Medical Doctors
Description: Your child's diagnosis will usually come from a pediatrician familiar with autism, or a neurologist. In some cases, a psychiatrist may provide support in assessment and/or monitoring prescriptions and/or medical treatment.
Getting the service: Your family doctor can make the necessary referrals.

Early Childhood Initiatives/ Public Health Nurses
Description: ECI is a provincial program for children between birth and school age that could be/are at risk of developmental delays. The assessment for eligibility to the program is made by a Public Health Nurse (PHN). The client can then be referred to the appropriate agencies including the Early Intervention and Integrated Day Care.
Getting the service: If you have any concerns regarding your preschooler's development, you can call your local Public Health office. Ask for the ECI coordinator, a Public Health Nurse, to discuss you concerns.

Early Intervention
Description: A home visiting program for families who have specific concerns or questions related to their preschool child. There are 17 programs through the province all funded by Family and Community Services. Fees, if applicable, are charged on a sliding-scale basis.
Getting the service: A referral can be made by the parent or by anyone with parent or guardian consent. Contact your local Public Health Office.

Integrated Playschools
Description: Some community pre-schools and childcare centres accept children with special needs. The Early Childhood Initiatives program through Family and Community Services funds the extra supports required, including equipment and staffing. Parents are expected to pay the basic cost of the placement as though their child did not have special needs. The budget may limit the number of hours the child may attend, depending on the degree of support the child requires.
Getting the service: Parents who wish to enroll their child in preschool, but feel the child would require extra support, should contact your local Public Health Office. A public health nurse will complete the required assessment.

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