Autism Services

The Saskatchewan Health Authority provides services to children with autism and their families. This includes home visits, recreational groups, therapeutic social groups, workshops, and support for children with a suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as those already diagnosed, and their families.

Autism Services

Victoria Square, 2345 – 10th Avenue West, Prince Albert

Autism Services Consultants
Phone:     306-765-6055
Fax:          306-765-6349

Programming

Depending on the need of the child and family, individual and group support is provided in areas such as:

  • Enhancing play skills
  • Preparation for entrance into school
  • Language development
  • Social skills
  • Self-regulation skills
  • Transitioning from the home to independent living
  • Transitioning to post-secondary education or the world of work

  • Access to Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Occupational Therapist 

ASD Support Workers

Provide play-based, early intervention and transition support for clients and their families.

  • Work directly with ASD clients and their families
  • Offer support to the client and family and organize activities to achieve goals
  • Provide encouragement & emotional support for clients and families
  • Promote community awareness and connections to other services

Resources

Autism Services provides support through:

  • Workshops
  • Parent/caregiver support groups
  • Therapeutic & Social Skills groups
  • Educational presentations for schools, daycares, caregivers, etc.
  • Home visits
  • ROCK (Recreational Opportunities Club for Kids) programs
  • Summer camps
  • Resource library
    • Books & DVDs
    • Past workshop presentations
    • Parent/caregiver information
    • Visual aids
    • Storybooks

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

All children on the spectrum may not display symptoms the same way. Several of the observed behaviours of ASD may include:

Language Delay

  • Echolalia speech - repeating words or phrases
  • Communication Difficulties

Social difficulties

  • Limited / inconsistent eye contact
  • Difficulty reading social cues

Stereotypical Behaviours

  • Repetitive movements, such as rocking, flapping hands, spinning
  • Lining up or ordering toys, unusual use of toys

Challenging Behaviours

  • Over activity
  • Impulsivity and aggression
  • Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine

Additional Challenging Behaviour

  • Over / Under sensitivity to sensory input such as noises, light, touch, textures, and / or odors
  • Unusual patterns in eating, drinking, and / or sleeping
  • Little awareness of danger

General Strategies

  • Keep a consistent routine or schedule as much as possible and teach skills to handle changes.
  • Prepare your child in advance for changes in routine.
  • Use visual schedules to explain routines.
  • Use pictures combined with language and / or gestures to help with communication.
  • Use specific and concrete language. Instead of saying “hold your horses”, say “Please wait”.
  • Use social stories (stories about specific events) to help child understand situations and new events and how to cope.
  • Teach skills one-step at a time.
  • Practice school skills at home.
  • Talk with your child’s teacher and other service providers regularly.