Early Support Program
Tailored therapies and interventions for children with autism, nurturing overall development, communication, and social skills from an early age.
Combined Specialized Services or Behavioural Developmental Aide and ECS (PUF) Program
Our program offers individualized support for children aged 2 years and 8 months to 6 years. Tailored programming is provided at home, in the community, and within specialized classrooms, focusing on the unique needs of each child and their family.
- For children approved for Specialized Services, Behavioural Developmental Aide funding, or Program Unit Funding.
- Services provided in various settings including home, community, and specialized classrooms.
- Focus on individual learning needs.
- Specialized Services, Behavioural Developmental Aide Year-round program.
Autism Support for Youth with SASS
For families seeking support for a child or adolescent with ASD, having access to tailored services can make a profound difference. Organizations like Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS) provide specialized programs designed to meet the complex and varied needs of young people on the spectrum. These services can include early‑intervention therapy, social skills development, behavioural supports, family counselling and community-based programs — all delivered with awareness of autism symptoms, autistic traits and neurodivergence.
Support for youth helps bridge gaps that may arise from communication differences, social anxiety, sensory overload or difficulties regulating emotions. With SASS, autistic individuals and their families are offered a compassionate, person‑centred approach that values their strengths and works collaboratively to address challenges. By doing so, youth on the spectrum can build confidence, learn strategies to navigate daily life and relationships, and develop toward their fullest potential.
As A. moves on to new endeavours, he carries with him the values, lessons, and memories created under your guidance at SASS. Your influences will continue to shape his journey, inspiring him to overcome obstacles and make a positive impact in the world.
The program offered was unmatched with 1:1 ratios, its level of educated staff, in-home sessions and a fun facility. As parents learning how to support our son and how to navigate the system we felt such a sense of support. Everyone was so invested in our son's growth and development it made it esay to tackle the next challenge.
Early Support Program – Toddler Model
Our Toddler Model provides individualized services for children with autism under the age of 3. The program emphasizes active engagement, social communication, and skill development within daily routines, with support from a multidisciplinary team including a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, clinical assistant, and Social Worker. This program lasts for 6 months.
- For children under 3 years.
- Focus on active engagement, social communication, and skill development.
- Support from a multidisciplinary team.
- 6-month duration.
- Funding may be provided by FSCD or a SASS scholarship if available.
I was skeptical at first about a play-based approach, but I soon became convinced as I watched my daughter develop each new skill. Her delays melted away as we did our sessions.
What is Autism?
Autism — formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, learns and experiences the world. The “spectrum” in ASD reflects the broad range of experiences individuals can have. Some may require a higher degree of support in daily life, others may have strengths in areas such as focus, memory or rapid learning — even while facing challenges in social situations, sensory processing or regulation of emotions and behaviours.
When we talk about autism, we often refer to the unique combination of strengths, challenges and ways of perceiving the world that make someone autistic. Many people use the term “neurodivergent”.
Autism Symptoms & Autistic Traits
Although every autistic person is different, there are common autism symptoms that many share. These often involve differences in social communication and interaction — such as difficulty making or sustaining eye contact, challenges with back‑and‑forth conversation, or trouble interpreting nonverbal cues (like body language or facial expression). In addition, many autistic people have restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests: for example, a strong preference for routines, sensory sensitivities, or intense focus on particular subjects or activities.
These autistic traits — combined with differences in learning style, sensory processing or emotional regulation — can make day-to-day life more challenging without the right support. That’s why early recognition and appropriate services are so important. Autism isn’t a disease to be cured, but a neurodivergent identity to be understood and supported.
Specialized Services or Behavioural Developmental Aide Supports Program
Offers individualized programs for children who are approved for Specialized Services or Behavioural Developmental Aide funding via Family Support for Children with Disabilities and do not qualify (due to their age) for a PUF program. Individualized Programming is provided in the child’s home, and community. Hours of programming are based on the individualized need of the child and family, FSCD hours approval and clinical availability.
ECS Program
Offers individualized programs for children 2 years and 8 months to 6 years of age and is conducted in the classrooms at the Society for Autism Support and Services.
Early Support Program Admission
Admission to the Early Support Program involves several steps to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
Discuss Needs:
Begin by discussing your needs with an FSCD worker, who can provide guidance on the program’s suitability and help with the application process.
Application Form:
Complete the application form thoroughly, ensuring all requested documentation is included. This comprehensive approach helps us tailor our services to meet your child’s specific needs, setting the stage for a successful early intervention experience.
If you have questions about the program, please contact: (403) 253-2291