Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Services

Who we support

Families and caregivers of children ages 12–48 months who are registered with the Ontario Autism Program

What to expect

Inquire

Once you inquire, we’ll be in touch to start the registration process and connect you with a behavioural therapy specialist.

Begin appointments

You’ll begin to schedule appointments, which may take place at your home or at one of our or our partner’s locations. At Surrey Place, we use the mediator model, which means you, as the caregiver, will deliver the therapy directly to your child under your behavioural therapy specialists’ guidance.

Locations and timing

Services are delivered in the Toronto region through the Toronto Autism Service Network, a group of agencies: Geneva Centre for Autism, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Lumenus Community Services, SAAAC Autism Centre, Strides Toronto, and Surrey Place.

This support is available for up to six months per child following confirmation of eligibility and receipt of an invitation.

We help caregivers get involved with their child’s developmental skills

As a caregiver to a child with autism, your relationship is an important factor in the success of their development—because you’re the most consistent presence. That’s why our caregiver-mediated early years services focus on teaching you how to directly apply therapeutic strategies inside and outside your home. This approach is known as the mediator model.

The goal is to build your capacity as a caregiver to support your child’s early development in the following areas:

• Communication
• Social interaction
• Play
• Emotional development
• Adaptive development and self-help skills