnosed with ASD. Adolescence is a period when independence, social activities and emotional development become increasingly important.

These services aim to support:

  • the development of the young person’s abilities;
  • adaptation of the environment to facilitate the young person’s functioning (for example: communication aids, visual cues, task adjustments);
  • the development of strategies adapted to the young person’s characteristics that will be used by their family and people in their living environment.
     

For adults

Adulthood is an important stage that brings many questions about who we are, what we want to do (studies, work, recreation) and where we want to live. Although the transition to adulthood begins during adolescence, adults with ASD may need support to carry out their choices and participate socially.

The mission of the services is to improve the person’s social participation by enabling them to carry out daily living activities at home, in the community and at work. 

This service aims to support:

  • the development of the person’s abilities;
  • adaptation of the environment to facilitate the person’s functioning (examples: communication aids, visual cues, task adjustments); 
  • the development of strategies adapted to the person’s characteristics that will be used by their family and people in their living environments.

Individuals with ASD have access to schooling until the age of 21, even if they’re not pursuing postsecondary studies. After this age, individuals may need services in order to integrate into community activities or activities related to employment. At the request of the person with ASD or their representative, members of the team may conduct a needs assessment to guide the person toward community integration services or employment integration services.

How to access services

Intake, analysis, guidance, and referral services (AAOR) is the main entry point to the CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent for CLSC service requests. This service receives your request, reviews it, directs you to the appropriate service or refers you to the appropriate agency according to your needs. To access this service.

For more information about the language impairment program, contact the AAOR or one of the physical rehabilitation centres (CRDP).

Useful links for individuals with ASD or their loved ones